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ARS Home » Plains Area » Mandan, North Dakota » Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #308251
Title: Grassland degradation

Author
item WICK, ABBEY - North Dakota State University
item GEAUMONT, B - North Dakota State University
item SEDIVEC, K - North Dakota State University
item Hendrickson, John

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2015
Publication Date: 1/4/2016
Citation: Wick, A.F., Geaumont, B.A., Sedivec, K., Hendrickson, J.R. 2016. Grassland degradation. IN: Shroder, J.F., Sivanpillai, R. (Eds.), Biological and Environmental Hazards, Risks, and Disasters. Book Chapter. Elsevier, pp. 257-276.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: There are approximately 1.5 million square kilometers of prairie communities (grasslands)in North America, a majority of which are native grasslands. Grasslands serve ecological functions that cannot be replaced by other land uses. Examples of ecological benefits and services include the third largest pool of soil carbon is in grasslands; pollination facilitation; forage production; and recreational activities. The true value of the ecological services provided by grasslands is unknown, but in many instances may be priceless. Degradation is a concern as we look to maintain or improve soil resources and hydrologic cycling, biodiversity and pollination, livestock and recreational uses. Land use conversion, invasive species, fire regime alteration and grazing management are some of the processes that can lead to degradation and care needs to be taken when developing effective management plans for grassland preservation.