Weak effects of a soil contrast on Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) transplant survival in a northern Great Basin case study suggest importance of microsite selection and non-soil factors

Transplanting the keystone shrub Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush) post fire is a common management practice in the Great Basin due to the species high fire mortality rates and episodic natural recovery. Soil characteristics play a major role in big sagebrush transplant survival among many other influential abiotic and biotic factors. In our case study, a soil contrast between a sandy loam and rocky clay soil had minor impact on mortality rates, likely due to microsite soil selection within the rocky clay soil complex, which ameliorated the expected negative effects. A considerable proportion of mortality in both soil types occurred post planting (within 1 month) or was associated with suspected herbivory. Higher mortality was slightly associated with higher cover of nearby herbaceous plants, suggesting competition for resources. Selecting planting sites based on soil factors within larger landscapes, as well as avoiding areas of high competing cover, could increase survival in marginal sites. However, low initial survival and/or herbivory with planting can have large impacts on overall outcomes.