Saline Upland (SU) 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
Non-prescribed grazing, prolonged drought (5 to 7 years)
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing, fire, favorable precipitation
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Transition T2A
Prolonged drought (5 to 7 years), non-prescribed grazing, no fire
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Restoration pathway R3A
Fire, prescribed grazing
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
Plant Community A will regress to Community B (State 2) under non-prescribed grazing, prolonged drought, or following periodic wildfire (which would reduce competitiveness of shrubs). Regression rates vary with the intensity and frequency of the disturbances. Severe drought may cause retrogression within a couple years.
Mechanism
Non-prescribed grazing, prolonged drought (5 to 7 years)
It is theorized that Community A may also regress to Plant Community C under non-prescribed grazing and an extended period lacking a natural fire regime. The absence of fire would allow the shrubs to remain competitive against the short grasses. This transition is shown with a dashed arrow in the state and transition model. Regression rates vary with the intensity and frequency of the disturbances. Severe drought may cause retrogression within a couple years.
Mechanism
Prescribed grazing, fire, favorable precipitation
Plant community B is not noted for its resiliency. Plant Community B is a steady state and significant succession is not expected to occur. However, succession to State 1 may be possible with the combination of prescribed grazing and a prolonged period of favorable moisture. This potential succession is indicated by a dashed line in the state and transition diagram.
Mechanism
Prolonged drought (5 to 7 years), non-prescribed grazing, no fire
Community B is much less resistant to disturbance than Community A. Lower production, lower vegetative cover, less litter, and increased bare ground increases Community Bs susceptibility to disturbance. Extended drought and non-prescribed grazing can cause regression to State 3 (Community C).
Mechanism
Fire, prescribed grazing
Community C is resistant to significant succession. It is theorized that another threshold separates Communities B and C. Blue grama and the other short grasses and sedges form a competitive community. The adverse soil conditions characteristic of this site, and a theorized shortage of wheatgrass and alkali sacaton seeds in the seed bank greatly restrict potential for significant succession. Succession is not expected to occur within a reasonable length of time. However, succession may be possible with the combination of fire to reduce shrub competition, prescribed grazing to allow preferred species the opportunity to regain vigor and set seed, and a prolonged period of favorable precipitation. This potential succession is indicated by a dashed line in the state and transition diagram.
Mechanical treatments and range seeding are not normally recommended on this site. Ecological processes will be adversely affected by poorly planned range improvement efforts.
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.