FORECASTING FORAGE RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND SHRUB CONTROL USING NEXT GENERATION ROOT DATA

We have four main goals in this research.1. Measure active root distributions for common species at sites in Nevada, Utah, and Montana. Sites were selected to complement existing data and capture the full range of sagebrush ecosystems in the western US. Sampling will be performed spring 2025, 2026, and 2027.2. Estimate water uptake by each species over time at each site. The soil water flow model Hydrus 1D will be used to simulate water uptake. Modeling will begin summer 2024 and continue as new data is collected.3. Compare water uptake to plant growth and water content on the landscape. Vegetation surveys will be conducted during each sampling campaign.4. Simulate plant growth across the western US in response to climate and shrub management over the next century. Model development will begin summer 2024 and continue as data is collected.