http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/grasslands/ Grassland biome. Read all the latest scientific research on the grassland biome, including articles on grassland animals and the effect of global warming on the grasslands. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/grasslands/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120129151054.htm The earth beneath our feet plays an important role in carbon storage – a key factor in climate change – and new research shows that in times of drought some types of soil perform better than others. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120129151054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152127.htm Scientists have shown that insect nutrition and agricultural land management practices may partially explain modern day locust outbreaks. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111218221321.htm By 2100, global climate change will modify plant communities covering almost half of Earth's land surface and will drive the conversion of nearly 40 percent of land-based ecosystems from one major ecological community type -- such as forest, grassland or tundra -- toward another, according to a new NASA and university computer modeling study. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111218221321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205082259.htm A number of threatened species in the developing world are entirely dependent on human agriculture for their survival, according to new research. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205082259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111118151416.htm Suitable habitat for native fishes in many Great Plains streams has been significantly reduced by the pumping of groundwater from the High Plains aquifer – and scientists analyzing the water loss say ecological futures for these fishes are "bleak." Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111118151416.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220600.htm Climate change, land use and other human-driven factors could pit savannas and forests against each other by altering the elements found by researchers to stabilize the two. Without this harmony, the habitats, or biomes, could increasingly encroach on one other to the detriment of the people and animals that rely on them. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025606.htm NASA has released a series of new satellite data visualizations that show tens of millions of fires detected worldwide from space since 2002. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018111932.htm Microscopic animals that live in soils are as diverse in the tropical forests of Costa Rica as they are in the arid grasslands of Kenya, or the tundra and boreal forests of Alaska and Sweden, according to new research. Scientists have generally accepted that a wider range of species can be found above ground at the equator than at Earth's poles. But this study proves for the first time that the same rules don't apply to the nematodes, mites and springtails living underground. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018111932.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013183806.htm Tropical tree cover will jump sharply between a forested state and savanna or treeless conditions rather than respond smoothly to climate change, according to a new study. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013183806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928185638.htm The EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) has developed a statistical modelling tool which allows the risk of conflict occurrence in developing countries to be analyzed. Combining online news reports with geographical satellite data, the tool establishes a link between natural resources and the risk of conflict. A key advance is the very detailed scale of the data (most being gathered to the square kilometer) and the fact that the modelling is based on the seriousness of the conflicts. When tested, the model successfully identified the correlation between resource-rich areas of land and occurrence of conflict. This approach has potential use in the European Commission's development aid planning and crisis prevention. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928185638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922141900.htm African ranchers often prefer to keep wild grazers like zebra off the grass that fattens their cattle. But a new study shows that grazing by wild animals doesn't always harm -- and can sometimes benefit -- cattle. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922141900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913171719.htm There has been much debate about the net benefit of growing energy crops to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While it is accepted that energy crops can displace fossil fuel imports, the emissions from the cultivation of energy crops were until now uncertain. Agricultural researchers have now carried out a number of research projects to quantify the greenhouse gas emissions associated with these crops. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913171719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831081602.htm A new article examines the carbon sequestration potential of Miscanthus plantations on commercial farms. Researchers evaluated Miscanthus plantations in Ireland, where planting has been subsidized by the government. Carbon sequestration is expected to vary among different farming practices and soil characteristics. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831081602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810133013.htm According to a new analysis of plants in grasslands around the world, 84 percent of plant species are important to their ecosystem. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810133013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803143140.htm Rising carbon dioxide levels can reverse the drying effects of predicted higher temperatures on semi-arid rangelands, according to a new study by a team of US Department of Agriculture and university scientists. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803143140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803133505.htm Scientists have used chemical isotopes in ancient soil to measure prehistoric tree cover -- in effect, shade -- and found that grassy, tree-dotted savannas prevailed at most East African sites where human ancestors and their ape relatives evolved during the past 6 million years. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803133505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175723.htm With rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall, California's native grasses will likely suffer at the hands of exotic invasive grasses, which are more equipped to deal with warmer weather. That is the conclusion of researchers who analyzed all exotic and native grasses in the state and predicted their likely range changes with changing climate. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721121556.htm Research conducted on the water quality of pasture streams suggests that grazing management techniques can have substantial impacts on the levels of stream pollutants. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721121556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711195017.htm Vegetation in towns and cities can make a significant contribution to carbon storage and, ecologists say, could lock away even more carbon if local authorities and gardeners planted and maintained more trees. