scholarly journals Evaluation of Mowing Frequency on Right-of-Way Plant Communities in Mississippi

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward D. Entsminger ◽  
Jeanne C. Jones ◽  
John W. Guyton ◽  
Bronson K. Strickland ◽  
Bruce D. Leopold
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Growth Form ◽  
Soil Stabilization ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Native Grasses ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Woody Perennials ◽  
Proactive Management ◽  
Plant Coverage

Abstract Native grasses and native wildflowers are declining, especially along roadside right-of-ways because of intensive mowing and herbicide management practices. Roadside right-of-ways undergo regular disturbances such as mowing, maintenance, and road developments that affect soils, groundwater, surface hydrology, and vegetation composition. We investigated species richness and percent coverage within plant communities along highway right-of-ways to determine if reduced mowing increased native plant coverage. The study was conducted using 10 research plots situated along Highway 25 in Oktibbeha and Winston counties, Mississippi. Each research plot consisted of three different treatments as follows: one that included greater than four mowings per year, one mowing only in fall, and one mowing only in fall with a supplemental native wildflower seeding. Using line transect sampling, we detected 277 plant species, which included native and nonnative forbs, legumes, grasses, rushes, sedges, and woody perennials (vines, shrubs, and trees). Total percent coverage of native and nonnative plants within different growth form categories did not differ among treatments (F2,96 = 0.45, P = 0.83). However, coverage differed between uplands and lowlands (F1,96 = 18.22, P ≤ 0.001), between years (F1,96 = 14.54, P ≤ 0.001), between fall and spring seasons (F1,96 = 16.25, P ≤ 0.001), and interacted between years and seasons (F1,96 = 24.08, P ≤ 0.001) and seasons and elevations (F1,96 = 5.00, P ≤ 0.001). Nonnative agronomic grasses exhibited the greatest coverage (> 90%) in all treatments. Percent coverage of each plant growth form was greatest in lowlands. Our research showed an increase of native grasses and wildflower species along roadsides with a reduced mowing regimen. We concluded that the timing and intensity of mowing for the duration of our study had little effect on the species composition of plant communities. However, one mowing per year retained agronomic plant coverage for erosion control and soil stabilization during roadside maintenance. Specific proactive management implementations can include native plantings, selective herbicide use to decrease nonnative grasses, continual mowing from roadside edge to 10 m, and only one mowing in late fall, but with an extension of the boundary to reach beyond 10 m from the roadside edge to suppress the invasion of woody plants, which could lead to lower long-term maintenance costs.

scholarly journals Mowing Effects on Woody Stem Density and Woody and Herbaceous Vegetation Heights Along Mississippi Highway Right-of-Ways

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward D. Entsminger ◽  
Jeanne C. Jones ◽  
John W. Guyton ◽  
Bruce D. Leopold ◽  
Bronson K. Strickland
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Traffic Safety ◽  
Woody Plants ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Stabilization ◽  
Stem Density ◽  
Woody Vines ◽  
Woody Perennials ◽  
Proactive Management ◽  
Trees And Shrubs

Abstract Roadside right-of-ways (ROWs) undergo regular disturbances such as mowing, maintenance, wrecks, and road developments, which affect soils, groundwater, surface hydrology, and the composition of vegetation. Roadsides can provide and support an environment for diverse plant communities, but management practices have reduced native grasses, wildflowers, and woody plants. Woody plants are not desirable for traffic safety, maintenance, and visibility along road ROWs. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate effects of roadside mowing frequency on native and nonnative herbaceous and woody plant vertical height coverage and native and nonnative woody stem density within plant communities along highway ROWs. We subdivided 10 research plots, systematically situated along Highway 25 in Oktibbeha and Winston counties, Mississippi, to receive 1) four or more mowings annually, 2) one mowing during fall, and 3) one mowing during fall with supplemental native wildflower seeding. We differentiated upland plots on the basis of soil drainage in upward hills. Riparian (lowland) areas were influenced by overbank inundations from streams and drainages, and were typically spanned by bridges or box culverts. We used line transects to sample vegetation. We detected 277 plant species, including native and nonnative forbs, legumes, grasses, rushes, sedges, and woody perennials (vines, shrubs, and trees). Nonnative grasses exhibited the greatest percent coverage (>90%) in all treatments. Woody plants, including vines, trees, and shrubs, comprised <8% coverage throughout the study. Percent coverage of all vegetation in different height categories differed between upland and riparian elevations (F1,59 > 4.65, P ≤ 0.04), seasons (F1,59 > 12.78, P ≤ 0.01), and between years (F1,59 > 4.91, P ≤ 0.03), but did not differ in height categories among treatments. Of the <8% coverage of woody plants, woody vines comprised most (>68%) of the stem counts, whereas 24% were trees and <8% were shrubs. Woody stem density did not differ among treatments or seasons, but between elevations (F1,59 = 3.34, P = 0.07) and during the 2-y study (F1,59 = 3.21, P = 0.08) as the trend was in the predicted direction (α = 0.05). Thickets of woody vines and low-lying trees and shrubs along the roadside ROWs did not compromise height requirements needed for roadside visibility and safety. At least one mowing per year would be needed to control tree and shrub species for visibility along roadside ROWs. We concluded that a 2-y mowing regimen was no different from mowing once annually and/or more than three times annually in the plant communities in east-central Mississippi. However, one mowing/y retained agronomic plant coverage, which is useful for erosion control and soil stabilization during roadside maintenance. Proactive management implementations can include native plantings, selective herbicide use to decrease nonnatives, continual mowing from roadside edge to 10 m, and only one mowing in late fall with an extension of the boundary to reach beyond 10 m from the roadside edge to suppress invasion of woody plants. Adopting this less-frequent mowing regimen could reduce long-term maintenance costs for Mississippi highways.

