New Approach to Monitoring Rangelands

Rangelands are among the most important agricultural ecosystems in the United States and the world. The rangelands of the western United States are fundamental to the rural economy. In order to maintain the quality of these rangelands, they must be monitored over time and space. The ecological condi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Arid land research and management 2003-01, Vol.17 (4), p.319-328
Main Authors: James, Lynn F, Young, James A, Sanders, Ken
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
animal ecology
Climate
climatic factors
ecosystems
environmental monitoring
Forage
grazing
livestock
Livestock Grazing
Monitor
new methods
plant ecology
Plants
Ranch
rangeland soils
Rangelands
research methods
research planning
research programs
soil properties
Soils
surface water
Sustainable
Watershed
Wildlife
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Summary:Rangelands are among the most important agricultural ecosystems in the United States and the world. The rangelands of the western United States are fundamental to the rural economy. In order to maintain the quality of these rangelands, they must be monitored over time and space. The ecological condition of rangelands is a major factor in their environmental quality, in their overall performance as watersheds, and in wildlife and livestock production. The monitoring system must be science-based and take into account topography, climate, soils, plant communities, and animal populations that go to make up the western range. An information storage, processing, interpretation, and retrieval system must be included if the monitoring data are to be assessed in a timely manner. This report outlines a research program for the development of a new approach to monitoring rangelands. It includes the principle variables (climate, soils, plants, and grazing animals) involved in determining rangeland condition and trend as an indication of rangeland health.
ISSN:1532-4982
1532-4990
DOI:10.1080/713936118