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711195017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705183843.htm Access to swine effluent or waste water can help a producer grow more grass. But a Texas researcher says the grass is "greener" economically if it is a cool-season rather than a warm-season variety. While the warm-season grasses appear to have a greater growth boost with swine effluent application, the cool-season grasses have marketing advantages that make it a more viable economic option. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705183843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705071533.htm The UK’s new Land Cover Map was recently completed, providing a continuous coverage of habitat distributions across the countryside at a 25m resolution. The map was developed using a combination of satellite images and national scale digital mapping data. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705071533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621131328.htm A new study offers a detailed look at the status of Lyme disease in Central Illinois and suggests that deer ticks and the Lyme disease bacteria they host are more adaptable to new habitats than previously appreciated. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621131328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615161800.htm A long-term study verifies multi-paddock grazing improves vegetation, soil health and animal production relative to continuous grazing in large-scale ranches, according to Texas scientists. The study measured the impacts on vegetation and soils achieved by commercial ranchers who adapted management practices in response to changing circumstances to achieve desirable outcomes. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615161800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606112822.htm Scientists could have a revolutionary new way of measuring how much of the potent greenhouse gas methane is produced by cows and other ruminants, thanks to a surprising discovery in their feces. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606112822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531155351.htm Yellow starthistle already causes millions of dollars in damage to pastures in western states each year, and as climate changes, land managers can expect the problem with that weed and others to escalate. When exposed to increased carbon dioxide, precipitation, nitrogen and temperature -- all expected results of climate change -- yellow starthistle in some cases grew to six times its normal size while the other grassland species remained relatively unchanged, according to a new study. Tue, 31 May 2011 15:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531155351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110504080847.htm The occurrence of forest fires is a natural phenomenon in Mediterranean ecosystems. Researchers in Spain recently undertook a project in order to ascertain the extent to which forest fires and common post-fire treatments affect key species like the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Wed, 04 May 2011 08:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110504080847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503151605.htm A biologist has found that at least some plant adaptations can occur almost instantaneously, not by a change in DNA sequence, but simply by duplication of existing genetic material. Tue, 03 May 2011 15:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503151605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503133010.htm Rotational grazing of cattle in native pasturelands in Brazil's Pantanal and Cerrado regions can benefit both cattle and wildlife, according to a new study. Tue, 03 May 2011 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503133010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110329134126.htm Ranchers in the central Great Plains may be using some of their winter downtime in the future to rehearse the upcoming production season, all from the warmth of their homes, according to soil scientists. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110329134126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328115430.htm Recent fire and brush control studies in the Rolling Plains of Texas on a working ranch-scale showed the benefits and limitations of managed fires for reducing mesquite encroachment while sustaining livestock production. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110328115430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110315103540.htm Improving land management and farming practices in Australia could have an effect on global climate change, according to a new study. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110315103540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307124959.htm A new study demonstrates extinction's ripple effect through the animal kingdom, including how the demise of large mammals 20,000 years ago led to the disappearance of one species of cowbird. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307124959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307093025.htm Cleaning up pollution, protecting soil from erosion and maintaining species-rich ecosystems are some goals of a computational ecology project. The work sheds light on a new method to speed up research in the ecology of plants. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307093025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303111626.htm Scientists have given growers in the Piedmont guidance on how to restore degraded soils and make the land productive. Researchers found that if cattle are managed so that they graze moderately, soil quality can be restored and emissions of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) can be reduced. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303111626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110302121834.htm Fire, cattle and even prairie dogs all could play a role in sustaining the biodiversity of the western Great Plains, according to new research. Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110302121834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110225142832.htm Biologists are examining what can limit grasshopper populations and the role played by grasshoppers in prairie ecosystems. Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110225142832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110128145406.htm The first rough draft of a "genetic road map" of a biomass crop, prairie cordgrass, is giving scientists an inside look at the genes of one of the crops that may help produce the next generation of biofuels. Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110128145406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120111328.htm Invasive broadleaf weeds can destroy corn crops and fallow fields. Farmers use the chemical atrazine in herbicides to protect their plants. Despite atrazine's controversial environmental impacts, it can provide long term residual control of many weed species. However, the loss of atrazine's effectiveness has been a challenge for farmers in northeastern Colorado. In a new study, researchers collected soil samples from multiple fields in northeastern Colorado over several years to determine the extent of atrazine degradation. Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120111328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110130936.htm Using detailed land analysis, researchers have found that biofuel crops cultivated on available land could produce up to half of the world's current fuel consumption -- without affecting food crops or pastureland. Focusing on marginal land, the team assessed land availability from a physical perspective to identify land around the globe available to produce grass crops for biofuels, with minimal impact on agriculture or the environment. Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110110130936.