ARS | Publication request: THE RESPONSE OF AN INTRODUCED GRASS, ERAGROSTIS LEHMANNIANA ???

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 1, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The response of an introduced grass, Eragrostis lehmanniana, to a prescribed burn. Christopher M. McGlone[s1]1, Laura F. Huenneke1, and Jeff Herrick2. Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) is a fire-adapted, South African grass. It was first introduced to the arid Southwest in the early part of the 20th century and has been planted extensively for erosion control and forage. While it is no longer commonly planted, Lehmann lovegrass has become naturalized and dramatically expanded its range. In the summer of 1999, the USDA-ARS executed a prescribed burn on the Jornada Experimental Range to determine if this would be an effective method for controlling shrub encroachment into grasslands. The area burned contained a large patch of Lehmann lovegrass. We are currently conducting a study to examine changes in community dynamics of this patch in response to the fire. We are looking for change in the size of the patch and changes in the plant composition within and immediately surrounding the patch. Furthermore, we will be examining soil characteristics to determine if there is any correlation between soil texture and nutrients and Lehmann lovegrass establishment. Additionally, we are mapping the current population of E. lehmanniana on the Jornada Basin. We will be presenting the experimental design, preliminary results, and future agenda for this study.