State 1
Reference

This state represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site prior to European influence. The primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included frequent 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. These factors likely caused the community to shift both spatially and temporally between two community phases. Both warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses were well represented in the community, and as a result production was distributed throughout the growing season.

Characteristics and indicators. (i.e. Characteristics and indicators that can be used to distinguish this state from others). Because of changes in disturbances and other environmental factors (particularly the widespread occurrence of exotic species), the Reference State is considered to no longer exist.

Resilience management. (i.e. management strategies that will sustain a state and prevent a transition). If found intact, the reference state should probably be managed with current disturbance regimes which has permitted the site to remain in reference condition as well as maintaining the quality and integrity of associated ecological sites. Maintenance of the reference state is contingent upon a monitoring protocol to guide management.

Community 1.1
Indiangrass-Big Bluestem-Little Bluestem

This community phase was the most dominant both temporally and spatially. Major warm-season grasses included Indiangrass, big bluestem, little bluestem, and sideoats grams. Porcupinegrass, green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, and slender wheatgrass were the major cool-season grasses. A diverse forb component included Indianhemp, Norwegian cinquefoil, purple prairie clover, American licorice, and Canada goldenrod. Leadplant and rose were common shrubs. Annual production would have varied from about 3000-5200 pounds per acre with grasses and grass-likes, forbs, and shrubs contributing about 85%, 10%, and 5% respectively. This community represents the plant community phase upon which interpretations are primarily based and is described in the “Plant Community Composition and Group Annual Production” portion of this ecological site description.

Community 1.2
Forbs/Little Bluestem-Big Bluestem-Indiangrass

This community phase could be characterized by a marked increase in forbs and little bluestem with a corresponding decrease in Indiangrass and big bluestem compared to Community Phase 1.1. Fire events followed by increased grazing pressure were prominent factors in the change. Dominant grasses would have included little bluestem, switchgrass, prairie cordgrass, big bluestem, and Indiangrass. Showy forbs such as tall gayfeather, sunflowers, showy deathcamas, black-eyed Susan, goldenrods, and American Licorice would have dominated the visual appearance of the site. Annual production would have been somewhat reduced compared to Community Phase 1.1. The contribution from forbs, however, would have increased.

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Community Phase Pathway 1.1 to 1.2 would have occurred during periods of below average precipitation and increased disturbance. This would have resulted in a marked increase in forbs and little bluestem with a corresponding decrease in Indiangrass and big bluestem.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Community Phase Pathway 1.2A occurred with the return to average precipitation and disturbance regime leading to an increase in big bluestem and Indiangrass with a corresponding decrease in forbs and little bluestem.

State 2
Native/Invaded

This state is similar to State 1: Reference State but has now been colonized by the exotic cool-season grasses, commonly Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass which are now present in small amounts. Although the state is still dominated by native grasses, an increase in these exotic cool-season grasses can be expected. These exotic cool-season grasses can be quite invasive on the site and are particularly well adapted to heavy grazing. They also often form monotypic stands. As these exotic cool-season grasses increase, both forage quantity and quality become increasingly restricted to late spring and early summer due to the monotypic nature of the stand even though annual production may increase. Native forbs generally decrease in production, abundance, diversity, and richness compared to that of State 1: Reference State. These exotic cool-season grasses have been particularly and consistently invasive under extended periods of no-use and no fire. To slow or limit the invasion of these exotic grasses it is imperative that managerial options (e.g. prescribed grazing, prescribed burning) be carefully constructed and evaluated with respect to that objective. If management does not include measures to control or reduce these exotic cool-season grasses the transition to State 4: Invaded State should be expected. Annual production of this state can be quite variable, in large part due to the amount of exotic cool-season grasses. However, annual production may be expected to range from 3000-5200 pounds per acre.

Characteristics and indicators. The presence of trace amounts of exotic cool-season grasses indicates a transition from State 1 to State 2. The presence of exotic biennial or perennial leguminous forbs (i.e. sweet clover, black medic) may not, on their own, indicate a transition from State 1 to State 2 but may facilitate that transition.

