Restoration Below the Grassland
Restoring native grasslands requires more than planting seeds—it depends on rebuilding the below ground microbial communities that support plant growth and ecosystem resilience. Dr. Liz Koziol will share research on transplanting remnant prairie microbes and using mycorrhizal inoculants to enhance restoration success. She will compare “nativars” and cultivars of native species, exploring how plant selection influences soil microbial relationships. Drawing on collaborative projects with NGOs and government agencies, she will highlight lessons from grassland restoration across Kansas and beyond. Attendees will learn how mycorrhizal inoculants can improve plant establishment, reduce non-native management needs, and support long-term ecosystem function with practical strategies for field-scale restoration.