![1188](https://edit.jornada.nmsu.edu/uploads/large/es/pc/1188.jpg)
Sandy Loam Upland 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
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Submodel
Mechanism
Non-native bunchgrass seed is purposely planted 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. Mesquite and juniper 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. Reduced soil cover, compaction, and A Horizon loss 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. Persistent reduced infiltration severely limits perennial grass recruitment.
Mechanism
No restoration pathway known at this time. Perhaps future development of herbicide or biological treatment to remove perennial exotics will occur.
Mechanism
Continuous unmanaged grazing with heavy to severe utilization results in persistently low perennial grass cover and extended fire free periods. Mesquite and juniper 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.
Mechanism
Restoration activities conducted when a non-native seed bank is present on site (African lovegrasses or yellow bluestem 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.
Mechanism
Long-term, continuous, unmanaged grazing with heavy to severe utilization affects soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Reduced soil cover, compaction, and A Horizon loss 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. Persistent reduced infiltration severely limits perennial grass recruitment.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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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.