Heterogeneity in shortgrass prairie vegetation: the role of playa lakes

• DOI: 10.2307/3237357
• Publication Date: 2006-05-07T06:20:47Z
• Authors: Bruce W. Hoagland; Scott L. Collins
• Keywords: Spatial heterogeneity; Panicum; Bouteloua gracilis

Abstract. We examined the role of playa lakes in promoting regional heterogeneity on southern High Plains. The goals this paper were to: (1) describe vegetation types and zonation patterns within playas, (2) evaluate species distribution abundance among (3) assess playas a portion Perennial grasses most abundant vegetation. Playa exhibited distinct repeatable zones at majority sites, but number varied from site to site. Agropyron smithii, Buchloë dactyloides , Panicum obtusum important interior zones, Bouteloua gracilis, Schedonnardus paniculatus upland outside playas. Species positively correlated 38 40 sites. distributions occurrences sites unimodal both locally regionally. degree playa. Local was found increase heterogeneity; therefore, local Long‐term monitoring will be necessary understand spatial temporal response stochastic climatic factors Plains North America.