Shallow Stony 12-20 PZ ARAR8/PSSPS
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Submodel
Description
This plant community is dominated by Sandberg bluegrass, cheatgrass, medusahead and a variety of forbs. Some perennial forbs are present. The community has developed due to continued improper grazing management and fire. Some soil loss has occurred. This site has crossed the threshold. It is not economical to return this site to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Description
This plant community is dominated by Utah juniper. Remnants of bluebunch wheatgrass and low sagebrush can be found in the understory. Shallow-rooted grasses, such as Sandberg bluegrass, cheatgrass, and other annuals can be found in the interspaces. Few shrubs are present. When shrub cover is below 10-15%, bare ground is above 25-30% and juniper cover is greater than 20%, the site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices. This state has developed in the absence of fire. Improper grazing management can also contribute to this state.
Description
This plant community has gone over the threshold to a new site. Site potential has been reduced. Significant soil loss has occurred. Infiltration has been reduced and run-off has become more rapid. This community has developed due to continued improper grazing management and no fire or frequent fire from State 2 and with the continued absence of fire and improper grazing management from the Juniper invaded phase of State 3.
Mechanism
State 1 Phase C or D to State 2. Develops through improper grazing management and frequent fire. This site has crossed the threshold. It is not economical to return this site to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Mechanism
State 1 to State 3. Develops with no fire and improper grazing management from a juniper invaded phase of State 1. This site has crossed the threshold. It is not economical to return this site to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Mechanism
State 2 to unknown site. Excessive soil loss and changes in the hydrologic cycle caused by improper
grazing management and no fire or frequent fire cause this state to cross the threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential. It is not economical to return this site to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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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.