bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal dynamics of prairie sandreed rhizome development
Authors: Reece P. E. , Nixon J. S. , Moser L. E. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Multiple generations of rhizome-connected tillers stabilize soils and produce measurable amounts of herbage on sandy rangeland throughout the world. However, little is known about the dynamics of rhizome development in these clonal plant species. Seasonal relationships between foliar characteristics and rhizomes of prairie sandreed [Calamovilfa longifolia (Hook) Scribn.] were examined on sands range sites at 30-day intervals from May through September 1989 and 1990 at the University of Nebraska, Panhandle Experimental Range near Scottsbluff. Quadrats were excavated each year from two, 5 x 5 Latin Square macroplots in each of 2 grazing histories, long-term rest or current-year deferment. Under dry conditions in 1989, a 65% reduction in the length of new rhizomes during July preceded a 64% reduction in live tillers in August. After which, rhizome length and live tiller density were unchanged and mean tiller weight increased during September. When average precipitation occurred in 1990, a 25% reduction in live tillers and concurrent increases in new rhizome length and mean tiller weight occurred during July. Rhizome bud densities increased throughout the growing season at different but predictable rates (R2 greater than or equal to 0.95) for grazing histories, regardless of precipitation. Length of new rhizomes was highly correlated (R2 = 0.91) with live herbage throughout the growing season. Measurable increases in total rhizome length did not occur until live herbage of prairie sandreed exceeded a threshold of about 50 g m(-2). Maximum increase in length of new rhizomes per unit of live herbage was about 10 cm g(-1) near 100 g m(-2). Given its dependence on vegetative reproduction and relatively high palatability to beef cattle, periodic or repeated years of full growing season deferment may be the only reliable method of obtaining measurable increases in prairie sandreed populations.
Elk management strategies and profitability of beef cattle ranches
Authors: Torstenson W. L. F. , Tess M. W. , Knight J. E. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Computer simulation was used to determine the effects of wild elk (Cervus elaphus) on available forage, cattle herd size, and ranch gross margin in southwestern Montana beef cow-calf production systems. Data collected from 5 southwestern Montana ranches were used to develop input parameters for bio-economic models of elk forage harvest and beef production. Input parameters described ranch resources, animal inventories, and animal management. Cattle herd size ranged from 241 to 1147 head. Elk numbers varied by season within ranch and ranged from 49 to 421 head. Ranches were simulated as currently managed with elk present and with 10, 20, 30, and 100% of the elk removed. Simulated management scenarios were replicated 10 times. Data from each ranch were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Cattle herd size, gross margin, and available forage significantly (P < 0.05) increased when all elk were removed; however, the magnitude of these effects differed among ranches. Removal of all elk permitted cattle herd size to increase from 7 to 32% across ranches. Annual costs of elk on the 5 ranches (i.e., increase in gross margin from elk removal) ranged from 5,949 to 21,152. On an AUM basis, elk costs ranged from 8.55 to 14.51. Three management alternatives were evaluated for their potential to recover elk costs: Montana's Block Management Program, coordinated exchange of forage use, and leasing of hunting access. For each ranch, at least one of these management strategies could recover all estimated costs of providing elk habitat. Elk can significantly reduce profits for cow-calf ranches in southwestern Montana. Elk impacts on beef enterprise profits are closely associated with efficiency of resource use by cattie-i.e., ranches with lower unit costs of production lose more gross margin by providing forage for elk compared to ranches with higher production costs.
Do most livestock losses to poisonous plants result from "poor" range management?
Authors: Holechek J. L. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

