In California, prescribed fire and grazing are management tools to reduce non-native species in annual grasslands. Purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) subject to summer grazing and fire produced larger seeds with higher germinability (after 10 years in cool storage) than either treatment alone. Burning without prior grazing increased seed size by 20% and germination by 72%, while grazing without burning reduced seed size and germination. The strong relationship between long-term viability and seed size suggests greater maternal provisioning and increased seed quality subsequent to burning and grazing. Dyer suggests that grazing prior to burning may reduce fire temperature with benefit for native perennials.
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.