Surface soil physical and hydrological characteristics in Bromus tectorum L. (cheatgrass) versus Artemisia tridentata Nutt. (big sagebrush) habitat

Boxell, J.; Drohan, Patrick J.

doi:10.1016/j.geoderma.2008.12.009

Cited by 32 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…The high initial concentrations of NO 3 − -N in the CG soil are consistent with previous studies that have observed a build-up of NO 3 − -N under cheatgrass stands (Blank 2008;Boxell and Drohan 2009;Norton et al 2004). These soils have a fairly high nitrification potential as indicated by the TMN in the post-growth, unplanted soils.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…Norton et al (2008) also showed that N 2 O emissions can be significantly elevated during nitrification following wetting of soils invaded with cheatgrass. On the other hand, a buildup of NO 3 − under cheatgrass is often seen both in surface soils (Blank 2008;Boxell and Drohan 2009;Norton et al 2004) and at depth, the latter as a result of leaching from surface horizons (Hooker et al 2008;Sperry et al 2006). The foliage of cheatgrass has higher lignin: N ratios and C:N ratios than many natives, suggesting that it can slow the natural cycling of N (Blank 2008;Hooker et al 2008;Norton et al 2004;Rimer and Evans 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Fire effects on the mobilization and uptake of nitrogen by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.)

Johnson

Chambers

et al. 2010

Plant Soil

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fire effects on the mobilization and uptake of nitrogen by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.)

Johnson

Chambers

et al. 2010

Plant Soil

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“…To date there has been relatively little work examining the large-scale effects of invasive forbs and grasses on the water cycle. One possible (but so far unconfirmed) effect would be increased groundwater recharge in areas where shrubs are replaced by grasses (Seyfried and Wilcox, 2006;Norton et al, 2008;Boxell and Drohan, 2009). …”

Section: Low Elevations-evolving Rangelandsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transformative ecosystem change and ecohydrology: ushering in a new era for watershed management

Wilcox

2010

Ecohydrology

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As a result of human activities, forests and rangelands across the globe have undergone dramatic changes that have fundamentally altered ecosystem processes. Examples of these kinds of transformational changes include increasingly hot and extensive forest fires, die-off over vast areas of forest from insect infestations, large-scale encroachment of rangelands by woody plants and non-native invasive plants, and desertification. These changes have accelerated in pace, scale and magnitude in recent decades and have the potential to alter water, energy, and biogeochemical cycles in important but not fully understood ways. The related disciplines of ecohydrology and watershed management are being shaped and transformed by the need to understand the ecohydrological consequences of transformative landscape change as well as the need to mitigate and manage for these changes.

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“…Our study sites had less than half the density of perennial grasses found in relatively intact mountain big sagebrush communities (Davies and Bates 2010), thus, feral horses may have significantly influenced the herbaceous communities at our sites. Soil recovery may have to occur first because increased soil penetration resistance and decreased aggregate stability can reduce the amount of water available for plant growth (Boxell and Drohan 2009). In addition, high soil penetration resistance can restrict root growth (Ehlers et al 1983, Bengough and Mullin 1991, Villamil et al 2001.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of feral free‐roaming horses on semi‐arid rangeland ecosystems: an example from the sagebrush steppe

2014

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Abstract. Feral horses (Equus caballus) are viewed as a symbol of freedom and power; however, they are also a relatively unmanaged, non-native grazer in North America, South America, and Australia. Information about their influence on vegetation and soil characteristics in semi-arid rangelands has been limited by confounding effects of cattle (Bos taurus) grazing and a lack of empirical manipulative studies. We compared vegetation and soil surface characteristics in feral horse grazed areas and ungrazed exclosures at five sagebrush (Artemisia) steppe sites in northern Nevada. Horse grazed areas had lower sagebrush density and plant diversity, greater soil penetration resistance, and lower soil aggregate stability than ungrazed areas. Herbaceous cover and density generally did not differ between grazed and ungrazed treatments, with the exception of heavily grazed sites in which perennial grass cover was reduced. The cumulative effect of feral horses on soil characteristics suggests that they may affect the ecological function of semi-arid rangelands by increasing the risk of soil erosion and potentially decreasing availability of water for plant growth. The two-fold increase in sagebrush density with horse exclusion suggests that feral horses may limit sagebrush recruitment and thereby negatively impact Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and other sagebrush associated wildlife. The effects of feral horses on sagebrush and other semi-arid ecosystems should be considered when developing conservation plans for these ecosystems and associated wildlife.

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Surface soil physical and hydrological characteristics in Bromus tectorum L. (cheatgrass) versus Artemisia tridentata Nutt. (big sagebrush) habitat

Cited by 32 publications

References 44 publications

Fire effects on the mobilization and uptake of nitrogen by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.)

Fire effects on the mobilization and uptake of nitrogen by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.)

Transformative ecosystem change and ecohydrology: ushering in a new era for watershed management

Effects of feral free‐roaming horses on semi‐arid rangeland ecosystems: an example from the sagebrush steppe

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