Salt Meadow
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- 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
This state includes the biotic communities that become established on the ecological site under the natural disturbance regime prior to pre-European settlement. The soils are saline and alkaline. Plants that occur on this site salt tolerant. This site supplemental water from intermittent flooding frequency and a water table. Alkali sacaton, saltgrass, alkali grass, western wheatgrass, sedges, and rushes give this site the meadow aspect. A few fourwing saltbush, rabbitbrush and greasewood are scattered over the meadow. Other salt meadow plants include slender wheatgrass, foxtail barley, aster, seepweed (Mojave seablithe) and arrowgrass. Basin wildrye grows on less alkaline places in the site. As this site deteriorates, saltgrass, greasewood, rubber rabitbrush and foxtail will increase. Grasses such as Alkali sacaton, alkaligrass and basin wildrye will decrease. The species composition will vary due to historical use, varying precipitation and water table and fire frequency. Drier sites will have a greater risk of foxtail barley incursion than wetter areas.
Submodel
Description
The current potential state is similar in structure and function to the reference state, however invasive species are present in all community phases. The current potential state is generally dominated by perennial grasses. The current potential state is less resilient than the reference state due to the presence of non-native/invasive species in the plant community. Annual herbaceous weedy plants have increased, but occur in small patches. Invasive species present can include knapweeds, povertyweed, Canada thistle, curly dock, and whitetop (perennial pepperweed).
Submodel
Description
This state results from seeding introduced perennial grasses. Native perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs may be included in the seed mix. This state behave similar community dynamics to the current potential state community. Other vegetation treatments may be necessary to get to this state, they include mowing, disking, prescribed burning and other techniques which manipulate the plant community. The seeded state could persist for long periods of time with proper management. Native grasses and forbs may reestablish over time from nearby seed sources.
Submodel
Mechanism
The native understory in the reference state has been invade by non-native species. Plant may include povertyweed, Russian thistle, and kochia, and knapweeds. Some invasive plants can become established in undisturbed and healthy native plant communities. Possible events that can cause this transition include improper domestic livestock, severe surface disturbances, fire, and/or extended droughts.
Mechanism
This state results from seeding introduced perennial grasses. Native perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs may be included in the seed mix. This state behave similar community dynamics to the current potential state community. Other vegetation treatments may be necessary to get to this state, they include mowing, disking, prescribed burning and other techniques which manipulate the plant community. The seeded state could persist for long periods of time with proper management. Native grasses and forbs may reestablish over time from nearby seed sources.
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.