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Subalpine-Montane Grassland

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Vegetation Dynamics on the Mountains and Plateaus of the American Southwest

Part of the book series: Plant and Vegetation ((PAVE,volume 8))

Abstract

Stands of southwestern Subalpine-Montane Grassland occur as scattered, small to large openings within Spruce-Fir, Mixed Conifer, and Ponderosa Pine Forests. Most stands are dominated by bunchgrasses. Stands are divided into moist and mesic-dry grasslands. Natural disturbances are primarily fire, herbivory, and extreme weather. Historically, moist stands likely burned infrequently and during drought years. Mesic-dry stands likely burned more often, with fire frequency correlated with that of the surrounding forest vegetation and with the dryness of the grassland. The most important anthropogenic disturbance is livestock grazing; others are fire management, modern climate change, invasive species, recreation, and nearby land use. Vegetation dynamics are dominated by three processes: rapid regrowth by resprouting from below-ground structures, succession, and tree encroachment. Where tree encroachment occurs, it appears related to increased precipitation, warmer temperatures, reduced fire, and effects of ungulate herbivory. Specifics of historical conditions are poorly known. Past livestock grazing reduced vegetation cover, altered species composition, and increased invasive plants. Vegetation dynamics are illustrated in a nested, three-tiered set of conceptual models. Key conclusions and challenges for researchers and land managers are summarized.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA

    John L. Vankat (Professor Emeritus)

  2. Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

    John L. Vankat (Senior Research Ecologist)

  3. School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

    John L. Vankat (Adjunct Professor)

  4. Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino, Arizona, USA

    John L. Vankat (Former Ecologist)

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  1. John L. Vankat
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Vankat, J.L., Vankat, J.L., Vankat, J.L., Vankat, J.L. (2013). Subalpine-Montane Grassland. In: Vegetation Dynamics on the Mountains and Plateaus of the American Southwest. Plant and Vegetation, vol 8. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6149-0_6

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