Linear Meadow
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Linear Meadow site typically occurs in drainageways. The Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state is typically co-dominated by cool-season grass and grass-like species, and warm-season grasses. Before European settlement in North America, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included sporadic fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Frequent surface fires (3 to 5 years) 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
The Invaded State is characterized by the degradation of the biotic integrity of the site due to excessive disturbance resulting in dominance by highly competitive species such as reed canarygrass, and possibly the invasion of non-native species. Loss of diversity and reduction of plant vigor and production 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, invasive perennial species, and an increase in bare ground.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices. Cropping on this site is enabled during years with drier than normal precipitation or with artificial drainage (surface or subsurface).
Submodel
Mechanism
Sedimentation beyond normal levels due to increased flooding, or non-use and no fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, or heavy continuous grazing will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the 2.1 Reed Canarygrass/Spikerush/Blue-grass Plant Community Phase within the Degraded State (State 2).
Mechanism
Tillage and artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high-density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest), may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). Wetland restoration techniques may be necessary to restore biotic integrity and plant diversity and productivity.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Wetland Restoration |
Mechanism
Tillage and artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).
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.