Salt Flats
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R4A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The reference state has an abundance of tall warm season grasses with a mix of shrubs and forbs. Community phases capture the ebb and flow of shrubs and grasses due to disturbance and time.
Submodel
Description
This state is dominated by Inland Saltgrass, Rubber Rabbitbrush, and “Hedged” Greasewood with Increased Bare Ground and Slick Spots. Inland saltgrass and rubber rabbitbrush have increased while the greasewood has taken on a hedged appearance through heavy browsing. Bare ground has increased as well as slick spots (bare high sodium areas). Most, if not all, of the reference state grasses have been eliminated. Annuals such as kochia, lambsquarters, Russian thistle, tansy mustard, and pepperweed have invaded the community.
Compared with production at reference conditions, perennial species diversity, and frequency has been significantly reduced. Litter amounts are low due to the loss of perennial production. Bare ground is obvious and erosion is a concern. Water and nutrient cycles are impaired. Reduction of mid cool and warm season bunch grasses, and dominance of warm season short rhizomatous grass has altered the biotic integrity of this community.
Description
The community is dominated by decadent greasewood with remnant inland saltgrass and rubber rabbitbrush. Slick spots and bare ground exist at previous levels or have increased slightly. Soil crusts are eminent and plant germination has all but ceased.
This community is in a state of suspended animation. Decadence and mortality are evident. Hydrologic cycle and nutrient cycles have shut down. The semiarid environment, alkalinity, and the absence of animal traffic to break soil crusts and incorporate litter keep this community at a stand still. There is no practical means for restoring reference condition.
Description
Baltic rush and inland saltgrass is cmmon. Rubber rabbitbrush remains scattered. Foxtail barley, poverty weed, and alkali muhly will increase in abundance. Invasive perennials that could be present are Swainson pea, Russian knapweed, and whitetop.This state is patchy with alkali sacaton and shrubs still present on the high ground and minimal vegetation throughout the low ground.
Transition T1A
Mechanism
This threshold was crossed as long-term repetitive defoliation at high utilization of palatable species have led a loss of bunch grasses and greasewood has lost vigor. Inland saltgrass and rubber rabbitbrush have increased while greasewood has taken on a hedged appearance through heavy browsing. Bare ground has increased as well as slick spots (bare high sodium areas). Most, if not all, of the reference grasses have been eliminated.
Transition T1B
Mechanism
Introduction of irrigation water on this site, produces a plant community dominated by rushes and sedges. Greasewood and alkali sacaton will disappear from lower areas and reside on higher ground.
Restoration pathway R2A
Mechanism
If livestock grazing is re-instituted, very long-term, careful livestock management with adequate recovery opportunities for key species, especially alkali sacaton along with low to moderate utilization will slowly shift this plant community toward the Increased saltgrass and rubber rabbitbrush; community phase within the reference state. This is a slow process and may take upward of 80 years or more to achieve. Monitoring trend in species composition along with applying adaptive management is important.
Transition T2A
Mechanism
This site started as the hedged state, then livestock is removed due to little forage availability. There is not enough fuel to carry a fire and the greasewood becomes decadent. There is no practical means of reversing the transition. Excessive soil erosion has increased the area of high clay and salty slick spots making plant colonization extremely difficult.
Restoration pathway R4A
Mechanism
Non-irrigation and time for re-colonization of species. If livestock grazing is re-implemented then careful grazing management will eventually shift this community back to the reference state. The seed source is still present on higher ground and should begin to colonize the lower areas. Monitoring of key species is important for success.
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.