Mudstone/Sandstone Hills 6-10" p.z.
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 More details
- Restoration pathway R1 More details
- Transition T2 More details
- Restoration pathway R2 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 which includes the Historic Climax Plant Community has been determined by study of relict areas or areas protected from excessive disturbances. Trends in plant communities going from unmanaged grazed areas to managed grazed areas, seasonal use pastures and historical accounts have also been used. This reference state is characterized by mix of grasses and shrubs dominated by galleta, Indian ricegrass, Bigelow sagebrush and Torrey Mormon tea.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by an invasion of native shrubs with an understory of scattered grasses. Shrubs like Mormon tea, rabbitbrush, snakeweed, Bigelow sage and shadscale have increased to dominate the plant community. There is a significant increase in rills and water flow patterns with a reduction of herbaceous canopy cover.
Submodel
Mechanism
Manged grazing, woody species control, favorable climate.
Mechanism
Loss of perennial grasses and shrubs, reduced soil site stability and hyrologic function, invasion of non-native annuals.
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.