Sodic Meadow
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
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Reference State represents the plant communities and ecological dynamics of sites that have a water table typically between 36 and 60 inches to the soil surface. The Reference State is generally dominated by saltgrass.
Submodel
Description
The Current Potential State is similar to the Reference State, however invasive grasses and/ or forbs are now present in all community phases. This state still has the visual aspect of a saltgrass meadow. Foxtail barley, arctic rush and alkali bluegrass are other primary perennial grass or grasslike species present. Fivehorn bassia, povertyweed, and other less palatable species now make up a large portion of the herbaceous layer.
Primary disturbance mechanisms include native herbivore and domestic livestock grazing. Timing of these disturbances dictates the ecological dynamics that occur.
The Current Potential State is still self-sustaining; but is losing resistance to change due to lower resilience following disturbances. When disturbances occur, the rate of recovery is variable depending on severity.
Indicators: A community dominated by saltgrass and arctic rush where other native perennial grasses and forbs are also present. Invasive grasses and/or forbs are present.
Feedbacks: Frequent disturbances that may allow annual invasive species such as fivehook
bassia to dominate.
Trigger: Reoccurring disturbance that results in a dominance of annual grasses and/or forbs in the herbaceous layer.
Submodel
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.