Effects of Drought on a Grassland in the Northern Rolling Plains of Texas

Abstract

A 2-year study was conducted in the northern rolling plains of Texas to evaluate the effects of brush management on above-ground biomass dynamics and net primary production. The study was completed in 1980 in the midst of a severe 10-month drought. Post-drought observations in 1981 indicated that both foliage and ground cover of the dominant perennial grasses were reduced. Buffalograss production declined because the drought interrupted its normal growth pattern. In contrast, Texas wintergrass production increased, in part because the drought did not begin until after it had completed most of its annual growth. The cumulative effect on all species was a 143 G/M/sup 2/ reduction in total annual net primary production. Differences in response between native and seeded areas may be related to differences in amount of herbaceous litter.