In recent years livestock death losses from poisonous plants in the western United States have averaged about 2-3% annually. A review of 36 grazing studies in North America shows poisonous plant availability and death losses of livestock from poisonous plants are closely associated with grazing intensity. Across studies, livestock death losses to poisonous plants average about 2.0% under moderate grazing compared with 4.8% under heavy grazing intensities. Sheep and goat losses from poisonous plants appear to be increased more by heavy stocking than those from cattle. Impacts of poisonous plants on livestock reproductive success are difficult to quantify, but probably reduce calf and lamb crops, even when grazing intensities are conservative. Increased poisonous plant consumption may explain in part why calf and lamb crops average about 7% lower under heavy compared to moderate grazing. With the exception of 1 Texas study, rotation and continuous/season long grazing systems show little differences in livestock death losses under comparable stocking rates. Certain plants, such as locoweeds (Astragalus sp.) and larkspur (Delphinium sp.), can elevate livestock death losses, even when grazing intensities are moderate or conservative. Special management programs that involve careful timing of grazing, aversive conditioning, and creation of locoweed (or larkspur)-free pastures can reduce problems with these plants. Use of adapted livestock is a critical part of minimizing poisonous plant problems. However, on some rangelands, such as those with infestations of locoweed and larkspurs, naive livestock may be less affected by poisonous plants than familiar livestock. Knowledge of poisonous plant identification, conditions of toxicity, and affects on the animal, in conjunction with conservative grazing, will in most cases avoid excessive death and productivity losses from poisonous plants. In some cases livestock can be conditioned or trained to not consume poisonous plants. It can be concluded that most livestock losses from poisonous plants are caused by poor management.
Plains larkspur (Delphinium geyeri) grazing by cattle in Wyoming
Authors: Pfister J. A. , Gardner D. R. , Stegelmeier B. L. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Plains larkspur (Delphinium geyeri Greene) is a major cause of cattle deaths in the northern Great Plains of Wyoming and Colorado. We examined the amount and timing of larkspur ingestion by grazing cattle in relation to larkspur phenology, nutrient concentrations, and weather conditions. Four summer grazing trials were conducted near Cheyenne (1996 and 1997) and Laramie, Wyo. (1998 and 1999). All trials began when plains larkspur was vegetative or in the early bud stage. In the first 2 studies, 6 yearling heifers grazed from 3 May to 4 August 1996; the same animals plus 5 cow-calf pairs grazed from 13 May to 10 August 1997. During both 1996 and 1997, cattle ate 0.5 to 1% of bites as larkspur during May, then consumption decreased to nearly 0 during the remainder of both summers. When eaten, larkspur was typically consumed during cool, foggy weather conditions. In the last 2 studies, 6 cow-calf pairs grazed near Laramie, Wyo., from 13 May to 30 June 1998, and 6 different cow-calf pairs grazed from 2 June to 20 July 1999. Cattle ate substantial amounts of plains larkspur (herd average approximately 3%) during the vegetative and bud stages from mid-May into early June, 1998. Cattle may have eaten more larkspur during 1998 because drought reduced spring availability of green grass. Consumption of larkspur was negatively related (r2 = 0.43) to daily temperature in 1998, but not during 1999. During 1999 cattle ate essentially no plains larkspur during the vegetative and bud stages, but ate larkspur (herd average approximately 5%) during the flower and pod stages when larkspur plants were beginning to desiccate and ambient temperatures were above average. This series of trials indicates that it will be difficult to predict plains larkspur consumption based on larkspur growth patterns or weather. Although cattle sometimes increase plains larkspur consumption when temperatures are cooler than normal, this pattern is not consistent enough to serve as a basis for management recommendations.
Short-term monitoring of rangeland forage conditions with AVHRR imagery
Authors: Thoma D. P. , Bailey D. W. , Long D. S. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

A study was conducted to determine the potential of using Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) imagery to monitor short-term changes in rangeland forage conditions on a regional scale. Forage biomass and nitrogen concentration were estimated at 6 study sites throughout a typical grazing season (April to October). Study sites were located in northern and southern Montana in areas classified as foothills grassland and shortgrass prairie. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values from AVHRR imagery (1 km pixels) were used to predict live biomass, dead standing biomass, total biomass, nitrogen (N) concentration and standing N. Values of the NDVI were correlated (r < 0.4, P < 0.01) to live, dead, and total biomass estimates and standing N, but were not correlated to N concentration (r = 0.04, P = 0.8). Relationships between NDVI and vegetative attributes were similar (P > 0.05) for all 6 study sites, which indicates that NDVI could be used to predict forage abundance at multiple locations and at variable dates. Using simple linear regression, NDVI accounted for 63% of the variation in live and total biomass, 18% of the variation in dead biomass, 66% of the variation in standing N, but < 1% of the variation in N concentration. The NDVI obtained from AVHRR imagery was a good predictor of forage abundance as measured by live, dead and total biomass as well as standing N, but it was not related to forage quality as measured by N or crude protein concentration. On a regional basis, land managers could use AVHRR-NDVI values to identify areas with high or low levels of forage abundance that may result from factors such as drought, variable precipitation patterns, or uneven grazing.
Valuing grazing use on public land
Authors: Bartlett E. T. , Torell L. A. , Rimbey N. R. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

