The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate revegetation strategies and techniques which may serve to “kickstart” succession on drastically disturbed lands within the Manitoba Model Forest (MMF) region. The objectives of this study were: (1) To identify and review the revegetation strategies and techniques currently being used by various agencies; (2) To assess the identified revegetation strategies and techniques for use in Manitoba; (3) To evaluate the chosen revegetation strategies and techniques through field trials; (4) To make recommendations for the revegetation of drastically disturbed lands based upon the review of strategies and techniques, and the results of field studies with the principles of sustainable development in mind.
Field trials were used to assess the potential of hydroseeding and mulching around established trees and shrubs in the revegetation of drastically disturbed lands within Manitoba and the MMF. Materials tested included currently available hydroseeding products, including a bonded fiber matrix and a wood fiber product with tackifiers. These exhibited excellent adhesion on a variety of slope conditions as well as supporting
germination rates of 50-80%. In addition, a paper mill sludge was evaluated for its potential as a component of a hydroseeding slurry and as a protective mulch (both as a dry mulch and a “hydromulch”) for established trees and shrubs