Limestone Hills 20-24" p.z.
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1a More details
- Transition T1b More details
- Transition T1c More details
- Restoration pathway R2a More details
- Restoration pathway R4a 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 Shrub/Grass State is the Reference Plant Community. Shrub canopy is 35-45% on all aspects.
Submodel
Description
Non sprouting shrubs have increased to 60-80% canopy.
Submodel
Description
Sprouting shrubs have increased to 60-80% canopy.
Submodel
Mechanism
Non-sprouting shrubs like sotol and prickly pear germinate and in the absence of fire for prolonged periods grow to maturity and eventually dominate the site.
Mechanism
Sprouting shrubs, primarily turbinella oak that is the dominant shrub on other sites in this Land Resource Unit (16-20" precipitation zone), germinate and in the absence of fire for prolonged periods grow to maturity and eventually dominate the site.
Mechanism
Trees germinate and in the absence of fire for prolonged periods grow to maturity. High densities of perennial grasses can still occupy the interspaces of trees with tree canopy as high as 45-55%. Trees are of sufficient size that most practitioners are unlikely to apply prescribed fire.
Mechanism
It is unknown if this restoration is possible. Chemical brush management is likely the only alternative to reduce shrub species given the rocky nature of these soils. Range planting would be necessary to restore the herbaceous community if brush management is effective. Range planting would have greater success in this Land Resource Unit due to the higher rainfall this site receives.
Mechanism
Extreme wildfire is likely the only restoration pathway. Trees have reached such a large size that very high temperatures and wind speeds are needed to allow fires to burn through canopies and top kill non sprouting juniper or pinyon. Very costly mechanical brush management where soils have lower amount of cobbles or boulders and gentler slopes is possible followed by burning of tree skeletons. Perennial grass canopy in the interspaces of trees is > 50% in some areas with existing plants likely providing an adequate seed source for restoration following brush management or fires. Range planting should likely only be considered where perennial grass canopy in the interspaces of trees is less than 25%; however this threshold needs additional investigation.
Model keys
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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.