CLAYPAN 12-16 PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- 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/or medusahead and other annual weeds. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Infrequent fire (> 80 to 100 years) reduces shrub cover, removes young juniper and promotes grass production while time since fire allows shrub recovery.
Submodel
Description
Low sagebrush and possibly young juniper dominated, with minimal perennial, moderately deep-rooted grasses. Cheatgrass and/or medusahead along with other weedy forbs are increased in density and cover. Sandberg’s bluegrass cover and vigor is declining. Water flow paths are evident. Low sagebrush, and possibly juniper, control site resources.
Submodel
Mechanism
Low sagebrush dominates with a possible co-dominate of young juniper. Moderately deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses are rare. Cheatgrass and/or medusahead and other weedy annuals are abundant. Bare ground is significant and water flow paths evident. Sandberg’s bluegrass is pedestalled and reduced in vigor and/or cover. This site has crossed a biotic threshold.
Mechanism
Catastrophic wildfire leading to annual dominated plant community.
Mechanism
Requires mechanical or chemical treatment of sagebrush or mechanical treatment of juniper along with treatment of cheatgrass and/or medusahead. Desired grasses and forbs may need to be seeded. Low success rate.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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Prescribed Grazing |
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Range Planting |
Mechanism
Catastrophic wildfire leading to annual dominated plant community.
Mechanism
Requires mechanical and/or chemical treatment of annual grasses along with seeding of perennial grass and shrubs. Chemical treatment of rabbitbrush may be needed.
High probability of failure.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
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.