Effects of prescribed fire in the coastal prairies of Texas

Grace, James B.; Allain, Larry K.; Baldwin, Heather Q.; Billock, Arlene G.; Eddleman, William R.; Given, Aaron M.; Jeske, Clint; Moss, Rebecca F.

doi:10.3133/ofr20051287

Cited by 19 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…To support our discussion, we consider the invasion of tallgrass prairie in the southern United States by the non‐native tree known as Chinese tallow (Grace et al. , Siemann and Rogers ). The basic situation is that the grasslands in this example have historically existed as prairie in large part because of frequent fires.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Quantifying relative importance: computing standardized effects in models with binary outcomes

et al. 2018

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Scientists commonly ask questions about the relative importance of processes and then turn to statistical models for answers. Standardized coefficients are typically used in such situations, with the goal being to compare effects on a common scale. Traditional approaches to obtaining standardized coefficients were developed with idealized Gaussian variables in mind. When responses are binary, complications arise that impact standardization methods. In this paper, we review, evaluate, and propose new methods for standardizing coefficients from models that contain binary outcomes. We first consider the interpretability of unstandardized coefficients and then examine two main approaches to standardization. One approach, which we refer to as the latent‐theoretical (LT) method, assumes that underlying binary observations, there exists a latent, continuous propensity linearly related to the coefficients. A second approach, which we refer to as the observed‐empirical (OE) method, assumes responses are purely discrete and estimates error variance empirically via reference to a classical R2 estimator. We also evaluate the standard formula for calculating standardized coefficients based on standard deviations. Criticisms of this practice have been persistent, leading us to propose an alternative formula that is based on user‐defined “relevant ranges.” Finally, we implement all of the above in an open‐source package for the statistical software R. Results from simulation studies show that both the LT and OE methods of standardization support a similarly broad range of coefficient comparisons. The LT method estimates effects that reflect underlying latent‐linear propensities, while the OE method computes a linear approximation for the effects of predictors on binary responses. The contrast between assumptions for the two methods is reflected in persistently weaker standardized effects associated with OE standardization. Reliance on standard deviations for standardization (the traditional approach) is critically examined and shown to introduce substantial biases when predictors are non‐Gaussian. The use of relevant ranges in place of standard deviations has the capacity to place LT and OE standardized coefficients on a more comparable scale. As ecologists address increasingly complex hypotheses, especially those that comparing the influences of different controlling factors (e.g., top‐down vs. bottom‐up or biotic vs. abiotic controls), comparable coefficients become necessary for evaluations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Here, we utilize data from an experimental burning study (Grace et al. ) to model the dependence of prairie resilience on the combined effects of (1) tree size prior to burning, (2) herbaceous community biomass, which fuels the fires, and (3) whether fires occur during the growing or dormant season (Fig. ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantifying relative importance: computing standardized effects in models with binary outcomes

et al. 2018

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“…Chinese tallow is considered a transformer species in the communities it invades (Richardson, 2011b) because invasion alters the continuity of fuel for fires and enhances nutrient cycling through rapid leaf decomposition (Cameron and Spencer, 1989;Grace et al, 2005). Annual biomass from leaf fall of Chinese tallow is similar to that of native deciduous trees, but the leaves decompose more rapidly and nutrients are turned over more rapidly in Chinese tallow forests than native deciduous forests (Cameron and Spencer, 1989).…”

Section: Litter Decompositionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Annual biomass from leaf fall of Chinese tallow is similar to that of native deciduous trees, but the leaves decompose more rapidly and nutrients are turned over more rapidly in Chinese tallow forests than native deciduous forests (Cameron and Spencer, 1989). Chinese tallow litter and shading together impact fuel accumulation and continuity in grassland invasions (Grace et al, 2005). Chinese tallow may enhance productivity in the invaded ecosystems by rapid addition of nutrients, particularly in coastal prairie ecosystems that have few native deciduous trees (Cameron and Spencer, 1989).…”

Section: Litter Decompositionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanisms of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) invasion and their management implications – A review

Pile

Wang

Stovall

et al. 2017

Forest Ecology and Management

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Ecosystems are under increasing stress from environmental change, including invasion by non-native species that can disrupt ecological processes and functions. Chinese tallow [Triadica sebifera (L.) Small] is a highly invasive tree species in southeastern US forests, prairies, and wetlands, and effectively managing this invasive species is a significant challenge for scientists and land managers. In this review, we synthesize the literature on invasion ecology and management of Chinese tallow. Our review suggests that the invaded range of Chinese tallow is currently limited by dispersal in many areas and by low temperatures and low soil moisture, and by high soil salinity and frequent flooding in others, but these barriers may be overcome by increased dispersal, phenotypic plasticity, and/or rapid evolution. Invasions by Chinese tallow are facilitated by both the invasiveness of the species and the invasibility of the recipient communities. Invasiveness of Chinese tallow has been attributed to fast growth, high fecundity, a persistent seed bank, aggressive resprouting, abiotic stress tolerance, and the ability to transform fire maintained ecosystems. Some of these traits may be enhanced in invasive populations. Anthropogenic and natural disturbances, lack of herbivore pressure, and facilitation by soil microbes enhance the intensity of Chinese tallow invasions. Biological control of Chinese tallow is being developed. Treatments such as herbicides, prescribed fire, and mechanical control can effectively control Chinese tallow at the local scale. A combination of these treatments improves results. However, a proactive management approach would simultaneously achieve invasion control and promote subsequent ecological restoration, especially in the context of legacy effects, secondary invasions, and/or variable ecosystem responses to different control treatments. Future research should clarify the roles of species invasiveness and community invasibility, increase our understanding of the effects of Chinese tallow in invaded communities, and develop viable management regimes that are effective in both controlling or reducing the probability of Chinese tallow invasion and restoring desired native communities.

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“…It can alter the depth of the water table and availability of soil nutrients, change the vertical structure of the vegetation, and compete with and limit recruitment of native species (Gordon 1998). Controlled fires can reduce the probability of seed germination (Burns and Miller 2004) and can be used to remove young tallow trees, but once tallow trees become established, they are very difficult to eradicate (Grace et al 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Year-Round Bird Use of Monotypic Stands of the Chinese Tallow Tree,Triadica sebifera, in Southeast Texas

Gifford

Armacost

2012

The Condor

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Effects of prescribed fire in the coastal prairies of Texas

Cited by 19 publications

References 46 publications

Quantifying relative importance: computing standardized effects in models with binary outcomes

Quantifying relative importance: computing standardized effects in models with binary outcomes

Mechanisms of Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) invasion and their management implications – A review

Year-Round Bird Use of Monotypic Stands of the Chinese Tallow Tree,Triadica sebifera, in Southeast Texas

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