Soil microarthropods as indicators of exposure to environmental stress in Chihuahuan desert rangelands
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Authors: F. R. Kay, H. M. Sobhy, and W. G. Whitford
Date: 1999
Journal: Biology and Fertility of Soils
Volume: 28
Number: 2
Pages: 121-128
Summary of Methods: Kay et al. examined the effects that cattle have on the abundance of soil microarthropods in the desert grasslands of the northern Chihuahuan Desert. They found a significant difference in the abundance of Nanorchestidae mites between the grazed and ungrazed plots. The authors believe cattle trampling compacted the soil, causing a reduction of suitable habitat for the mites in the grazed areas. Kay et al. advised land managers to discontinue the past century's grazing regime of frequent disturbances, in this area, to provide an opportunity for this now shrub-invaded grassland community to recover.
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: desertification, desert grassland, grazing, indicators, microbivores
Annotation: Grazing intensity was not defined.
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