Soil Science Commons^™

The Influence Of High Density Grazing And Conventional, Rotational Grazing On Soil And Vegetation Parameters In The Semi-Arid And Mesic Grasslands Of South Africa, Jamie Paulse, C. Visser, P. J. Malan, G. N. Smit, F. H. De Witt

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In South Africa, multi-camp rotational grazing using ‘conservative stocking rates’ have been the conventional approach to livestock grazing management systems. However, as of late, the high-desnity approach (used interchangeably – depending on the situation – with regenerative grazing, mob grazing, short duration, high pressure grazing, rapid rotation, time controlled, ultra-high density, holistic grazing and holistic resource management) has been adopted by numerous farmers. This approach is considered to be an adaptable one, incorporating the ‘herd effect’ concept, whereby large numbers of animals occupy an area for short periods of time, and allowed an extended rest period. It claims to improve …

Investigation On The Temporal Variation Of Vegetation Cover In Karaj River Basin (1973-1993), M. Mohseni Saravi, A. Malekian, B. Mohammadi Golrang

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Area changes in vegetation cover depend on several climatic and edaphic factors as well as direct and indirect human activities. Vegetation maps in a region are mosaics of various associations and types, which clearly show their characteristics and provide a useful tool for classification purposes. Kochler (1967) suggested that vegetative forms and species are 2 most important factors for descriptive purposes. This research aimed mainly to determine the vegetation types based on floristic-physiognomic forms and comparison of vegetation cover maps of 2 different dates to clarify the temporal variations of vegetation cover over this period. This detection of change would …

Rangelands In The Mediterranean Zone Of Croatia, J. Rogosic

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Rangelands dominate the landscape of the Mediterranean part of Croatia along the Adriatic coastline, occupying 83% of the agricultural land (1.7 million ha) and 40% of the entire country. The proportion of rangelands is considerably higher in the Mediterranean littoral than in other ecological regions of Croatia. Sheep and goats are widespread in the region, comprising 76% of total sheep and goat numbers in Croatia. However, in comparison to other regions of Croatia, livestock production in the Mediterranean zone is not well developed. Continuous grazing begun too early in the growing season has caused substantial rangeland degradation and a decline …

The Comparative Effects Of Short Duration, High Density And Conventional, Rotational Grazing On Different Soil, Vegetation And Animal Parameters In Dry And Mesic Grasslands Of South Africa, Jamie Paulse, Paul Malan, Nico Smit

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Short duration, high density grazing is a grazing management strategy that incorporates the rotation of large livestock herds, often at double or triple the normal prescribed stocking densities of the specific area. It is claimed that this type of grazing management can improve rangeland health by improving soil and vegetation condition, and subsequently influencing animal performance. Regardless of the scarcity of scientific evidence validating these claims, the change from conventional rotational grazing systems to short duration, high density grazing systems is on the increase in South Africa. This study aims to assess these claims, through the quantification of various rangeland …

Effect Of Temperature On Phenology In Triple-Awned Grass (Stipagrostis Plumosa), Hossein Azarnivand, H. Dastmalchi

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Phenology of triple-awned grass in different stages of vegetative growth, flowering and seed falling was investigated. Each phenological stage was related to minimum and maximum air and soil surface temperatures. Soil surface temperature was measured two times per day during different seasons. Climate data were obtained from the nearest weather station. The study was carried out in sand dunes of band-e-rig of Kashan in the central region of Iran. This species is important in terms of wind erosion control and livestock feeding in arid areas. The results showed that air temperatures ranged from –22 ^oC to 41.5 ^oC …

Changes Of Vegetation In The Sandy Desertification Process Of Grassland In Yanchi, Ningxia, D. M. Xu, K. Wang, Y. Z. Xie

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

No abstract provided.

The Rangeland Resource Status And Its Variability In Zoige, Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, Qian Wang, Ning Wu, Peng Luo

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

No abstract provided.

The Investigation Of Vegetation On Marl Areas For Biological Controlling Of Water Erosion In Arid Lands (Case Study: Semnan Province, Iran), Naser Mashhadi, Majid Karimpour Reihan

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Livestock Grazing On Soil Moisture And Rangeland Vegetation Cover In Upland Grasslands Of Iran, Fazel Amiri, M. Farahpour, Sh. Fadai

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

No abstract provided.

