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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #381776
Research Project: Science and Technologies for the Sustainable Management of Western Rangeland Systems

Location: Range Management Research

Title: Simple guidelines for deciding when soil variability does-and doesn’t matter- for rangeland management and restoration

Author
item Herrick, Jeffrey - Jeff
item MAYNARD, J. - University Of Colorado
item Bestelmeyer, Brandon
item GANGULI, AMY - New Mexico State University
item GLOVER, J. - Us Agency For International Development (USAID)
item JOHNSON, K. - Us Agency For International Development (USAID)
item KIMITI, D. - Non ARS Employee
item PEACOCK, G. - Non ARS Employee
item PETERS, J. - Us Agency For International Development (USAID)
item Salley, Shawn
item SHAVER, P. - Oregon State University
item SHEPARD, K. - Non ARS Employee
item STEWART, Z. - Us Agency For International Development (USAID)
item VAN DEN BOSCH, R. - Non ARS Employee

Submitted to: International Grasslands Congress
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2021
Publication Date: 1/22/2022
Citation: Herrick, J.E., Maynard, J., Bestelmeyer, B.T., Ganguli, A., Glover, J., Johnson, K., Kimiti, D., Peacock, G., Peters, J., Salley, S.W., Shaver, P., Shepard, K., Stewart, Z., Van Den Bosch, R. 2022. Simple guidelines for deciding when soil variability does-and doesn’t matter- for rangeland management and restoration. International Grasslands Congress. Proceedings XXIV, Kenya.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Rangelands in most parts of the world are relatively homogenous and can be managed uniformly at the landscape scale” or “rangelands are extremely diverse and require different approaches even at the landscape scale.” Both statements are made frequently by rangelands scientists and managers. Both are correct. Whether or not it is worthwhile to consider soil variability when planning management and restoration at the landscape scale depends on objectives, location, and the management or restoration strategies under consideration. Together these factors determine whether outcomes are likely to be different at different locations in the landscape, and whether those outcomes can be significantly improved by varying management across the landscape. In this paper we present simple guidelines for deciding whether soil variability should be taken into account when planning management and restoration projects. We conclude by providing a few suggestions on how to decide whether existing soil maps are adequate where soil information is required, and suggestions for how to quickly field-check soil map accuracy.