Strategies for effective interseeding to increase wildflower diversity in existing roadside vegetation
Focus Area
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Subcommittee
Natural Resources
Status
Archived
Cost
$250k-$499k
Timeframe
2-3 years
Research Idea Scope
Interseeding (also known as overseeding) can increase flowering plant diversity in grass-dominated stands of vegetation but has rarely been used on roadsides. Research is needed to better understand how to temporarily suppress existing vegetation in cost-effective ways so that new species can become established.
This project could include two components: 1) a literature review to better understand what is known about successful interseeding, and 2) experiments in different regions to trial different interseeding mixes and approaches.
Urgency and Payoff
Interseeding has the potential to add host plants for butterflies and other important plant species back into roadsides, with less disturbance and expense than fully revegetating a site. With pollinators in decline, DOTs are looking for voluntary strategies to improve roadside pollinator habitat.
Submitted
06/24/2022