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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #373062
Research Project: Science and Technologies for the Sustainable Management of Western Rangeland Systems

Location: Range Management Research

Title: The power is in your hands: A rapid assessment technique to inform land management decisions

Author
item GANGULI, AMY - New Mexico State University
item SCHALLNER, J - New Mexico State University
item KIMITI, DAVID - Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
item Herrick, Jeffrey

Submitted to: International Rangeland Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2020
Publication Date: 11/30/2020
Citation: Ganguli, A.C., Schallner, J.W., Kimiti, D., Herrick, J.E. 2020. The power is in your hands: A rapid assessment technique to inform land management decisions. International Rangeland Congress. Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Globally, land management decisions are often driven by economic constraints and the shifting values of different ecosystem services. To meet increasing demands for food and fiber, agricultural producers and other land managers require tools to facilitate rapid informed decision making. Technological advances including increased availability of smart phones and internet connectivity has accelerated the development of mobile app tools to aid data collection, data management, and decision-making processes. LandPKS is one such example of a free mobile app that can be used for these purposes utilizing concepts of land potential to identify the limitations and opportunities for investment of resources. A simple “click on a map” provides instant access to soil and climate information anywhere in the world. Four input modules make land inventory and monitoring easy, and the data are used to provide access to even more site-specific information. The LandInfo module is used for rapid soil and site characterization and identification, with the inputs used to more accurately identify your soil, calculate soil water-holding and infiltration capacity, and determine the Land Capability Class. Vegetation and soil health can be rapidly monitored using the LandCover and SoilHealth modules. Vegetation indicators are automatically calculated and graphed on the phone. Finally, the LandManagement module facilitates simple management and rainfall recordkeeping. This information can contribute to a greater understanding of land potential in the field and allow for quantitative assessments of land potential in subsequent analysis. In this paper, we provide examples of how we have used LandPKS as a management and research tool, as well as a communication tool, in the United States and Kenya to identify sites for restoration treatments, monitor treatment effects, and assess management outcomes relative to specified goals. This tool enables users to make informed decisions by providing easy access to site specific information promoting opportunities for beneficial management outcomes.