Precision Prairie Reconstruction (PPR): A Technique for Increasing Native Forb Species Richness in an Established Grass Matrix

Abstract

Precision Prairie Reconstruction (PPR) is a site-specific application for enhancing native species richness (specifically, native forbs) in old fields dominated by a few non-native grass species. The method consists of establishing microcommunities of native grasses and forbs in an existing grass matrix. The microcommunities are created by broadcast seeding simulated small-scale disturbances (8.06 m²) installed over a percentage of the site. The PPR results were compared with two standard restoration techniques: herbicide/drill-seeding and rototill/broadcast seeding. A PPR design that disturbed only 25% of the area resulted in total species richness, native grass frequency, and native forb richness, stability, and density over the entire plot that were similar to what was found in the conventional rototill/broadcast method and produced better results than the herbicide/drill-seeding method. The PPR technique involved less cost and less overall disturbance than traditional herbicide application/drill-seeding or rototill/broadcast seeding methods. PPR offers an alternative approach for increasing native grass and forb diversity in old fields dominated by a few non-native grass species.