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University
of
California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
University
of
California
California Ecosystem Management Database
Home
Database
Tips for using the database
Handbook- Measuring Ecosystem Services
Terms of Data Use
Project Team
University of California
California Ecosystem Management Database
Database
Restoration Ecology
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Project Detail View
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HREC Seed dynamics
|
water tank control
Project Overview
Contacts
Site Description & Data
Goals
Management Practices
Monitoring
Export
Project Name
HREC Seed dynamics
Public?
Yes
Background Public
The purpose of this study was to asses how small mammals affect plant composition, plant production, seed production, and soil nutrient levels. Twelve sites have been selected to span a broad range of conditions typical of California rangelands. At each site, we have established two 4m x 4m plots. The control plot excludes only sheep, while the exclosure plot is fenced both below- and above-ground to exclude both sheep and small mammals (the primary granivores). Throughout the growing season, we are tracking plant and litter biomass, seed production, and soil nutrients.
Background Private
Seedling thinning amounts were also determine
Project Results
Brief summary of the project results
The exclosure of wmall mammals had impacts that varied seasonally, and from year to year
What changed?
Small mammals did not influence litter decomposition rates. They greatly decreased the number of plant seedlings early in the growing season (fall) and late in the growing season (Spring), but also led to wild fluctuations (+/- 12,000 seedlings/ m2) in seedlings across seasons. That that seedling numbers were highest in the winter when small mammals were present. Soil nitrogen availability, and to a lesser extent phosphorus availability mirrored the seedling effects. When seedling numbers were high in the presence of small mammals, soil nutrients were high.
Over what time frame?
Seasonal changes (months) and over a 2 year period
Was it a success?
n/a
What criteria was used to determine success vs. failure?
n/a
What were the key impediments to success?
difficult to keep small mammals excluded for a long time- build higher above-ground fences with "flashing" s they can't climb
Were there unexpected benefits?
gooatgrass cover was far lower when rodents were excluded
Editing Site (water tank control)
Name
Floristic Province
California province
• Klamath Ranges
• Southern Sierra Nevada Foothills
• Northern High Sierra Nevada
• Central High Sierra Nevada
• Southern High Sierra Nevada
• Tehachapi Mountain area
• Sacramento Valley
• San Joaquin Valley
• Central Coast
• San Francisco Bay area
• Inner South Coast Ranges
• North coast
• Outer South Coast Ranges
• South Coast
• Northern Channel Islands
• Southern Channel Islands
• Western Transverse Ranges
• San Gabriel Mountains
• San Bernardino Mountains
• San Jacinto Mountains
• Peninsular Ranges (excl. San Jacinto)
• High North Coast Ranges
• Inner North Coast Ranges
• Outer North Coast Ranges
• Cascade Range Foothills
• High Cascade range
• Northern Sierra Nevada Foothills
• Central Sierra Nevada Foothills
Great Basin province
• Warner Mountains
• Modoc Plateau (excluding Warner Mountains)
• White and Inyo Mountains
• Sierra Nevada East (excl. White, Inyo Mountains)
Desert Province
• Desert Mountains
• Mojave Desert (excl. desert mountains)
• Sonoran Desert
Ecosystem type
Grassland
Oak woodland/savannah
Shrubland
Riparian
Other
Size
acres
hectares
Topography
slight slope
Aspect
west
Soil Description
201- Squarock-Witherell complex
Weather
History
high grazing
Pre-project Vegetation
Species
No Species have been added
Pre-project condition
Pre-project challenges
Erodible
Low Production
0
Low Forage Quality
Low Plant Diversity
Invasive Plants
Soil Compaction
Water Runoff
Low Water Holding Capacity
Low Water Quality
Low Soil Fertility
Low Wildlife Habitat
Low Pollinator Habitat
Fire Risk
Regulation
Pre-project advantages
Site Advantages
Low Erosion
High Production
High Forage Quality
Plant Diversity
Low Invasive Plants
High Native Success
Low Compaction
Low Water Runoff
High Water Holding Capacity
High Water Quality
High Soil Fertility
High Wildlife Species
High Pollinator Habitat
Low Fire Risk
Surrounding landscape
Other site info
Monitoring Measurements
Type
Protocol
Result
UOM
Standard
Replicate
Extractable/labile soil nutrients assessed
PRS (plant root simulator) resin probes were inserted into the soil, and replaced at every sampling
ug/m2
Extractable/labile soil nutrients assessed
PRS (plant root simulator) resin probes were inserted into the soil, and replaced at every sampling
ug/m2
Extractable/labile soil nutrients assessed
PRS (plant root simulator) resin probes were inserted into the soil, and replaced at every sampling
ug/m2
Extractable/labile soil nutrients assessed
PRS (plant root simulator) resin probes were inserted into the soil, and replaced at every sampling
ug/m2
% cover
percent cover of species determined, particularly of Aegilops triuncialis
%
Pictures
Documents
1 contact found
Name
Project Role
Title
Email
Phone
Valerie Eviner
Data owner
Associate Professor
veviner@ucdavis.edu
530-752-8538
Monitoring
Management Treatment Plot Count
Management Treatment Plot Details
trenches were dug, and 1/4" chicken wire was inserted into the trench to a 3 foot depth. This also extended 2 feet above the ground, incorporated into a cattle fence that was 3 feet tall.
Control Comparison Plot Count
Control Comparison Plot Details
Just a livestock fence, but no belowground fencing
To describe overall monitoring scheme, use text boxes below (e.g. how many subplots were sampled, how they were selected, etc.). To describe individual measures (e.g. plant composition)- use the
Add Monitoring Measurements
button below.
Measurement Count
Monitoring Details What
Monitoring Details How
In the 4 m x 4m plots, 3 areas were randomly chosen for sampling at each time period
Monitoring Details When
fall, winter, early spring, mid-spring, and early summer in the 2008-9 and 1009-10 growing seasons
Monitoring Details Frequency
seasonally and annually
Monitoring Details Wishes
small mammal activity signs
Monitoring Details Other
Monitoring Measurements
Type
Protocol
Timing
Units
Action
Extractable/labile soil nutrients assessed
PRS (plant root simulator) resin probes were inserted into the soil, and replaced at every sampling
Nov-08
ug/m2
Extractable/labile soil nutrients assessed
PRS (plant root simulator) resin probes were inserted into the soil, and replaced at every sampling
Jan-09
ug/m2
Extractable/labile soil nutrients assessed
PRS (plant root simulator) resin probes were inserted into the soil, and replaced at every sampling
Mar-09
ug/m2
Extractable/labile soil nutrients assessed
PRS (plant root simulator) resin probes were inserted into the soil, and replaced at every sampling
May-09
ug/m2
% cover
percent cover of species determined, particularly of Aegilops triuncialis
May-09
%
Choose Management project type
Choose
Site Restoration
Changes in Site Management/Conditions
Discrete event - Single management or environmental event
On-going management/studies
Research manipulations that aren't direct management manipulations
Management project type
Select the Spreadsheet Export that you would like and click the "Export Data" button.
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Management Goals
No Management Goals have been added.
Research Goals
No Research Goals have been added.
Webmaster Email: sbedberg@ucanr.edu
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