DROUGHTY LOAM 11-13 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
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T3B More details
- Transition T4A 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
Compositionally similar to the reference state with a trace of cheatgrass and the annual weeds. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Prescribed grazing maintains state dynamics. Overgrazing grazing (CP1) favors sagebrush and Sandberg’s bluegrass. Cheatgrass increases. Prescribed grazing can reverse the trend (CP2). Reduction in fire frequency facilitates juniper encroachment in both poor and good condition communities (CP3). Fire reduces or eliminates juniper and with time sagebrush reestablishes (CP4).
Submodel
Description
Juniper dominates site resources. Sagebrush is dead or dying and bitterbrush lacks vigor. Sandberg’s bluegrass is the dominant species in the interspace and bare ground is significant. The perennial grass component is significantly reduced in both density and productivity. Idaho fescue may be present under the canopy of trees (north slope typically). Spatial and temporal energy capture and nutrient cycling has been truncated. Infiltration may be reduced due to lack of ground cover.
Submodel
Description
Juniper dominated state. Soil loss is evident and erosion is active. All ecological processes, hydrologic cycle, nutrient cycle and energy capture have been significantly changed preventing the establishment of perennial plants. An abiotic threshold has been crossed.
Submodel
Description
Cheatgrass 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
Increased time since fire allows western juniper to dominate the site.
Mechanism
Rehabilitation involves mechanical and/or prescribed fire to remove juniper.
Herbicide treatment of cheatgrass may be necessary. Seeding of desired species may be needed.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Range Planting |
Mechanism
Soil erosion decreases site production and changes plant composition.
Mechanism
Catastrophic wildfire causes annual grasses to dominate the site. This is mainly a problem on the warmer areas of this site. The frigid soil temperatures limit the ability of annual grasses to maintain dominance.
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.