| dc.description.abstract | Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) is an invasive grass native to Eurasia that is now nearly
ubiquitous in North America and is frequently encountered in sites targeted for prairie
restoration. For this study, I investigated the efficacy of fire, herbicide (2% glyphosate),
mowing, and fire plus herbicide for controlling smooth brome and re-establishing a sand
prairie community in southwestern Wisconsin. Seven treatments, a seed only control,
and full control were replicated 8 times in a randomized block design. Treatments were
applied after the presence of five leaves per tiller. Repeat treatments were applied the
following year. Smooth brome foliar cover and stem density, seeded species foliar cover
and richness, litter depth, light availability, and soil moisture measurements were
obtained throughout the study period. Model III two-factor ANOVAs were utilized to
determine any differences among treatments. The fire plus herbicide combination
treatment was by far the most effective treatment for removing smooth brome and
promoting seeded species establishment. However, this may not be the most appropriate
method for all land managers. Understanding the effect of the other treatments examined
here will increase the confidence in the expected outcome of a restoration and contribute
to sound management decisions with fewer wasted resources. | en |
