Treatment sets are designed to use the strengths of one or more practices to offset inherent weaknesses of others. The potential for synergistic relationships between treatments in combinations is a key factor in the selection process. IBMS provides the underpinning for much of the philosophy and experimentation associated with brush management in Texas. Many researchers and Extension specialists continue to study an integrated systems approach to brush and weed management, whereas prior to IBMS, single-treatment responses were of primary interest. For example, at San Angelo, a high percentage of research effort is being put into development of management systems for redberry juniper and pricklypear cactus using herbicidal, mechanical, biological, or prescribed fire methods, or with systems combining two or more methods.
Emphasis is on identifying treatment synergisms and optimal sequencing and timing of treatments.
Regional Efforts Researchers at Vernon are evaluating prescribed fire as a tool for woody plant management, developing pyric methods for conversion of woodland thickets to grasslands or savannas, and integrating the use of fire and herbicides to create mosaics of shrub densities to enhance multiple use of rangelands. Other studies at Vernon include integrating the use of grazing strategies and fire for sustainable management of shrub-dominated rangelands. Prescribed fire is also being studied as a means for improving the nutritional value of range forage together with intensive early stocking for cattle having high nutrient requirements. The work at San Angelo includes a project to monitor how long the effects of different treatments to control brush and weed species last. These studies ensure more accurate analysis of treatment options.