Resilience management. To slow or limit the invasion of these exotic grasses, it is imperative that managerial options (e.g. prescribed grazing, prescribed burning) be carefully constructed and evaluated with respect to that objective. Grazing management should be applied that enhances the competitive advantage of native grass and forb species. This may include: (1) grazing when exotic cool-season grasses are actively growing and native cool-season grasses are dormant; (2) applying proper deferment periods allowing native grasses to recover and maintain or improve vigor; (3) adjusting overall grazing intensity to reduce excessive plant litter (above that needed for rangeland health indicator #14 – see Rangeland Health Reference Worksheet); (4) incorporating early heavy spring utilization which focuses grazing pressure on exotic cool-season grasses and reduces plant litter provided that livestock are moved when grazing selection shifts from exotic cool-season grasses to native grasses. Prescribed burning should be applied in a manner that maintains or enhances the competitive advantage of native grass and forb species. Prescribed burns should be applied as needed to adequately reduce/remove excessive plant litter and maintain the competitive advantage for native species. Timing of prescribed burns (spring vs. summer vs. fall) should be adjusted to account for differences in annual growing conditions and applied during windows of opportunity to best shift the competitive advantage to the native species.

Community 2.1
Indiangrass-Big Bluestem-Little Bluestem

This Community Phase is similar to Community Phase 1.1 but has been colonized by exotic cool-season grasses, often Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass. However, these exotic grasses are present in smaller amounts with the community still dominated by native grasses. Annual production of this state can be quite variable, in large part due to the amount of exotic cool-season grasses. However, annual production may be expected to range from 3000-5200 pounds per acre with graminoids, forbs, and shrubs contributing 85%, 15%, and 5% respectively.

Community 2.2
Tall Warm-Season Grasses-Little Bluestem/Exotic Grasses

The removal of disturbances has allowed the plant community to shift to one visually dominated by tall warm-season species with Kentucky bluegrass invading this plant community. Tall warm-season grasses have decreased in vigor and density but are still visually dominate. This plant community is short lived and is at risk approaching the threshold which could readily transition to State 4: Invaded State. If management is significantly altered, this community phase can still be reverted back to Plant Community Phase 2.1. A combination of prescribed grazing and prescribed burning may be the most effective method to move this community phase towards a community resembling the reference plant community. Kentucky bluegrass constitutes 20 to 30 percent of the annual production with tall and mid statured warm-season native grasses such as Indiangrass, switchgrass, little bluestem, and sideoats grama constituting at least 40 percent of the annual production. Native forbs such as Maximilian sunflower, goldenrods, white heath aster, common yarrow, Cuman ragweed, and white sagebrush are present along with introduced forbs such as sweet clover and black medic. Shrubs include western snowberry and prairie rose. Annual production is similar to the reference plant community.

Community 2.3
Little Bluestem/Exotic Grasses/Forbs

This community phase is characterized by a shift from the tall warm-season grasses to the more grazing tolerant mid statured warm-season bunchgrass and introduced cool-season sod formers. In the early stages of this community phase, little bluestem will initially increase along with the increase of introduced cool-season grasses. In many situations with inadequate recovery periods, the little bluestem will also begin to decline over time, facilitating the change to State 4: Invaded State. Significant grass and grass-like species include little bluestem, porcupinegrass, slender wheatgrass, switchgrass, prairie cordgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and sedges. Other grasses present include sideoats grama, northern reedgrass, mat muhly, and scratchgrass. Indiangrass and big bluestem are still present in minor amounts. The common forbs include American licorice, cudweed sagewort, goldenrods, silverleaf Indian breadroot, and common yarrow. Western snowberry and prairie rose are the principal shrubs. This community phase is often dispersed throughout the pasture, in an overgrazed/undergrazed pattern, typically referred to as patch grazing. Some areas (overgrazed) will exhibit the impacts of heavy use, while other areas (undergrazed) will have a build-up of litter and a high amount of plant decadence. This is a typical pattern found in properly stocked pastures grazed season-long. In the undergrazed patches, litter buildup reduces plant vigor and density, and native seedling recruitment declines. Due to a lack of tiller stimulation and sunlight, native bunchgrasses typically develop dead centers and native rhizomatous grasses are limited to small colonies. In the overgrazed patches, plant vigor is reduced and the competitive advantage goes towards the grazing tolerant short statured species such as Kentucky bluegrass. This Community Phase is approaching the threshold leading to a transition to State 4: Invaded State. As a result it is an “at risk” community. If management does not include measures to control or reduce these exotic cool-season grasses the transition to State 4: Invaded State should be expected.

