Research Priorities
Research  |  Research Reports
The following IRVM research needs were identified by IRVM professionals, including county roadside managers and engineers, private contractors, and individuals from various non-profits and state and federal agencies.  Research proposals addressing issues from this summary may receive priority in funding.  Some of the issues are currently being addressed in ongoing research.
 

SUMMARY OF IRVM RESEARCH NEEDS

Seeding methods/procedures

  • Hydro-seeding vs. hydro-mulching

  • Drilling vs. broadcasting

  • Tackifiers   

  • Terra-seeding

  • Pelleting

  • Seeding in stages

Effects of roadside prairies on wildlife

  • Wildlife corridors or wildlife sinks?

  • Is there a correlation with deer collisions?

  • Does mowing attract deer?

Diverse seed mixes

  • Do they succeed?

  • Which species do best?

  • What site conditions, seeding and management techniques ensure better results?

Noxious weeds

  • General control 

  • Thistle control

  • What native species can compete?

Introduction of prairie into existing vegetation

  • Cordgrass into reed canary

  • Use of live plant plugs

  • Drilling with no prior treatment

Ecotypes

  • Are they genetically unique?

  • How far is too far for source material?

  • Are they associated with soil type, temperature, rainfall?

Use of prairie as living snow fence

 Native vegetation as erosion prevention Cost effectiveness of IRVM
Introduction of additional species into established prairie plantings Effectiveness of legume inoculation High-cost, selectively-applied herbicide use vs. broadcast spraying of low-cost, less-selective herbicides
Effects of salt on roadside prairies Plateau tolerance in native species Site preparation:  Methods of weed seed depletion
Alternatives to bare ground spraying around abutments Management of rare species in ROWs Impact of Round-up application in adjacent crop fields on ROWs
Use of plant growth regulators as mowing alternative or to "release" wildflowers Appropriate native species for ditches with no water outlet Cool season mixes for temporary and permanent seedings
Water infiltration in prairie vs. other planted landscapes Impact of smut on prairie Gibberellic acid as growth enhancer
Value of soil amendments Appropriate nurse crops Allelopathy of rye
Non-chemical brush control methods Tall grass vs. short grass for forb survival Erosion blankets and mulches
Standards for seeding contractors Improvement of native species’ germination rates Development of appropriate standard seed mixes