DOCSLIB.ORG

Revegetation Design and Installation

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Revegetation Design and Installation RevegetationRevegetation DesignDesign andand Installation:Installation: HittingHitting thethe RightRight TargetTarget October 20, 2005 Cougar Room, WSU Cooperative Extension Facility McCollum Park, Everett, WA Participant Background Assumptions • You have solid knowledge about the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest (or at least the ones your working with) • You have a solid grasp of the concepts and vocabulary of ecosystem restoration • You have a basic understanding of restoration design, installation, and maintenance • You understand the difference between trying to make a site fit your goals and objectives regardless of landscape setting, and choosing a site that has the appropriate landscape setting to meet your goals and objectives. The Big Picture The Big Picture Unlike Cinderella’s slipper: find the foot that fits or find a new prince. Understand the landscape context of the site then design within those landscape parameters. Site Assessment Assessment of Existing Landscape Parameters • Water • Aspect • Soils • Vegetation Existing Landscape Parameters Water Sources of water to the site Precipitation Groundwater & Seeps Flood water Stormwater Surface flows P + SWI + GWI = ET + SWO + GWO + ¨S Existing Landscape Parameters Water can get to the site from one or several of the those sources. You need to be able to discern in existing conditions which sources are relevant, and the relative percent of each source (for dry or aquatic sites). For aquatic systems the following may be potentially critical design parameters: where does the water comes from how does it gets to the site how long it is there how much is there where does it go when it leaves the site Be aware of potential changes in hydroperiod Existing Landscape Parameters Water Field Data Collection for Existing Conditions Precipitation Use on-site or near-by gage (hourly calibration not necessary, but daily is); obtain as many years of data as possible (data should be organized around water-year: Oct. to Oct.). Make sure you make allowance for snow events and/or rain on snow events. Groundwater Use piezometers (shallow groundwater wells) to determine depth and duration of groundwater. Frequency of data collection is determined by soil conditions, accuracy of data necessary, and budget. Piezometers can be used at springs to determine groundwater. Place piezos across the suspected hydrologic gradient. Ideally you’ll have more than one water year of baseline data. Data on depth below the surface and duration are key. Existing Landscape Parameters Water Field Data Collection for Existing Conditions Flood water & Stormwater Modeled conditions are based on engineering calcs which should be calibrated with real data (e.g., measured precip patterns, flood flows & elevations, topography, soils, land-use cover). For wetland calculations use the ½ of 2-year storm calcs for design, not larger storm events. Qualitative information can be gathered from field observations. Surface Flows Modeled conditions based on engineering calcs for the contributing basin. Need information on soils, vegetative cover, topography. Qualitative information can be gathered from field observations. Existing Landscape Parameters Aspect Aspect is the consideration of micro-habitat/micro-climate created on a site by topography, sun/shade, soil conditions, and the conditions of adjacent lands. Assess the topography and micro-topography of the site relative to water movement, sun/shade, temperature; Assess the conditions of adjacent property: are there large forests or buildings which cast shade/light/glare? Are there south or west facing slopes? North / east facing slopes? Areas with deeper/shallower soils? Existing Landscape Parameters Soils Soils need to be assessed in existing conditions with an eye to future site conditions. Texture: gravel, sand, clay, loam, organics History: pastured, tilled, drain-tiled, septic field Filled, graded, compacted, toxics? Seed source for invasives? Depth of loam, organics, suitable soils Soil borings may be necessary for some projects Depth to remove unsuitable/veg & root mat Parent Soils Existing Landscape Parameters Soils If future conditions require grading the site, the substrate left for vegetation establishment will be altered • Can parent soils be stockpiled or salvaged? • Are parent soils a source of: seeds/roots for natives or non-native species? • Will soils be compacted by heavy equipment or grading? Consideration for treatment of graded/compacted soils. • Excavation into till sub-grade as a growth substrate? Soil amendments? • Construction access: driving, stockpiling material, vehicle movement Earthwork Changes Physical Soil Characteristics Existing Landscape Parameters Vegetation Vegetation in existing conditions can inform the design through understanding soils and hydrology, or by addressing a source of invasives or appropriate native volunteers Site is dominated by invasive non-natives: future vegetation goals must reflect the presence of seed/root ‘contamination’ Site has NO invasive non-natives: maintenance considerations may be modified Site has appropriate early successional species (e.g., red alder) around the perimeter; save budget on seeding/live plants Site has a source of healthy material for making live stakes/viable woody debris Site has woody non-natives to be removed: a source for brush piles and LWD (with some precautions: white poplar, Lombardy poplar) Consider invasive seed sources from upstream/upwind Existing Landscape Parameters Human Uses Consider historic, ongoing, or future human uses of a site, upstream areas and adjacent sites in design considerations. Drain