Woody plant invasion of grasslands: Establishment of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa) on sites differing in herbaceous biomass and grazing history
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Authors: J. R. Brown, and S. Archer
Date: 1989
Journal: Oecologia
Volume: 80
Number:
Pages: 19-26
Summary of Methods: Honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) seedling emergence and survival was determined on pastures, with and without a long history of grazing, that were exposed to moderate and heavy defoliation intensities. Defoliation enhanced survival of mesquite seedlings because of the reduction in overstory cover that allowed more light to reach emerging seedlings. Root biomass was greater on sites without a long history of grazing, however, site history, root biomass and proximity of seeds to grasses did not affect seedling emergence or survival. These results indicate that levels of previous disturbance and competition with grasses have limited effects on mesquite seedling emergence and survival. The authors suggest that cattle grazing and seed deposition in cattle fecal matter most likely enhance mesquite populations.
Article Summary / Main Points: Nonee
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: competition, conductance, dispersal, paspalum plicatulum, schizachyrium scoparium, xylem water potential
Annotation: None
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