Research Priorities Research | Research Priorities | 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