Grassland and Savannah Ecosystems
The Control of Invasive Grasses in Texas Grasslands
The restoration of native grassland and prairies by eradication of nonnative invasive species is a management goal shared by many managers of state parks and private landowners. While the eradication of woody plants in grasslands through periodic prescribed burns is a tried and proven management tool, the efficacy of this method for controlling invasive grasses, such as Johnsongrass or KR bluestem, is much more uncertain. In collaboration with researchers from Trinity University (San Antonio) and USGS (Temple), students at Texas State University have conducted experiments to ascertain whether the timing of prescribed burns vis a vis the physiological status of native and introduced grasses offers a way forward to combat invasive grasses, while minimizing collateral damage to native species.
Susan Schwinning: schwinn@txstate.edu