Plant and soil recovery along a series of abandoned desert roads

Authors: Bolling J.D.; Walker L.R.

Source: Journal of Arid Environments, Volume 46, Number 1, September 2000 , pp. 1-24(24)

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Abstract:

Soil and vegetation dynamics were examined along roads abandoned for 5, 10, 21, 31, 55 and 88 years in southern Nevada in an attempt to elucidate factors controlling desert succession. None of the measured soil or vegetation parameters varied significantly with road age. Differences were found, however, between soils and vegetation on roads vs.nearby controls, and soils differed between roads created by surface vehicular traffic and bulldozing. Studies of recovery following disturbance in deserts must take into account natural patterns of plant and soil heterogeneity and initial disturbance type. Copyright 2000 Academic Press

Keywords: disturbance; Larrea; Mojave Desert; revegetation; soil recovery

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89154-4004, U.S.A.

Publication date: 2000-09-01