Shortgrass Steppe LTER VI: Examining Ecosystem Persistence and Responses to Global Change

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The Short-Grass Steppe (SGS) was initiated as an LTER project in 1982 and has investigated the influences of climate, physiography, grazing, fire, and land-use on the structure, function, and dynamics of short-grass ecosystems. This research facilitates prediction of vulnerability of grassland ecosystems to on-going environmental change, through integration of experimental and observational studies to provide a mechanistic basis for forecasting the responses of semi-arid grasslands to changing conditions. This project contributes to understanding of the structure, function, and dynamics of the short-grass steppe ecoregion as it becomes ever more strongly influenced by changing land use and population. It assembles, integrates, and makes available valuable and unique long-term data sets on climate, biology, ecology, hydrology, biogeochemistry, physiography, and disturbances. The project has broad societal value through its contributions to improved management of semi-arid ecosystems. Its broader values also include extensive research-based training, educational program development, and public outreach programs.