Saline Lowland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway T2A 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
The Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ES. This state is typically dominated by warm-season grasses and grass-likes, while cool-season grasses are subdominant. Before European settlement of North America, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the Reference condition included periodic fire, grazing by large herding ungulates, fluctuations in the water table, and and ponding frequency and duration. Frequent surface fires (every 3 to 5 years), grazing, and weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire, concentrated livestock grazing, and weather fluctuations. Species that are desirable for livestock and wildlife can decline and a corresponding increase in less desirable species will occur.
Submodel
Description
The Degraded State is characterized by the dominance of the shorter-statured, more saline tolerant species such as foxtail barley and inland saltgrass, the increase in bare ground, and the increased presence of salt accumulations on the soil surface. Infiltration is reduced, which allows the moisture and the salts carried by the moisture to be wicked up to the soil surface. The short-statured and shallow-rooted species are more capable of withstanding the higher concentrations of salts in the soil surface. As the disturbance level increases, plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species and invasive perennial species, as well as, a further increase in bare ground.
Submodel
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), prescribed burning occurring at relatively frequent intervals (every 3 to 5 years), and a return to normal disturbance regime levels may lead this Degraded State (State 2) over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1).
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), prescribed burning occurring at relatively frequent intervals (every 3 to 5 years), and a return to normal disturbance regime levels may lead this Degraded State (State 2) over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1).
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.