摘要: During the last 150 years, two species of mesquite trees in the SouthwesternUnited States have become increasingly common in what formerly was desert grassland. These trees have spread from nearby watersources onto relatively upla... 展开 During the last 150 years, two species of mesquite trees in the SouthwesternUnited States have become increasingly common in what formerly was desert grassland. These trees have spread from nearby watersources onto relatively upland areas, decreasing rangeland grass production. Management attempts to limit or reverse this spread have been largely unsuccessful. This paper reviews studies regarding mesquite natural history and management strategies, emphasizing studies published during the past decade. Mesquite possess a deep root system and are capable of fixing atmospheric N, rendering them capable of accessing resources unavailable to other plants in open rangeland. Their seeds, which remain viable for decades, have a hard excrap and require scarification before germination. 收起