Weak effects of a soil contrast on Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) transplant survival in a northern Great Basin case study suggest importance of microsite selection and non-soil factors

Abstract

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  Transplanting the keystone shrub Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush) post fire is a common management practice in the Great Basin due to the species high fire mortality rates and episodic natural recovery.

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  Soil characteristics play a major role in big sagebrush transplant survival among many other influential abiotic and biotic factors.

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  In our case study, a soil contrast between a sandy loam and rocky clay soil had minor impact on mortality rates, likely due to microsite soil selection within the rocky clay soil complex, which ameliorated the expected negative effects.

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  A considerable proportion of mortality in both soil types occurred post planting (within 1 month) or was associated with suspected herbivory. Higher mortality was slightly associated with higher cover of nearby herbaceous plants, suggesting competition for resources.

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  Selecting planting sites based on soil factors within larger landscapes, as well as avoiding areas of high competing cover, could increase survival in marginal sites. However, low initial survival and/or herbivory with planting can have large impacts on overall outcomes.