Sandy Bottom
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1a 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 contains plant communities presumed to occur on the Sandy Bottom site prior to the introduction of non-native plants, livestock grazing, and other modern disturbances. The reference state is generally dominated by fourwing saltbush and deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses. Plant species are adapted to poorly developed, coarse soils.
The reference state does not include any non-native or invasive plant species. Once invasive plants establish, return to the reference state may not be possible.
Submodel
Description
The invaded state is similar to the reference state in composition and ecological function, but allows for non-native species to be present. It also includes an at-risk plant community with reduced perennial grass production. When perennial grasses are losing vigor and the ability to propagate themselves, this state is at risk of transitioning to the depleted understory state, which is incapable of recovering perennial grasses without significant management inputs.
Submodel
Description
The depleted understory state occurs when perennial grasses have been lost from the understory. Perennial forbs may also be reduced. Interspaces may be sparsely vegetated or dominated by Russian thistle or other annual invasive species. Fire in perpetuates this state, since fourwing saltbush and invasive annuals are both capable of recovering quickly following fire.
Submodel
Mechanism
Establishment and persistence of non-native species results in a transition from the reference state to the invaded state.
Mechanism
This transition occurs when perennial grasses are reduced by improper grazing to the point that they can no longer self-propagate. Few remnant plants may still persist under shrubs, but re-establishment and dominance by perennial grasses will not occur following a fire, or with the removal of livestock grazing.
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.