Search Content

The three objectives of this project were as follows: (1.) to survey the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from the prairies, wetlands, and Mn/DOT experimental sites in anticipation of using data as indicators of the sites' health, (2.) to produce mycorrhizal inocula by different methods and (3.) to incorporate the inoculum into a Mn/DOT restoration site. This project was the first year of a three year study that seeks to define the variability in the mycorrhizal spores and other structures present in different ecosystems and determine if these fungi can be used as indicator species. All phases of the project were successful. The preliminary results suggest the mycorrhizal fungal spore numbers will be useful health indicators of restoration sites. General and single spore mycorrhizal inocula were generated using primarily native grasses and forbs as plant hosts. The general inoculum was then incorporated into a Mn/DOT experimental site. Future evaluations of this site will help to answer long-term questions regarding the possible benefits of amending disturbed roadway plantings or other prairie restorations with mycorrhizal inoculum.

In this project, researchers studied mycorrhizal and vegetational characteristics at prairie and wetland restoration areas. Study objectives included the following: * quantifying the effect of fungal inoculum on plant communities at a Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) prairie restoration site near Cambridge, Minn. * evaluating the prairie forb germination rates * monitoring revegetation at prairie and wetland restoration sites * characterizing mycorrhizal status of native wetland and prairie areas for comparison to the restored sites * producing fungal inoculum for incorporation into further reclamation areas. Findings indicated that 15 months after planting, fungal inoculation resulted in significantly greater cover by native plant species than seen in control plots. At this site, mycorrhizal inoculation benefited the prairie restoration effort by encouraging earlier, more extensive establishment of the planted species. Ongoing studies at this site will determine the long-term effects of mycorrhizal inoculation on the plant community. The report also presents specific recommendations for future restoration efforts. The studies of mycorrhizae in native prairies and wetlands provide further data for a baseline against which to compare restored areas. In addition, fungal inoculum produced in this project has been incorporated into restoration plots at another Mn/DOT site.