Field test of a new Australian method of rangeland monitoring

Abstract

Managers need more efficient means of monitoring changes on the lands they manage. Accordingly, a new Australian approach was field tested and compared to the Daubenmire method of assessing plant cover, litter, and bare soil. The study area was a 2 mile wide by 30.15 mile long strip, mostly covered by salt desert shrub ecosystem types, centered along the SE boundary of the Eagle Bombing Range in NW Utah. Paired T analyses were used to see what differences in condition could be detected between Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Air Force lands occupying the same ecological sites. Because of low statistical power of the test, no statistically significant differences were detected between ownerships. We did however, find some numerical differences illustrating the strengths and shortcomings of the two approaches. The Australian technique was less time consuming but not more readily repeated than the Daubenmire technique. The Australian technique focuses on the importance of protecting soils against erosion. The Daubenmire technique allows collection of data for addressing biodiversity and weed invasion issues. Either or both methods can be done on the same locations, thus, the managers’ objectives and budgetary considerations should guide choices of method(s) employed.

Parent Publication

• Shrubland ecosystem genetics and biodiversity: proceedings

Citation

Mayne, Suzanne; West, Neil. 2001. Field test of a new Australian method of rangeland monitoring. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Fairbanks, Daniel J., comps. Shrubland ecosystem genetics and biodiversity: proceedings; 2000 June 13-15; Provo, UT. Proc. RMRS-P-21. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 315-317.