A Case for Vegetative Restoration via Sprigging as an Effective Restoration Tool for Perennial Grasses in Drylands

Dryland restoration methods often focus on management strategies to improve seedling establishment and survival under a range of abiotic and biotic stresses, such as drought and invasive species. Despite intensive research, conventional restoration efforts often result in failure, as few seeds successfully establish to become adult plants. Sprigging, or replanting of living grass segments, has been used effectively for years in agricultural grass fields and turf plantings. In a restoration setting, sprigging, or planting vegetative starts, is often used in wetlands and coastal dunes. Sprigging quickly establishes self-sustaining grass communities in these systems. If this technology could be harnessed and applied to dryland systems, it has the potential to greatly improve restoration outcomes. A review of the literature suggests that plant adaptations to drought, fire, and grazing in drylands may make it feasible to plant perennial grass species via sprigging in these systems. Preliminary work indicates that planting sprigs from grass crowns may be a feasible form of restoration, particularly as storage and planting methods are refined. However, major research is needed before sprigging will be a viable dryland restoration technology. For example, improved cultivars of native species may need to be developed to enhance sprigging, as has been done in agricultural and turf settings. Trials should be conducted to determine appropriate planting times and techniques for optimal establishment, which may differ by species. Soil treatments or hormone amendments may be able to improve sprig viability at planting. We hope others will use this paper as a springboard to direct future research on the potential of sprigging in dryland systems.