Snow-Albedo Feedback In Northern Alaska: How Vegetation Influences Snowmelt, Lucas C. Reckhaus

Theses and Dissertations

This paper investigates how the snow-albedo feedback mechanism of the arctic is changing in response to rising climate temperatures. Specifically, the interplay of vegetation and snowmelt, and how these two variables can be correlated. This has the potential to refine climate modelling of the spring transition season. Research was conducted at the ecoregion scale in northern Alaska from 2000 to 2020. Each ecoregion is defined by distinct topographic and ecological conditions, allowing for meaningful contrast between the patterns of spring albedo transition across surface conditions and vegetation types. The five most northerly ecoregions of Alaska are chosen as they encompass …

Vegetation Succession Characters Of Desertification Grassland In Hulunbeier Steppe, Dongxia Liu

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

No abstract provided.

Study Of Environmental Factors Effects On Vegetation, Case Study: Iran, A. Tavili

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

No abstract provided.

Relationships Between Veresk Rangeland Vegetation And Environmental Characteristic Using Multivariate Analysis Methods, E. Shahriary, M. Beniaz, A. Tavili, H. M. Asgari, H. Khedrigharibvand

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

No abstract provided.

Relationship Of Soil Seed Bank And Vegetation In Hot‐Dry Valley Grassland Of Jin‐Sha River, J. L. Zhang, Y. F. Bi

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Atriplex Canescens On Planted Areas In Iran, M. A. Zare Chahouki, Mohammad Jafari, Hossein Azarnivand, M. Shafi Zadeh

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

No abstract provided.

Central Afghanistan Rangelands, Daniel G. Robinett

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

No abstract provided.

Analyzing The Effects Of Of Seasonal Land Cover And Precipitation On The Sediment Delivery Ratio Of An Agriculture Dominated Watershed., Jonah Liebman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Soil erosion is of escalating importance as increasing population and climate change have put increasing pressures on agricultural food production. Vegetation and precipitation are two factors that control the amount of soil erosion extant within a region. Sediment delivery ratios (SDRs) assess the ratio of soil eroded from a watershed system that is permanently removed from the system through stream sediment discharge. Using 1) river discharge and sediment concentration data and 2) the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), this thesis analyzes fluctuations in monthly SDRs for an average hydroclimatological crop-harvest season for the Senachwine Creek watershed, IL. Through calculating …

Relationship Between Soil Chemical And Physical Properties And Vegetation In The Latest Decade Of Alpine Grasslands Of Southern Qinghai, China, Sachiko Idota, Jiahua Yang, Manabu Tobisa, Xiaoqin Li, Guomei Li, Rende Song, Haizhu Li, Nobumi Hasegawa, Masahiro Tasumi, Naoyuki Yamamoto, Aya Nishiwaki, Yasuyuki Ishii

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The Tibetan Plateau is one of the most important ecosystems in the world (Yang et al. 2009), particularly because of the global importance of its climate (Tian et al. 2008; Wang et al. 2008). Grassland ecosystems on the plateau are sensitive to global change, because the plateau is located in marginal land areas where the growth and distribution of plants depend heavily on local climatic conditions (Zhang et al. 1996). The alpine grassland of Qinghai Province in China has been traditionally used for extensive grazing by sheep and yak (Bos grunniens), but is now degraded from …

The Changing Patterns In Grasslands And Soil Fertility Along The Eastern Eurasian Steppe Transect Across China–Mongolia–Russia, Xiangyang Hou, Leonid Ubugunov, S. Tserendash, Haijun Chen, Wenjun Han, Xiangjun Yun, Ding Yong, Wang Zhen, Lei Ji

