Floral Changes Following Mechanical Brush Removal in Central Texas

Abstract

A field study was initiated in May 1981 to monitor the effectiveness of mechanical brush control (chaining) as a method of reclaiming Ashe juniper (Juniperus asheii)-oak (Quercus spp.) dominated rangelands in central Texas. Brush was cleared from 4 sites by double-chaining and the resultant slash was burned. Brush canopy reduction and herbaceous standing crop were monitored for 2 growing seasons following treatment. Total brush canopy at 1 year post-treatment was 80% less than untreated brush stands. Chaining was more effective for Ashe juniper (93% reduction) than for oaks (64-75% reduction). Grass and forb standing crop at 22 months post-treatment was 55% higher on chained sites during all collection months.