U.S.-Argentina Dissertation Enhancement: Effects of Grazing on Shrub-Steppe Ecosystems of North and South America

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In this US-Argentina dissertation enhancement research award, Mr. Peter B. Adler, Colorado State University, under the sponsorship of Dr. William K. Lauenroth, will work with Dr. Osvaldo E. Sala at the Universidad de Buenos Aires in Argentina. The project is entitled "Effects of Grazing on Shrub-Steppe Ecosystems of North and South America." This project will involve the comparison of the effects of livestock grazing on vegetation in the uniquely paired shrub-steppe ecosystems of North and South America, specifically the Great Basin and the Patagonian steppe of southern Argentina. Field studies in each region, complemented by a greenhouse experiment will focus on vegetation and soil responses across gradients of grazing intensity and precipitation. The PIs will evaluate the effect of grazing on above ground net primary production, community species composition, small-scale spatial heterogeneity, and soil carbon. The sagebrush-steppe of the Great Basin and the Patagonian steppe of southern Argentina have very similar climates and vegetation growth forms. The results of these studies will test current theory in community ecology, providing useful information to natural resource managers in both regions.