Plant Litter and Establishment of Alien Annual Weed Species in Rangeland Communities

Abstract

Plant litter that covers the soil surface acts as a layer of insulation moderating temperature and moisture, and creating favorable microsites for germination and the establishment of annual weed species in rangeland communities. Litter cover is an important factor in succession among annual species which culminates in dominance by downy brome ( Bromus tectorum L.) and medusahead ( Taeniatherum asperum (Sim.) Nevski) in these communities.