Get reliable rangeland science

Efforts to restore burned Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & A.W. Young) populations are frequently unsuccessful due to the inability of sagebrush seedlings to compete with established grasses, which are not killed by fire. Current best management practices used to curb competition typically include seeding of native perennial grasses and use of herbicides. The objective of my study focuses on the efficacy of mechanical suppression of grasses competing with planted sagebrush seedlings using various mulch treatment types. My study site is located in a burned Wyoming big sagebrush landscape in Converse County, Wyoming. Approximately 10,900 container grown Wyoming big sagebrush were transplanted into 115 plots (95 m2). Each plot was planted exclusively using one of five mulch treatments with 95 seedlings per plot. Transplants were planted in uniform rows with 2 m separation between each. The objective of my research is to quantify the effects of different mulch treatments on improving sagebrush transplant survivorship, fitness, and above ground growth. Preliminary results indicate that treatment types have a significant effect on survivorship and an even more significant effect on crown volume (up to 400%). Research methodology and results will be expanded upon at time of presentation.