Clayey (Cy) 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
Cultivated and farmed, seeding
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing, favorable precipitation, fire (natural interval 5 to 7 years), possible mechanical treatment (NRCS job sheet 548)
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Submodel
Submodel
Mechanism
Extended drought (greater than 7 years), non-prescribed grazing, no fire
Community B is not highly resistant to regression. In comparison to higher seral stages there is less vegetative production, less litter, and increased bare ground. Extended drought (longer than 7 consecutive years) and non-prescribed grazing can quickly cause regression to a lower state (State 2).
Mechanism
Prescribed grazing, favorable precipitation, fire (natural interval 5 to 7 years), possible mechanical treatment (NRCS job sheet 548)
This plant community is resistant to change, it is a steady state. The short grasses tend to form a sod that prevents seedling establishment of higher successional species. Less than 10% of the seed bank in State 2 is comprised of seed from cool season perennial plants (Romo and Bai 2004). Thus, potential for succession is limited without significant inputs.
Prescribed grazing minimizes the risk of further regression and enhances the potential for succession to State 1. The combination of prescribed grazing, a natural fire regime, and a prolonged period of favorable precipitation may allow significant succession in communities that have less than 20% clubmoss cover. This potential is depicted with the dashed line in the state and transition model. .
Mechanical treatments may be feasible in areas where potential erosion is not a concern. However, mechanical treatments are not normally recommended on soils with a clay content > 60%. Grazing management practices following a mechanical treatment must be prescribed to address deferment, stocking rates, season of grazing, and other considerations (NRCS Conservation Practice 548). Failure to do so will adversely affect economic returns and is likely to result in retrogression rather than plant succession.
Model keys
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