Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) management in the Nebraska Panhandle

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is rapidly reshaping the grasslands of Nebraska’s panhandle, outcompeting native plants, altering soil dynamics, and increasing wildfire risk. This catalog explores the origins, spread, and ecological impact of this invasive species, along with its implications for rangeland health. It highlights cheatgrass’s biological advantages, like fast germination and massive seed production, and discusses both the challenges and opportunities it presents for land managers, including early-season grazing benefits. Through analysis of local data and imagery, the catalog also evaluates control strategies such as herbicide treatment, targeted grazing, and reseeding. While total eradication may be unrealistic, this resource emphasizes the importance of proactive, region-specific management to protect Nebraska’s native prairie ecosystems and promote long-term resilience.

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