The value of public land forage has been of key interest since grazing fees were first established on federal lands. Additionally, knowing the value of rangeland forage is important for assessing the economics of range improvements, grazing systems, and alternative land uses. It is important for resource value comparisons and impact assessments when public land forage is allocated to other uses. In this synthesis paper, we review the various methods that have been used to value public land forage and discuss the advantages and limitations of each. We highlight that past valuation efforts have concentrated on the value of public land forage for livestock production and, consequently, underestimated total forage value and rancher willingness to pay for forage and grazing permits. These research efforts failed to recognize that amenity and lifestyle attributes from ranch ownership and forage leasing play important roles in the use and pricing of rangeland forage. We review the numerous studies conducted to estimate public land forage value and suggest modifications to improve future value estimates. Because lifestyle attributes of ranch ownership have so strongly influenced ranch values and what ranchers are willing to pay for grazing use on public lands, we find the market value of federal grazing permits and a modification of the standard contingent valuation method for valuing non-market goods to hold the greatest promise for valuing public land grazing.
Selected factors affecting seedling recruitment of dalmatian toadflax
Authors: Grieshop M. J. , Nowierski R. M. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Seedling recruitment of Dalmatian toadflax, (Linaria genistifolia ssp. dalmatica (L.) Maire and Petitmengin (Scrophulariaceae)), was examined in a 2-year field study in Montana using overseeding and plant/insect exclusion methods, to determine whether it was more limited by seed availability or interspecific plant competition. Overseeding test plots with toadflax seed had no effect on seedling recruitment. Exclusion of plant competition (via herbicide application and pruning) significantly increased total, and cumulative seedling recruitment of Dalmatian toadflax on the last sampling date in 3 of 4, and 2 of 4 cases examined, respectively. Insect exclusion (via insecticide application) significantly increased total seedling recruitment of Dalmatian toadflax on the last sampling date in only 1 of 4 cases examined, and had no effect on cumulative seedling recruitment of Dalmatian toadflax on the last sampling date. We conclude that seedling recruitment in Dalmatian toadflax was more strongly influenced by plant competition than herbivory in our study. Hence, microsite limitation (i.e., competition for "safe sites for germination") rather than seed limitation appears to play a more important role in toadflax seedling recruitment. In light of this, current biological control agents that impact seed production will likely have minimal capabilities of influencing toadflax density. Thus, a premium should be placed on establishing biological control agents that are able to cause significant damage to the stem and root system of Dalmatian toadflax, and in maintaining a healthy plant community that, through interspecific competition, will negatively affect toadflax seedling recruitment.
Hydrologic response of diverse western rangelands
Authors: Pierson F. B. , Spaeth K. E. , Weltz M. A. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

