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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Invasive Species and Pollinator Health » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #221396
Title: Ecophysiological responses of Chihuahuan desert grasses to fire.

Author
item ALLRED, BRADY - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Snyder, Keirith

Submitted to: Journal of Arid Environments
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/23/2008
Publication Date: 7/31/2008
Citation: Allred, B.W., Snyder, K.A. 2008. Ecophysiological responses of Chihuahuan desert grasses to fire. Journal of Arid Environments.72:1989-1996.

Interpretive Summary: Prescribed fire may be an effective tool for restoring native grasses to shrub invaded ecosystems in arid rangelands. The aim of the current study was to investigate how black grama and red three awn grasses responded to fire in the Chihuahuan Desert. In general fire increased photosynthesis for these grasses and did not impact water use efficiency indicating that fire may be a useful tool for restoring arid grasslands.

Technical Abstract: To better understand the effects of fire in the Chihuahuan desert, gas exchange characteristics of two dominant grass species, Bouteloua eriopoda and Aristida purpurea, and soil nitrogen availability were studied in response to prescribed fire at the Jornada Experimental Range in southern New Mexico. Burned and unburned plant individuals were measured before and after fire. Rates of net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were highest in burned individuals, with those of A. purpurea exceeding B. eriopoda. Water use efficiency of both species was not affected by fire. Soil nitrogen supply rates increased compared to unburned controls. Similar to other grasslands where fire is common, physiological characteristics of vegetation responded positively. These adaptations indicate that fire may be beneficial in the restoration of native grasses.