ARS | Publication request: Are we ready for the (range)land revolution?

Submitted to: International Rangeland Congress
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: March 6, 2011
Publication Date: April 2, 2011
Citation: Herrick, J.E., Andrews, S.S., Baldi, B., Bestelmeyer, B.T., Brown, J.R., Davies, J., Duniway, M.C., Havstad, K.M., Peters, D.C., Quinton, J.N. 2011. Are we ready for the (range)land revolution? Proceedings of the IX International Rangeland Congress. April 2-8, 2011. Rosario, Argentina. CDROM.

Technical Abstract: Rangeland scientists have a tremendous amount of knowledge that could ensure that the transition from livestock production to other land uses is as sustainable as possible, while maintaining livestock production systems where they are the most biophysically, socially, culturally and economically sustainable option. The rate and extent of these land use changes, however, will require a new approach to our science and how we communicate it. We can increase our ability to contribute to the future management of these lands through (1) increased awareness of global social, economic, and technological trends, (2) research and modeling that anticipate the potential effects of large-scale changes in land cover and land use on ecosystem services across a wide variety of soils, landforms and climate conditions, and (3) dramatically increased communication and collaboration with the disciplines and sectors of society responsible for managing the new land uses.