tiles, pasture, grazing, tilling Public access: passive or ‘formal’ education Disruption, vandalism, damage OverviewOverview ofof LandscapeLandscape ParametersParameters toto AssessAssess inin ExistingExisting ConditionsConditions Hydroperiod: Water Sources Changes in Hydroperiod Aspect/Human History Vegetation Conditions Existing Vegetation Seed Sources Adjacent Land Uses Goals, Objectives and Performance Standards Goals and Objectives Goals: what you intend to accomplish Example 1: Increase nesting and refuge habitat for small passerines and native rodents Example 2: Create breeding habitat for Pacific chorus frogs Objectives: how you intend to achieve each goal Example 1: Salvage woody debris from site clearing and create brush piles in the buffers and large woody debris between the emergent and shrub zones of the wetland. Example 2: Create shallowly inundated marsh habitat with stable water levels, vegetated with thin-stemmed vegetation. Goals and Objectives have to reflect what is practical and realistic for your site, based on your site assessment of existing conditions. Performance Standards Performance standards are the quantifiable (measurable) elements by which you can determine if you’ve met your goals. They are measurable and always linked to a time-frame. Performance standards are DIRECTLY linked to each and every Goal and/or Objective. Performance Standards Performance standards should be developed for hydroperiod, vegetation, grading/topography (potentially), wildlife use (related to features not presence/absence of evidence of use), and possibly functions. Performance Standards Example: HYDROPERIOD 1. The emergent zones will be inundated to a depth of at least 12 inches until May 1 in years of normal precipitation. NOTE: • Pertains only to the emergent zone • Gives a minimum depth, not maximum • Gives a duration of inundation seasonally • Links the parameter to ‘normal precip’ years Performance Standards Example: HYDROPERIOD 2. The shrub zones will be saturated to within at least 12 inches of the surface from January until April 30, in years of normal precipitation. NOTE: • Pertains only to the shrub zone • Gives a minimum depth, of saturation but does not preclude inundation • Gives a duration of saturation seasonally • Links the parameter to ‘normal precip’ years Performance Standards Example: VEGETATION 3. The shrub zones will have a minimum of 3 native species, none of which will constitute more than 50% of the total number of species/plot, by year three. Shrubs will be displaying signs of vigor and establishment through qualitative assessment. Appropriate native volunteers may be considered in this tally. NOTE: • Provides for both species richness and diversity • Provides for appropriate native volunteer species • Sets a time-frame for achieving the parameter • Identifies that plants must be well established and vigorous, though leaves that assessment as a qualitative measure Performance Standards Example: VEGETATION 4. The sapling zone will have a minimum of 4 of the 6 planted native species, by year five. Saplings will be displaying signs of vigor through qualitative assessment. “Canopy” closure will be 40-50% by end of year 5 growing season. NOTE: • Provides for species richness and survival • Provides for aerial coverage in a range • Linked to time frame • Qualitative assessment of vigor • ID’s a ‘sapling’ zone at year 5, not ‘forest’ Performance Standards Example: TOPOGRAPHY 5. Areas of Phalaris dominance will be graded to a minimum depth of 24 inches to remove root mass and seed source in all zones identified for emergent and shrub communities. Grading will be shown on the as- builts to be completed by Nov.1 of the first year of construction activity. NOTE: • Provides for depth of grading • Provides for location of grading within the site • Provides a time-frame and documentation of completion of the work (as-built
Load more

Recommended publications
  • PLANTS for the FUTURE Introduction
    ECOLOGICALCHEMISTRYANDENGINEERING Vol.13,No.11 2006 Katarína KRÁ¼OVÁ1* and Elena MASAROVIÈOVÁ2 PLANTS FOR THE FUTURE ROŒLINY DLA PRZYSZ£OŒCI Summary: Plants have a unique role for the existence of all heterotrophic organisms including human population. For sustainable development it is indispensable to stop the loss of biodiversity connected with climate changes and anthropogenic activities. In this context changes of plant species strategy and risk of invasive plant and weed expansion are discussed. Utilization of plants as cover crops and green manure as well as use of allelopathy in the integrated plant protection is described. Perspectives of the use of phytoremediation (phytotechnology using plants for the removing of toxic metals and organic pollutants from contaminated environment) as well as agronomic and genetic biofortification (enrichment of crops with essential nutrients) are designed. Attention is also devoted to the traditional and non-traditional utilization of medicinal plants, plant-made pharmaceuticals, antioxidant activity of plants as well as to the interactions of herbal medicines with synthetic drugs. Cost and benefit of gene technology from the aspect of increased pest and herbicide resistance of genetically modified (GM) plants, co-existence of GM plants with non modified ones in the field conditions, potential effects of GM plants on soil microbial communities and non target organisms are analysed in detail also with respect to food sufficiency and food safety. Perspectives of plants as a raw material for production of biofuels are outlined, too. Requirement for acceptance of fundamental principles of bioethic aspects at exploitation of plant biotechnology, particularly in connection with the effects of GM plants on human health or with their potential environmental consequences are discussed.
