Saline Upland (SU) RRU 46-N 10-14 PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1
This transition is often triggered by long term overgrazing or other human disturbances. Long term drought or altered hydrologic function is also a factor.
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Transition T3
Invasion of the community by nonnative herbaceous species, often as a result of long term overgrazing or intense fire which reduces vigor of native herbaceous species.
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Restoration pathway R1
Improved grazing management with favorable growing conditions may allow deep rooted bunchgrasses to reestablish dominance. Limited prescribed fire may reduce vigor of short grasses and shrubs temporarily.
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Transition T2
Invasion of the community by nonnative herbaceous species, often as a result of long term overgrazing and/or intense fire which reduces vigor of native herbaceous species.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State of the Saline Upland (SU) ecological site consists of two 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 green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), bluebunch wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, winterfat, and alkali sacaton and 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 long-term 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. Short grasses are able to take advantage of limited resources and interspaces between larger bunchgrasses.
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
Mechanism
Improved grazing management with favorable growing conditions may allow deep rooted bunchgrasses to reestablish dominance. Limited prescribed fire may reduce vigor of short grasses and shrubs temporarily.
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.