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

This paper analyses the adaptation and change in species along the north-south Eastern Eurasian Steppe Transect across China – Mongolia – Russia and considers the implications for climate change and management. The plant community diversity, above-ground biomass, N:P ratios of community and of dominant species, soil N (nitrogen), soil P (phosphorus) and AP (available phosphorus) contents were studied along a 1400 km north-south transect. The main findings were: (1) the community diversity and productivity decreased with the increase in latitude and a significant negative correlation was found between the many plant characteristics and latitude (P < 0.05) – decreasing diversity, biomass and N:P ratios; (2) soil AP content was lowest in Inner Mongolia, whereas no significant change in soil total P with latitude was found in China-Mongolia-Russia transect, a significant positive correlation was detected between the soil nutrient (N and AP) and latitude (P < 0.05); (3) a significant positive correlation was evident between plant community P content and soil AP content (P < 0.01), but a negative correlation was found between community N:P ratio and soil AP content (P < 0.05). The soil AP content can be used as a soil properties indicator to reflect the plant communities P content and N: P ratio. It is suggested that greater human activities in Inner Mongolia may be an important factor affecting soil AP content, community N:P and plant growth.

Influence Of Grazing Exclusion On Vegetation And Productivity Of Kyrgyz Pastures, N. V. Kilyazova, М. I. Аdenov, К. A. Samsaliev, А. Каrybekov, B. Jeangros

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of grazing exclusion on the vegetation and productivity of: (1) pastures near villages that are grazed intensively through-out the year; and (2) pastures, which are used in summer and are less intensively grazed through the remainder of the year. The potential of degraded pastures to recover, when protected from overgrazing, was also evaluated. Six pastures (3 located in or near villages and 3 used for summer grazing) were selected with local community representatives in 3 pilot regions of Kyrgyzstan (the Lahol and Теrеk regions of Naryn oblast and the Оrgochor …

Biogeochemical Response To Vegetation And Hydrologic Change In An Alaskan Boreal Fen Ecosystem, Danielle L. Rupp

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Boreal peatlands store approximately one third of the earth’s terrestrial carbon, locked away in currently waterlogged and frozen conditions. Peatlands of boreal and arctic ecosystems are affected increasingly by shifting hydrology caused by climate change. The consequences of these relatively rapid ecosystem changes on carbon cycling between the landscape and the atmosphere could provide an amplifying feedback to climate warming. Alternatively, the advancement of terrestrial vegetation into once waterlogged soils could uptake carbon as a sink. Previous work suggests that fens will become an increasingly dominant landscape feature in the boreal. However, studies investigating fens, their response to hydrologic and …

Identifying And Addressing Soil Property Issues Affecting Roadside Vegetation Establishment, Xu Li, Martha Mamo, Walter H. Schacht, Tala Awada, Humberto Blanco-Canqui

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Attaining adequate vegetation cover along highways is important for NDOR to comply with EPA’s stormwater regulations. However, low plant cover is a common problem on shoulders (first 16 feet off the pavement) of many highways in Nebraska. The ultimate goal of this study is to identify cost-effective engineering solutions that assure adequate seed beds (i.e., soil conditions) for establishment of selected seeding mixtures. The objectives of this study are to (1) characterize the soil properties along roadsides where vegetation stands have not developed well, and (2) verify the effects of select soil property parameters on plant germination and establishment.

Sampling …

Experimental Evidence For Drought Induced Alternative Stable States Of Soil Moisture, David A. Robinson, Scott B. Jones, Inma Lebron, Sabine Reinsch, Maria T. Dominguez, Andrew R. Smith, Davey L. Jones, Miles R. Marshall, Bridget A. Emmett

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Ecosystems may exhibit alternative stable states (ASS) in response to environmental change. Modelling and observational data broadly support the theory of ASS, however evidence from manipulation experiments supporting this theory is limited. Here, we provide long-term manipulation and observation data supporting the existence of drought induced alternative stable soil moisture states (irreversible soil wetting) in upland Atlantic heath, dominated by Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull. Manipulated repeated moderate summer drought, and intense natural summer drought both lowered resilience resulting in shifts in soil moisture dynamics. The repeated moderate summer drought decreased winter soil moisture retention by ∼10%. However, intense summer drought, …

Evaluating The Long-Term Effects Of Logging Residue Removals In Great Lakes Aspen Forests, Michael I. Premer

