Native California Plants Reaching Critical Levels

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Scientists from the University of California recently conducted several studies on native plant species in the California reserve to uncover whether exotic or introduced plants to the region really were dissolving native wildlife. The results were astounding, as scientists found that not only were native species falling to critical levels, they were essentially being “weeded” out by other plant life.
Native Species

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The native species, when grown in areas of exotic grasses which are abundant, were found to have been growing too far apart from one another to adequately seed for regrowth. These plants also struggled obtaining vital nutrients.
Native Plant Species

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Additionally, the growth in “isolated patches” increased the threat of fire and inability to survive. The study compared potted plants of native species that were grown separate in the same conditions, but without the introduction of an exotic species.
Plants

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While it’s hard to say what may increase the growth of native species back to their normal levels, it will take expertise and hard work. Learn more by visiting www.Soil-Tech.com.

New Information Discovered About Pests and Native Species

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A recent study conducted in Washington found that pests are far more likely to be found on species that are commonly associated with weeds, rather than native species plants. The study also found that beneficial insects were approximately three times more likely to be found on native species plants.
pests weeds

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What this study means for individuals attempting to regrow and use revegetation practices is that they are likely able to do so, knowing that native species will thrive as long as weeds, foreign pests or non-beneficial insects, which are all kept at bay with effective pest control and management.
pests

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This breakthrough study offers much hope for projects such as revegetation or desert restoration when it comes to determining what plant species will survive and how individuals can develop better pest management and regrowth plans. It is the tip of the iceberg on understanding what pests are doing to populations of well-maintained native plant species in the United States.

Streets in Need of Dust Control: Shah Bobo Jan Street

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Over time, unpaved roads that become well traveled can leave people stranded or, more literally, unable to get from one side of the street to the other. In Kabul, Afghanistan, this is exactly the situation. An area called Shah Bobo Jan Street, part of a 900 mile stretch of road that is unpaved, has created havoc for those seeking passage through the area.
Dust Control

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In the summertime, the road has little to no dust control, causing strong winds to blow dirt wildly, leading to devastating lung issues. In the rain or monsoon season, an impenetrable muddy road barely serves travelers who get stuck in the muck.
Dirt Roads

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There are actions that can be taken to help eradicate such issues as dust control, but they take time, effort and awareness. To learn about ways to improve the arid areas around you, contact Soil Tech for more information.

Nevada Desert Restoration Efforts Boosted with New Campaign

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As new residents have become Nevadans with bad habits, and old residents have gotten looser about keeping their state in tip-top condition, the state of Nevada’s landscape has become increasingly filled with trash, debris and other less-than appealing garbage.
Desert mt

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Agencies for federal land management are finding mountains of used sofas, burnt vehicles and other disturbing remnants of trash in off shoots of the highways on desert land. But with the desert being a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that must be nurtured and cared for, several Nevadans have showed an interest in the cause and created a desert restoration campaign known as Don’t Trash Nevada.
Desert Restoration

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The main part of the campaign is to teach new Nevadans, as well as reteach the old about the fragile state of the desert’s ecosystem. Another aspect of the campaign focuses on explaining why it’s not a good idea to dump trash wherever and how it is impacting the environment in Nevada.
Desert landscape

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In addition, the campaign attempts to teach individuals about the thousands of dollars and man hours it takes to clean up the illegally dumped trash. Learn more about this campaign and desert restoration by contacting Soil-Tech today.

Hydroseeding in the Southwest Could Help Restore Native Vegetation

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In Arizona’s Ironseed Forest National Monument, a group of individuals gathers frequently to increase the vegetation of native species to the area following an outbreak of a foreign plant that is killing out the other native plants.

Invasive Plants

 

With an area that’s known as a high-risk area for fires, it’s difficult for these individuals to dig up the foreign plants and weed them out, according to an interview with NPR. But one effective measure that may be consistent with their long-term goals of restoring natural species back to the area for enjoyment is hydroseeding.

Hydroseeding

 

Hydroseeding is an effective way — first introduced in the 1950s — to effectively plant a mass amount of seeds to an area for regrowth. However, it isn’t for just any common Joe to try. It requires Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved professionals and high-tech equipment.

Hydroseeding the Southwest

 

The group of Arizona native species lovers struggling to restore life to this area would find true benefits in this highly productive method of plant renewal.

Contact Soil Tech to learn more about hydroseeding, as well as our other services!