Optimization of Range Improvements on Sagebrush and Pinyon-Juniper Sites

Abstract

The opthnum combination of 3 range improvements was determined for private lands on Utah ranches. While many promising range improvements are available, determination of which altematives to implement must consider the total ranch operation. Linear programming (LP) makes it possible to simultaneously determine the profit maximizing combinations of range improvements and how these improvements will affect the total ranch operation. The study examined 3 range improvements (revegetation, burning, and chemical brush control) for big sagebrush (Artemisia tridkntuta NW.) and pinyon-juniper (Pinus spp.-juniperur spp.) on upland loam and upland shallow loam range sites. Net present value analysis and an LP model were used to identify the most efficient alternative, the limithtg constraints, and the optimum levels and combinations of alternatives. The optimal solution ran 238 brood cows compared to 196 for the typical Utah ranch. Burning big sagebrush or pinyon-juniper infestations on crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum Fisch. ex Link) foothill ranges was the most profitable range improvement. Annual net cash incomes after burning sagebrush or pinyon-juniper on the upland loam site were S37,873 and S37,770, respectively, compared to S31,278 on the typical Utah cow-calf operation. The optimal solution will change as input and product prices change. The model was designed for application to specific ranches rather than to make general recommendations for the typical Utah ranch.

Clipping Effects on Root Architecture and Morphology of 3 Range Grasses

“…Se observaron aparentes trueques de la longitud de las distancias de raices laterales entre el eje primario y las raices laterales de primer orden, lo cual puede acarrear importantes cambios en la densidad de ramiflcaci6n, costos de producci6n y posiblemente el funcionamiento de las raices. stands, however, represents a significant economic cost for many ranchers (Evans and Workman 1994). As a result, understanding seedling root development and its response to defoliation may aid in the development of improved rangeland species that can be grazed earlier.…”

La Economía del Cambio Climático en el Perú

“…Esta ecuación permite calcular el cambio relativo en el estatus productivo de los ecosistemas, los cambios en capacidad de carga y los productos animales derivados de ella (Evans y Workman, 1994).…”

“…Es necesario señalar además que la dinámica de la población de ganado (vacuno, ovino y camélido), junto con la condición ecológica, la intensidad de pastoreo y la capacidad de carga animal, resultan fundamentales, conjuntamente con la composición vegetal, para estimar la estructura, los niveles y la magnitud de los cambios en los valores económicos de la producción (Evans y Workman, 1994).…”

Economics of Western Juniper Control in Central Oregon

“…Other potential benefits were mentioned but not valued. Evans and Workman (1994) used linear programming to assess the optimal combination of revegetation, burning, and chemical brush control for use in addressing spring forage bottlenecks on upland loam and upland shallow loam range sites in Utah. Although their approach accounted for treatment costs and the effects of treatment on the ranch operation, it did not consider the decline in the effectiveness of treatment that occurs with the passage of time, nor potential effects on water quality, stream flows, erosion, and wildlife.…”

“…Johnson et al (1999) considered the economics of juniper control in the Texas rolling plains, with chaining used for initial treatments, and burning used for subsequent maintenance treatments. In contrast to Evans and Workman (1994), Johnson et al did consider the inverse relationship between juniper canopy cover and forage production. Johnson et al determined the optimum maintenance treatment cycle given different assumptions regarding the values of a variety of economic and biological variables.…”