Revegetation assessment of a twelve-year old pipeline on native rangeland in southern Alberta
Date
Author
Institution
Degree Level
Degree
Department
Specialization
Supervisor / Co-Supervisor and Their Department(s)
Examining Committee Member(s) and Their Department(s)
Citation for Previous Publication
Link to Related Item
Abstract
The long-term (11 to 12 years) impact of grazing and pipeline right-of-way (ROW) zone on plant community development was assessed in Dry Mixed Grass, Mixed Grass (Milo) and Fescue Grassland (Porcupine Hills) Ecoregions. Native and non-native seed mix influences on plant community development were assessed in Dry Mixed Grass Ecoregion.
Grazed plots had significantly higher bare ground and lower crested wheatgrass cover than ungrazed plots. Grazing did not significantly impact plant community or soil properties. Trenching significantly increased rhizomatous grasses and ROW disturbance and generally reduced tufted grasses. Work zone soil had significantly higher penetration resistance than other zones. Bare ground was higher on disturbed zones than undisturbed prairie. At Milo, the trench had significantly higher biomass than other zones. Right-of way did not affect animal use. Native seed mix established more successfully than dryland pasture mix. Seed mix did not significantly affect cover, animal use or productivity.