Gatekeepers of transformation: private landowners evaluate invasives based on impacts to ecosystem services

Abstract

Gatekeepers of transformation: private landowners evaluate invasives based on impacts to ecosystem services.

Agronomic and forage nutritive responses of Kentucky bluegrass dominated pastures in the northern Great Plains

“…Rajala et al (2021) highlight the difficulty of convincing producers to manage Kentucky bluegrass on their land. Rajala et al (2021) showed that many producers within North Dakota tend to be reactive rather than proactive and may delay intervention until factors affecting their operation have shifted negatively. These data and models provide a glimpse into future scenarios, which allow producers to be more proactive in dealing with an invasion of bluegrass and projected changes in climate.…”

“…Rajala et al (2021) surveyed North Dakota landowners' acceptance of Kentucky bluegrass, the effects of an invasive grass on ecosystem services, and landowner management intention to reduce or control the species and reported that landowners appear to be reactive, rather than proactive in managing Kentucky bluegrass. Rajala et al (2021) report that ecological losses may need to be severe before landowners attempt to reduce or control Kentucky bluegrass. This high threshold for behavioural change on the part of land managers highlights the need for providing early diagnosis of potential forage shortages.…”

“…Determining the forage production and nutritive value of Kentucky bluegrass throughout the growing season as well as the effects of weather variations on forage production and nutritive value are becoming increasingly important as a planning tool for field management decisions. Rajala et al (2021) surveyed North Dakota landowners' acceptance of Kentucky bluegrass, the effects of an invasive grass on ecosystem services, and landowner management intention to reduce or control the species and reported that landowners appear to be reactive, rather than proactive in managing Kentucky bluegrass. Rajala et al (2021) Kentucky bluegrass samples were collected by clipping approximately every 3 weeks from May through September 2017 and June through September 2018.…”

“…Rajala et al (2021) surveyed North Dakota landowners' acceptance of Kentucky bluegrass, the effects of an invasive grass on ecosystem services, and landowner management intention to reduce or control the species and reported that landowners appear to be reactive, rather than proactive in managing Kentucky bluegrass. Rajala et al (2021) Kentucky bluegrass samples were collected by clipping approximately every 3 weeks from May through September 2017 and June through September 2018. Samples were collected from two treatments that included plots that were or were not defoliated (mowed) before the start of the growing season.…”

“…Another tool is to examine different production scenarios, such as changing the calving season for cows (Swanson et al, 2020). Rajala et al (2021) highlight the difficulty of convincing producers to manage Kentucky bluegrass on their land. Rajala et al (2021) showed that many producers within North Dakota tend to be reactive rather than proactive and may delay intervention until factors affecting their operation have shifted negatively.…”