Sandstone Upland 6-10" p.z. Sodic
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A 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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State 1
Reference State
Description
This state represents the most ecologically stable conditions in terms of resistance to erosion. Moreover, this state has the highest potential for productivity and plant diversity.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by eroded soils and a increase of mound saltbush and some forbs. As the surface is reduced of perennial plant cover the site tend to become more sodic. This favors the increase of mound saltbush and decline of galleta, alkali sacaton and shadscale.
Mechanism
Continuous heavy grazing/improper grazing management, drought, establishment of native and non-native annuals. Loss of perennial herbaceous cover leads to increased bare ground and decrease of surface resistance to wind/water erosion. This allows for increased rills, sheet flow and wind erosion.
Continuous heavy grazing can be described here as: Season-long grazing providing little rest and recovery for preferred grazed plants during critical growing periods, coupled with high utilization.
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.