Deep Sand
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This state represents the most ecologically stable conditions in terms of resistance to erosion. Moreover, this state has the highest potential for productivity and plant diversity.
Characteristics and indicators
black grama, little bluestem, cane bluestem, sand bluestem, Indian ricegrass,and sideoats grama
Resilience management
This site can respond rapidly to good management and responds best to a system of grazing which rotates the season of use.
Submodel
Description
The site is sometimes invaded by woody species such as pinyon and juniper, or in rare cases, ponderosa pine, and may support relatively long-lived stands of these species.
Description
This site is poorly suited for continuous year-long grazing. If grazing is continued year long or grazing pressure is too heavy, the dominant grasses such as black grama, little bluestem, cane bluestem, sand bluestem, Indian ricegrass,and sideoats grama will decrease rapidly. This will cause a corresponding increase in woody species, annuals, and grasses like threeawn, sand dropseed, sandhill muhly, and ring muhly. This will also cause a decrease in the forage production.
Characteristics and indicators
Severe site deterioration is characterized by increased amounts of bare soil which causes soil blowing and hummocking.
Mechanism
Season-long grazing providing little rest and recovery for preferred grazed plants during critical growing periods, coupled with high utilization.
Mechanism
Legacy statement:
"Restoration pathway resulting from the implementation of prescribed grazing."
It should be noted that prescribed grazing alone may not significantly reduce juniper cover. Brush control may also be required.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Grazing Management Plan - Applied |
Mechanism
Additional continuous grazing leads to pronounced erosion.
Continuous grazing can be specified here as: Season-long grazing providing little rest and recovery for preferred grazed plants during critical growing periods, coupled with high utilization.
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.