Loamy Foothill Palmer Divide
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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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
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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State 1
Reference State
Description
This is the reference state for the Loamy Foothill ecological site in MLRA 49C.
Submodel
Description
This is state within the Loamy Foothill ecological site that is very resistant to change. An ecological threshold has been crossed. It resembles a monoculture short grass landscape aspect.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events shifts this plant community across an ecological threshold to the Sod Bound State.
Mechanism
Long term prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods following each grazing event and proper stocking over long periods of time move this plant community to the Reference State or associated successional plant community assuming an adequate seed/vegetative source is available. This process may take greater than 40 years.
Mechanism
Long-term continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing event and/or heavy continuous grazing will shift this plant community to the Invasive Species, Red threeawn, Annuals and Bare Ground Community. This transition may take greater than 20 years, but with heavy stocking it can occur in less than five years. Weed infestation, erosion and loss of organic matter/carbon reserves are concerns.
Mechanism
Long term prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods between each grazing event and proper stocking can eventually move this community back to the Reference State or associated successional plant community assuming an adequate seed/vegetative source is available. This process may take greater than 40 years.
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.