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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #372966
Research Project: Science and Technologies for the Sustainable Management of Western Rangeland Systems

Location: Range Management Research

Title: LandPKS App for Planning and Monitoring Outcome-Based Grazing: New Features

Author
item Herrick, Jeffrey - Jeff
item Salley, Shawn
item NEFF, JASON - University Of Colorado
item MURPH, R. - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)
item MIZE, M - University Of Colorado
item MAYNARD, JONATHAN - New Mexico State University
item Bestelmeyer, Brandon

Submitted to: Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2019
Publication Date: 2/16/2020
Citation: Herrick, J.E., Salley, S.W., Neff, J., Murph, R., Mize, M., Maynard, J., Bestelmeyer, B.T. 2020. LandPKS App for Planning and Monitoring Outcome-Based Grazing: New Features [abstract]. Society for Range Management Meeting, February 16-20, 2020, Denver, Colorado. #82.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Outcome-based grazing requires (1) defining management objectives that are realistic, (2) developing and implementing a management system, and (3) monitoring results. The Land-Potential Knowledge System (LandPKS) can be used to easily and cost-effectively address the first and third requirements. The latest version includes a soil- and ecological-site identification function. This function can be used to define realistic management objectives based on both the long-term (ecological site), and current (ecological state) potential. Soil identification is based on location and improved with user inputs of soil texture (using a simple key) and color (using the phone’s camera and a post-it note for calibration). A direct link provides full access to the ecological site description in EDIT. The vegetation monitoring tool is rapid (20 minutes/plot), requires only a yardstick and a pin flag, and generates the same indicators as those used by BLM in its AIM program (though at a lower level of precision). It will also include a new feature providing access to habitat information for selected species in some regions. Comparing this information with current data and the ecological site description can help decide whether it’s realistic to manage for desired wildlife species. The new LandManagement module supports agronomic recordkeeping (including precipitation, tillage, fertilizer, weed control, etc.) which can also be used for planning and tracking restoration and remediation treatments. Finally, the new version includes a data privacy option. The LandPKS app is available on both iPhone and Android. More information is available at LandPotential.org.