Vegetative characteristics and relationships in the oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands

Abstract

In this paper, we describe species compositions, densities patterns, and annual growth rates of the tree overstory; species compositions, seasonal production of grasses, forbs, and shrubs, and the utilization of forage species by herbivores; loading of flammable fuel fractions; and ground cover conditions of "representative" oak savannas. Although much has been learned about the ecological, hydrologic, and environmental characteristics of the oak (encinal) woodlands of the Southwestern Borderlands in recent years, comparable information for the lower-elevation oak savannas is also necessary to enhance the knowledge of all oak ecosystems in the region. Oak savannas are more open in stand structure than are the more extensive oak woodlands and, as a consequence, a higher level of herbaceous production might be expected in this ecosystem than in the oak woodlands. A comparative analysis with oak woodlands is also presented wherever possible.

Citation

Ffolliott, Peter F.; Gottfried, Gerald J.; Stropki, Cody L. 2008. Vegetative characteristics and relationships in the oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands. Research Paper RMRS-RP-74. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 16 p.