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110106164623.htm Developing biofuel from native perennials instead of corn in the Midwest's rolling grasslands would better protect threatened bird populations, research suggests. Federal mandates and market forces both are expected to promote rising biofuel production, but the environmental consequences of turning more acreage over to row crops for fuel are a serious concern. Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110106164623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115161724.htm Researchers have been looking into the possible use of grassland biomass for the production of energy and chemicals, or green biorefinery, in Ireland. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115161724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115142007.htm A new analysis of fossilized grass-pollen grains deposited on ancient European lake and sea bottoms 16-35 million years ago reveals that C4 grasses evolved earlier than previously thought. This new evidence casts doubt on the widely held belief that the rise of this incredibly productive group of plants was driven by a large drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations during the Oligocene epoch. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115142007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111141851.htm A new field study confirms that an invasive weed called medusahead has growth advantages over most other grass species, suggesting it will continue to spread across much of the West, disrupt native ecosystems and make millions of acres of grazing land almost worthless. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111141851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101101093604.htm New experiments show that rabbit's food (composed of organic vegetable matter) can decrease estrogen levels in wastewater by more than 80 percent. The research could point to inexpensive treatment technologies and materials for reducing estrogen hormones in wastewater. Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101101093604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101018164445.htm Climate change in the Prairie Pothole Region poses problems for wetland-dependent organisms such as ducks, but farmers could help ease the impact by the way they farm. Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101018164445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004151651.htm Ambitious plans to expand acreage of bioenergy crops could have a major impact on birds in the Upper Midwest, according to a new study. Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101004151651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100907113038.htm Using sophisticated airborne imaging and structural analysis, scientists mapped more than 40,000 termite mounds over 192 square miles in the African savanna. They found that their size and distribution is linked to vegetation and landscape patterns associated with annual rainfall. The results reveal how the savanna terrain has evolved and show how termite mounds can be used to predict ecological shifts from climate change. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100907113038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100906163503.htm Even though organic methods may increase farm biodiversity, a combination of conventional farming and protected areas could sometimes be a better way to maintain food production and protect wildlife. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100906163503.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100906085154.htm Comparatively speaking, forests initially have a weaker cooling effect during heatwaves than open grassland. This is revealed in a study that could help refine models for weather and climate forecasts. Moreover, it also provides fresh arguments for the debate on reforestation in the context of climate change. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100906085154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817211052.htm A massive reduction in grasslands and the spread of forests may have been the primary cause of the decline of mammals such as the woolly mammoth, woolly rhino and cave lion, according to scientists. Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817211052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817171601.htm Despite the many cosmetic products, surgical treatments, food supplements, and drugs designed specifically to reverse the biological effects of aging in humans, long-lived aspen clones aren't so lucky. Researchers have shown that as long-lived male aspen clones age, their sexual performance declines. Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817171601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100810122208.htm Researchers have found that by planting switchgrass and using certain agronomic practices, farmers can significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen and nitrates that leach into the soil. Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100810122208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100715111434.htm Armed with dart guns and medical pellets, scientists are vaccinating bison at the Agricultural Research Service National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, Iowa, in support of Yellowstone National Park activities to combat brucellosis in bison. Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100715111434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100706113214.htm A researcher who has been studying the meadows in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem of the Rocky Mountains since 1992 believes changing climate could affect the diversity of plants and animals in the region. Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100706113214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628203758.htm Research has revealed the 20th century decline in the Irish hare population is almost certainly associated with changes in farming practices. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628203758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100621121256.htm New research is being carried out to determine how much carbon is being stored in UK grasslands and find out if it could potentially store even more. Grasslands cover a vast area of the UK, forming the backbone of the livestock industry. However, they also play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, storing vast amounts of carbon beneath them in their soils. Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100621121256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100615151707.htm Species extinction is a fundamental part of evolution: the best adapted species survive, while others die out. A new study shows why, after 800,000 years of successful survival, a species of rhinoceros suddenly disappeared. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100615151707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100615151124.htm Researchers are testing between-row cover grasses as part of research looking at ways to reduce soil runoff and keep vital nutrients in the soils while crop residue, called stover, is removed from farm fields to produce biofuels. Two years into a study, research is showing that yield can be maintained at high levels using environmentally friendly practices. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100615151124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100607092143.htm Vegetation around the world is on the move, and climate change is the culprit, according to a new analysis of global vegetation shifts. Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100607092143.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527141955.htm Pre-humans living in East Africa 4.4 million years ago inhabited grassy plains, not forests, a team of researchers has concluded. Thu, 27 May 2010 14:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527141955.htm