Abstract
Since being introduced for rangeland improvements in the early to mid-20th century, several non-native grass species have spread beyond their initial planting sites in the American Southwest. Many of these species, especially those that have infltrated desert ecosystems, can alter ?fre regimes, which in turn threatens native plant species. In Arizona desert ecosystems, buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) increases ?fre frequency and intensity, which may create a positive feedback loop, resulting in a shift from native ?fre-sensitive plant communities to non-native grasslands. Although control efforts are currently underway, a more comprehensive ecosystem approach will be required to treat buffelgrass invasions in southeastern Arizona's deserts. Here, we evaluate the species and environmental factors that may contribute to plant invasion success. We highlight empirical buffelgrass literature as it pertains to invasion, integrate basic invasion ecology theory and restoration ecology to examine potential practical approaches for controlling buffelgrass invasions in southeastern Arizona, and use this information to provide the basis for comprehensive restoration and management. We also briefy discuss public policy related to buffelgrass control in the southwestern United States.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 417-427 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Ecological Restoration |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2009 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Keywords
- Bottom-up control
- Buffelgrass (pennisetum ciliare)
- Competition
- Invasion control
- Invasive species
- Top-down control
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nature and Landscape Conservation
Cite this
Can bufelgrass invasions be controlled in the american southwest? Using invasion ecology teory to understand bufelgrass success and develop comprehensive restoration and management. / Stevens, Jason; Falk, Donald.
In: Ecological Restoration, Vol. 27, No. 4, 2009, p. 417-427.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Can bufelgrass invasions be controlled in the american southwest? Using invasion ecology teory to understand bufelgrass success and develop comprehensive restoration and management
AU - Stevens, Jason
AU - Falk, Donald
PY - 2009
Y1 - 2009
N2 - Since being introduced for rangeland improvements in the early to mid-20th century, several non-native grass species have spread beyond their initial planting sites in the American Southwest. Many of these species, especially those that have infltrated desert ecosystems, can alter ?fre regimes, which in turn threatens native plant species. In Arizona desert ecosystems, buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) increases ?fre frequency and intensity, which may create a positive feedback loop, resulting in a shift from native ?fre-sensitive plant communities to non-native grasslands. Although control efforts are currently underway, a more comprehensive ecosystem approach will be required to treat buffelgrass invasions in southeastern Arizona's deserts. Here, we evaluate the species and environmental factors that may contribute to plant invasion success. We highlight empirical buffelgrass literature as it pertains to invasion, integrate basic invasion ecology theory and restoration ecology to examine potential practical approaches for controlling buffelgrass invasions in southeastern Arizona, and use this information to provide the basis for comprehensive restoration and management. We also briefy discuss public policy related to buffelgrass control in the southwestern United States.
AB - Since being introduced for rangeland improvements in the early to mid-20th century, several non-native grass species have spread beyond their initial planting sites in the American Southwest. Many of these species, especially those that have infltrated desert ecosystems, can alter ?fre regimes, which in turn threatens native plant species. In Arizona desert ecosystems, buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) increases ?fre frequency and intensity, which may create a positive feedback loop, resulting in a shift from native ?fre-sensitive plant communities to non-native grasslands. Although control efforts are currently underway, a more comprehensive ecosystem approach will be required to treat buffelgrass invasions in southeastern Arizona's deserts. Here, we evaluate the species and environmental factors that may contribute to plant invasion success. We highlight empirical buffelgrass literature as it pertains to invasion, integrate basic invasion ecology theory and restoration ecology to examine potential practical approaches for controlling buffelgrass invasions in southeastern Arizona, and use this information to provide the basis for comprehensive restoration and management. We also briefy discuss public policy related to buffelgrass control in the southwestern United States.
KW - Bottom-up control
KW - Buffelgrass (pennisetum ciliare)
KW - Competition
KW - Invasion control
KW - Invasive species
KW - Top-down control
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=71549158222&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=71549158222&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3368/er.27.4.417
DO - 10.3368/er.27.4.417
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:71549158222
VL - 27
SP - 417
EP - 427
JO - Ecological Restoration
JF - Ecological Restoration
SN - 1543-4060
IS - 4
ER -