Silty-Steep (SiStp) 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 -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing, fire (natural interval 5 to 7 years), extended favorable precipitation.
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
Plant Community B will regress to a lower state with any combination of extended drought, non-prescribed grazing and unfavorable climatic patterns.
This transition from Community B to State 2 represents a threshold, or a point in space and time at which one or more of the primary ecological processes responsible for maintaining the sustained equilibrium of the state degrades beyond the point of self-repair.
Mechanism
Prescribed grazing, fire (natural interval 5 to 7 years), extended favorable precipitation.
Plant community succession across a threshold to a higher state is ecologically difficult in most ecosystems. A significant input of energy is often required for succession to occur. In instances of prolonged favorable climatic conditions combined with proper management, the significant input of energy that is normally required to move this site across the threshold (from State 2 to State 1) may not be needed.
Because of the steep slopes, mechanical treatments and range seeding are not recommended. Ranchers should be aware of the limitations of this site. Rather than trying to change nature, managers must learn to live within the environmental boundaries of this site. Prescribed grazing management should be a requirement for this site.
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.