The positive relationship between cheatgrass
(Bromus tectorum) and fire frequency is a major concern
for land managers in semi-arid shrublands throughout western
North America,
particularly in Great Basin sagebrush steppe. Management tools
are needed to break this cycle, and in this project we will evaluate
the use of postfire seeding to suppress the growth and reproduction
of cheatgrass in low elevation sagebrush steppe dominated by
Mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana).
We will specifically evaluate the seeding of introduced versus
native seed mixes, and grasses versus grasses plus leguminous
forbs. We will also evaluate postfire soil conditions, such
as nutrient levels and seedbank composition, that may influence
the effectiveness of postfire seeding treatments. Effects of
seeding on species composition and abundance of native plants
will also be evaluated. These data will be compiled during the
initial 2 years after experimental burning. We will present this
information as a set of recommendations for land managers to
use when designing postfire seeding protocols, and as a set of
working hypotheses for research scientists to use when formulating
new studies. This study will improve our knowledge of fire and
invasive species ecology and management in sagebrush steppe.
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URL http://www.werc.usgs.gov/fire/lv/postfireseeding/
greatbasin/index.html
Contact: Webmaster
Last Modification: May 26, 2004
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