ARS | Publication request: Grassland restoration following mesquite invasion in the northern Chihuahuan Desert: Persistence, patience, and perspectives from the past and present

Submitted to: Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2009
Publication Date: February 7, 2010
Citation: Abbott, L., Herrick, J.E., Young, K. 2010. Grassland restoration following mesquite invasion in the northern Chihuahuan Desert: Persistence, patience, and perspectives from the past and present [abstract]. 63rd Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, February 7-11, 2010, Denver, Colorado. Sym-22.

Technical Abstract: The widespread invasion of grasslands by woody plants in the northern Chihuahuan Desert over the past 100-150 years is well-documented, and has stimulated a large body of research about the mechanisms driving this conversion, as well as approaches to grassland restoration. Progressive invasion and eventual domination by mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) is often associated with dramatic redistribution of soils, loss of herbaceous cover, and severely reduced ecological function. Restoration in this region is problematic due to low soil moisture availability and the instability of mesquite-dominated communities, particularly on coarse sandy soils. Historical efforts to rehabilitate invaded sites initially focused on implementing individual control methods and reseeding to restore vegetation structure. Progressively, the focus of restoration research has incorporated integrated management approaches aimed at recovering both structure and function. We provide a brief review of historical approaches, lessons learned, and the results of recent research involving simultaneous manipulations of vegetation, soils, and the soil seedbank.