|
ABSTRACT |
|
|
TITLE: |
Selecting Herbaceous Plant Covers to Control Tree Invasion in Rights-of-Way |
|
AUTHOR(S): |
Sylvie de Jacques Brisson
- brissoj@magellan.umontreal.ca André Bouchard - bouchaan@poste.umontreal.ca |
|
Following construction of a right
of way, environmental regulation often requires the rapid restoration
of a herbaceous plant cover to control erosion and/or attenuate
visual impact. Herbaceous species can be selected with the added long-term
goal of inhibiting tree invasion. We present a review of empirical
evidences that can guide species selection. This review is based on
an extensive survey and critical evaluation of relevant North American
studies published in scientific papers, technical reports, and conference
proceedings. Vegetation managers and scientists were also consulted
for up-to-date information on on-going experiments. Observational
and experimental evidence of inhibition in both natural and managed
communities confirm that the biological control approach has significant
potential. However, scientific evaluation of the long-term inhibition
capacity of seeding mixtures is still rare. Ecological mechanisms
favoring competitive ability are not always well understood but involve
the sequestration of available resources and the modification of environmental
conditions. Two approaches characterized experimental inhibition studies
in rights-of-way. The first aims to test the interference potential
of commercially available species commonly used in restoration, while
the second favors the establishment of wild communities. Both approaches
have their advantages and limitations, but several studies show that
the establishment phase is crucial. Knowledge is lacking especially
for the establishment of wild species. This review allowed us to identify
66 herbaceous species based on a critical assessment of the evidences
provided. Besides inhibition potential, factors such as species availability
and possible nuisance should also be considered. Keywords:
Biological control, cover
crop, inhibition potential, restoration, seeding, vegetation management |
|
