Influence of shrub-induced microhabitats and biocrusts on native bunchgrass seedling establishment and growth

Authors: Davies, Kirk; Bates, Jonathan; Svejcar, Lauren

Submitted to: Restoration Ecology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/23/2025
Publication Date: 1/6/2026
Citation: Davies, K.W., Bates, J.D., Svejcar, L.N. 2026. Influence of shrub-induced microhabitats and biocrusts on native bunchgrass seedling establishment and growth. Restoration Ecology. Vol. 34, No 1, e70222. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.70222.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.70222

Interpretive Summary: Establishment of native vegetation from seed is important to the persistence and restoration of sagebrush plant communities, but likely varies within a plant community because of biocrusts and sagebrush-induced microhabitats. We investigated the effects of biocrusts and microhabitats created by sagebrush on seedling establishment and growth of two native bunchgrasses. Biocrusts limited the establishment of native bunchgrasses from seed. Under sagebrush canopies increased native bunchgrass establishment 400 to 900% compared to microhabitats between sagebrush canopies. Land management and restoration planning and prioritization likely should consider the effects of biocrusts and microhabitats on bunchgrass seedling establishment and growth. This information is of interest to land managers, restoration practitioners, and other scientists.

Technical Abstract: Understanding the effects of biocrusts and microhabitats on seedling establishment and growth is critical for prioritizing restoration as well as guiding management and restoration efforts. We investigated the effects of biocrusts and microhabitats created by sagebrush in sagebrush-bunchgrass plant communities on seedling establishment and growth of two native bunchgrasses, bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Löve) and bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey). Biocrusts limited the establishment of native bunchgrasses from seed, but did not appear restrict the growth of established plants. This suggests that biocrusts are likely a physical barrier to establishment from seed. Under sagebrush canopies increased native bunchgrass establishment 400 to 900% compared to microhabitats between sagebrush canopies (interspaces). Seedling heights were generally greater under sagebrush canopies compared to interspaces. The north side of under sagebrush canopies favored the establishment and growth of bottlebrush squirreltail compared to south sides, but bluebunch wheatgrass appeared to not be influenced by directional side. The benefits of under sagebrush canopy microhabitats to seedling establishment also highlights the importance of maintaining and restoring sagebrush in these communities. Biocrusts and microhabitats created by sagebrush substantially influence the establishment of native bunchgrass from seed. This has ramifications to persistence and restoration of bunchgrasses and likely other herbaceous vegetation in sagebrush plant communities. Land management and restoration planning and prioritization likely should consider the effects of biocrusts and microhabitats on bunchgrass seedling establishment and growth.