Community 2.4

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Community Phase Pathway 2.1 to 2.2 results from periods of no grazing and no fire. This results in a reduction in vigor and density of the tall warm-season grasses (e.g. Indiangrass, big bluestem) and a corresponding increase in the exotic cool-season grasses, little bluestem, and forbs.

Pathway 2.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3

Community Phase Pathway 2.1 to 2.3 results from heavy grazing pressure without adequate recovery periods. This results in an increase in little bluestem, exotic grasses, and forbs with a corresponding decrease in Indiangrass and big bluestem. The inadequate recovery periods between grazing events is especially damaging to the tall warm-season grasses. As the vigor of these dominant species is reduced, the more grazing tolerant native and introduced species gain a competitive advantage.

Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1

Community Phase Pathway 2.2 to 2.1 can occur with the implementation of prescribed grazing and prescribed burning. This results in a marked increase in the density and vigor of Indiangrass and big bluestem with a corresponding decrease in the exotic cool-season grasses.

Pathway 2.2B
Community 2.2 to 2.3

Community Phase Pathway 2.2 to 2.3 results from long-term heavy grazing pressure without adequate recovery periods. This results in an increase in little bluestem, exotic grasses, and forbs with a corresponding decrease in Indiangrass and big bluestem. The inadequate recovery periods between grazing events is especially damaging to the tall warm-season grasses. As the vigor of these dominant species is reduced, the more grazing tolerant native and introduced species gain a competitive advantage

Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.1

Community Phase Pathway 2.3 to 2.1. is initiated with the implementation of prescribed grazing and prescribed burning. If properly implemented, this will shift the competitive advantage from the introduced cool-season species to the tall and mid warm-season grass species.

Pathway 2.3B
Community 2.3 to 2.2

Community Phase Pathway 2.3 to 2.2 is initiated with the implementation of prescribed grazing. This enables the tall warm-season grasses to increase in appearance and vigor but not density. (i.e. big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass). This pathway is similar to that of Community Phase Pathway 2.3A, however, it involves prescribed grazing but not prescribed burning. The lack of prescribed burning leads to (among other things) markedly reduced vigor and production of Indiangrass compared to Community Phase Pathway 2.3A.

State 3
Wooded State

This state historically existed as small patches of shrubs (e.g. willow/dogwood species) scattered across the site, particularly during wet periods and near wooded areas where shrubs could encroach onto the site vegetatively (e.g. rhizomes, root sprouts) or provided a seed source for colonization of the site. Variations in fire frequency enabled woody plant species in some areas (i.e. period of infrequent fire) to grow large enough to escape the next fire event. As trees increased in size, canopy cover increased which altered micro-climate and reduced fine fuel amounts resulting in reduced fire intensity and frequency. This would have been the primary pathway under the historic disturbance regime and would have resulted in a mosaic pattern of small shrub patches interspersed within herbaceous plant community phases. A marked increase in non-use management and active fire suppression since European influence has enabled this state to expand and become more widespread.

Community 3.1
Shrub Species/Kentucky Bluegrass/Forbs

Visually, this community phase is characterized by a dominance of shrubs such as willow, spirea, western snowberry and an understory of introduced cool-season sod forming grass such as Kentucky bluegrass and forbs such as western ragweed, goldenrods, and cudweed sagewort. Native grasses may be still present but in greatly reduced numbers, below that which would allow for recovery. Overall annual production is reduced due to the lack of tall and mid statured warm-season grasses. Energy capture has shifted to spring and early summer. Use by domestic livestock is greatly reduced due to shrub component.

