Effect of ground squirrel burrows on plant productivity in a cool desert environment
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Authors: J. W. Laundre
Date: 1998
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 51
Number: 6
Pages: 638-643
Summary of Methods: Laundre measured the effects of ground squirrel (Spermophilus townsendii) burrows on soil moisture, sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) production, and western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii) production, at sites with no ground squirrel burrows, natural burrows, and artificial burrows. Burrows increased soil moisture levels and soil moisture levels were directly related to plant production. Therefore, production of big sagebrush was greater at sites where it was growing near a natural burrow and western wheatgrass production was greater at sites with 6 artificial burrows within a 1 m2 plot. Burrows and the presence of ground squirrels may not only affect plant production through changes in soil moisture because soil disturbance and the inputs of fecal and plant matter around burrows may also enhance plant production. Laundre concludes that the added moisture from spring recharge at ground squirrel burrows can increase plant productivity in a cool desert environment.
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: townsend's ground squirrel, spermophilus townsendii, western wheatgrass, agropyron smithii, big sagebrush, artemisia tridentata, plant productivity, cool desert
Annotation: Productivity of wheatgrass was assessed by clipping and weighing above ground biomass in August and September. There was no grazing; clipping intensity not defined.
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