(This is a re-post from the JFSP Flash Newsletter)

Region: Mojave Desert

Key Finding: Some plants appear to have the potential to compete with cheatgrass after fire in arid lands, especially in the Mojave.

Noteable Findings:

Certain species, particularly early successional forbs, are better able to compete with exotic annual grasses.
It's possible for existing native species and communities to inhibit establishment of exotic annual grasses.
These species also performed well as transplants in recently burned areas, suggesting that they would be most appropriate for post-fire seeding or transplant efforts.
A native, early successional forb community reduced biomass (fuel) consisting of exotic grasses Bromus rubens and Schismus by 8- (nitrogen added to soil) to 33 - fold (no added nitrogen).
The native forb Sphaeralcea ambigua (desert globemallow) performed best overall for reducing exotic grasses and establishing on desert burns.

Future Work:

Information is needed on factors that determine success or failure of seeding in arid lands. This may include timing and the amount of seed used.
Studies that take a long-term perspective on post-fire re-vegetation of arid lands are needed.