There are several generalizations or assumptions concerning rangeland hydrology and erosion relationships found in the literature and in the management arena. These generalizations have found their way into rangeland models, where modelers have assumed that diverse rangeland types can be lumped or averaged together in some way to develop one algorithm or equation to describe a process or relationship across the entire spectrum of rangeland types. These assumptions and modeling approaches based on the universal concept may not be appropriate for diverse rangeland types. This paper presents a comprehensive data set of vegetation, soils, hydrology, and erosion relationships of diverse western rangelands, and utilizes the data to assess the validity of the various assumptions/generalizations for rangelands. The data set emphasizes the difficulty in understanding hydrologic responses on semiarid rangelands, where the relationship between plant/soil characteristics and infiltration/erosion is not well established. When all sites were pooled together, infiltration and sediment production were not correlated with any measured vegetation or soil characteristic. A myriad group of factors determine infiltration and erosion, and is dependent on rangeland type and site conditions. The infiltration and erosion responses and correlation/regression analyses presented highlight the risk of using generalized assumptions about rangeland hydrologic response and emphasize the need to change the current modeling approach. Universal algorithms to represent the response of all rangeland types, such as the pooled multiple regression equations presented, will not provide sufficient accuracy for prediction or assessment of management. We need to develop a rationale to organize rangeland types/vegetation states according to similarities in relationships and responses. These functional rangeland units would assist in the development of more accurate predictive equations to enhance model performance and management of rangelands.
Mineral concentration dynamics among 7 northern Great Basin grasses
Authors: Ganskopp Dave , Bohnert Dave ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Livestock and wildlife managers must be aware of the nutritional dynamics of forages to sustain satisfactory growth and reproduction of their animals and assure fair value for pasture. Despite a history of livestock grazing in the northern Great Basin, annual and seasonal mineral concentrations of many of the region's prominent grasses have not been measured. We addressed this problem with monthly sampling (April-November) of 7 cool-season grasses at 6 sites during 1992, a drier than average year (86% of mean precipitation), and 1993 when precipitation was 167% of average (255 mm). Grasses included: Poa sandbergii Vasey, Bromus tectorum L., Sitanion hystrix (Nutt.) Smith, Agropyron spicatum (Pursh) Scribn. & Smith, Festuca idahoensis Elmer, Stipa thurberiana Piper, and Elymus cinereus Scribn. & Merr. Phosphorus, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Na were assayed, and initial statistical analysis was a split-split-plot with main effects of species, years, and months and all possible interactions. For a preponderance of the minerals, (Zn and Na excluded) the 3-way year x month x species interactions were significant (P < 0.05) indicating that main effects did not function independently. Generally, mineral concentrations averaged about 41% higher among the grasses for the drier of the 2 years (1992). Copper, Zn, and Na concentrations were below required levels for beef cattle (9.9, 28.8, and 672 mg kg-1, respectively) among all the grasses for all sampling periods. Seasonally deficient minerals included Ca, Mg, P, K, and Mn. Calcium and Mn were largely deficient (< 3.2 and 1.15 g kg-1, respectively) for beef cattle early in the growing season with levels rising as grasses matured. Seasonal patterns of Mg were variable among the grasses, increasing in some as the season progressed, remaining stable among others, and declining with maturity in yet others. Phosphorus and K levels were typically adequate (> 1.94 and 5.76 g kg-1, respectively) for beef cattle early in the growing season and declined to deficient levels by July and August. Iron was of no concern, because concentrations were more than adequate for cattle (> 48 mg kg-1) among all the grasses for all seasons. While a mixed stand of forages can extend the period of adequate mineral nutrition for cattle in some instances, we suggest that a supplement be available season-long on northern Great Basin rangelands and that the formulation include at least Ca, Mg, P, K, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Na in available forms and proper ratios.
Vegetation dynamics from annually burning tallgrass prairie in different seasons
Authors: Towne E. Gene , Kemp Ken E. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Traditional perception of how tallgrass prairie responds to fire at times other than late spring is either anecdotal or extrapolated from studies that lack spatial or temporal variability. Therefore, we evaluated patterns of change in vegetation cover, species richness, diversity, and aboveground biomass production on 2 different topographic positions from ungrazed watersheds that were burned annually for 8 years in either autumn (November), winter (February), or spring (April). Topoedaphic factors influenced the response patterns of some species to seasonal fire, although differences were primarily in the rate of change. Annual burning in autumn and winter produced similar trends through time for most species. Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) cover increased with all burn regimes, whereas indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash] increased only with spring burning. Repeated autumn and winter burning eventually increased perennial forb cover, with the largest increases occurring in heath aster [Symphyotrichum ericoides (L.) Nesom], aromatic aster [S. oblognifolium (Nutt.) Nesom], tall goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.), and legumes. Species richness increased (P < 0.001) through time with spring and winter burning, but was similar among all burn treatments after 8 years of annual fire. Average grass and forb biomass did not differ among burn seasons on either topographic position, although interannual biomass production fluctuated inconsistently with time of burn. Our findings contrast with many of the conventional views of how tallgrass prairie vegetation responds to seasonal fire and challenges traditional recommendations that burning should only occur in late spring.
Journal of Range Management, Volume 56, Number 3 (May 2003)
Authors:   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Complete digitized issue.
Distribution of Russian knapweed in Colorado: climate and environmental factors
Authors: Goslee S. C. , Beck K. G. , Peters D. P. C. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens (L.) DC.) was introduced to the western United States during the early 1900s. This invasive perennial was a contaminant of alfalfa seed, and was distributed widely across Colorado. Thus, current distributions reflect the climate and soils tolerances of Russian knapweed, and management history, rather than dispersal processes. We surveyed extension and weed agents across Colorado, and were able to locate 528 current or recently eliminated Russian knapweed stands. These patches were superimposed on climate and soils maps to identify 1 km grid cells that were known to contain Russian knapweed. The status of Russian knapweed within a cell was used as the dependent variable in a logistic regression model to define the environmental envelope for this species. At the scale of our analysis, Russian knapweed was most prevalent on fine-textured soils (clay and clay loam), and in warmer, drier regions of Colorado (precipitation 18-73 cm/yr, mean annual temperature 1-12 degrees C). June precipitation was the most important single factor, although nearly all environmental, annual, and monthly climatic factors were significantly related to Russian knapweed occurrence. The multivariate logistic regression model we developed was used to predict the probability of occurrence of Russian knapweed for the entire state of Colorado. Our predictions matched the areas of highest abundance of Russian knapweed from a new field survey, and also indicated areas of high risk that were not identified by the field survey.
Long-term grass yields following chemical control of honey mesquite
Authors: Ansley R. J. , Pinchak W. E. , Teague W. R. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Long-term herbaceous response data following herbicidal treatment of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) are needed to develop more accurate projections regarding economic feasibility of these treatments and to model ecological interactions between woody and herbaceous plants in rangeland systems. Our objective was to measure herbaceous yield and mesquite regrowth 10 or 20 years after mesquite was aerially sprayed with either mesquite top-killing or root-killing herbicides. Treatments evaluated included mesquite top-killing herbicides at 10-12 years (T10) and 19-21 years (T20) post-treatment, mesquite root-killing herbicides at 10-12 years (R10) and 19-21 years (R20) post-treatment, and an untreated control where mesquite were 30 years old (C30). Treatments were applied in the late 1970's or late 1980's. Grass yields, measured annually from 1998 through 2000, were quantified within patches of 3 perennial grass functional groups: cool-season mid-grasses, warm-season mid-grasses, or warm-season short-grasses. Cool-season annual grass yields were also quantified within these perennial grass patches. By 1998, mesquite canopy cover was 55, 47, 36, 24, and 12% in C30, T20, T10, R20, and R10 treatments, respectively. Warm-season mid-grass yields were most sensitive to differences in mesquite cover in all 3 years and declined sharply when mesquite cover exceeded 30%. Cool-season mid-grass yields declined slightly with increasing mesquite cover. Warm-season short-grass and cool-season annual grass yields were not related to mesquite cover, except in 2000 when warm-season short-grass yield beneath mesquite canopies increased with increasing mesquite cover. Results suggest that herbicide treatment life (defined by increased perennial grass yield in response to mesquite treatments) was at least 20 years for the root-killing herbicide, but no longer than 10 years for the top-killing herbicide.
Defoliation tolerance and ammonium uptake rate in perennial tussock grasses
Authors: Carolina Saint Pierre , Busso Carlos Alberto , Montenegro Oscar ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Stipa clarazii, Ball. has been shown to be more tolerant to defoliation and a superior competitor to S. tenuis Philo and S. ambigua Speg. 3 perennial grasses native to semiarid rangelands in central Argentina. Mechanisms contributing to its great defoliation tolerance and competitive ability, however, are largely unexplored. We examined tolerance to defoliation and ammonium uptake rates on defoliated and undefoliated plants of those species at 10, 25, and 50 ppm NH4+ using (NH4)2SO4 solutions containing 60 atom %15N excess. By mid-spring, greater regrowth following defoliation in S. clarazii than in S. tenuis or S. ambigua indicated greater defoliation tolerance in the first than in the other 2 species. Stipa clarazii had similar of higher ammonium uptake rates than S. tenuis and S. ambigua. Higher ammonium uptake rates in S. clarazii thus appear to be one of the mechanisms most likely contributing to its greater competitive ability and defoliation tolerance when compared to the other 2 species. Defoliated plants of all 3 species had similar or greater ammonium uptake rates than undefoliated plants. These results suggest that photosynthetic canopy reestablishment may be achieved without sacrificing root function in these perennial grasses, at least as long as carbon reserves do not become a limiting factor. Ammonium uptake rates increased when NH4+ concentrations increased in the labeled solutions in S. clarazii, S. tenuis and S. ambigua. This result demonstrates the capacity of the root system for increasing nutrient acquisition during periods of high resource availability.
Viewpoint: Entropy, concept design, and animal-unit equivalence in range management science
Authors: Scarnecchia David L. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

