Brush Mulching as an Alternative to Burning

This study investigated the effectiveness of mulching slash (leftover woody debris) and spreading it over disturbed areas to promote vegetation reestablishment in the oil sands region of Alberta. The hypothesis was that mulching woody debris would have no effect on re-establishment of vegetation. Three different treatments were used: (1) control (to simulate brush piling), (2) slash mulch, and (3) slash mulched with aspen logs.

There were visual differences between the treatments, but few statistically significant results due to site variability. Percent cover of reestablished plants was highest in the control treatment, demonstrating that mulching slash can reduce soil exposure and negatively impact plant restoration. Reduced establishment was not attributed to physical damage to seeds during the mulching process.