scholarly journals Establishing sustainable roadside vegetation communities of high botanical and aesthetic value: the basic concept statement and experimental justification

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-254
Author(s):  
I. P. Voznyachuk ◽  
N. B. Vlasava ◽  
I. M. Stepanovich ◽  
A. T. Godneva ◽  
V. N. Reshetnikov
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Aesthetic Value ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Native Flora ◽  
Roadside Vegetation ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Mowing Regime

The basic principles for the development of a new greening system for the region of Belarus aimed at creation and restoration of sustainable roadside plant communities of high botanical and aesthetic value are formulated on the basis of the use of conservation, restoration and “incorporation” methods of flowering native plant species, characteristic of a particular region. The statements of the concept are developed and recommended for roadways and highways in the Republic of Belarus and tested on the model site between the city of Myadel and the resort village of Naroch of Highway P28. Roadside vegetation management practices in other countries as well as our research has shown that along the investigated roads there is a high adaptive potential of native flora; by changing the mowing regime, sustainable plant communities can be established while enhancing the aesthetics and expressiveness of key elements of the landscape of the roadsides. The implementation of the strategy for each geobotanical region depends on the development of an assortment of native plant species that can be used for the greening of roadside areas. This should be done by taking into account their geobotanical and edaphic features, creation of a seed bank for grass mixtures, the formation of natural genetic reserves (field banks) of meadow flora to conserve the local and overall ecosystem and genetic balance. For examples, the atlas of plants “Roadside flowers” developed for the National Park “Narochansky” is recommended for use in roadsides (verges) greening within the boundaries of the Oshmyany– Minsk geobotanical district. To expand the use of gained positive experience on increasing the biodiversity of roadside ecosystems and reducing the cost of their maintenance, it is desirable to implement this strategy for the entire road network of Belarus, which will require adjustment in technologies for managing roadside ecosystems, based on priorities of conservation, restoration and formation of native plant communities, including meadows and wetlands.

scholarly journals Alternative Mowing Regimes’ Influence on Native Plants and Deer

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Guyton ◽  
Jeanne C. Jones ◽  
Edward Entsminger
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Survey ◽  
Significant Difference

This study evaluated mowing regimes, changes in native and non-native plant communities, deer presence in the research plots,and public perception of various management practices on ROWs. No significant difference was found in the height of vegetation 3 weeks after each mowing between research plots mowed 4 times per year and plots mowed only once per year in uplands or lowlands. Native plants increased in plots mowed once per year and deer preferred the frequently mowed plots where clovers and vetches had been seeded. Increasing the carrying capacity of the lowlands with more extensive plantings of clover and vetch may attract deer, thus encouraging them to browse and use the underpasses beneath bridges and making the ROWs safer. The public survey found strong support for wildflowers on ROWs and a distaste for litter. Further, respondents would tolerate a less manicured ROW if it saved money, made the roads safer, and hid litter.

A Guide to Planting Wildflower Enhancements in Florida

EDIS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary C. Bammer ◽  
Josh Campbell ◽  
Chase B. Kimmel ◽  
James D.. Ellis ◽  
Jaret C. Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Agricultural Producers ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Control Techniques ◽  
Wild Bee ◽  
Pollinator Species ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
The Right

The establishment of native wildflower plantings in Florida can benefit agricultural producers as well as native pollinators and other beneficial insects (predators and parasitoids). The plantings do this by:  providing forage and nesting sites for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, increasing wild bee numbers possibly across the farm, and increasing natural enemies of insect pests (that also depend on forage and nesting sites). This document discusses choosing the right mix of native plant species to benefit many pollinator species, as well as proper site selection, planting practices, and weed control techniques. Wildflower plots should be practical to manage, maximize benefits to wildlife, and fit into the overall management practices of the property. 

scholarly journals Nematode community responses to range-expanding and native plant communities in original and new range soils

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (20) ◽  
pp. 10288-10297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rutger A. Wilschut ◽  
Olga Kostenko ◽  
Kadri Koorem ◽  
Wim H. van der Putten
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Nematode Community ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Community Responses

