Problems of Temperate Grasslands
- Too many cattle or other grazing animals can harm plants and soil.Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Overgrazing harms grasslands by weakening the root system of grasses. When too many animals feed on grasses for too long, the amount of leaves available to soak up the sunlight is reduced, which inhibits the growth of the root system. The end result is sod that's weakened and more susceptible to the growth of weeds and lack of moisture. Erosion can result, further harming the topsoil. - Irrigation discourages fires that would naturally restore the soil.Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
Grasslands are naturally somewhat dry. When agriculturalists move in, irrigation often follows. Changing the wetness of the grasslands inhibits naturally occuring fires, which have a role in recycling nutrients back into the soil. Additionally, excess salts left are left behind after irrigation. After plowing, winds can blow away precious topsoil, one of the major causes of the Dust Bowl in the U.S. in 1930s. Naturally, some grasses have roots extending several feet deep, holding the soil in place. - Global warming affects the quality and distribution of grassland.Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
Grasslands grow between desert areas and forested areas. As the world climate warms, more wild fires are expected to destroy forests, extending the grasslands; this decline would mean less vegetation overall. A 2007 U.S. Department of Agriculture article stated that rising carbon dioxide levels may cause a decline in soil carbon and nitrogen. - Restoring grasslands poses unique problems.Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
Attempting to restore the grasslands, termed prairie restoration, also presents challenges. The natural way of restoring a grassland, fire, isn't feasible in many areas close to population centers. Questions also arise over whether or not to try to rid prairies of plants such as Queen Anne's Lace. Prairies are valuable resources, not to be ignored, but restoring them may require changing the way that ranching and agriculture operate.
