Revegetation studies pertinent to the Barstow 10 MWe pilot solar thermal power system and to potential power plant sites elsewhere in the Mojave Desert

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to understand the abiotic and biotic processes influencing revegetation, and to experiment with techniques capable of enhancing the reestablishment and growth of native plants at that site. Findings are presented from three different aspects of experimental efforts. A ready-made restoration experiment already exists in the area on which the STPS is to be located as the result of the land being cleared for agricultural use in 1953, and then being abandoned in 1956. Those factors involved in the natural revegetation which have occurred during the 23 year period since that earlier disturbance are investigated. A field trial experiment using transplanted shrubs was established near the proposed mirror field site in order to investigate the extent to which the transplanted shrubs might be destroyed by grazing rabbits, and how they would respond to irrigation. Initial results indicate that shrubs can be transplanted successfully on site, if supplemental irrigation and protection from grazing rabbits is provided. Work is underway at the UCLA plant propagation facilities to prepare specimens of desert shrubs for future transplanting experiments. Experimental facilities and some recently cleared and abandoned land made available at the Nevada Test Site has allowed work to proceedmore » on a newly disturbed site without being encumbered with construction activities and delays. « less

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