Published in Rangeland Ecology & Management (2025)

This research investigates the lasting impact of woody plant encroachment—a common issue for Texas and Western landowners—on critical soil properties, specifically focusing on Ashe Juniper (Juniperus ashei).

The Challenge

Juniper is known to fundamentally alter rangeland ecosystems, often leading to reduced water infiltration and severe soil erosion. However, the long-term legacy of these changes after the juniper is managed or dies had not been fully quantified, leaving land managers unsure about the post-treatment benefits of juniper control.

Key Finding

The study demonstrated that even a decade after juniper mortality, soils beneath the canopy footprint maintained a positive legacy effect. Specifically, the research found:

• Increased Infiltration: Soil permeability remained higher compared to surrounding grassland.

• Reduced Compaction: The soil remained less compacted beneath the former juniper canopy.

Relevance to Consulting Clients

This research proves that the right brush management plan is a long-term investment. It directly informs our Brush Management and Ecohydrology services by allowing us to design strategies that go beyond simple clearing. We help you choose control methods that not only remove the juniper but also capitalize on its positive legacy, maximizing your soil's ability to capture and hold water for years to come.

This nuanced, scientific finding has generated significant discussion in the land management community, as it challenges the simplistic "all brush is bad" narrative. This topic is one of our most requested Educational Lectures/Presentations for landowner groups who want to understand the full scientific picture. We can bring this same in-depth, data-driven discussion to your property or organization.

Published in Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment (2023)

This study examined the immediate and long-term physical consequences of land management practices that involve heavy topsoil disturbance and vegetation clearing. The research quantified the direct, severe effects on soil stability, demonstrating increased susceptibility to erosion and significant reduction in soil moisture and water infiltration rates. The findings provide scientific evidence emphasizing the need for careful, phased brush management and clearing strategies to prevent long-term soil degradation.

Relevance to Consulting Clients

This research provides the hard data for why a "bulldoze-first" approach is so dangerous. It forms the scientific foundation of our Strategic Land Management planning. We advise clients on specific, phased clearing and grading techniques that prevent catastrophic soil loss, protecting your property's most valuable asset: its topsoil and its fundamental ability to hold water and grow forage.

Published in Catena (2024)

This research explored the nuanced ecological effects of shrub encroachment in alpine meadows, focusing on leguminous species. Contrary to the common assumption that all woody encroachment is negative, this study found that leguminous shrubs positively impacted soil nutrient cycling and ecosystem health, primarily by increasing nitrogen content. This complex finding is critical for land managers, showing that management decisions must be tailored based on the species and ecosystem involved.

Relevance to Consulting Clients

This study informs our Brush Management and Grazing Plans, teaching us to evaluate the specific species of woody plants present. We help clients avoid removing ecologically beneficial plants, ensuring management efforts are targeted and maximize soil health and biodiversity, rather than using a blanket removal approach.

Manuscript In Preparation

Focused on optimizing private land profitability and ecological health, this research analyzes the economic returns and rangeland health outcomes associated with multi-species grazing systems (e.g., combining cattle and goats) versus single-species approaches. The findings quantify how targeted browsing by secondary species can reduce brush encroachment and increase the available forage and carrying capacity of rangelands, providing a clear financial incentive for ecologically beneficial management strategies.

Relevance to Consulting Clients

This research is the foundation of our Grazing & Livestock Planning service. It proves our hands-on experience and deep knowledge of livestock (cattle, goats, and sheep). We don't just provide an economic analysis; we design sound, holistic plans that are both ecologically beneficial (improving your rangeland health) and economically profitable (maximizing your Ag Tax Valuation and your profits when possible).