    [Show full text]
  • Revegetation
    REVEGETATION Section Editor: Mickey Steward Handbook of Western Reclamation Techniques, Second Edition TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 5: VEGETATION ................................................................................................................ 1 A. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1 B. Establishing and Implementing a Revegetation Program ........................................................... 2 1. Preparing a Revegetation Package ......................................................................................... 2 Applicability ............................................................................................................................... 2 Special Considerations ............................................................................................................. 2 Techniques ................................................................................................................................ 2 a. Field Tour ..................................................................................................................... 2 b. Decisions and Planning ................................................................................................ 2 c. Revegetation Package ................................................................................................. 2 (1) Maps ........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Portneuf Valley Revegetation Guide Also Known As the Pocatello Re-Vegetation Guide Version 1.1 (Technical Revisions of 7/2012)
    Portneuf Valley Revegetation Guide Also known as the Pocatello Re-Vegetation Guide Version 1.1 (Technical Revisions of 7/2012) Prepared by: City of Pocatello 911 N 7th Avenue Pocatello, Idaho 83201 Guidelines for Developers & Property Owners Contents 1.1 Performance Requirement 1 1.2 Pre-Construction 2 Preserving Existing Soils & Vegetation Weed Prevention Soil Stockpiling 1.3 Soil Preparation 3 Decompacting Soil Weed Prevention Roughening Soil Soil Amendments Seedbed Preparation 1.4 Seeding 4 Timing Seed Quality Approved Seed Mixes Seeding Methods 1.5 Soil Stabilization and Seed Protection: Mulches, Erosion Control Fabrics, & Tackifiers 11 Purpose Products for flat areas Products for sloped areas Conditions of Use Design and Installation Specifications Maintenance Standards Mulches & Erosion Control Fabrics 1.6 Preservation of Seeded Areas 20 Irrigation Weeds table of contents Soil Compaction Inspections Repair and Reseeding 1.7 References 21 Thank you to the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)’s Plant Materials Center staff as well as located retired restoration and forestry experts for their contributions to this guide. Portneuf Valley Revegetation Guide July 2012 1.1 Performance Requirement This document outlines the steps required to successfully meet the final stabilization re- quirements of your Construction General Permit (CGP) with the EPA, or your Erosion and Sediment Control permit with the City of Pocatello, City of Chubbuck, or Bannock County. All surfaces that are not stabilized using non vegetative practices (such as a thick layer of mulch or rip rap) must have a perennial vegetative cover at a density of 70% of background vegetation within two (2) years.
