Harrison et al. studied the effects of livestock grazing and fire in a mosaic of serpentine and nonserpentine soils in California, where most grasslands are dominated by exotic annuals and serpentine soil is the major refuge for native grassland species. In plant communities on non-serpentine soils, exotic species increased in response to fire and native forb richness decreased in response to grazing. Plant communities on serpentine soils had a more variable response to disturbance but in general native species increased following grazing or fire. These results suggest that soil type effects the plant community response to fire and/or grazing in California chaparral grasslands and that soil type needs to be considered before management strategies are initiated in these plant communities.
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.