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Location
Saratoga Springs, NY
Start Date
4-5-2009 12:00 AM
Description
Habitat management is an important component of an integrated approach for reducing wildlife hazards on airfields. This research examines alternative turf species that are either native or naturalized in the northeastern United States. Many native turf species tend to not be attractive to wildlife due to their low palatability and seed production. These species may have uses on airfields, golf courses and in residential areas where geese and other wildlife are in conflict with humans. While the low seed productivity in some native species is a wildlife deterrent, this same trait is associated with poor establishment rates. Our goal was to find the most successful means of germinating these species using a hydroseeding application so they can be utilized as part of an airfield vegetation management design. Our data will show the evaluation of plant vigor conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions. Some of the species tested include Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pennsylvanica), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), crinkled hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa), and purple love grass (Eragrostis spectabilis). By evaluating each species for their suitability for hydroseeding, germination, and early vigor we are able to make recommendations for hydroseeding native species at airfields managed for reducing wildlife hazards.
Recommended Citation
Dorsch, K., & Vogler, D. (2009). Native and naturalized turf species suitable for use on airfields managed for wildlife hazards in the northeast. In Boulanger, J. (Ed.), The Thirteenth Wildlife Damage Management Conference (260-261). Saratoga Springs, NY: Thirteenth WDM Conference.
Included in
Native and Naturalized Turf Species Suitable for Use on Airfields Managed for Wildlife Hazards in the Northeast
Saratoga Springs, NY
Habitat management is an important component of an integrated approach for reducing wildlife hazards on airfields. This research examines alternative turf species that are either native or naturalized in the northeastern United States. Many native turf species tend to not be attractive to wildlife due to their low palatability and seed production. These species may have uses on airfields, golf courses and in residential areas where geese and other wildlife are in conflict with humans. While the low seed productivity in some native species is a wildlife deterrent, this same trait is associated with poor establishment rates. Our goal was to find the most successful means of germinating these species using a hydroseeding application so they can be utilized as part of an airfield vegetation management design. Our data will show the evaluation of plant vigor conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions. Some of the species tested include Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pennsylvanica), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), crinkled hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa), and purple love grass (Eragrostis spectabilis). By evaluating each species for their suitability for hydroseeding, germination, and early vigor we are able to make recommendations for hydroseeding native species at airfields managed for reducing wildlife hazards.