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Schulenberg, R. Annals of Illinois ethanobotany: groundnut or wild potato (Apios americana Medik.). Pp. 3-7.
Wenzel, M. B. and J. E. Ebinger. The avens species (Geum L., Rosaceae) of Illinois. Pp. 8-13.
Abstract:A principal-components analysis of 126 herbarium specimens representing the morphological and geographical range of the genus Geum L. in Illinois revealed that the 7 native species of avens are distinct. Of these taxa, Geum canadense Jacq. is the most common, being reported from every county. Of the remaining species, G. vernum (Raf.) Torrey & Gray and G. laciniatum Murray, are wide ranging, and found throughout most of Illinois, while G. triflorum Pursh and G. aleppicum Jacq. are restricted to the extreme northern part of the state. The very rare G. rivale L. is probably extirpated from Illinois. The often overlooked G. virginianum L. is scattered in the southern third of Illinois; its similarity to G. canadense probably is responsible for the few collections. A probable F1 hybrid between G. canadense and G. laciniatum has been found in the state. A key to the native avens of Illinois is given, along with distribution maps.
Hyerczyk, R. D. The lichen flora of the Cook County Forest Preserves Part V: Salt Creek Division. Pp. 14-20.
Abstract:Forty-four taxa of lichens (43 species and one variety) are reported for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County's Salt Creek Division, of which 17 were vouchered. An annotated species list is provided, as well as checklists for the individual preserves within this division.
Hyerczyk, R. D. The lichen flora of Ford County, Illinois. Pp. 21-25.
Abstract:Forty-two taxa of lichenized fungi (41 species and one variety) in 25 genera are reported for Ford County, Illinois. Twenty-one are of the foliose growth form, 20 are crustose, and one is fruticose. An annotated species list and information on the distribution and habitats for each taxon are provided. Although none of these represents a new addition to the lichen flora of Illinois, only one taxon was previously reported for Ford County.
Fulk, B. A. and J. E. Ebinger. Vegetation of badger (Taxidea taxus) and plains pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius) mounds in the sand areas of west-central Illinois. Pp. 26-29.
Abstract:Plant species richness on badger and pocket gopher mounds was studied at the Henry Allan Gleason Nature Preserve, Mason County, Illinois. Within the sand prairie at the preserve, 27 species were found on badger mounds, 24 on pocket gopher mounds, and 21 on adjacent areas without mounds, resulting in 1.31, 1.21, and 1.23 diversity index values, respectively. The mean area of a badger mound (2.57 m2) was significantly greater than a pocket gopher mound (0.39 m2).
Wheeler, C. and K. McConnaughay Restoration of aspects of native soil quality through conversion of agricultural lands to cultivated hayfields. . Pp. 30-37.
Abstract:In the midwestern United States, degraded agricultural lands are often cultivated as hayfields. This practice reduces soil erosion and improves soil quality, though such improvements can be modest compared with the original condition before row crop production. We compared several physical, biological, and chemical properties of soils underlying 3 mesic tallgrass prairie sites and 3 long-term (7 to 25 years) cultivated hayfields in central Illinois to determine the degree to which converting degraded agricultural lands into hayfields restores soil quality. We found that soils underlying cultivated hayfields were more compacted and had lower organic matter content levels, cation exchange capacities, and water-holding capacities than prairie soils. Soil aggregate structure and nutrient contents were similar in cultivated and prairie soils. Thus hayfield cultivation can restore some, but not all, aspects of soil health. Programs that promote soil conservation and restoration by encouraging hayfield plantings may not adequately lead to key improvements in soil health.
Voigt, T. Buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.) In Illinois. Pp. 38-44.
Abstract:Buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.) is a warm-season grass species, possibly native in Illinois. Because of its superior adaptation to low-maintenance settings and the degree of variation that exists within the species, identifying the most appropriate types for landscape applications is of interest. A study conducted in Urbana, Illinois, at the University of Ilinois Landscape Horticulture Research Center evaluated 22 buffalograss cultivars 21 times over four growing seasons. The objectives of this study were to identify differences among turfgrass quality and determine which buffalograss cultivars perform best in Illinois, in order to make cultivar recommendations. Of the 22 cultivars in the study, the commercially available ‘315' buffalograss performed in the upper half of all cultivars at each evaluation. ‘NTDG 3,' ‘NTDG4,' and ‘NTDG5' buffalograsses also performed in the upper half of all cultivars at each evaluation, but they are not commercially available. The commercially available ‘609' and ‘Sharps Improved' buffalograsses performed in the upper half in 20 and 19 of the 21 evaluations, respectively. Performance varied based on weather conditions during the growing season: hot, dry conditions favored buffalograss performance, while cool, moist conditions favored invading cool-season broad-leaved weeds and grasses. The cultivar ‘315' can be recommended, with reservation, for use in Illinois as a low-maintenance turf for full sun. Chemical weed controls, applied in cool, wet growing seasons, may be necessary to enhance the quality of the stand.
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