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Keywords

Forbs, Dormancy, Reclamation, Germination

Abstract

Forbs play a crucial role in restoration efforts in the Intermountain West due to their benefits to pollinators and wildlife, and their contribution to ecosystem resilience. Their inclusion in restoration projects enhances biodiversity, improves habitat quality, and supports overall ecosystem stability.

However, forbs are difficult to establish, especially in degraded rangeland soils, due to several challenges:

  • Poor soil conditions
  • Seed dormancy requirements
  • Limitations with seeding methods
  • Competition from invasive species

Our research objectives were to:

  1. Evaluate the effectiveness of various methods to break seed dormancy and improve germination rates of 15 forb species (Fig. 1)
  2. Assess plant emergence and growth across different soil conditions and treatments for the 15 forb species (Fig. 1)

Forb species were selected based on their ability to grow in 6-12" precipitation zones, their status of early species, and the availability of seeds.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

University Standing at Time of Publication

Senior

Forb Species Selection for Improved Mine Reclamation

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