Recovery of Alpine Disturbances: Early Growth and Survival in Populations of the Native Species, Arenaria Groenlandica, Juncus Trifidus, and Potentilla Tridentata

Abstract

Revegetation of an alpine area disturbed by excessive human activity along the Appalachian Trail was studied using the native species Arenaria groenlandica, Juncus trifidus, and Potentilla tridentata. Recruitment and mortality in populations of sown seed were recorded, and environmental parameters were measured in order to assess their impact on the population dynamics.

The results showed similar patterns of establishment on hiker disturbed sites and on naturally open, undisturbed sites. Frost activity in the soil was the only identifiable cause of mortality. A fertilization treatment had no effect on establishment or survival. The species which had relatively rapid root growth had the highest rates of survival.