Wildfire effects and post-fire responses of an invasive mesquite population: The interactive importance of grazing and non-native herbaceous species invasion
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Authors: J. A. Kupfer, and J. D. Miller
Date: 2005
Journal: Journal of Biogeography
Volume: 32
Number:
Pages: 453-466
Summary of Methods: Prescribed fire has been considered to control velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) invasion in southwest rangelands, however, the success of fire for controlling mesquite plants may be related to grassland species composition and grazing factors that influence fire characteristics. In this study, authors determined that the heat, intensity, and scorching of a fire are reduced by grazing, possibly because of reduced fuel loads, and increased when invasive lovegrass (Eragrostis sp.) species are dominant compared to native grasses. More large trees were able to survive, grow, and reproduce after the less intense fire that burned in grazed pastures while fewer large trees survived and more sprouting occurred after the intense fires that burned on invasive grass-dominated range. In a long-term perspective, additional research is needed to determine whether repeated fires could be used to limit the germination and establishment of new mesquite, shifting the age structure of invaded grasslands and minimizing additional woodland thickening.
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: fire simulation model, invasive species, lovegrass, eragrostis spp., mesquite, prosopis velutina, woody encroachment, wildfire
Annotation: Grazing intensity is defined as "ungrazed" and "grazed". Season of use is not specified.
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