Claypan (Cp) 10-14" p.z.
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Non-prescribed grazing, no fire, and extended drought (>7 years)
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing, fire (natural interval 10 to 12 years), prolonged favorable precipitation
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Mechanism
However, Community B is much less resistant to perturbations than Community A. Lower production, lower vegetative cover, less litter, and increased bare ground contribute to increase Community B’s susceptibility to disturbance. Extended drought and non-prescribed grazing can lead to further retrogression (State 2). The threshold separating Communities B and C appears to be the functional threshold, below which the type, amount, and pattern of vegetation is often inadequate to prevent accelerated soil erosion.
Mechanism
Plant community C is a steady state. It is resistant to significant succession. Blue grama, other short grasses, sedges and clubmoss form a competitive community. The adverse soil conditions and a theorized inadequate seed bank of species found in State #1 greatly restrict potential for succession to State #1. When clubmoss cover is more than 20-25%, succession is not expected to occur within a reasonable length of time. However, significant succession may occur with the combination of prescribed grazing, implementation of the natural fire regime, and an extended period of favorable moisture. This potential is depicted with the dashed line in the state and transition diagram.
In comparison to more common ecological sites with moderately deep to deep soils (ie, Silty 10-14” p.z., Clayey 10-14” p.z., and Sandy 10-14” p.z.), annual production on a Clay Pan 10-14” p.z. ecological site is about 30% less. Therefore, vegetation response to mechanical treatments and range seeding will be less than the response expected on the higher producing sites (NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 548-1).
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.