The animal unit has been a multiple-use concept in the natural resource sciences. This paper examines the animal unit as an example of a general process of concept design, a process involving multiple options for defining the concept, and multiple objectives and multiple applications for the concept in range management science. Based on this analysis, the animal unit is abstracted as a unit of energy demand independent of interactive considerations of forage or environment. The proposed definition optimizes the utility and universality of the concept by minimizing confounding in the concept's most important applications. The result is a simplified concept that can be used to explicitly express animal equivalences, and can be used in a web of more complex, interactive concepts and models involving human objectives, natural resources, and livestock. The animal unit and animal-unit equivalent are relatively simple examples of synthetic concepts involving communication that are central to the identity of range management science.
Selective control of rangeland grasshoppers with prescribed fire
Authors: Vermeire Lance T. , Mitchell Robert B. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) are considered among the most damaging rangeland pests, but are necessary for the survival of many wildlife species. Most grasshoppers species are innocuous, but control with insecticides is non-discriminatory among species. The objectives were to evaluate the effects of prescribed burning on the abundance and biomass of grasshoppers and to determine if species could be selectively controlled with prescribed fire. Twenty-four, 4-ha sites were selected in a sand sagebrush-mixed prairie near Woodward, Okla. and blocked by pasture. Plots were randomly assigned fall-, spring-, or non-burned treatments within block with 4 replications per treatment for each of 2 years. Grasshopper biomass and abundance were sampled in late July and early August by sweeping with canvas beating nets. Specimens were weighed to the nearest 0.1 mg and identified to species. Fire treatments had no effects on the total abundance or biomass of grasshoppers across species, with about 10 grasshoppers weighing 4,090 mg per 150 sweeps. Fire effects on the 4 most common species were variable and could be explained by the biology of the insects. Melanoplus bowditchi and M. flavidus were unaffected by fire treatment. Hesperotettix viridis is sensitive to damage to its host plants and was reduced about 88% by fire in either season. Ageneotettix deorum abundance was 65% lower on fall-burned plots. We hypothesize the reduction occurred because the species' eggs are laid near the soil surface and exposed to the heat of passing fire. Fire prescriptions may be developed to target species-specific vulnerabilities and reduce pest grasshoppers while maintaining the food base for grasshopper predators.
Quantification and simulation of soil water on grazed fescue watersheds
Authors: Chanasyk David S. , Mapfumo Emmanuel , Willms Walter D. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

