Evaluation of potential herbivore mediation of plant water status in a North American mixed-grass prairie
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Authors: D. Archer, and J. K. Detling
Date: 1986
Journal: Oikos
Volume: 47
Number: 3
Pages: 287-291
Summary of Methods: During diurnal June and August measurements, the water potential of mixed grass prairie species, in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, did not differ between a site colonized by black-tailed prairie dogs for 10 years and an uncolonized site, grazed lightly by free-roaming wildlife. In contrast, fringed sagewort (Artemisia frigida) had slightly higher water potential on the colonized site during periods of moderate or high water stress. Archer and Detling suggest that 30% greater than average growing season rainfall may have affected results; soil moisture was similar on both sites, and a variety of factors affect plant water status in grazing systems.
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: black-tailed prairie dog, cynomys ludovicianus, water potentials, xylem, agropyron smithii, andropogon gerardii, andropogon scoparius, artemisia frigida
Annotation: None
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