Hulbert examines the history and use of the Konza Prairie in Kansas. The research management plan was developed in 1972, and it involved only burning because the area was to small. In 1977, grazing was added to the plan when the Dewey Ranch was acquired. Changes in the plan have evolved since 1978. As for burning, the "after-the-wet" years treatment means burning in the spring when the previous year, from October 1 to September 30, had more than 1.2 times the median precipitation. The seven fire treatments are on watershed units burned in early to mid-April. In addition, some small areas are burned in November, some March, and others in the summer. Grazing is a natural and needed part of tallgrass prairie. The grazers will be added after fencing is completed in 1986. The cattle and native grazers are to be stocked at the same rate (about 20 acres per animal unit). The irregular shape of the burning and grazing units permits assessments of the effects of burning and grazing on amounts of water, nutrients, and soil lost from watersheds. By comparing the exports from burned and grazed watersheds, the effect of those treatments can be evaluated. Mowing and haying also take place. Though Konza Prairie was established for long-term research, it serves well for both long and short-term research and is becoming increasingly more useful for studies by many scientists. A major goal of this project is by increasing our knowledge of why the prairie was able to remain productive for thousands of years, we expect to know better how our agricultural soils can be used and still remain productive.
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.