    [Show full text]
  • Restoring the North – Challenges and Opportunities
    Restoring the North – Challenges and opportunities Restoring the North – Challenges and opportunities International Restoration Conference, Iceland, October 20-22, 2011 Book of abstracts Restoring the North – Challenges and opportunities International Restoration Conference, Iceland, October 20-22, 2011 Book of abstracts Soil Conservation Service of Iceland and Agricultural University of Iceland Restoring the North – Challenges and opportunities Selfoss, Iceland, October 20-22, 2011 Thursday, October 20. 08:20 Registration 08:50 Conference opening, Guðmundur Halldórsson 09:00 Address from the Minister for the Environment Session I: Restoration in the North – Challenges and opportunities 09:20 Special challenges and opportunities for restoration in the North .................................. 5 Bruce Forbes 10:00 Peatland and forest restoration in Finnish conservation areas ....................................... 6 Päivi Virnes 10:20 Coffee/tea 10:40 Hekluskógar – large scale restoration of birch woodlands with minimum inputs ........... 7 Hreinn Óskarsson, Guðmundur Halldórsson & Ása L. Aradóttir 11:00 Vegetation recovery after transplantation in an alpine environment, Bitdal, Norway .... 8 Scientific committee: Line Rosef & Per Anker Pedersen Ása L. Aradóttir, Agricultural University of Iceland 11:20 Dam removal: enhancing or degrading ecological integrity? ......................................... 9 Dagmar Hagen, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research Birgitta Malm Renöfält Guðmundur Halldórsson, Soil Conservation Service of Iceland
    [Show full text]
  • Plant Collection Information Sheet Switchgrass, Panicum Virgatum
    Plant Collection Information Sheet Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum Scientific Name: Panicum virgatum L. Common Name: switchgrass Morphological Characteristics: • native, perennial • tall, upright • warm season grass • rhizomatous • forms dense clumps and will reach a height of 3-6 feet • two types - upland, lowland • lowland types - more robust, larger stems, wide, flat leaves up Steve Hurst @ USDA-NRCS to 36 inches, favors wet sites PLANTS Database • upland types - finer stems and leaves up to 30 inches, dryer upland sites, smaller growth form • seedhead - open panicle 10 -14 inches long • adapted to all kinds of soils from clay to fine sands • lowland types will tolerate poorly drained soils, naturally wet sites, flooded areas, perched water tables and saline sites • begins growth in March and will continue to grow up until the first killing frost • seed ready for harvest in the mid-summer and fall • plants turn a straw color during fall and into winter Conservation Use: Why collect this plant? In Louisiana there is a lack of locally-adapted native (ecotypic) plant materials for use in revegetation projects. The Louisiana Native Plant Initiative (LNPI) was established to collect, evaluate and release new plant materials for use in Louisiana. The goals of the LNPI are to conserve a vanishing natural resource and provide an essential step in the development of a native plant industry in Louisiana. Commercial growers will than be able to supply plant material for restoration, revegetation, roadside plantings and the ornamental plant industry that are adapted to the state. Louisiana NRCS in cooperation with LNPI has identified switchgrass, Panicum virgatum as a plant meeting project objectives.
    [Show full text]
  • Terminology and Definitions Associated with Revegetation
    TECHNICAL NOTES U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE PLANT MATERIALS - 9 SPOKANE, WASHINGTON FEBRUARY, 2005 TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH REVEGETATION This Technical Note is a compilation of several old Technical Notes. Technical Note #9 is subdivided into the following Sections: Section 9.1 Ecological Definitions Section 9.2 A Technical Glossary of Stream & River Stabilization, Restoration, and Bioengineering Terms Section 9.3 Glossary of Terminology commonly used in Mining & Reclamation Technology SECTION 9.1 Ecological Definitions (S.M. Lambert, 1994; revised/updated M.E. Stannard, 2005) ECOSYSTEM A biological community together with the physical, social and chemical environment with which it interacts. ECOREGIONS Regions that have broad ecological similarities with respect to soil, relief, and dominant vegetation. Ecoregions are less commonly used by NRCS in its day-to-day terminology. NRCS uses Major Land Resource Areas and Conservation Resource Areas. MAJOR LAND RESOURCE AREAS (MLRA) Geographically associated land resource units, usually encompassing several thousand acres. They are characterized by particular patterns of soils, geology, climate, water resources, and land use. A unit may be one continuous area or several separate nearby areas. CONSERVATION RESOURCE AREAS (CRA) A geographical area where resource concerns, problems, or treatment needs are similar. It is considered a subdivision of an existing Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) map delineation or polygon. Landscape conditions, soil, climate, human considerations, and other natural resource information are used to determine the geographic boundaries of a Common Resource Area. USDA NRCS OCTOBER 2005 ECOTYPE The individuals of a species that are adapted to a particular environment BIOTYPE Synonymous with Ecotype INTRODUCED SPECIES Does not naturally occur in an area defined by soil, relief, and climate.
