Title: Effect of two types of tree guards (with and without weed control) on tree seedling establishment
Summary: There are many potential problems that can limit the success of revegetation efforts many products available for revegetation, and little independent research on the efficacy of those products. For example tree guards are commonly used to establish native woody plants in ecological restoration projects yet the effectiveness of tree guards in promoting seedling establishment is uncertain. Here we present the results of a trial in which we evaluated the microclimate amelioration effect of two types of tree guard, with and without weed control, on seedling establishment in Pink Gum (Eucalyptus fasciculosa) in South Australia. Our results suggest that tree guards may improve seedling performance. However the effect was only apparent in quadrats where weeds were controlled. This reinforces the importance of weed control for successful growth of seedlings. Restoration efforts are typically directed towards degraded habitats, often with a very high proportion of competitive-exotic species that may inhibit tree seedlings by pre-empting resources (e.g. light, nutrients and water). Weed control should be a first consideration in any restoration project. [Brenton Ladd, Joshua R. Larsen & Stephen P. Bonser (2010). Effect of two types of tree guards (with and without weed control) on tree seedling establishment. Ecological Management & Restoration, 11(1), 75-76.]
Keywords: competition: tree guard, tree seedling establishment, weed control.
Article: WeedsNews1064 (permalink) Categories: :WeedsNews:research alert, :WeedsNews:weed control Date: 30 September 2010; 12:15:04 PM AEST