Shallow to Gravel (SwGr) 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
Favorable precipitation for extended period, prescribed grazing, fire
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 A will regress to Communities B or C in State 2 under non-prescribed grazing, prolonged drought, or an extended period lacking a natural fire regime. The rate of regression varies with the intensity of the disturbances. Severe drought may cause retrogression within a couple of years.
Mechanism
Favorable precipitation for extended period, prescribed grazing, fire
Communities B and C are resistant to change and do not readily shift to another State. Prescribed grazing reduces the probability of further regression in this State, but it does not ensure significant succession to State 1. In some places the soil and hydrology of the site has been altered by the shift from tall and mid grasses in the HCPC to the short grasses and half shrubs in these communities. Therefore, these communities represent a steady state, and they often remain there. Steady-state plant communities change only as a result of natural events that are beyond the normal range of events or as a result of human actions. An extended period of favorable precipitation combined with prescribed grazing and the re-introduction of fire into the system may induce significant succession (Branson and Miller 1981). This potential is depicted by the dashed line in the state and transition diagram. Mechanical treatments and range seeding are not normally recommended on 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.