Subalpine Grassland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A 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
This state represents the natural range of variability on the site. The plant communities within the reference state were shaped and maintained by disturbances such as grazing, browsing, drought, wet years, and fire. The removal or alteration of these processes can cause a shift to an alternative state.
Submodel
Description
This state represents a shift from the reference state. The site has crossed a threshold that will require significant inputs to return to reference conditions, if possible. This has altered the hydrology and energy flow of the plant community.
Kentucky bluegrass, Letterman needlegrass or sheep fescue usually become the main grasses as deterioration continues. Under sheep use, Thurber fescue may hold its own or increase for a time while many forbs decrease. In some places big or silver sagebrush may become dominant.
Mechanism
Excessive drought periods may also favor certain species. Improper grazing will cause desirable species to decrease and less desirable species to increase. Fire exclusion may lead to an increase in woody canopy scattered across the site.
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.