Description
In this literature review, I need to synthesize previous attempts to restore and diversify monotypic stands of the exotic cool-season grasses crested wheatgrass and smooth brome. I will provide relevant articles summarizing past attempts. Secondly, since most of these past attempts are largely unsuccessful, I need to make a case for my research model and how it is different from past attempts. Thirdly, I need to make a case for why this research is needed. I imagine breaking sections into 1) Why is this research needed – mainly because of the issues monotypic stands represent to habitat quality for native communities, 2) Past attempts to diversify these stands likely broken into chemical treatments, mechanical treatments, burning, and grazing, with a section detailing attempts for crested wheatgrass and a section detailing attempts for smooth brome,
3) Explanation of my study, how it differs and how it hopes to contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding restoring these monotypic stands to native prairie communities. My research focuses on long-term monitoring, adaptive management, and a wide geographical location over 5 years to diversity these stands. Unlike other studies that mainly concentrate over 2-3 years and work in condensed geographical ranges. Having more time means I can adapt as issues of native plant reestablishment arise and having a wider variety of geographical ranges can help determine how environmental conditions may influence regrowth. Most studies focus on 2 techniques to reduce competition from these grasses, usually a combination of tilling and herbicides or burning and herbicides and exclusively over 1 growing season. I am using a combination of high intensity phenologically timed grazing and herbicides over two years to provide mortality to these grasses. The choice of targeted grazing differs from most studies where burning or tilling are attempted. I am then collaborating with a sister project and using their findings to create a native seed mix that establishes successfully in dryland prairie and monitoring the regrowth of that seed mix for three years. This extensive monitoring is unique to my study and creates the ability to adaptively manage regrowth, something land managers are increasingly recognizing the value of. I will also attach my projects executive summary so you have an idea of my study
