Date of Award
2018
Publisher
North Dakota State University
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Awarded
Master of Science (MS)
Program
Range Science
Department
School of Natural Resource Sciences
College
Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources
Faculty Advisor
Limb, Ryan F.
Description
Prescribed burning was utilized as a management tool on grasslands of the Northern Great Plains. We analyzed the use of fire to manipulate encroaching and unpalatable western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), to promote browsing and improve nutritive quality. Fire was successful at altering the nutrient quality of western snowberry and selectivity of grazing livestock from plant specific to patch specific. Additionally, we evaluated the difference between burn season and frequency on plant community dynamics of an ungrazed tallgrass prairie invaded by Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Fire promoted native forb and grass species, stressing that native species are well adapted to the historical disturbance. Our research emphasizes the need for restored fire regimes in the Northern Great Plains to benefit numerous aspects of prairie ecosystem function, stability, services, and productivity.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Haley Mae Ann, "Impacts of Prescribed Fire and Grazing on Northern Great Plains Rangelands" (2018). Range Science. 12.
https://digitalcommons.ndsu.edu/range-sci/12
Rights
NDSU policy 190.6.2
Rights Link
https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf
Handle Identifier
https://hdl.handle.net/10365/29007