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Commercial aspen (Populus spp.) forests of the Great Lakes region are primarily managed for timber products such as pulp fiber and panel board, but logging residues (topwood and non-merchantable bolewood) are potentially important for utilization in the bioenergy market. In some regions, pulp and paper mills already utilize residues as fuel in combustion for heat and electricity, and progressive energy policies will likely cause an increase in biomass feedstock demand. The effects of removing residues, which have a comparatively high concentration of macronutrients, is poorly understood when evaluating long-term site productivity, future timber yields, plant diversity, stand dynamics, and …

Grassland Renovation And Consequences For Nutrient Management, Johannes Isselstein, Manfred Kayser

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Sward degradation is a serious threat to the functioning of grassland and the provision of ecosystem services. Renovation measures are frequently applied in order to restore degraded swards. However, the success is highly variable and substantial tradeoffs are often found following renovation such as among agronomic and environmental services. Starting from a general classification of renovation measures the paper investigates the processes induced by renovation that lead to a change of the vegetation and that affect carbon and nitrogen fluxes. These processes are strongly interrelated and dependent on site, climate and management condition as well as on the time scale. …

Does Wildfire And Cheatgrass Invasion In A Sage-Steppe Ecosystem Change Soil Texture?, Maeve Mccormick, Xavier Gagne, Jennifer Pierce

College of Arts and Sciences Presentations

Fire and land-use changes influence vegetation types and alter below-ground carbon storage and soil characteristics; additionally, shrub-steppe environments are prone to cheatgrass invasion and subsequent alterations in soil morphology and characteristics following fire. We compared soil particle size, texture, consistence, structure, color and pH among adjacent but distinct sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp.), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) communities established following a 1983 fire in Kuna Butte of southwestern Idaho, a site underlain by basalt and mantled with loess. Soil characteristics were compared in qualitative field soil profiles (two pits per vegetation type) …

Pastoral Lease Assessment Using Geospatial Analysis, T P. Robinson, P E. Novelly, R Corner, Philip Thomas, A Russell-Browm

Resource management technical reports

Seven remote sensing based Vegetation Indices (NDSVI, STVI-3, NDVI, Green + Red, Red, Land Monitor and STVI-1) were tested for their potential to discriminate between “poor” and “good” range condition assessments in Western Australia’s pastoral rangelands. Indices were computed using the Australian Greenhouse Office National Carbon Accounting System (AGO NCAS) repository of calibrated Landsat TM/ETM+ mosaics. Discrimination potential was assessed at two levels of stratification – station level (identical to the stratification used to collect the traverse data), and functional group level (an aggregation of similar land systems);

A Report On The Gascoyne River Catchment Following The 2010/11 Flood Events, P A. Waddell, P W.E Thomas, Paul A. Findlater

Resource management technical reports

In December 2010 an extreme tropical storm resulted in widespread flooding at Carnarvon and across the catchment. Another two flood events followed during the summer of 2010–11

The rationale for this assessment is to provide illustrative evidence on the role that perennial vegetation groundcover management has in influencing the risk of flooding and soil loss in the catchment. It may be possible that the impact of flooding associated with extreme storm events can be reduced. This report focuses on catchment condition and is not a review of the pastoral industry’s economic viability.

Land Systems Of The Kimberley Region, Western Australia, A L. Payne, N Schoknecht

Technical Bulletins

The Land Systems of the Kimberley Region Report describes and maps the landscapes, soils and vegetation of the Kimberley region. This report is a consolidation of surveys carried out by different organisations, across different areas of the Kimberley, since the 1940s. The Kimberley region, as defined in this bulletin, covers 330 070km². The report categorises the Kimberley region into 111 land systems. Under each land system, the report identifies the vulnerabilities of those areas, and provides recommendations on how to achieve sustainable use. The report also publishes pasture types for the entire region and the grazing potential for each pasture, …

An Inventory And Condition Survey Of The Western Australian Part Of The Nullarbor Region, P A. Waddell, A K. Gardner, P Hennig

Technical Bulletins

The inventory and condition survey of the Western Australian part of the Nullarbor region, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 2005 and 2007, describes and maps the natural resources of the region. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the area's natural resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The Nullarbor region has …