    [Show full text]
  • A Modelling Approach to Farm Management And
    A modelling approach to farm management and vegetation degradation in pre-modern Iceland By Amanda Mary Thomson Submitted to The Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, March 2003 For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy This research was undertaken at the Department of Environmental Science, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK. Statement of originality I hereby confirm that this is an original study conducted independently by the undersigned and the work contained herein has not been submitted for any other degree. All research material has been duly acknowledged and cited. Signature of candidate: Date: TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS……………………………………………………………..i LIST OF FIGURES………………………………………………………………...viii LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………….....xvi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS………………………………………………………..xix ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………….…xx GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ICELANDIC TERMS………….…xxi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: LANDSCAPE MODIFICATION BY GRAZING ......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1 1.2 THE HUMAN ROLE IN OVER-GRAZING ................................................................. 2 1.3 ICELAND: A LANDSCAPE MODIFIED BY GRAZING ................................................. 3 1.3.1 Physical environment of Iceland................................................................. 4 1.3.1.1 The climate of Iceland.........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Revegetation of Mined Lands
    You should know... North Dakota Public Service Commission Issue R-6, Updated April 2017 Revegetation of Mined Lands INTRODUCTION released for backfi lling the mined-out pits, establishing drainage control and shaping Successful revegetation of mined lands the disturbed area; another 20 percent North Dakota Public is one of the most critical parts of the can be released once subsoil and topsoil Service Commission reclamation process involving the surface have been respread; and additional bond mining of coal in North Dakota. The can be released once vegetation has been Commissioners: Randy Christmann revegetation requirements must be met established. Vegetation establishment is the Julie Fedorchak before the mine operator or permittee can key to reducing erosion and sedimentation Brian Kroshus be relieved of his or her legal liability to on the disturbed acreage. Enough bond is reclaim the land. The purpose of this fact retained to cover revegetation and associated 600 E Boulevard Ave. Department 408 sheet is to supply an overview of those costs for a ten-year liability period after the Bismarck, ND requirements. last year of seeding and must be held until 58505-0480 all reclamation requirements have been LANDOWNER PREFERENCE satisfi ed. Telephone: 701-328-2400 STATEMENTS LIABILITY PERIOD AND Facsimle: MEASURES OF REVEGETATION 701-328-2410 An applicant for a surface mining permit must obtain the landowner’s postmining SUCCESS TDD/TTY: land use preference statement as part of 800-366-6888 the permit application process so that the Since July 1, 1975, North Dakota law has E-mail: appropriate postmining topography, seed required that reclaimed lands designated for [email protected] mixes and soil thicknesses can be made as agricultural purposes be restored to a level part of the reclamation plan.
    [Show full text]
  • Revegetation for Ecologically Sustainable Dryland Farming
    DEPARTMENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY parliamentary Research Service Revegetation for Ecologically Sustainable Dryland Farming Research Paper No.1 1995-96 This paper h(l;f been preparedfor general distribution to Members ofthe Australian Parliament Wilik great care is taken to eIIsure that the papf!r is accuratf! aJld balan«d, the papf!r is written USillg ill/ormation publicly avaiiabk at the time ofprodJldion.. Readers are reminded thai the paper is neither an Australian GOl'efllment 1I0r CommomrealJh Parliament document bllt is prepared by the autllOr and published by the Parliamentary Research Sen'ice to contribute to cO//.fideration ofllle iUlles by Senators and Members. TIle l;etJ~ are those ofthe alUhor. ISSN 1321 -1579 Copyright Commonweallh ofAustr.alia 1995 Except to the cxicnt of !he uses pcnnincd under ihe CopYright Act 1968, no part of ihis publication may be reproduced or trare;mined in any form or by any means including information stocage and retrieval system. v.ithout ihe prior "'nnen consent ofthe Department oflhc Parliamentary Libra')', other than by ~Iembers ofihe Australian Parliament in the course ofiheir official duties, Publish~-d by the Department ofihe Parliamentary Library, 1995 Parliamentary Research Service Revegetation for Ecologically Sustainable Dryland Farming Baden Williams Science, Technology, Environment and Resources Group 23 August 1995 Research Paper No.1 1995-96 Inquiries Further copies ofthis publication may be purchased from the Publications DistributIOn Officer Telephone (06) 277 2711 A full
    [Show full text]
  • Stream Restoration Effectiveness
    Copyright 2007 by Michael Stanley Lennox ii NATIVE TREE RESPONSE TO RIPARIAN RESTORATION TECHNIQUES IN COASTAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Thesis by Michael S. Lennox ABSTRACT Ranchers, farmers and land managers have implemented riparian restoration projects over the last few decades, working with resource agency staff and restoration practitioners; however, quantified regional assessments of trajectory and method effectiveness were not available. I conducted a retrospective post project assessment using a cross-sectional survey of riparian revegetation projects (n=89) and non-restored sites (n=13) on working and historic ranches in north coastal California. I measured composition of woody flora along alluvial stream reaches using belt transects with sampling plots corresponding to floodplain topography. I determined species planted and bank stabilization methods utilized at each project site. Non-restored sites surveyed (n=13) were comparable to pre-project vegetation condition. The study design allowed an assessment of population trajectories, or recovery timelines, ranging from 4 to 39 years since project implementation. I used a count-based statistical approach to analyze the number of live, established trees per plot for ten common genus groups - tree Salix , shrub Salix, Populus, Alnus, Pseudotsuga, Fraxinus, Acer, Umbelullaria, evergreen Quercus , and deciduous Quercus . I also quantified the density and trajectory of woody vegetation functional groups (native tree, exotic tree, native shrub, and exotic shrub) and composition by frequency observed at restoration sites. I found significant effects of restoration on all ten groups assessed depending on the technique of restoration utilized. Passive restoration included large herbivore management using exclusionary fencing or livestock management techniques. Active revegetation methods included tree planting and bioengineering (deflectors, baffles or willow walls).
