JD Claypan South 12-16 PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Introduction of non-native species
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Transition T2A
Grazing management favoring shrubs and/or severe drought will reduce the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory
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Transition T2B
Catastrophic fire and soil disturbing treatments such as drill seeding, roller chopper, Lawson aerator etc.. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
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Transition T3A
Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, and/or soil disturbing treatments, Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation.
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Transition T3B
Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community
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Restoration pathway R5A
Mechanical treatment of trees coupled with seeding of desired species success of seeding on this site is low.
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Restoration pathway R5B
Mechanical treatment of trees
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Transition T5A
Catastrophic fire
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State 1.0 is a representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The reference state has 3 general community phases; a shrub-grass dominant phase, a perennial grass dominant phase and a shrub dominant phase. State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire, periodic drought and/or insect or disease attack.
Submodel
Description
This state is similar to the Reference State 1.0 with three similar community phases. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Non-natives may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. These non-natives can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These feedbacks include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include the non-natives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Submodel
Description
This state is a product of many years of heavy grazing during time periods harmful to perennial bunchgrasses. Sandberg bluegrass will increase with a reduction in deep rooted perennial bunchgrass competition and become the dominant grasses. Sagebrush dominates the overstory and rabbitbrush may be a significant component. Sagebrush cover exceeds site concept and may be decadent, reflecting stand maturity and lack of seedling establishment due to competition with mature plants. The shrub overstory and bluegrass understory dominate site resources such that soil water, nutrient capture, nutrient cycling and soil organic matter are temporally and spatially redistributed.
Submodel
Description
This community is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as medusa head, cheatgrass and tansy mustard in the understory. Sagebrush and/or rabbitbrush may dominate the overstory.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by a dominance of western juniper in the overstory. Low sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses may still be present, but they are no longer controlling site resources. Soil moisture, soil nutrients and soil organic matter distribution and cycling have been spatially and temporally altered.
Submodel
Mechanism
Grazing management favoring shrubs and/or severe drought will reduce the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory
Mechanism
Catastrophic fire and soil disturbing treatments such as drill seeding, roller chopper, Lawson aerator etc. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
Constraints to recovery
Probability of success of seeding on this site is low.
Mechanism
Catastrophic fire, multiple fires, and/or soil disturbing treatments, Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation.
Context dependence
Bare ground levels depend on variations in annual precipitation
Mechanism
Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community
Mechanism
Mechanical treatment of trees coupled with seeding of desired species success of seeding on this site is low.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.