Title: Consumer Control of Grassland Plant Production
Abstract: EcologyVolume 83, Issue 3 p. 602-606 Report CONSUMER CONTROL OF GRASSLAND PLANT PRODUCTION Douglas A. Frank, Douglas A. Frank Biological Research Labs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-1220 USASearch for more papers by this authorMichelle M. Kuns, Michelle M. Kuns Biological Research Labs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-1220 USASearch for more papers by this authorDaniel R. Guido, Daniel R. Guido Biological Research Labs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-1220 USASearch for more papers by this author Douglas A. Frank, Douglas A. Frank Biological Research Labs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-1220 USASearch for more papers by this authorMichelle M. Kuns, Michelle M. Kuns Biological Research Labs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-1220 USASearch for more papers by this authorDaniel R. Guido, Daniel R. Guido Biological Research Labs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244-1220 USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 March 2002 https://doi.org/10.1890/0012-9658(2002)083[0602:CCOGPP]2.0.CO;2Citations: 154Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract The effect of herbivory on grassland whole-plant production is poorly understood. Herbivores can increase grassland aboveground productivity, and laboratory experiments suggest that herbivory should reduce grass root growth. However, few field studies have directly measured the response of grassland root production to herbivores. We examined the effect of native migratory ungulates on grassland primary production by comparing aboveground (NAP) and belowground (NBP) production in grazed vs. ungrazed (fenced) grassland at nine variable sites in Yellowstone National Park. NBP was determined with minirhizotrons to account for root turnover. Grazers stimulated aboveground, belowground, and whole-grassland productivity by 21%, 35%, and 32%, respectively. Root production was stimulated seven times more (217 g/m2) than shoot production (30 g/m2), indicating that the major effect of herbivores in this system was a positive feedback on root growth. 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Publication Year: 2002
Publication Date: 2002-03-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 34
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