Rangeland Woody Plant Research

Ecology, Management and Biomass Utilization

Dr. Jim Ansley, Professor & Project Leader

Dr. Mustafa Mirik, Associate Research Scientist

LINKS

Ansley Publications by Subject

Proceedings - Brush Sculpting Symposium 2008

Texas Land  Growth Trends - Cool Maps!

TEXNAT-Texas Natural Resource Management Site

Fire Effects on Plants U.S. Database

Texas A&M Dept. of Ecosystem Science and Management

Hawk on Mesquite Branch

Photo by J. Ansley

INTRODUCTION

Woody plant or "brush" encroachment on grasslands and rangelands is a worldwide phenomenon.  Woody plants can reduce grass forage production for livestock, increase erosion potential by reducing grass cover, and decrease off-site water yields.  In contrast, light to moderate densities of woody plants as a "savanna" can often benefit some wildlife species, and can provide soil nutrients and increase grass species diversity.  Technology is needed to better understand these interactions and offer sustainable brush management solutions.  Primary brush species in the Rolling Plains ecological region in North Texas are honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii).  Pricklypear cactus (Opuntia spp.) can also be a significant problem.

We are conducting shrub ecology studies that measure rates of brush encroachment, brush effects on grass production and brush water use.  We are studying effects of ecological restoration treatments such as prescribed fire and herbicide sprays on brush and pricklypear cactus and post-treatment rates of grass recovery and carbon sequestration.  The mesquite savanna project integrates the use of fire, herbicides and mechanical treatments to convert mesquite thickets to savannas and enhance multiple use options.  See abstracts from a Brush Sculpting Symposium in October 2008 for more about brush sculpting effects on wildlife and vegetation.  What is Vertical Brush Sculpting?  

In addition, we are exploring the potential of future brush management options that include using rangeland woody plants for bio-energy. 

Dr. Carlos Kunst, fire ecologist, from INTA in Santiago del Estero, Argentina visiting our mesquite brush sculpting site near Vernon

Mike Castellano, former Research Associate, and Rob Brown, rancher, after a prescribed fire for pricklypear control on the RA Brown ranch, Throckmorton, TX

Mesquite & Pricklypear Thicket

Deer In Mesquite Savanna

Summer Prescribed Fire In Mesquite

Camouflage Deluxe - Horned Lizard in Buffalograss

Photos by J. Ansley