LOAMY 10-12 PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Restoration pathway R4A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Submodel
Description
Compositionally similar to the reference state with a trace of cheatgrass and weedy forbs. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Prescribed grazing and infrequent fire (> 50 year return interval) maintain state dynamics.
Submodel
Description
Wyoming and basin big sagebrush is decadent with little recruitment. The perennial grass component is significantly reduced in both density and productivity. Cheatgrass and/or annual forbs and/or Sandberg’s bluegrass along with sagebrush control site resources and drive ecological dynamics. Bare ground is abundant. Spatial and temporal energy capture and nutrient cycling has been truncated. Infiltration may be reduced due to lack of ground cover. Risk of soil erosion by both wind and water is increased.
Submodel
Description
Cheatgrass and/or annual weed dominated plant community with limited to no shrub or perennial grass component. Soil erosion and redistribution along with changes in dynamic soil properties affect the hydrologic cycle and thus the nutrient cycle. Harsh environmental factors increase state resiliency to change.
Submodel
Mechanism
Abusive grazing and/or prolonged drought leads to a biotic threshold characterized by decadent Wyoming and basin big sagebrush with an understory dominated by cheatgrass and/or weedy forbs and/or Sandberg’s bluegrass. Trace amounts of the original community remain. Rabbitbrush may increase.
Mechanism
Rehabilitation involves mechanical or herbicide control of sagebrush. Herbicide treatment of weedy species may be required. If Sandberg’s bluegrass dominates, a mechanical or herbicide treatment may be necessary to facilitate desired seedling establishment. Seeding may be necessary.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
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Range Planting |
|
|
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
Mechanism
Drill seeding with drought tolerant species. Herbicide may be an option. If seeding is successful follow with prescribed grazing to reduce cheatgrass and decrease fuel loading. Low probability of seeding success.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Range Planting |
|
|
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.