Linking restoration outcomes with mechanism: the role of site preparation, fertilisation and revegetation timing relative to soil density and water content

Abstract

in Mediterranean southwestern Australia using two iconic tree species. Over the course of an entire growing season, our objectives were to: 1) characterise soil moisture profiles in relation to site preparation techniques (ripping and created ashbeds) and 2) determine whether early seedling establishment can be increased through site preparation techniques (ripping and ashbeds), plant treatments (various fertilisers and biochar) and early planting during the wet season. Ripping significantly reduced soil compaction and was associated with a significant soil moisture stratification; moisture penetrated to greater depths in soils that were ripped or treated with ashbeds. Particular site preparation techniques (ripping) and early planting significantly

Promoting seedling physiological performance and early establishment in degraded Mediterranean-type ecosystems

“…(2012) and Ruthrof et al (2013a)], the key patterns of early survival, height and crown health as well as leaf water potential, stomatal conductance and soil respiration (at Yalgorup) were enhanced through the ripping of deep sandy soils. The addition of either fertiliser enhanced seedling growth, crown health and shoot growth and root biomass.…”

“…In addition, the variation is much smaller in ripped plots compared with unripped plots (presumably ripping reduces heterogeneity within the soil profile). Previous work has shown that neither site is compacted; yet this technique alters moisture availability within the soil profile, promoting deeper root length and increasing revegetation success (Ruthrof et al 2013a). Root biomass did not differ significantly between ripping and control treatments; thus, root size and length is unlikely to explain greater seedling survival and vigour rates.…”

“…The addition of nutrients is known to enhance the growth of particular species in a restoration context; in degraded eucalypt woodlands in Western Australia (Ruthrof et al 2010;Ruthrof et al 2013a), in reforestation of Pinus halepensis and Acacia salicina in southeastern Spain (Oliet et al 2005;Oliet et al 2009), and under post mining conditions in Portugal (Clemente et al 2004) and Western Australia (Koch and Samsa 2007;Ruthrof 1997). In the current study, the addition of nutrients (in either form) clearly enhanced the height, crown health, shoot and root biomass and root length of seedlings.…”

“…Early seedling survival and vigour can be achieved with site preparation techniques such as ripping in MCEs (Barbera et al 2005;Bocio et al 2004;Palacios et al 2009;Vallejo et al 2006) to alleviate compaction of soils, increase water infiltration (Yates et al 2000), reduce bulk density and facilitate rapid seedling root growth deeper into the profile during early establishment (Ruthrof et al 2013a). In deep, sandy, and hydrophobic soils such as those found in sandy plains of southwestern Australia (Roberts and Carbon 1972), soil moisture tends to occur in uneven patterns within the soil profile (Doerr et al 2000;Letey 2001).…”

Comparing ecological restoration in South Africa and Western Australia: the benefits of a ‘travelling workshop’

“…Grant & Koch ), while other innovative work is being carried out by agencies and non‐profit groups to improve connectivity and the recovery of vegetation and faunal populations in degraded agricultural landscapes and large reserves (Jonson ; Ruthrof et al . , ; Legge et al . ; So et al .…”