10.5061/DRYAD.M4M9V
Corbin, Jeffrey D.
Union College
Robinson, George R.
State University of New York
Hafkemeyer, Lauren M.
Rutgers University
Handel, Steven N.
Rutgers University
Data from: A long-term evaluation of applied nucleation as a strategy to
facilitate forest restoration
Dryad
dataset
2015
cluster planting
propagule limitation
seed sources
reforestation
Bird dispersal
reclamation
Dispersion
landfill
2015-06-15T14:42:18Z
2015-06-15T14:42:18Z
en
https://doi.org/10.1890/15-0075
85398 bytes
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CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
Applied nucleation is a restoration technique that seeks to facilitate
woody plant establishment by attracting birds or other animals that may
introduce seeds of dispersal-limited species. In 1991, an experimental
test of applied nucleation was initiated in an abandoned landfill in New
Jersey, USA. Trees and shrubs were planted into 16 10 × 10-m plots,
covering less than 3% of the 6 ha site. In 2010-2011, we sampled the plant
community to test the impact of the treatments on forest cover and plant
biodiversity. Site-wide forest cover increased substantially in the 19
years since planting from none to 59%. The original planted plots had
significantly higher stem density, particularly of bird-dispersed species,
than unplanted areas. Species composition outside the planted plots was
dominated by the wind-dispersed Fraxinus americana and several
small-seeded bird-dispersed species, but there were few species indicative
of later successional stages. The expected model of successional
development via the nucleation model - that rates of colonization would be
highest near plantings and that forest cover would spread outward from
established clusters - was not supported after this time span. Given the
site's isolation from potential sources of woody propagules, the
experimental treatments may not have been enough to overcome many
species' dispersal limitation. Regardless of the mechanism, however,
the treatments transformed the once essentially treeless site into a
densely wooded habitat, and did so at a rate faster than other
descriptions of reforestation following disturbances or land-use changes
in the region. Despite the relatively low species richness of the
community, this experiment demonstrated that reforestation of even
severely degraded habitat can be achieved with minimal management after
site preparation and cluster plantings.
Plot locationsGPS-located latitude and longitude of the locations of
planted clusters. All data is in Zone 18N.Trees in planted plotsTrees
sampled in planted plotsTrees in TransectsTrees outside planted plots,
sampled along transects between plots.
Northeastern United States
New Jersey Meadowlands
New Jersey