Sg. Evans et Jp. Workman, OPTIMIZATION OF RANGE IMPROVEMENTS ON SAGE-BRUSH AND PINYON-JUNIPER SITES, Journal of range management, 47(2), 1994, pp. 159-164
The optimum combination of 3 range improvements was determined for pri
vate lands on Utah ranches. While many promising range improvements ar
e available, determination of which alternatives to implement must con
sider the total ranch operation. Linear programming (LP) makes it poss
ible to simultaneously determine the profit maximizing combinations of
range improvements and how these improvements will affect the total r
anch operation. The study examined 3 range improvements (revegetation,
burning, and chemical brush control) for big sagebrush (Artemisia tri
dentata Nutt.) and pinyon-juniper (Pinus spp.-juniperus spp.) on uplan
d loam and upland shallow loam range sites. Net present value analysis
and an LP model were used to identify the most efficient alternative,
the limiting constraints, and the optimum levels and combinations of
alternatives. The optimal solution ran 238 brood cows compared to 196
for the typical Utah ranch. Burning big sagebrush or pinyon-juniper in
festations on crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum Fisch. ex Link)
foothill ranges was the most profitable range improvement. Annual net
cash incomes after burning sagebrush or pinyon-juniper on the upland
loam site were $37,873 and $37,770, respectively, compared to $31,278
on the typical Utah cow-calf operation. The optimal solution will chan
ge as input and product prices change. The model was designed for appl
ication to specific ranches rather than to make general recommendation
s for the typical Utah ranch.