Clayey-Steep (CyStp) 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, extended drought (greater than 7 years), no fire
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing, fire (natural interval 5 to 7 years), time, favorable precipitation
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Submodel
Mechanism
Non-prescribed grazing, extended drought (greater than 7 years), no fire
Any combination of extended drought, non-prescribed grazing and unfavorable climatic patterns can cause regression from Plant Community B to State 2.
As bare ground increases, infiltration decreases and/or surface runoff and soil evaporation increases. Because ecological processes of the site are no longer balanced and sustained, shallow rooted, warm season species continue to gain a competitive advantage over the deep rooted, cool season species. The biotic integrity of the site is degraded (USDI, USDA 2000). Thus, the transition from Community B to State 2 represents a threshold. Thresholds are defined as 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 degrade beyond the point of self-repair.
Mechanism
Prescribed grazing, fire (natural interval 5 to 7 years), time, favorable precipitation
Succession from State 2 to State 1 is favored by the implementation of prescribed grazing, a favorable precipitation pattern, and the re-introduction of the natural fire regime. The rate of this succession is influenced by the genetic pool of HCPC plants (seed plants, rhizomes, and seed bank) remaining on the site (Dyksterhuis 1949). In rare instances of prolonged favorable climatic conditions combined with proper management, the significant input of energy that is normally required to move this site from across the threshold from State 2 to State 1 may not be needed. More research is needed on this assertion.
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.
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.