Publication Details |
Category | Text Publication |
Reference Category | Conference papers |
Title (Primary) | A simulation model for shrubland ecosystem dynamics in arid Karoo, South Africa |
Title (Secondary) | Proceedings: Shrubland ecosystem dynamics in a changing environment; 1995 May 23-25; Las Cruces, NM |
Author | Wiegand, T.; Milton, S.J. |
Publisher | Barrow, J.R.; McArthur, E.D.; Sosebee, R.E.; Tausch, R.J. |
Source Titel | General Technical Report (GTR) |
Year | 1996 |
Department | OESA |
Volume | INT-GTR-338 |
Page From | 135 |
Page To | 142 |
Language | englisch |
Abstract | We present a spatially explicit model that simulates shrubland dynamics over long timespans. The model, based on life history attributes of five dominant shrub species, explores the effects of natural weather patterns and grazing on their competition, survival, growth and abundance. Changing mean seed production in the model altered the dynamic state from one where five dominant species could coexist to states where some species became rare or locally extinct. Simulating heavy grazing (low seed production of palatable species), decreased overall plant densities but increased the abundance of unpalatable shrubs. The time scales for recovery were long compared with human lifespans. The probability of substantial increases in carrying capacity of overgrazed rangeland within 60 years was 7% with livestock withdrawal, and 64% when resting was combined with partial bush clearing. |
Persistent UFZ Identifier | https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=22470 |
Wiegand, T., Milton, S.J. (1996): A simulation model for shrubland ecosystem dynamics in arid Karoo, South Africa In: Barrow, J.R., McArthur, E.D., Sosebee, R.E., Tausch, R.J. (eds.) Proceedings: Shrubland ecosystem dynamics in a changing environment; 1995 May 23-25; Las Cruces, NM General Technical Report (GTR) INT-GTR-338 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Ogden, UT, 135 - 142 |