Rangeland Woody Plant Research

Ecology, Management and Biomass Utilization

Dr. Jim Ansley, Professor & Project Leader 
Dr. Mustafa Mirik, Associate Research Scientist 
Brady Surber, Research Technician

INTRODUCTION
Woody plant or "brush" encroachment on grasslands and rangelands is a worldwide phenomenon.  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. 

Redberry juniper invasion in north TexasMesquite thicket near Brownwood, TX
Redberry juniper invasion in north Texas
Mesquite thicket near Brownwood, TX
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.  Moreover, scattered dense pockets of woody brush provide key cover for many wildlife species.            
Deer in mesquite savanna
Camouflaged horned lizard in buffalo grass

Technology is needed to better understand these interactions and offer sustainable brush management solutions that accommodate livestock production interests, wildlife habitat needs and overall ecosystem diversity and stability.
Juniper invasion near stream
Cattle grazing in mesquite rangeland

 RESEARCH GOALS:

CONTACT
Dr. Ansley: 1-940-552-9941 ext 234; jansley@ag.tamu.edu
Dr. Mirik: 1-940-552-9941 ext 238; mmirik@ag.tamu.edu

RELATED LINKS
Ansley Publications 
Image Gallery
Texas A&M Dept. of Ecosystem Science and Management 
TEXNAT-Texas Natural Resource Management Site 
Fire Effects on Plants U.S. Database 

PHOTOGRAPH PURCHASE
All photographs presented on this site are by Dr. Jim Ansley.  If you wish to have a higher resolution jpeg image for a modest fee, please contact Dr. Ansley at jansley@ag.tamu.edu.

WOODY COVER MAPS AVAILABLE
If you live in Texas and would like an aerial image of your property with all woody cover distribution mapped as a single color, please contact Dr. Ansley at jansley@ag.tamu.edu.
Price depends on property size and image availability.