    [Show full text]
  • Rehabilitation Ecology by Revegetation. Approach and Results from Two Mediterranean Countries
    Rehabilitation ecology by revegetation. Approach and results from two Mediterranean countries. Arnaud Martin, Carla Khater, Herve Mineau, Suzette Puech To cite this version: Arnaud Martin, Carla Khater, Herve Mineau, Suzette Puech. Rehabilitation ecology by revegetation. Approach and results from two Mediterranean countries.. Korean Journal of Ecology, 2002, 25 (1), pp.9-17. 10.5141/JEFB.2002.25.1.009. hal-00357056 HAL Id: hal-00357056 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00357056 Submitted on 29 Jan 2009 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Rehabilitation ecology by revegetation. Approach and results from two Mediterranean countries. MARTIN Arnaud 1*, KHATER Carla 1,2, MINEAU Hervé 3 and PUECH Suzette 1. 1 : Université de Montpellier II, Institut de Botanique, 163 rue Auguste Broussonet, 34090 Montpellier, France 2 : Remote Sensing Centre, CNRSL, BP 11-8281, Beirut, Lebanon. 3 : Carex Environnement, 1350 Avenue Albert Einstein, 34 000 Montpellier, France. * author for correspondance. Tel : + 33 4 99 23 21 80 Fax : + 33 4 67 54 35 37 email : [email protected] Abstract Human activities greatly affect the environment causing its degradation. Urban development and road networks construction cause main impacts on ecosystems and particularly on vegetation cover: road constructions induce complete degradation of the vegetation cover and often leaves a bare land, sometimes without even a soil cover.
    [Show full text]
  • Determinants of Revegetation on Landslide Scars in an Agro-Based Socio-Ecological System in Bududa, Uganda
    Vol. 10(10), pp. 444-452, October 2018 DOI: 10.5897/IJBC2018.1220 Article Number: 8A8341D58837 ISSN: 2141-243X Copyright ©2018 International Journal of Biodiversity and Author(s) retain the copyright of this article http://www.academicjournals.org/IJBC Conservation Full Length Research Paper Determinants of revegetation on landslide scars in an agro-based socio-ecological system in Bududa, Uganda Nakileza B. R.* and Tushabe H. Department of Environmental Management, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. Received 8 August, 2018; Accepted 12 September, 2018 Landslides cause displacement or loss of plant cover, soil and other materials on slopes. Exposure of soil accelerates erosion processes thus contributing to stream sedimentation. Though playing a crucial role in stabilising scars there is limited understanding of the plant species colonisation process. This study aimed at examining the determinants and status of plant revegetation on a recent landslide scar in Bududa on Mt Elgon in Uganda. Field investigations involved set up of quadrats on the one-year-old landslide scar in Bunakasala in Bushika. Plants were sampled, counted and identified from established quadrats. The morphological characteristics of the scar and species were also recorded. Results indicated that plant regeneration on the scar started within a short period of six months. A total of over 39 pioneer plant species were recorded. Most of these could have germinated from the seeds in the soil pool. The distribution pattern of the plant species was regular as determined using the Morista’s index. Plant cover is very important in stabilising the soil against erosion hence fast recovery of the disturbed area.
    [Show full text]