Very Shallow Scabland (ARRI2/PSSPS-POSE)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Introduction of non-native species
More details -
Transition T2A
Grazing management favoring shrubs and/or severe drought will reduce the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory
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Transition T2B
Catastrophic fire, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
More details -
Transition T3A
Catastrophic fire, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Reference State 1.0 is a representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The reference state has 3 general community phases; a shrub-grass dominant phase, a perennial grass dominant phase and a shrub dominant phase. State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These are maintained by elements of ecosystem structure and function such as the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire, periodic drought and/or insect or disease attack.
Description
This state is similar to the Reference State 1.0 with three similar community phases. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Non-natives may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. These non-natives can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These feedbacks include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. Processes and characteristics that contribute to positive feedbacks include the non-natives species’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Description
This state is a product of many years of heavy grazing during time periods harmful to perennial bunchgrasses and/or severe drought. Sagebrush dominates the overstory. Sagebrush cover exceeds site concept and may be decadent, reflecting stand maturity and lack of seedling establishment due to competition with mature plants. The shrub overstory dominates site resources such that soil water, nutrient capture, nutrient cycling and soil organic matter are temporally and spatially redistributed.
Mechanism
Grazing management favoring shrubs and/or severe drought will reduce the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory
Mechanism
Catastrophic fire, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
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.