The seedbed microclimate and active revegetation of disturbed lands in the Mojave Desert |
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| Authors: | TG Caldwell EV McDonald MH Young |
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| Institution: | 1. A.P. Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Favorskogo 1a, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia;2. Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Staromonetnyi per. 35, Moscow, 109017, Russia;1. Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA.;2. Associate Research Professor, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA.;1. Research Scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)–Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center (EOARC), Burns, OR 97720, USA;2. Research Technician at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)–Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center (EOARC), Burns, OR 97720, USA;1. Université de Poitiers/CNRS, UMR 7285 IC2MP, Équipe HydrASA, Bat. B8 rue Albert Turpain, TSA 51106, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France;2. AREVA Mines, Research and Development Department, Tour Areva, 1, Place Jean Millier, 92084 Paris La Défense Cedex, France |
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| Abstract: | One of the greatest challenges to the U.S. Department of Defense is maintaining the sustainability of military lands while maximizing their use for training activities. Restoration of disturbed lands in the Mojave Desert has proven to be a challenge, particularly revegetation from seed. This study presents soil moisture dynamics from three restoration sites at the National Training Center, Ft. Irwin, CA. The soil microclimate (matric potential, water balance, and temperature) was monitored beneath various surface treatments to better assess their effects on seed germination and establishment. Results show that under the typically hot and dry climatic conditions that prevail, the soil microclimate is a hostile environment. Irrigation had the most positive effect on the seedbed. Surface mulches including gravel, straw, emulsion, and bark had limited benefits often detrimental. Although seedlings germinated, survival after three months was negligible. Results presented here suggest that successful seeding with broadcast sprinkler irrigation in the central Mojave Desert is not possible unless the seedbed area is limited or advantageous environmental conditions prevail. Improved knowledge of the germination requirements and applied numerical modeling would result in more successful seedbed management. |
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