Vegetation cover from line intercept transects in lagomorph exclosure and shrub removal plots at the Jornada Experimental Range, southern New Mexico, USA, 1938-2001

This package contains data from a study to quantify vegetation
dynamics in response to lagomorph and shrub exclusion on the Jornada
Experimental Range from 1938-2001. Data consist of vertical line
intercept measures of the perennial grasses, suffretescents and
shrubs. Sixteen plots at each of 3 sites (Gravelly Ridges, Dona Ana
exclosure, and Parker Tank) were established in 1938-39. Plots were
21.3 x 21.3 m with a 7.6 m buffer zone between each. Plots were
divided into east and west halves and 14 randomly located 10.65 m
transects were located in each half plot. Vegetation was measured
using vertical line intercepts in 1938, 1947, 1956, 1960, 1967, 1989,
1995, and 2001 for the Gravelly Ridges site, and in 1938/9, 1947,
1960, 1967, and 2001 for the Parker Tank and Dona Ana sites. The
treatments include lagomorph exclusion (using wire fencing), shrub
removal (hand grubbing at the ground surface), furrowing (shallow,
hand raked furrows to trap surface water), and seeding (broadcast
applications of seeds of native perennials). Seeding and furrowing
treatments were only applied in 1939. Lagomorph exclusion has
persisted since establishment, and shrub removal treatments have been
reapplied immediately following all years of vegetation sampling. The
dataset contains information on the site, year of data collection,
plot number, line number, vegetation, and number of vegetation present
on each line. This study is complete. For more information, refer to: Havstad, K.M., R.P. Gibbens, C.A. Knorr, and L.W. Murray. 1999.
Long-term influences of shrub removal and lagomorph exclusion on
Chihuahuan Desert vegetation dynamics. Journal of Arid Environments
42: 155-166. https://doi.org/10.1006/jare.1999.0516