Loamy Slopes 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
- Transition T1C 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
Submodel
Mechanism
Non-native bunchgrass seed is purposely or inadvertently introduced into the plant community (wind-blown or mechanical transport). Disturbances such as fire or drought can disrupt the native perennials allowing the non-native grasses an opportunity to expand their range from disturbed or planted areas. Long term events such as continuous unmanaged grazing or community phase pathway 1.1a (shift to the Annual Forbs community phase 1.2) allow non-native bunchgrasses a competitive advantage over natives.
Mechanism
Continuous unmanaged grazing with heavy to severe utilization results in persistently low perennial grass cover and extended fire free periods. Shrubs increase in size and number. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Mechanism
Long-term, continuous, unmanaged grazing with heavy to severe utilization 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. Drought conditions accelerate this transition.
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 |
|---|---|
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Prescribed Burning |
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Fence |
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Livestock Pipeline |
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Pumping Plant |
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Watering Facility |
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Water Well |
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Upland Wildlife Habitat Management |
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Prescribed Grazing |
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Fish and Wildlife Structure |
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Grazing Management Plan - Written |
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Grazing Management Plan - Applied |
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Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Written |
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Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Applied |
Mechanism
Continuous unmanaged grazing with heavy to severe utilization results in persistently low perennial grass cover and extended fire free periods. Shrubs increase in size and number. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Mechanism
Woody species control, native species seeding (as needed) supported by managed grazing. Shrub control maintained with herbicide and/or prescribed burning.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Fence |
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Firebreak |
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Livestock Pipeline |
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Pumping Plant |
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Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment |
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Range Planting |
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Watering Facility |
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Water Well |
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Upland Wildlife Habitat Management |
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Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems |
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Prescribed Grazing |
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Fuel Break |
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Fish and Wildlife Structure |
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Grazing Management Plan - Written |
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Grazing Management Plan - Applied |
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Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Written |
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Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Applied |
Mechanism
Restoration activities conducted when a non-native seed bank is present on site (Lehmann lovegrass or other non-natives present along trails, roads or in disturbed areas) can result in an exotic grassland community. Native species seeding may enhance the native grass component. Restoration practices are woody species control and native species seeding (as needed) supported by managed grazing. Shrub control maintained with herbicide may favor the native grasses while prescribed burning may favor non-natives. Burning the mixed shrub community with a non-native grass seed source present can result in an exotic grassland co-dominant with shrubs.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Fence |
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Firebreak |
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Grade Stabilization Structure |
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Livestock Pipeline |
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Pumping Plant |
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Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment |
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Range Planting |
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Watering Facility |
|
|
Water Well |
|
|
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Fuel Break |
|
|
Fish and Wildlife Structure |
|
|
Grazing Management Plan - Written |
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Grazing Management Plan - Applied |
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Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Written |
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Fish and Wildlife Habitat Plan - Applied |
Mechanism
Continuous unmanaged grazing with heavy to severe utilization resulting in persistently low perennial grass cover, extended fire free periods, and adverse soil changes (loss of A horizon organic matter, compaction, and accelerated erosion.)
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.