Malpais
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
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This state includes western wheatgrass, black grama, and sideoats grama.
Characteristics and indicators
the composition of western wheatgrass, black grama, sideoats grama, New Mexico feathergrass, Arizona fescue, and pine dropseed.
Resilience management
Grazing:
This site is suitable for grazing by all kinds and classes of livestock during all seasons of the year. However, this site is not suited to continuous year-long grazing or continuous grazing during the growing season. Under the above condition, the site will deteriorate. The site responds best to a system of grazing that rotates the season of use.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by bare ground and low-vigor sod-type blue grama.
Characteristics and indicators
Deterioration is characterized by a decrease in total production and the composition of western wheatgrass, black grama, sideoats grama, New Mexico feathergrass, Arizona fescue, and pine dropseed. There will be a corresponding increase in bare ground and low-vigor sod-type blue grama. Species such as threeawns, broom snakeweed, Gambel oak, pinyon, and juniper will also increase.
Resilience management
The site responds best to a system of grazing that rotates the season of use. The use of goats can be a good management tool in maintaining a healthy balance of vegetation.
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 the legacy statement does not indicate a timeframe, or other conditions, such as a favorable climatic period. Future work on this ESD should seek to clarify this.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Grazing Management Plan - Applied |
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.