Burning and grazing management in a California grassland: Effect on bunchgrass seed viability
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Authors: A. R. Dyer
Date: 2002
Journal: Restoration Ecology
Volume: 10
Number: 1
Pages: 107-111
Summary of Methods: In California, prescribed fire and grazing are management tools to reduce non-native species in annual grasslands. Purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) subject to summer grazing and fire produced larger seeds with higher germinability (after 10 years in cool storage) than either treatment alone. Burning without prior grazing increased seed size by 20% and germination by 72%, while grazing without burning reduced seed size and germination. The strong relationship between long-term viability and seed size suggests greater maternal provisioning and increased seed quality subsequent to burning and grazing. Dyer suggests that grazing prior to burning may reduce fire temperature with benefit for native perennials.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: annual grassland, prescribed fire, germination, grazing, maternal effects, purple needlegrass, nassella pulchra, soil seed bank, seed viability, california
Annotation: Plots in each of three blocks were either burned in the late summer or not burned and either grazed by sheep in spring, summer, or not at all.,Spring grazing =March 21-25, 1988.,Summer grazing= August 25-27, 1988,Prescribed fire= September 1, 1988Grazing intensity defined as "ungrazed" and "grazed".,Spring grazing= March 30-April 3, 1989.
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