Question

Describe two benefits of restoring tall-and short-grass native prairies. What role does fire play in restoring and sustainably managing native prairies?

Answer 1

Two benefits of restoring tall-and short-grass native prairies are :

• The native prairies have very deep root systems and their perennial nature are very much ideal for soil conservation as their deep roots hold on to the soil particles thus preventing them from being eroded away. The ability of the native prairies to grow even in poor soil conditions provide numerous benefits to the problems of water conservation, soil erosion and the pollinators in the prairies allow the farmers to focus on more food production on the prime agricultural land.
• Restoring tallgrass prairie is essential as they serve as habitat for many vulnerable wildlife such as the grassland birds and many native pollinators.

Fire plays an important role in restoring and sustainably managing the native prairies thereby providing many benefits to nature and also to the people. Fire is a very natural part of the grassland ecosystem and it helps in maintaining its vigour and health. Fire immediately warms up the soil which again reduces the leaf litter that usually accumulates each year, allowing much more sunlight to penetrate within. Warming the soil in turn increases microbial activity, which again releases nutrients from the dead and decaying plant material that is required by the new grasses and flowers for their growth.