Publication Date
1989
Description
Grassland vegetation consists of a series of hierarchical levels including the tiller, plant, population and community which collectively influence the productivity and stability of grazed systems. These hierarchical levels may respond uniformly to influence vegetation dynamics, but frequently additional complexity is encountered by the occurrence of opposing responses between or among hierarchical levels. Consequently, it is important to consider responses at several hierarchical levels to achieve an accurate interpretation of vegetation dynamics to grazing within the community. The significance of a hierarchical perspective to vegetation management is illustrated with examples from bunchgrass dominated rangelands at the level of the individual plant, population and community.
Citation
Briske, D D., "Vegetation Dynamics in Grazed Systems: A Hierarchical Perspective" (1989). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 5.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/openingspeeches/5)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Vegetation Dynamics in Grazed Systems: A Hierarchical Perspective
Grassland vegetation consists of a series of hierarchical levels including the tiller, plant, population and community which collectively influence the productivity and stability of grazed systems. These hierarchical levels may respond uniformly to influence vegetation dynamics, but frequently additional complexity is encountered by the occurrence of opposing responses between or among hierarchical levels. Consequently, it is important to consider responses at several hierarchical levels to achieve an accurate interpretation of vegetation dynamics to grazing within the community. The significance of a hierarchical perspective to vegetation management is illustrated with examples from bunchgrass dominated rangelands at the level of the individual plant, population and community.
