Characterization, mapping, and monitoring of rangelands: Methods and approaches [Chapter 13]

Abstract

While there are many definitions of rangeland, the central theme of all these is that it is land on which the dominating vegetation is mainly grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, shrubs and isolated trees (De Cauwer et al., 2024; Arogoundade et al., 2023; Feizizadeh et al., 2023; Sharifi and Felegari, 2023; McCord and Pilliod, 2022; Matongera et al., 2021; Zhou et al., 2020; Hadian et al., 2019; Al-bukhari et al., 2018; Eddy et al., 2017; Gökalp et al., 2017). Rangelands include shrublands, natural grasslands, woodlands, savannahs, tundra and many desert regions. A distinguishing factor of rangelands from pasture lands is that they grow primarily native vegetation, rather than plants established by humans. Rangelands are also managed mainly through extensive practices such as managed livestock grazing and prescribed fire rather than more intensive agricultural practices and the use of fertilizers. Rangelands worldwide are known to provide a wide range of desirable goods and services, including but not limited to livestock forage, wildlife habitat, wood products, mineral resources, water and recreation space. Large populations depend on rangelands for their livelihoods, hence effective monitoring and management is crucial for sustainable production, health and biodiversity of these systems (McCord and Pilliod, 2022; Matongera et al., 2021; Zhou et al., 2020).

Citation

Kumar, Lalit; Sinha, Priyakant; Brown, Jesslyn F.; Ramsey, R. Douglas; Rigge, Matthew; Stam, Carson A.; Hernandez, Alexander J.; Hunt, E. Raymond, Jr.; Reeves, Matthew. 2024. Characterization, mapping, and monitoring of rangelands: Methods and approaches [Chapter 13]. In: Thenkabail, Prasad S., ed. Remote Sensing Handbook, Volume III. Agriculture, Food Security, Rangelands, Vegetation, Phenology, and Soils (2nd ed.). CRC Press. p. 465-518.