A 2-year study was conducted at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Stavely Range Substation, Alberta. The objective was to quantify and simulate the soil water status of small grassland watersheds under 3 grazing intensities and 4 topographic positions. The grazing treatments were ungrazed (or control), heavy (2.4 AUM ha-1) and very heavy (4.8 AUM ha-1) grazing and the topographic positions were upperslope, midslope, lowerslope and 5 m away from the collector drain. Moisture readings were taken every 2 weeks between spring and fall using a CPN 503 moisture neutron probe. Readings were taken at the soil surface and at 15-, 25-, 35-, 45- and 55-cm depths. Total annual precipitation in 1998 and 1999 was 648 and 399 mm, respectively. In both years grazing treatments did not affect total soil water in the 0-50 cm (TSW50) depth interval for the upper, middle and lower slope positions, but TSW50 close to the collector drain was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater for the heavy grazed compared to the very heavy grazed treatment. Within each grazing treatment, TSW50 differences among slope positions occurred mainly under the heavy grazed treatment. Simulation of soil water at each soil depth and watershed was conducted using the Versatile Soil Moisture Budget Model (VB2000). Statistical and graphical evaluations of the model results were conducted using the volumetric soil water data collected for 1998 and 1999. The statistics determined included average error (AE), root mean square (RMS), coefficient of residual mass (CRM), modeling efficiency (EF) and coefficient of determination (CD). All statistics varied with each soil depth and watershed, indicating the transient nature of the data. This is reflected in the mostly negative CRM values, which ranged between -1.0 and 0.16. Overall model fitting to the whole data for all depths, watersheds and years gave values of CRM = -0.08 and EF = 0.19, indicating a slight over-prediction by the model. Spatial variation due to presence of rocks or cracks and averaging across slopes may have partly contributed to the discrepancies between model results and observed data.
Response of mountain meadows to grazing by recreational pack stock
Authors: Cole David N. , Van Wagtendonk Jan W. , McClaran Mitchel P. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Effects of recreational pack stock grazing on mountain meadows in Yosemite National Park were assessed in a 5-year study. Yosemite is a designated wilderness, to be managed such that its natural conditions are preserved. Studies were conducted in 3 characteristic meadow types: shorthair sedge (Carex filifolia Nutt.), Brewer's reed grass (Calamagrostis breweri Thurber), and tufted hairgrass [Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) Beauv.]. Horses and mules grazed experimental plots at intensities of 15 to 69% utilization for 4 seasons. In all 3 meadows, grazing caused decreases in productivity. The mean reduction after 4 years of grazing was 18% in the shorthair sedge meadow, 17% in the Brewer's reed grass meadow, and 22% in the tufted hairgrass meadow. Grazing also caused shifts in basal groundcover (usually a reduction in vegetation cover and increase in bare soil cover), and changes in species composition. Productivity and vegetation cover decreased as percent utilization increased, while bare soil cover increased as utilization increased. Changes in species composition were less predictably related to differences in grazing intensity. Passive management of grazing is insufficient in wilderness areas that are regularly used by groups with recreational stock. Wilderness managers need to monitor meadow conditions and the grazing intensities that occur. Our study suggests that biomass and ground cover are more sensitive indicators of grazing impact than species composition. Managers must make decisions about maximum acceptable levels of grazing impact and then develop guidelines for maximum use levels, based on data such as ours that relates grazing intensity to meadow response.
Shrub regrowth, antiherbivore defenses, and nutritional value following fire
Authors: Schindler Jason R. , Fulbright Timothy E. , Forbes T. D. A. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Prescribed fire is a commonly used as a follow-up procedure to mechanical top growth removal methods such as mowing and roller chopping, but the effects of fire on spinescence and tannin content of shrub sprouts produced after mechanical top growth removal are unknown. Following mowing, (1) height, spinescence, and tannin content in sprouts produced after burning; (2) nutrient and fiber contents in sprouts of the 3 study species; and (3) utilization of sprouts of each species in burned and unburned plots were determined in each of blackbrush acacia (Acacia rigidula Benth.), honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.), and spiny hackberry (Celtis pallida Torr.). Averaged across sampling periods, burned blackbrush acacia and honey mesquite had 54% and 94%, respectively, shorter thorns than unburned plants. Burned and unburned spiny hackberry plants had similar thorn lengths. Averaged across species, sprouts of burned plants had similar tannin levels as unburned plants 6 and 12 weeks after burning. Sprouts of burned blackbrush acacia had higher levels of tannin than sprouts of unburned plants 34 weeks after burning. Leaf material from sprouts of burned spiny hackberry plants had higher crude protein and digestible protein than leaf material from unburned plants. Blackbrush acacia sprouts in burned plots contained lower digestible dry matter and digestible energy than plants in unburned plots. Honey mesquite sprouts in burned plots contained higher digestible dry matter and digestible energy than plants in unburned plots. Burning appears to be a desirable follow-up treatment to mowing because it temporarily increases nutritional value of shrub sprouts, decreases physical defenses, and suppresses growth of shrub species that have low palatability to white-tailed deer.
Germination of seeds of Tamarix ramosissima
Authors: Young James A. , Clements Charlie D. , Harmon Daniel ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

