Wet Meadow
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1a More details
- Transition T1b More details
- Transition T4 More details
- Transition T4 More details
- Restoration pathway R2a More details
- Restoration pathway R2b More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This state represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site. This state is typically co-dominated by cool-season and warm-season grasses. Pre-European settlement, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periodic fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire and concentrated livestock grazing. Grasses that are desirable for livestock and wildlife can decline and a corresponding increase in less desirable grasses will occur.
Submodel
Description
This State is characterized by the dominance of invasive and/or non-native species as a result of disturbance regimes outside the normal variability. Loss or reduction of native cool- and warm-season grasses, and the forb component have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Infiltration is reduced, and native plant mortality is increased. As the disturbance level increases, native plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species and invasive perennial species, as well as an increase in bare ground.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition is a result of non-use or very light grazing pressure and no fire for extended periods of time (over several to many years). Eventually litter levels become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity and density.
Mechanism
Heavy continuous grazing (stocking rates well above capacity for extended portions of the growing season without adequate recovery) or heavy seasonal grazing (stocking rates well above capacity for a portion of the growing season, but at the same time of year every year and without adequate recovery) will shift the plant community phase to more grazing tolerant species. This transition will likely occur after prolonged heavy grazing pressure and mechanical disturbance due to trampling.
Mechanism
This transition is a result of abandonment following cropping.
Mechanism
This transition is a result of abandonment following cropping.
Mechanism
This pathway may be achieved with long-term prescribed grazing including adequate recovery periods. However, this pathway may be more effective with the combination of prescribed burning and long-term prescribed grazing. The effectiveness of this pathway will depend on the presence and amount of native reproductive propagules. If plant community phase 2.1 has been in place for a long period of time, these actions may not result in a shift back to the Reference State.
Mechanism
This pathway may be affected through wetland restoration efforts, including the establishment of native perennial species. Control of non-native invasive species may be necessary to give the competitive advantage to the established native species. Wetland restoration will likely be costly, and the results may not be satisfactory.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
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.