Effects of seed source on prairie restoration

What is it about?

Management decisions about seed source can strongly influence restoration outcomes. This original experiment, focusing on three dominant North American prairie grasses, provides valuable insight into the species-specific roles that seed source and site characteristics play in restoration outcomes.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Management decisions about seed source have considerable influence on restoration outcomes, yet little consensus exists about the relative importance of seed source, site characteristics and planting methods in restorations. We focus on three of the most common and widespread dominant grasses in North American prairies. All three are used extensively in restorations, as cover crops to reduce soil erosion and as native forage crops for livestock. They are often shipped over great distances. Our results show clear differences among seed sources in plant performance at the earliest stages of establishment in two species, but little evidence for local adaptation. Surprisingly, we found that seedling establishment of one species is particularly sensitive to site conditions, while the others are not.