Ashy Sodic Basin
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- 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 is dominated by Nevada bluegrass. In the last few thousand years, this site has evolved in an arid climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Flooding and high water table have also influenced the development of this site. Herbivory has historically occurred on this site at low levels of utilization. Herbivores include pronghorn antelope, mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, sage grouse, lagomorphs and small rodents.
Fire has historically occurred on the site and- normally burns in conjunction with an adjacent upland site.
Submodel
Description
The Current Potential State is similar to the Reference State with the exception of non-native species.
Submodel
Description
This plant community is dominated by Kentucky bluegrass and white sagebrush but the overall production potential of the site is much lower than State 1. There is an increase in forbs and grasses that require less soil moisture. Kentucky bluegrass, foxtail barley, bottlebrush squirreltail and Sandberg bluegrass may have invaded or increased in the community. This state developed due to continued improper grazing management and a permanent lowering of the water table. The site has crossed the threshold. This state cannot be returned to State 1 without raising the water table. This might be done using structures or bio-engineering over time, but the plant community may take many years to approach the plant community in State 1.
Submodel
Mechanism
Develops through permanently lowering the late growing season water table to more than 60 inches. This can occur with continued improper grazing management. It may also occur with proper grazing on the site, but channel erosion may continue if poor off-site conditions cause frequent and/or severe flooding.
Mechanism
Develops through permanently lowering the late growing season water table to more than 60 inches. This can occur with continued improper grazing management. It may also occur with proper grazing on the site, but channel erosion may continue if poor off-site conditions cause frequent and/or severe flooding.
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.