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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #129603

Title: MONITORING METHODOLOGY FOR PASTURE DEGRADATION AND RESTORATION

Author
item Herrick, Jeffrey - Jeff

Submitted to: International Symposium on Silvopastoral Systems/Agroforestry and Livestock
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2001
Publication Date: 4/1/2001
Citation: HERRICK, J.E. MONITORING METHODOLOGY FOR PASTURE DEGRADATION AND RESTORATION. PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON SILVOPASTORAL SYSTEMS/AGROFORESTRY AND LIVESTOCK. 2001. P. 2-6.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A simple, flexible, quantitative methodology has been developed to monitor the ecological sustainability of grassland, shrubland and savanna ecosystems. Three core soil and vegetation measurements are supplemented by optional measurements to generate indicators of three key ecosystem attributes: soil and site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity. The optional measurements are selected based on monitoring objectives and site-specific resource concerns, such as compaction. The methodology is designed to facilitate active participation of farmers and ranchers in both design and implementation. The approach is supported by an extensive research program of the USDA Agricultural Research Service and will be summarized in a manual to be published in both English and Spanish.