Initial vegetation recovery and revegetation using regional resources in landslide areas following the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake

Abstract

We assessed vegetation recovery in landslide areas following the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake. Six treatments were examined using combinations of wooden railings, local plants, mats for capturing seeds, and deer fences, in addition to a control. The analysis demonstrated that wooden railings may help capture large seeds. The use of local plants led to higher survival rates and achieved high vegetation coverage, while seed-capture mats decreased soil erosion. A significant effect of deer fences was not observed. The installation of local plants and seed-capture mats will contribute to the reforestation of collapsed slopes of moderate grade. The effect of deer fences should be surveyed over time.