Chute N The Bull 8/14/09

Succession is a relatively predictable process of change that occurs in plant communities and soils. It is an important concept when managing native plant communities for wildlife, livestock grazing, timber production or other goals. Plant communities are not static. They change in response to disturbances such as tillage, burning, mowing, grazing and herbicide treatments. Just as importantly, they change with the absence of disturbances (rest). Understanding these changes lets managers direct or allow change to facilitate their goals.
An example of succession is the progressive change that occurs in a fallow field when it is rested for a long period of time (see figure). Initially, bare tilled soil becomes dominated by annual forbs and grasses. With time, perennial grasses and forbs begin to dominate the site. With more time, especially in areas with more than 30 inches of rainfall, shrubs and small trees become common or abundant on the site. With additional time, many sites continue to evolve until they become forests. With even more time, especially in riparian* sites and higher rainfall areas, species composition of the forest continues to change until a climax plant community develops.
Disturbances generally move succession backward toward simpler, earlier stages. Rest generally moves succession forward toward more complex, later stages. More advanced stages of prairie succession usually provide more forage and support more cattle, but appropriate rest is necessary to maintain this productivity when prairie is grazed.
Plant species composition of the various stages depends upon previous plant communities on a site, soil type, rainfall, climate and disturbances that occur. People who pay attention to and study plant ecology in a particular region can learn to understand and predict the changes.
Following are some examples of managing succession to accomplish goals:
Rest can be used to develop additional woody cover for wildlife, livestock or a windbreak. It is usually easier, more successful, faster and less costly to allow natural succession to develop woody cover than by planting woody seedlings when a site has a tendency to grow woody plants. Sites with this tendency are ones that previously grew timber or brush at some point in their history or those where current managers have to control brush or woody sprouts to prevent woody plants from growing in open areas.
Periodic prescribed fire is commonly used to set back succession to prevent woody plants, especially eastern red cedar, from dominating open areas. Fire also tends to encourage the growth of herbaceous legumes during the growing season immediately following a fire. Several of these legumes are very desirable for wildlife and cattle.
Properly timed tillage or heavy grazing can be used to increase mourning dove food and attract mourning dove when plant species such as woolly croton or common sunflower are present or have grown on a site in the past.
There are many examples of understanding and allowing nature to accomplish desired goals. A range or wildlife consultant should be able to help you learn how to work with nature to accomplish your goals. Riparian sites are areas adjacent to streams or impoundments with distinct soils and plant communities that are influenced or created by occasional flooding or shallow ground water. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating


Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax

Chute N The Bull 8/24/09

Now is the time to begin planning your cooler weather gardens. Depending on when you're reading this, it may still be Summer here in Texas. But many homeowners want to begin planning early for the Fall. Now is time to think ahead to what types of plants and shrubs you want. What's their purpose? Whether it's moisture absorption away from the foundation, herbal or vegetable gardens, or just luscious fall color, the sooner you know what your objectives are, the sooner you can begin your planning list. There are many fall seasonal plants to choose from including Pansies, Snapdragons and Dianthus, which are always good choices. If you are considering planting bulbs for Spring blooms, get your orders in soon! Now is not the time to actually plant the bulbs, but you do need to order them. October through early November is the best time to plant perennials in North Texas. Check with your local nurseries as to what's available. This is also the time to review/clean your last year's perennial beds. Decide how well they did for you this past year and what you may want to change. Love butterflies? If you enjoy butterflies, start looking for the caterpillars in early Fall. Many nurseries say to let them feed to their heart's content in your garden. Your plants will recover. Remember not to spray any of your Butterfly Bushes with pesticides. If you have Butterfly Weed planted, you should begin seeing the Monarch butterflies coming back through on their way to Mexico. Rose bushes can be cut back now for fall blooms. Be sure to cut away all dead stems and leaves - they could disease the rest of your rose bush. You should get lush blooms well into December, up until the first frost -- some of the finest of the year. Once temperatures have cooled down a bit, transplant any rose bushes you have growing in pots. Be very cautious about pruning shrubs in North Texas. November can often remain very mild, and shrubs often do not get a strong signal to go dormant. Shearing them back too early might stimulate growth, which is not a good idea just before winter. Begin preparing for the plants that will be brought indoors for the winter months. Make sure they are pest-free. Lighting adjustment is important, so consider carefully where to put them for adequate light. Transplant any that look root-bound from being outside, or in pots they've outgrown. In November, here's a fun project to do indoors: Two bulbs, the Amaryllis and Paper-white narcissus, are easy to force for blooms during the holidays. Place them in a sunny window, or sufficient artificial lighting. Paper-white narcissus can also be planted in gravel or stones. They make wonderful spots of light and life, and during the winter can also be used to start seeds or cuttings for future houseplants. Perhaps you've been considering a greenhouse. In North Texas, they can provide the serious gardener wonderful opportunities for growing plants over the late fall and winter months. Many greenhouses can be achieved fairly simply, and offer much pleasure and reward. If you love the look of a green lawn, November would be the time to throw out rye grass. Not only will you have a beautiful lawn throughout the winter, but rye grass stablizes any bald spots from excessive soil erosion. Of course, be prepared to keep mowing.... Enjoy this wonderful season of beautiful fall colors and planning for a lush Spring!. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating




Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax