Articles tagged with Grasslands
A study by Colorado State University and others found that fast-moving forest fires burn more area severely, leaving fewer trees to reseed the landscape. This can lead to long-term ecological change rather than recovery.
The Western Fire & Forest Resilience Collaborative will adapt its research tools for grasslands and shrublands, focusing on west Texas, to better protect ecosystems and communities. The collaboration aims to quantify the impact of wildfires on water resources in Colorado and inform land management decisions.
A team of researchers found that asynchronous species fluctuations within herbivore communities play a central role in stabilizing trophic communities. Herbivore asynchrony acts as a biological buffer between plant and predator communities, mediating resource supply to predators.
The study highlights a core trade-off between spatial resolution, spectral bandwidth and plot-pixel matching in arid ecosystems. Multi-source, multi-scale remote sensing fusion is advocated for future dryland biodiversity conservation and management.
Research finds biodiversity delivers largest gains under extreme drought in drier grasslands, with stronger effects from species complementarity. In contrast, forests show no comparable context dependence under extreme drought.
Researchers found that managed cropland soils produced the highest nitrous oxide emissions due to irrigation and fertilization, while natural ecosystems emitted lower amounts but showed a clear response to elevation. Climate change could shift the balance of greenhouse gas emissions across ecosystems in arid mountain regions.
Researchers identified 255 insect species in perennial grasses, but few in annual grasses, highlighting the importance of unmown refuges for biodiversity
Climate change is altering the global nitrogen cycle, affecting food security, water quality, and biodiversity. The review finds that elevated CO2 boosts plant growth but dilutes protein quality, while rising temperatures reduce yields and increase nitrogen losses.
A new Danish model reveals that green initiatives in farming can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions from one aspect of the system, while storing more carbon in the soil over time. The CIRKULÆR model shows that policymakers must consider the entire agricultural system to make informed decisions.
An international study reveals that mixing grasses, legumes, and herbs in agricultural grasslands can significantly raise yields while reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. The research shows a 12.3-tonne increase in dry matter per hectare under six-species mixtures compared to conventional systems.
A study led by Trinity College Dublin finds that higher plant diversity in grasslands increases yields with lower nitrogen fertilizer inputs. Multispecies mixtures outperform conventional practices and offer a climate adaptation solution.
A new study by Dr. Tiago de Melo Cartaxo from the University of Exeter reveals that UNESCO Biosphere Reserves' less prescriptive regulations promote harmonious coexistence between people and nature. The use of soft law instruments supports local responses and fosters community collaboration in environmental management.
A meta-analysis of 16 studies found that diverse pasturelands have no effect on milk production or methane emissions, but a higher proportion of legumes can promote milk yield. The study suggests that farms should consider the benefits of diverse grassland areas for overall productivity and ecosystem benefits.
Researchers found that prairie dogs and grasshoppers greatly increase soil nutrient availability, with prairie dog towns showing the highest levels of carbon and nitrogen. Grasshoppers also contribute to phosphorus cycling, while larger herbivores consume relatively constant plant biomass.
Research suggests that black-tailed prairie dogs can reduce wildfire behavior by altering landscape features and promoting the growth of fire-resistant vegetation. By incorporating prairie dog activity into fire behavior models, land managers could develop more effective strategies for prevention and mitigation.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are working to bring back biodiversity to the Midwest by analyzing commercially sold seeds and plants. They found that long-lived species were more available than sensitive ones, and certain plant groups were over- or underrepresented in commercial seed mixes.
Researchers used anonymized GPS data from smartphones to monitor how wildlife reacts to people, highlighting the potential of human mobility data in tracking human-wildlife conflicts. The study's findings can inform conservation planning, help protect animals and wild spaces, and ensure that recreational activities are done responsibly.
New research reveals that vegetation feedbacks played a key role in speeding up major climate changes during the late Miocene. Shifts in plant life intensified cooling in northern high latitudes and altered rainfall patterns in lower latitudes.
A long-term field experiment in Yorkshire Dales shows that combining different restoration techniques can enhance ecological benefits of grasslands. The study found that using combinations of fertilizers, seeds, and manure boosts plant diversity, pollination, and carbon storage while balancing hay yields for livestock.
A new study found that nutrient availability plays a crucial role in the relationship between precipitation and plant biomass. In grasslands, plant biomass increases with higher mean annual precipitation, but nutrient availability also comes into play. Fertilizing sites with multiple nutrients boosted plant growth and biomass, revealin...
