This three-year study in Oklahoma sought to describe vegetation dynamics in an old-growth grassland released from heavy grazing, dominated by warm-season grasses, and invaded by Festuca, and to investigate the effects of low-level nitrogen enrichment and small mammal herbivory manipulations. Succession was altered by an increase in abundance of Festuca over the 3-year study period. Species richness did not decline with litter accumulation. Festuca increased most on species-poor plots, and Festuca abundance remained low on species-rich plots. The potential consequences of Festuca invasion in the southern grassland region dominated by native warm-season grasses are striking given these grasslands, unlike their more northern counterparts, have not yet experienced significant invasion by cool-season grass species.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.