Ranch Data – Vegetation
Plant photosynthesis is the primary step for soil carbon sequestration, converting sunlight, atmospheric carbon and soil minerals into biomass. California’s grasslands have changed drastically since European arrival, and are now dominated by annual, exotic species. Through grazing and other tools like prescribed fires, TomKat Ranch is testing how to encourage a greater diversity of plants to flourish – especially native plants like forbs and perennial grasses. Plant monitoring across the ranch offers insights into shifts in plant community composition and how interventions are influencing what types of plants will thrive.
Photo Credit: Gabrielle Tigan
Point Blue Conservation Science has surveyed grassland vegetation across TomKat Ranch since 2011, with an updated monitoring effort in summer of 2023. We examine patterns in the current vegetation cover and diversity, changes over time, and ranch-wide vegetation trends.