A new study reveals China's NTEs were significant sources of CH₄ and N₂O emissions between 1980 and 2020, with an accumulated GWP of 5.55 Pg CO₂-equivalent. The net warming effect is primarily driven by N₂O emissions.
Research by Kobe University reveals that restoring abandoned grasslands requires at least 75 years of continuous management to regain plant diversity. Pollinators also take time to adapt, with generalist insects like flies and hoverflies dominating recently restored sites.
Researchers found that larger areas of restored habitat reduced both human-wildlife conflicts and social conflicts in Kenya's Chyulu Hills. The more local grassland is restored, the less conflict there is, with benefits including lower levels of social conflict and perceptions of insecurity.
A new study finds that restoring degraded grasslands in Chyulu Hills, Kenya, significantly reduces human-wildlife and social conflicts. By expanding restored areas, local Maasai communities experience fewer competitions over limited resources.
A recent study reveals that smaller arable fields and organic farming are crucial for maintaining high pollinator diversity in calcareous grasslands. The research team found that these factors significantly increase the abundance of flowers, nesting sites, and various wild insect species, particularly endangered ones.
A Kobe University research team found that prescribed burning on young lava flows leads to higher total species richness and prevalence of endangered plant species. The study suggests that acidic soils and shallow depths favor slow-growing plants, allowing rare species to gain a foothold.
Research reveals that Eurasian Steppe grasslands are more susceptible to drought than North American Great Plains due to lower plant diversity. The study found a 43% reduction in annual productivity in Eurasia compared to a 25% reduction in North America under similar extreme drought conditions.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified priority areas for prairie dog conservation, which benefits not only the prairie dog but also other grassland species. The study provides a blueprint for conserving habitats that could help revitalize North America's Central Grasslands.
A 40-year study reveals increasingly common and devastating megadroughts worldwide, with significant impacts on ecosystems and agriculture. The research used global meteorological data to track changes in drought patterns and their effects on vegetation, providing insights into the paradoxical responses of different forest types.
A recent UC Riverside study found that raking dead grass can boost California's native wildflower diversity, reducing fire danger and increasing plant community changes. The simple, low-cost method of removing invasive grass layers allows native seeds to germinate and grow.
Researchers found Andean bears prefer to forage in dry season for young, tender bromeliad plants on east-facing slopes of puna grassland. They actively select specific food resources within the grasslands, indicating their nutritional importance, while avoiding areas with livestock.
Researchers found that giraffes prefer flat terrain and avoid steep slopes of more than 20° due to energy requirements and risk of falling. This limits their access to habitats in protected reserves, with nearly half of Namibia's habitat being unusable for giraffes.
Researchers found that virtual fences created a more gradual transition between native grassland and fully grazed areas, increasing native habitat for pollinators and birds. This transition zone, spanning over 15 meters, provided a greater variation of vegetation heights compared to fenced rangeland.
New studies reveal invasive winter annuals are sensitive to changing rainfall patterns, while heat waves impact Colorado potato beetle survival. In salt marshes, mesopredators like mud crabs take over grazing control from top predators, suggesting resilience to their loss.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that diverse landscapes with good connectivity between quarries and calcareous grasslands support wild bees. Large, old, and flower-rich quarries are particularly valuable habitats for endangered species.
New research reveals that grasslands are responding to climate change almost in real time, with shifts driven by temperature and precipitation changes. The study found that as the climate became hotter and drier, dominant species adapted to those conditions, leading to potential loss of biodiversity.
A 24-year study found that elevated carbon dioxide levels nearly tripled species losses attributed to nitrogen pollution in grasslands, reducing species richness by an average of 7-19%.
A University of Illinois study found that climate conditions can mitigate the effects of grazing on water quality, suggesting a more flexible approach to stocking rates and grazing continuity. The research developed a modeling framework to simulate nitrogen transport from livestock grazing under different climate conditions.
A new study shows that urban forests within walkable distance from residential areas are crucial in reducing heat-related health risks. Researchers found that nearby forests have a pronounced impact on reducing mortality risks, particularly those within 1 kilometre of residential areas.
