ARS | Publication request: AN OVERVIEW OF ARID GRASSLANDS IN THE NORTHERN CHIHUAHUAN DESERT

Submitted to: The Future of Arid Grasslands: Identifying Issues Seeking Solutions
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: April 1, 1997
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Grasslands of the Chihuahuan Desert comprised about 10% of this region. They are inherently variable in terms of annual and seasonal productivity. The loss of grasslands over the past century to shrub encroachment is well documented. Concomitant changes include redistribution of soil nitrogen, loss of soil organic carbon and loss of silt fractions from surface soils. Many of these changes generate irreversible alterations to the ecological potentials in this desert. There are few appropriate and affordable technologies for remediating these conditions and this need should be actively addressed by current research programs. It is important that the ecological complexity of this ecosystem is appropriately conveyed to the public as solutions to management issues are sought at local levels.