Allelopathic invasive tree (Rhamnus cathartica) alters native plant communities

Plant Ecology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 218 (10) ◽  
pp. 1233-1241 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Warren ◽  
Adam Labatore ◽  
Matt Candeias
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Rhamnus Cathartica ◽  
Invasive Tree

Restoration of native plant communities in a Hawaiian dry lowland ecosystem dominated by the invasive grassMegathyrsus maximus

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selita A. Ammondt ◽  
Creighton M. Litton ◽  
Lisa M. Ellsworth ◽  
James K. Leary
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Native Plant

Characterization of microbial communities from rumen and large intestine of lactating creole goats grazing in arid plant communities

Microbiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 167 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aarón Barraza ◽  
Juan J. Montes-Sánchez ◽  
M. Goretty Caamal-Chan ◽  
Abraham Loera-Muro
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Community ◽  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Large Intestine ◽  
Bacterial Communities ◽  
Sonoran Desert ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Link Type

Arid plant communities provide variable diets that can affect digestive microbial communities of free-foraging ruminants. Thus, we used next-generation sequencing of 16S and 18S rDNA to characterize microbial communities in the rumen (regurgitated digesta) and large intestine (faeces) and diet composition of lactating creole goats from five flocks grazing in native plant communities in the Sonoran Desert in the rainy season. The bacterial communities in the rumen and large intestine of the five flocks had similar alpha diversity (Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indices). However, bacterial community compositions were different: a bacterial community dominated by Proteobacteria in the rumen transitioned to a community dominated by Firmicutes in the large intestine. Bacterial communities of rumen were similar across flocks; similarly occurred with large-intestine communities. Archaea had a minimum presence in the goat digestive tract. We detected phylum Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Apicomplexa as the main fungi and protozoa. Analyses suggested different diet compositions; forbs and grasses composed the bulk of plants in the rumen and forbs and shrubs in faeces. Therefore, lactating goats consuming different diets in the Sonoran Desert in the rainy season share a similar core bacterial community in the rumen and another in the large intestine and present low archaeal communities.

Competition between native and non-native plants.

2020 ◽  
pp. 291-307
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Wandrag ◽  
◽  
Jane A. Catford ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
Competitive Interactions ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
New Locations ◽  
Strength Of Competition

The introduction of species to new locations leads to novel competitive interactions between resident native and newly-arriving non-native species. The nature of these competitive interactions can influence the suitability of the environment for the survival, reproduction and spread of non-native plant species, and the impact those species have on native plant communities. Indeed, the large literature on competition among plants reflects its importance in shaping the composition of plant communities, including the invasion success of non-native species. While competition and invasion theory have historically developed in parallel, the increasing recognition of the synergism between the two themes has led to new insights into how non-native plant species invade native plant communities, and the impacts they have on those plant communities. This chapter provides an entry point into the aspects of competition theory that can help explain the success, dominance and impacts of invasive species. It focuses on resource competition, which arises wherever the resources necessary for establishment, survival, reproduction and spread are in limited supply. It highlights key hypotheses developed in invasion biology that relate to ideas of competition, outlines biotic and abiotic factors that influence the strength of competition and species' relative competitive abilities, and describes when and how competition between non-native and native plant species can influence invasion outcomes. Understanding the processes that influence the strength of competition between non-native and native plant species is a necessary step towards understanding the causes and consequences of biological invasions.

scholarly journals Tallgrass Prairie Responses to Management Practices and Disturbances: A Review

Agronomy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Wagle ◽  
Prasanna Gowda
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
The United States ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
The Impact

Adoption of better management practices is crucial to lessen the impact of anthropogenic disturbances on tallgrass prairie systems that contribute heavily for livestock production in several states of the United States. This article reviews the impacts of different common management practices and disturbances (e.g., fertilization, grazing, burning) and tallgrass prairie restoration on plant growth and development, plant species composition, water and nutrient cycles, and microbial activities in tallgrass prairie. Although nitrogen (N) fertilization increases aboveground productivity of prairie systems, several factors greatly influence the range of stimulation across sites. For example, response to N fertilization was more evident on frequently or annually burnt sites (N limiting) than infrequently burnt and unburnt sites (light limiting). Frequent burning increased density of C4 grasses and decreased plant species richness and diversity, while plant diversity was maximized under infrequent burning and grazing. Grazing increased diversity and richness of native plant species by reducing aboveground biomass of dominant grasses and increasing light availability for other species. Restored prairies showed lower levels of species richness and soil quality compared to native remnants. Infrequent burning, regular grazing, and additional inputs can promote species richness and soil quality in restored prairies. However, this literature review indicated that all prairie systems might not show similar responses to treatments as the response might be influenced by another treatment, timing of treatments, and duration of treatments (i.e., short-term vs. long-term). Thus, it is necessary to examine the long-term responses of tallgrass prairie systems to main and interacting effects of combination of management practices under diverse plant community and climatic conditions for a holistic assessment.

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