A recent study published in The Journal of Raptor Research found that Ferruginous Hawk populations are increasing in California, contrary to declining trends in other grassland bird species. Citizen science data analysis revealed a significant decrease in habitat quality yet an increase in hawk abundance across California.
Researchers found that low-intensity grasslands can withstand extreme weather conditions better than intensively used high-performance meadows. This is due to the diversity of native species, which thrive in less managed environments.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
Researchers found that extensive, unfertilized grasslands promote biodiversity and soil protection, while pastures and meadows provide cultural services. The study suggests a combination of different grassland types is necessary to sustain all ecosystem services.
A new study finds that extreme tropical cyclone rainfall is increasing across the continental US, while climate warming restricts 'outdoor days' for people living in developing countries. Additionally, air pollution increases mortality risks from heat, especially when combined with other factors like wildfires and reduced aerosols.
A new study reveals that prairie dogs are a crucial prey source for four species of raptors, including bald eagles, overwintering in the Southern Great Plains. The relationship between prairie dogs and their aerial predators has implications for raptor conservation through climate change.
A 8-month study on a warm-temperate grassland ecosystem found that some predators switch prey and detritivore prey contribute to network stability. These 'network coordinators' offer a measure of flexibility to the overall network architecture.
A study of 8,859 samples from Danish meadows and pastures reveals a decline in plants with large seeds and thin leaves, contradicting theoretical expectations. The data suggests that nature is changing and acting unexpectedly, with fewer weeds and less grazing, despite the expected increase in heavy-seeded species.
A global study led by Colorado State University scientists shows that extreme drought has been greatly underestimated for grasslands and shrublands. The study found that the loss of aboveground plant growth was 60% greater when short-term drought was extreme, exceeding previously reported losses.
Researchers found that planting conditions impact diversity, particularly for perennial species, and that timing of establishment can increase biodiversity. This understanding has important implications for managing restoration projects to promote diversity and long-term resilience.
Studies using controlled experimental-ecosystem chambers found that even low intensities of light pollution have profound effects on individual species' responses and ecological networks. Artificial light alters the timing of key behaviors in mosquito populations, which may carry wide-scale consequences for disease transmission.
A new study found that diverse plant species mixtures increase plant productivity, invasion resistance, and soil nitrogen levels. Multispecies mixtures also drive different functions, with legumes benefiting productivity and water availability.
Researchers found that soil viruses exhibit dynamic and changing behavior after dry soils are watered, with a diverse range of virus types and minimal turnover. This suggests that viruses may play a more nuanced role in shaping bacterial communities and ecosystems than previously thought.
Scientists rediscovered the Species that was first described in 1916, found only in southern Brazil, with an increased distribution to diverse terrains, including rainforests and grasslands. The species is currently Data Deficient due to habitat fragmentation and agricultural pressure.
A new study led by Holden Arboretum ecologists explores the impact of warmer temperatures on decomposition rates in natural ecosystems. The research reveals that interactions between microbes, plants, and warming temperatures can alter decomposition rates, providing valuable insights into how climate change affects ecosystem function.
A new modeling tool called REBURN can simulate large forest landscapes and wildfire dynamics under different management strategies. The tool shows that setting prescribed burns and allowing smaller wildfires to burn can yield more varied and resilient forests over time.
Research found that grassland fragmentation and plant invasion support generalist arthropod species, but may harm specialist species adapted to forest steppes. Plant invasions, such as milkweed, alter microclimates and vegetation structure, affecting arthropod diversity.
Researchers developed a novel method combining satellite imagery and bioacoustic data to monitor bird species on cropfields, finding larger habitat areas and greater variety in texture are associated with more bird species overall. However, grassland birds relying solely on the habitat for their life cycle seem to benefit less.
A study found that ancient kurgans in the Eurasian steppes can preserve steppe grasslands and biodiversity due to their cultural significance. The presence of spiritual and cultural values on these sites increases the chance of grassland presence, comparable to protected areas.
Researchers discover two new sabertooth species, Dinofelis werdelini and Lokotunjailurus chimsamyae, in a global analysis of Langebaanweg fossils. The study reveals a diverse range of environments in Africa, with Machairodonti cats suggesting open grasslands and Metailurini cats indicating forested areas.
Research suggests that forests played a crucial role on the island before people changed the landscape to grow crops and graze domesticated animals. The study found that hippo isotopes indicate they did not regularly graze in open habitats, but instead fed on sedges and leaves.