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WOODY PLANT ECOLOGY RESEARCH |
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A better understanding of woody plant ecology is necessary in order to develop more effective brush management strategies. Ecological studies include measuring mesquite water use rates, mesquite seed ecology, and mesquite competition with understory grasses. |
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Mesquite Water Use Our research has found that a 3 meter tall, multi-stemmed mesquite tree can use 20-80 liters (5-20 gallons) of water per day during mid-summer. This image shows us measuring photosynthesis and transpiration on a mesquite tree using a LiCor LI-6200. |
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Mesquite
Competition with Grasses Mesquite in dense
stands (>25% cover) can reduce grass growth by as much as 50-80%, yet lighter
densities of mesquite (<15% cover) can often enhance grass growth. The image at
left is 2 m tall basal regrowth on a mesquite tree that was top-killed by fire
a few years earlier.
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Mesquite Seed Ecology Many animals, including cattle, consume mesquite seeds and re-distribute those seeds though their feces. This can greatly accelerate rates of brush encroachment. This image shows a mesquite seedling emerging from a white-tailed deer fecal pellet. |
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Juniper Ecology Studies have measured rates of juniper encroachment and effects of chaining and fire treatments on juniper mortality and herbaceous restoration. The image at left shows a chained redberry juniper stump that has been burned 4 years after chaining.
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