The potential for restoration of annual grasslands that were once native shrublands was examined near Riverside, California on Mount Rubidoux within a fragmented native coastal sage scrub community dominated by exotic Mediterranean annual weeds. The study began in May 1997 with a preliminary burn to clear annual grass vegetation. Following the burn, an area was assigned to one of five blocks (control, mulched, mulched plus nitrogen fertilizer, grass removal via hand cultivation and grass-selective herbicide applications) and one of two seeding treatments (seeded and unseeded). Vegetation surveys were conducted twice a year to determine shrub emergence, shrub survival and grass density using two different predetermined sized quadrats. Soil samples were collected and analyzed only for soil extractable nitrogen in addition to the emplacement of soil ion bags for measuring nitrogen availability.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.