Mastication Treatments Increase Perennial Herbaceous Cover Across Soil Types in Southeastern Colorado Piñon-Juniper Woodlands

Tree-removal treatments have been broadly applied across piñon-juniper ecosystems of the western United States to reduce tree cover, stimulate understory plant production, and promote habitat for shrub- grassland-obligate wildlife species. Mastication become an increasingly common approach, yet efficacy these can vary on basis a variety factors, including soil characteristics, woodland structure, grazing pressures. Here, we assessed vegetation responses mastication three dominant types in two-needle piñon (Pinus edulis Engelm. [Pinaceae])−one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma [Engelm.] Sarg.) woodlands southeast Colorado, States, region characterized by monsoonal precipitation, limited presence introduced species, relatively high intensity cattle wildlife. We found that were effective at increasing herbaceous cover species diversity (by 1.2 × 1.5 ×) reducing amount exposed (60% reduction) 3 yr following treatment. This was mainly due increases native perennial grasses. Further, there (and insignificant) annual plants low abundance treated plots. Understory treatment similar soils with range available water capacities. The increase richness paired suggests forage production wild ungulates. In addition, lack type differences response placement does not need prioritize instead focus other key areas importance, such as connectivity, historic feasibility.