Assistant professor Amy Ganguli, New Mexico State University
Our adaptive-research partner, New Mexico State University, continues to report good news from the field. The Desert Willow and Cottonwoods we planted in October 2015 have shown healthy growth over the summer; Cottonwood seedlings showed survival rates of 65% compared to 43% of seedlings planted without the Cocoon. Interestingly, Desert Willow overall growth in height and branch development was significantly greater. A full assessment of seedling vigor will be completed at the end of our growing season in late October.
We’re excited to be taking these field lessons from Las Cruces to a new planting along the Rio Grande with the Bureau of Land Management and Conservation Land Foundation this fall where we will plant and continue to monitor the results.
“In these desert ecosystems that are driven by monsoon climate patterns and high levels of variability, seedling establishment technologies like the Cocoon can provide a viable option to overcoming the challenges associated with restoration projects on native land.”
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