Limestone Hills 16-20 p.z.
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Restoration pathway R3B More details
- Transition T3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Mechanism
Non-native bunchgrass seed source (wind-blown or mechanical transport) paired with native perennial grass community disturbance such as fire or unmanaged grazing.
Mechanism
Long-term unmanaged grazing with or without drought/fire interaction opens perennial grass canopy allowing shrubs to outcompete resources. Juniper, mimosa and other shrubs are likely to increase as well as yucca-like succulents. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Mechanism
No restoration pathway known at this time. Perhaps future development of herbicide or biological treatment to remove perennial exotics will occur.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Long-term unmanaged grazing with or without drought/fire interaction opens perennial grass canopy allowing shrubs to outcompete perennial grasses for resources. Juniper, mimosa and other shrubs are likely to increase as well as yucca-like succulents. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Mechanism
Brush management, native species seeding (as needed) supported by managed grazing. Shrub control maintained with herbicide and/or prescribed burning.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Range Planting |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Long-term unmanaged grazing affects soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Animal trailing and soil surface compaction compound the effect of plant community changes (increased shrub/decreased perennial grass community) to increase surface water run-off rather than infiltration. Over time (50-100+ years) the mollic A horizon can be lost leaving the site with a reduction in potential productivity.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Range Planting |
|
|
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Long-term unmanaged grazing affects soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Animal trailing and soil surface compaction compound the effect of plant community changes (increased shrub/decreased perennial grass community) to increase surface water run-off rather than infiltration. Over time (50-100+ years) the mollic A horizon can be lost leaving the site with a reduction in potential productivity.
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.