Richard T. Conant

TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied the characteristics of key resource areas (KRAs), defined as dry season foraging zones for herbivores, relative to the more extensive outlying rangeland areas (non-KRAs) in Kenya.

Abstract: Preface In April of 2010, Drs. Mario Herrero and Philip Thornton of the International Livestock Research Institute contracted with Drs. Boone and Conant to create a global rangeland model of moderate complexity. Boone was funded for a 50 day effort, and Conant for ca. 40 days. An opportunity to prepare a manuscript for a special issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science arose, and Conant took the lead in that effort. Boone created the rangeland model, called G-Range, with input from Conant, drawing upon existing models and new information (see Acknowledgements). Conant and Hilinksi reviewed the logic used in G-Range to simulate ecosystem processes, and joined to create the initial baseline simulation and conduct the scenario reported in this report. This report summarizes that effort, and provides guidance on using the accompanying simulation software. The structure of this report was influenced by the ODD (Overview, Design Concepts, and Details) protocol described in Grimm et al. (2006; 2010).

TL;DR: Manipulation of controls on C sequestration such as species planted or amelioration of soil quality before planting within managed sites could increase soil C to provide gains in terrestrial C storage and cost effective management would improve soil C pools positively affecting soil fertility and site productivity.

TL;DR: G-Range as discussed by the authors is a global rangelands model that couples biogeochemical submodels from the CENTURY soil organic matter model with dynamic populations' submodels for herbs, shrubs, and trees.

TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the impact of different types of grassland management on changes in soil N and rates of change, and evaluate changes in N2O fluxes from differently managed grassland ecosystems to assess net impacts on GWP.