Silty (Si) 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
argillic horizon, extended drought (greater than 7 years), no prescribed grazing no fire
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Transition T1B
non-argillic, extended drought (greater than 7 years), no prescribed grazing, no fire
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Transition T1C
Cultivation, seeding
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Restoration pathway R2A
Mechanical treatment, seeding, prescribed grazing, normal precipitation
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Restoration pathway R3A
Prescribed grazing, favorable precipitation, fire
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Submodel
Submodel
Submodel
Mechanism
When soils have an argillic Horizon and go through extended drought (greater than 7 years), no prescribed grazing no fire
Plant Community B regresses to Plant Community C (State 2) determined by the presence of an argillic horizon.
Mechanism
non-argillic, extended drought (greater than 7 years), no prescribed grazing, no fire
Plant Community B regresses to Community D (State 3)determined by the absence of an argillic horizon.
Mechanism
Mechanical treatment, seeding, prescribed grazing, normal precipitation
Plant Community C is a steady state. It is resistant to further disturbance, and it lacks the resiliency to return to the Reference State. Anecdotal reports indicate that succession from a clubmoss-dominated community can be facilitated with livestock impact (hoof action, urination, etc.). However, significant succession has not been documented in research studies. Therefore, it is recommended that mechanical treatment is required to return this plant community to the Reference State (State 1). Because the seedbank of high-successional species is believed to be inadequate, it may be necessary to seed desirable species following the mechanical treatment.
Mechanism
Prescribed grazing, favorable precipitation, fire
Community D is fairly resistant. Further regression is unlikely with prescribed grazing and normal precipitation. As a steady state, this community is not highly resilient. Ecological concepts and perspectives suggest that succession from this Community to the Reference State 1 is not likely to occur without significant inputs (i.e., mechanical treatment). However, anecdotal information suggests that succession from Plant Community D to State 1 may occur when prescribed grazing is combined with an extended period of favorable precipitation. The rate of succession would be influenced by the presence of a high-quality seedbank.
Model keys
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