Ecology of Fire in Semiarid Grasslands

Loftin, Samuel

The objectives of this project are to evaluate the effects of prescribed fire on the composition, productivity, and abundance of the vegetation, the nutrient and water dynamics of the soils, and the surface hydrology of two grassland sites in the Middle Rio Grande Basin. Specific questions to be addressed by this design are: . 1) Does a single prescribed fire significantly alter the cover and species composition of these semiarid grasslands? 2) Does a single prescribed fire significantly alter soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus? 3) Does a single prescribed fire significantly alter the surface hydrology of these semiarid grassland sites? This study should be important to all agencies and individuals that manage semiarid grasslands. We will generate information on the effects of fire on vegetation productivity, soil stability, and water quality. If this treatment proves beneficial it could be incorporated into management plans for semiarid grasslands and potentially improve ecosystem health and sustainability.