Sandy
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 contains blue grama, western wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, winterfat and fourwing saltbush.
Resilience management
This site responds well to a system of grazing which rotates the season of use.
Submodel
Description
This state is definitely not suited to continuous yearlong grazing or continuous grazing during the growing season. As deterioration continues, this sod-like blue grama will decrease and an increase of bare grounds and woody vegetation will occur. If this occurs, the site may support a good even-aged stand of pinyon and/or juniper. This site is extremely erosive when in a deteriorated state.
Characteristics and indicators
Increased bare ground and woody vegetation with an even-aged stand of pinyon and/or juniper. This site is extremely erosive when in a deteriorated state.
Resilience management
Deferred and rotational grazing.
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 markedly reduce juniper cover. Rather, prescribed grazing is likely an essential component of a restoration pathway--which likely includes brush control as well.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Grazing Management Plan - Applied |
Mechanism
Season-long grazing providing little rest and recovery for preferred grazed plants during critical growing periods, coupled with high utilization. This leads to pronounced erosion.
Model keys
Briefcase
Add ecological sites and Major Land Resource Areas to your briefcase by clicking on the briefcase (
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
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.