Sandy (Sy) 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
Extended drought (greater than 7 years), non-prescribed grazing, no fire
More details -
Transition T1B
Extended drought (greater than 7 years), non-prescribed grazing, no fire
More details -
Transition T1C
Cultivated, Seeding
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Restoration pathway R2A
Mechanical treatment, Seeding, or prescribed grazing with precipitation.
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Prescribed grazing with favorable precipitation, fire
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Submodel
Mechanism
Extended drought (greater than 7 years), non-prescribed grazing, no fire
Any combination of extended drought, non-prescribed grazing and unfavorable climatic patterns can cause regression from Plant Community B to lower States. Soil scientists have observed that the presence of an argillic horizon in the soil will normally result in State 2. When soils do not have an argillic horizon, regression usually leads to State 3. These relationships may not occur in all communities or locations (Van Dyne and Vogel 1967).
Context dependence
When soils have an argillic horizon
Mechanism
Extended drought (greater than 7 years), non-prescribed grazing, no fire
Any combination of extended drought, non-prescribed grazing and unfavorable climatic patterns can cause regression from Plant Community B to lower States. Soil scientists have observed that the presence of an argillic horizon in the soil will normally result in State 2. When soils do not have an argillic horizon, regression usually leads to State 3. These relationships may not occur in all communities or locations (Van Dyne and Vogel 1967).
Context dependence
When soils do not have an argillic horizon
Mechanism
Mechanical treatment (see NRCS Job sheet 548), Seeding, or mechanical treatment, prescribed grazing with precipitation.
The implementation of prescribed grazing, re-implementation of the natural fire regime and a favorable precipitation pattern normally will not induce succession from States 2 and 3. Succession from these States back to State 1 usually requires a significant input of energy.
Mechanical treatments are often used to induce and facilitate succession on this ecological site. Mechanical treatments should not be used on slopes greater than 10% (See NRCS Conservation Practice 548). Although seeding normally is not recommended following a mechanical treatment, the absence of key species may make it necessary to seed following treatment in State 2. Because wind erosion is a concern, a long-term comprehensive management plan is essential to the successful management of these states. Without adequate grazing deferment following treatment and a prescribed grazing plan, the desired effects of mechanical treatment will not be achieved. Failure to follow a comprehensive plan may result in economic losses (Kulshreshtha et al 2002). Although Kulshreshtha et al concluded that mechanical treatments were not economically feasible in Saskatchewan, experience along Montana’s Highline suggests otherwise. With prescribed grazing and plant succession, the effective life of treatment should be greater than 10 years (life expectancy used by researchers).
Range seeding is usually not necessary following mechanical treatment of State 3. The number of desired plants (and seed) is usually adequate to facilitate succession.
The necessity of proper management should not be overlooked on this productive ecological site. Research has documented succession occurring, during favorable precipitation cycles, in many Northern Great Plains plant communities. Experience indicates that fire (if there is adequate fuel) reduces clubmoss cover. At locations where the surface soil is intact and has not been adversely impacted by erosion, prolonged favorable climatic conditions combined with proper management may induce succession from Plant Communities C and D across the threshold (to State 1). It is theorized that the significant input of energy that is normally required to move succession across a threshold may not be needed.
Mechanism
Prescribed grazing with favorable precipitation, fire
The implementation of prescribed grazing, re-implementation of the natural fire regime and a favorable precipitation pattern normally will not induce succession from States 2 and 3. Succession from these States back to State 1 usually requires a significant input of energy.
Mechanical treatments are often used to induce and facilitate succession on this ecological site. Mechanical treatments should not be used on slopes greater than 10% (See NRCS Conservation Practice 548). Although seeding normally is not recommended following a mechanical treatment, the absence of key species may make it necessary to seed following treatment in State 2. Because wind erosion is a concern, a long-term comprehensive management plan is essential to the successful management of these states. Without adequate grazing deferment following treatment and a prescribed grazing plan, the desired effects of mechanical treatment will not be achieved. Failure to follow a comprehensive plan may result in economic losses (Kulshreshtha et al 2002). Although Kulshreshtha et al concluded that mechanical treatments were not economically feasible in Saskatchewan, experience along Montana’s Highline suggests otherwise. With prescribed grazing and plant succession, the effective life of treatment should be greater than 10 years (life expectancy used by researchers).
Range seeding is usually not necessary following mechanical treatment of State 3. The number of desired plants (and seed) is usually adequate to facilitate succession.
The necessity of proper management should not be overlooked on this productive ecological site. Research has documented succession occurring, during favorable precipitation cycles, in many Northern Great Plains plant communities. Experience indicates that fire (if there is adequate fuel) reduces clubmoss cover. At locations where the surface soil is intact and has not been adversely impacted by erosion, prolonged favorable climatic conditions combined with proper management may induce succession from Plant Communities C and D across the threshold (to State 1). It is theorized that the significant input of energy that is normally required to move succession across a threshold may not be needed.
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.