Comparison of LCTA with an integrated soil and vegetation monitoring protocol for monitoring grassland, shrubland, and savanna ecosystems

Title	Comparison of LCTA with an integrated soil and vegetation monitoring protocol for monitoring grassland, shrubland, and savanna ecosystems
Publication Type	Conference Paper
Year of Publication	2001
Authors	Burkett LM, Herrick JE
Conference Name	10th Annual Integrated Training Area Management Workshop
Date Published	August 27-31, 20
Conference Location	Nashville, TN
ARIS Log Number	129781
Abstract	We compared the LCTA vegetation monitoring methods with a new integrated soil and vegetation rangeland monitoring protocol that was developed specifically for arid and semi-arid grasslands, shrublands and savannas and has been adapted to more mesic grassland ecosystems. Data were collected by applying both methods in southern New Mexico. We then evaluated the cost (time efficiency) of the two protocols. In addition, we assessed the ability of both methods to produce indicators that relay meaningful information about ecosystem function and the effects of disturbance at each site. Specifically, we compared each protocol's ability to detect changes in three ecosystem attributes: soil and site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity. Preliminary comparisons indicated the new methods are more sensitive to changes in soil and site stability and hydrologic function. This is due to the new protocol's inclusion of soil measurements sand measurements of spatial patterns in vegetation. The new methods also address a broader range of biotic integrity indicators through the inclusion of soil measurements.