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Bromus Response to Climate and Projected Changes with Climate Change

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Exotic Brome-Grasses in Arid and Semiarid Ecosystems of the Western US

Part of the book series: Springer Series on Environmental Management ((SSEM))

Abstract

A prominent goal of invasive plant management is to prevent or reduce the spread of invasive species into uninvaded landscapes and regions. Monitoring and control efforts often rely on scientific knowledge of suitable habitat for the invasive species. However, rising temperatures and altered precipitation projected with climate change are likely to shift the geographic range of that suitable habitat. Here, we review experimental and modeling studies of climatic limits to exotic annual Bromus (Bromus hereafter) distribution in the Intermountain West in the context of projections of future climate change. We update empirical models of range shifts to test whether Bromus rubens L. (red brome) is likely to expand into ranges that become less suitable for Bromus tectorum L. (cheatgrass or downy brome). Warming temperatures are likely to create an advantage for Bromus species throughout much of the Intermountain West, potentially enhancing invasion into formerly resistant ecosystems if native species mortality increases with warming and drought. Bromus rubens is likely to expand into areas of the Southern Great Basin and Colorado Plateau as warmer winters reduce range constraints caused by cold intolerance. However, a primary limitation to exotic annual Bromus invasion and expansion is growing season precipitation. Projections for precipitation change are uncertain, but increased precipitation during periods critical for exotic annual Bromus germination and growth is forecast for the Northern Great Basin. Increased Bromus reproduction and biomass may exacerbate B. tectorum invasion and associated fire risk, especially if coupled with longer fire seasons and more extreme fire weather. Managers should anticipate both shifts in the overall distribution of Bromus species, as well as changes in relative abundance within its existing range.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA

    Bethany A. Bradley

  2. Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA

    Caroline A. Curtis

  3. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Reno, NV, 89512, USA

    Jeanne C. Chambers

Authors
  1. Bethany A. Bradley
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  2. Caroline A. Curtis
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  3. Jeanne C. Chambers
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bethany A. Bradley .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. US Geological Survey, Boise, Idaho, USA

    Matthew J. Germino

  2. Rocky Mountain Experimental Station, US Forest Service, Reno, Nevada, USA

    Jeanne C. Chambers

  3. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

    Cynthia S. Brown

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Bradley, B.A., Curtis, C.A., Chambers, J.C. (2016). Bromus Response to Climate and Projected Changes with Climate Change. In: Germino, M., Chambers, J., Brown, C. (eds) Exotic Brome-Grasses in Arid and Semiarid Ecosystems of the Western US. Springer Series on Environmental Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24930-8_9

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