The germination of seeds of saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb.) was compared at a wide range of constant or alternating temperatures from 0 through 40 degrees C. Germination temperature profiles were developed for seeds of saltcedar collected from the Walker River Delta in western Nevada over a 3 year period. Germination occurred over a wide range of temperatures. For 2 of the 3 years of testing, maximum germination observed was 98 or 100%, indicating the seed lots were highly viable. Germination ranged from 0 to 6% at very cold seedbed temperatures, but jumped to 39 to 43% at cold seedbed temperatures. There was very little difference in germination between moderate and warmer seedbed temperatures. No single temperature always supported optimum germination. The temperatures that most frequently supported optima were 10/20 (10 degrees C for 16 hours and 20 degrees C for 8 hours in each 24 hour period), 10/25, 15/20, and 35 degrees C. Mid summer collections of saltcedar seeds were much more variable in germination response compared to annually repeated late spring collections from the Walker River Delta. Available soil moisture apparently is an important factor in the germinability of saltcedar seeds collected in mid summer. Temperature regimes that supported optimum germination for the Walker River Delta accession of seed collected in mid summer, tended to occur at higher temperatures than for seeds collected from the same stand in late spring. Comparison of the saltcedar profile with germination temperature profiles of seeds of tree willow (Salix lutea Nutt.), coyote willow (S. exigua Nutt.), or Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii S. Watson) revealed that germination of saltcedar seeds was equal in the number of regimes with some germination, mean of optima, and maximum observed germination. For all other germination characteristics measured, saltcedar is lower and sometimes distinctly lower than for seeds of the native woody species.
Technical Note: Lightweight Camera Stand for Close-to-Earth Remote Sensing
Authors: Booth D. Terrance , Cox Samuel E. , Louhaichi Mounier ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Digital photography and subsequent image analysis for ground-cover measurements can increase sampling rate and measurement speed and probably can increase measurement accuracy. Reduced monitoring time (labor cost) can increase monitoring precision by allowing for increased sample numbers. Multiple platforms have been developed for close-to-earth remote sensing. Here we outline a new, 5.8-kg aluminum camera stand for acquiring stereo imagery from 2 m above ground level. The stand is easily transported to, from, and within study sites owing to its low weight, excellent balance, and break-down multipiece construction.
Can Solid Matrix Priming With GA3 Break Seed Dormancy in Eastern Gamagrass?
Authors: Rogis C. , Gibson L. R. , Knapp A. D. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: March 2016

Development of methods for breaking seed dormancy in eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides, L.) could increase its use. Solid matrix priming, the controlled hydration of seed in a system of solid carrier and water, has been used with some success to enhance germination in warm-season grasses. gibberellic acid (ga3), a known promoter of eastern gamagrass germination, can be added to solid matrix priming systems. In this study, systems were evaluated for conditioning eastern gamagrass seeds using the solid carriers Agro-Lig, MicroCel E, and Vermiculite #5. GA3 was added in 0.01 M concentration solutions to systems with water potentials of -0.4 and -0.6 MPa in Agro-Lig and -0.2 and -0.4 in MicroCel E and Vermiculite #5 and compared with systems with deionized water. Priming seed with GA3 increased germination to 18% compared with 13% without GA3. MicroCel E and Vermiculite #5 were suitable materials for controlled hydration of eastern gamagrass seed. Germination was only 11% in Agro-Lig compared with 16%-19% for MicroCel E and Vermiculite #5. Priming with GA3 does not appear to be as successful at breaking seed dormancy as cold, wet stratification.
Hepatocutaneous syndrome in Shih Tzus: 31 cases (1996–2014)
Authors: Hall-Fonte Deborah L. , Center Sharon A. , McDonough Sean P. , Peters-Kennedy Jeanine , Trotter Thomas S. , Lucy John M. , Berger Elyse , Byers Christopher , Cummings Clifford G. , Burke Elizabeth , Stegemen Julie , Pintar Jason , Kantrowitz Larry , Sharpe Kristopher , Weinkle Tristan
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE To characterize findings in Shih Tzus with progressive superficial necrolytic dermatitis and degenerative vacuolar hepatopathy consistent with hepatocutaneous syndrome.

DESIGN Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS 31 Shih Tzus.

PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed to obtain information on signalment, history, treatment, outcome, and results of clinicopathologic testing, abdominal ultrasonography, and histologic examination of skin and liver specimens. A pedigree analysis was performed.

RESULTS There were 16 males and 15 females. Median age at the time of diagnosis was 8 years (range, 5 to 14 years). Common clinical signs included lethargy, inappetence, weight loss, and lameness. Twenty-five dogs had cutaneous lesions consistent with hepatocutaneous syndrome; the remaining 6 initially only had hepatic abnormalities, but 3 of the 6 subsequently developed cutaneous lesions. Common clinicopathologic abnormalities included microcytosis (15/24 [63%] dogs) and high serum alkaline phosphatase activity (24/24 [100%] dogs). Hepatic ultrasonographic findings included a hyperechoic or heteroechoic appearance to the parenchyma with innumerable hypoechoic nodules. Histologic hepatic lesions consisted of degenerative vacuolar (glycogen and lipid) hepatopathy associated with minimally fibrotic to nonfibrotic, noninflammatory, proliferative nodules. Pedigree analysis confirmed a common ancestry in 12 of 18 dogs. Median survival time was 3 months (range, 1 to 36 months).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that HCS may have a heritable component in Shih Tzus, although the condition may also be identified in Shih Tzus without affected relatives. Clinical, clinicopathologic, ultrasonographic, and histologic abnormalities in affected Shih Tzus were similar to those previously reported for dogs of other breeds with HCS. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016;248:802–813)
Identification of Heterobilharzia americana infection in a dog residing in Indiana with no history of travel
Authors: Rodriguez Jessica Y. , Camp Joseph W. , Lenz Stephen D. , Kazacos Kevin R. , Snowden Karen F.
Published: March 2016

CASE DESCRIPTION A 1-year-old castrated male dog residing in Indiana was examined because of intermittent vomiting of 4 months' duration.

CLINICAL FINDINGS The dog's condition did not resolve with medication. Diagnostic imaging revealed a possible partial obstruction at the ileocecal junction. An exploratory laparotomy was performed. The jejunum contained diffusely distributed, nodular, intramural lesions; 2 biopsy specimens were collected from representative lesions. The pancreas was grossly swollen, and pancreatitis was presumed present. No other abnormalities were observed in the abdomen. Histologic examination of the submitted biopsy specimens revealed infection with Heterobilharzia americana.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME After diagnosis, the dog was treated with fenbendazole suspension (48 mg/kg [21.8 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h) for 10 days. This treatment was subsequently repeated 11 and 80 days later. One week after the end of the last fenbendazole treatment, several H americana eggs were detected in a fecal sample via saline sedimentation, and the dog was given praziquantel (25 mg/kg [11.4 mg/lb], PO, q 8 h) for 2 days. No gastrointestinal signs were evident 4 months after that treatment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE The dog described in this report was the first autochthonous canine case of H americana infection in Indiana, to the authors' knowledge; this case has confirmed that the distribution of this parasite in the Midwestern United States is broader than previously known. Increased awareness of the distribution of H americana should aid veterinarians in early, noninvasive diagnosis and appropriate treatment of affected animals. Repeated treatments and recheck fecal examinations may be necessary when managing these cases. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016;248:827–830)
New India Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, and Associated Legislative Measures Relating to Land Acquisition
Authors: Singh Shekhar
Published: March 2016

Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 3, January, 2008 Page 46-47
Mathematical Modelling of Omkareshwor Hydro-electric plant at Narmada River
Authors: Mahor Amita , Rangnekar Saroj
Published: March 2016

Madhya Pradesh state is forced to optimize the utilization of its water resources due to continuous depletion of the fossil fuels and its present power generation scenario. The state has two cascade schemes of hydro-electric plants one at Chambal river and the other at Narmada river. Narmada river at present has four main hydro plants in cascading mode starting from Bargi, Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh to Sardar Sarovar in the neighboring state of Gujrat. The installed capacities of 2810 MW of these hydro plants feed to the major portion of state's electricity demand. The proper scheduling of the hydroelectric plants mean, water resources must be used in such a way that, water discharge at an upstream plant is converted into electric energy at downstream plants without spillage. Hydroelectric scheduling of the plants requires a judicious modeling of each of the hydro electric plant for an improved efficiency and arrest possible losses. The paper presents the mathematical model of the Omkareshwar hydroelectric plant as part of cascade scheme at Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. Key words: Hydro-electric system, hydro turbine model, reservoir model, tailrace model, water flow equation. Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 3, January, 2008 Page 48-52
Clean up Everest
Authors: Mishra Shiva Raj
Published: March 2016

The Everest climbing season was opened this year on August, after the tragic earthquakes which shut down the climbing for months (1). The Nepalese Government is attracting more climbers by slashing fees but this is expected to create heavy traffic and increase concern for garbage-dumping.
Client aggression towards health service providers in Nepal
Authors: Khatri Resham Bahadur
Published: March 2016
Annual acknowledgment of reviewers
Authors: Health Prospect The
Published: March 2016

The Editorial Committee wishes to express gratitude to all the reviewers who contributed to Health Prospect in the year 2015. Without their contribution, sucessful publication of papers would not have been possible. They evaluated the manuscripts submitted to the journal, helped authors improve the paper, and us make a decision.