![]() We provide a synthesis of the natural history of these grasses, including their introductions, an overview of remote sensing applications in South Texas, and recommendations for future management practices. Current advances in remote sensing technologies, such as very high spatial resolution coupled with daily satellite imagery and unmanned aerial vehicles, are providing tools for invasive vegetation monitoring. This landscape-level transformation of vegetation composition and structure requires monitoring to quantify and assess the spatial and temporal distributions of invasive species as a basis to inform management practices. These grasses also alter natural fire regimes and nutrient cycling. The monoculture growth habit of these species simplifies vegetation structure, reduces biodiversity, and decreases habitat for many species of wildlife. Additionally, the native grass tanglehead has begun displaying invasive behaviors. ![]() ![]() Several of these exotic species, namely King Ranch bluestem, Kleberg bluestem, Angelton bluestem, buffelgrass, guineagrass, Lehmann lovegrass ( Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees), and Bermudagrass, have escaped pasture cultivation. During the first half of the 20th century, exotic grass species, coupled with the application of industrial agricultural practices appeared to be the future of forage production in South Texas and elsewhere. Historical overgrazing of South Texas rangelands transformed the savanna and prairie to a landscape dominated by woody plants and shrubs interspersed with low seral grass species and bare ground. ![]() South Texas is home to a high diversity of species due to its location at the confluence of subtropical, desert, and coastal ecoregions. ![]()
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