Saline Lowland (SL) RRU 46-C 15-19 PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 More details
- Transition T3 More details
- Restoration pathway R1 More details
- Transition T2 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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Description
The Reference State of this ecological site consists of 2 known potential plant communities 1.1 Reference Bunchgrass Community and 1.2 Wheatgrass Community. These are described below but are generally characterized by a mid-statured, cool season grass community with limited shrub production. Community 1.1 is dominated by a mix of western wheatgrass, winterfat, basin wildrye, alkali sacaton, alkali cordgrass. Community 1.1 is considered the reference while Community 1.2 has a codominance of western wheatgrass, alkali sacaton, saltbush, Sandberg bluegrass, and other shrubs including big sagebrush and black greasewood.
Submodel
Description
State 2, Shortgrass State, has been altered by long term unmanaged, heavy grazing. In this State, drought conditions may speed the departure from reference.
Submodel
Description
Site is invaded by nonnative herbaceous species primarily cheatgrass, field brome, ventenata, and halogeton. This is often a result of reduced vigor in States 1 and 2. The reduced vigor may be attributed to overgrazing however longterm drought may also trigger reduced vigor of these communities
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition is often triggered by long term overgrazing or other human disturbances. Long term drought or altered hydrologic function is also a factor. This system is seasonally wet and if a drying cycle lasts long enough health and vigor of the species present is reduce which allows short grasses to take advantage of limited water resources on the potentially reduced salinity of the soil surface.
Mechanism
Invasion of the community by nonnative herbaceous species including cheatgrass, field brome, and halogeton (Halogeton glomerata). Often as a result of long term overgrazing and/or intense fire which reduces vigor of native herbaceous species. This transition is often irreversible to due the high salinity as well as seasonally wet soil conditions.
Mechanism
Improved grazing management with favorable growing conditions may allow deep rooted bunchgrasses to reestablish dominance. Limited prescribed fire may reduce vigor of shortgrasses and shrubs temporarily. Due to the potentially wet soil conditions associated with this site mechanical alteration of the soil and vegetation is not recommended.
Mechanism
Invasion of the community by nonnative herbaceous species including cheatgrass, field brome, and halogeton (Halogeton glomerata). Often as a result of long term overgrazing and/or intense fire which reduces vigor of native herbaceous species. This transition is often irreversible to due the high salinity.
Model keys
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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.