State 4
Invaded

This state is the result of invasion and dominance by the exotic cool-season grasses, commonly Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass. The exotic Canada thistle and leafy spurge may also invade the site. These exotic cool-season grasses can be quite invasive on the site and are particularly well adapted to heavy grazing. They also often form monotypic stands. As these exotic cool-season grasses increase, both forage quantity and quality become increasingly restricted to late spring and early summer due to the monotypic nature of the stand even though annual production may increase. Native forbs generally decrease in production, abundance, diversity, and richness compared to that of State 1: Reference State. Common forbs often include white heath aster, goldenrod, common yarrow, and white sagebrush. Shrubs such as western snowberry and rose may, however, show marked increases. Once the state is well established, prescribed burning and grazing techniques have been largely ineffective in suppressing or eliminating these three species even though some short-term reductions may appear successful. Annual production of this state may vary widely, in part due to variations in the extent of invasion by exotic cool-season grasses. However, annual production may be in the range of 1700-2800 pounds per acre, with the exotic cool-season grasses contributing up to 75% or more of the total production.

Characteristics and indicators. This site is characterized by exotic cool-season grasses constituting greater than 30 percent of the annual production and native grasses constituting less than 40 percent of the annual production.

Resilience management. Light or moderately stocked continuous, season-long grazing or a prescribed grazing system which incorporates adequate deferment periods between grazing events and proper stocking rate levels will maintain this State. Application of herbaceous weed treatment, occasional prescribed burning and/or brush management, may be needed to manage noxious weeds and increasing shrub (e.g. western snowberry) populations.

Community 4.1
Exotic Grasses/Exotics Forbs/Goldenrod

This community phase is dominated by Kentucky bluegrass with lesser amounts of sedge. Some native and non-native forbs can increase in production and cover as well. The dominant grass is Kentucky bluegrass, with common forbs including cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, aster, western ragweed, western yarrow, and a variety of introduced forbs such as black medic. Native warm-season species are no longer present. The longer this community phase exists the more resistant to change it becomes. Natural or management disturbances that reduce the cover of Kentucky bluegrass are very short lived due to the abundance of rhizomes of Kentucky bluegrass in the soil and the lack of propagules of other species. Production is limited to the sod forming species. Energy capture into this system is limited to one early growing species. When grazed heavily, runoff increases and is the highest of any plant community phase on this ecological site. Nutrient cycling is severely limited to the rooting depth of the Kentucky bluegrass and production is limited.

State 5
Go-Back State

This state is highly variable depending on the level and duration of disturbance related to the T6A transitional pathway. In this MLRA, the most probable origin of this state is plant succession following cropland abandonment. This plant community will initially include a variety of annual forbs and grasses, some of which may be noxious weeds and need control. Over time the exotic cool-season grasses Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass will likely predominate.

Community 5.1
Annual/Pioneer Perennial/Exotics

This community phase is highly variable depending on the level and duration of disturbance related to the T6A transitional pathway. In this MLRA, the most probable origin of this phase is secondary succession following cropland abandonment. This plant community will initially include a variety of annual forbs and grasses, including noxious weeds (e.g. Canada thistle, leafy spurge) which may need control. Over time the exotic cool-season grasses Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass crested wheatgrass will likely predominate, often in association with exotic forbs and goldenrods.

State 6
Cropland State

This plant community is most commonly associated with cropped fields. Soil conditions can be quite variable on the site, in part due to variations in the management/cropping history (e.g. development of tillage induced compaction, erosion, fertility, herbicide/pesticide carryover). Thus, soil conditions should be assessed when considering restoration techniques..

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

This is the transition from the State 1: Reference State to the State 2: Native/Invaded State due to the introduction and establishment of exotic cool-season grasses, typically Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and/or quackgrass. This transition was probably inevitable and corresponded to a decline in native warm-season and cool-season grasses. This transition may have been exacerbated by chronic season-long or heavy late season grazing. Complete rest from grazing and suppression of fire could also have hastened the transition. The threshold between states was crossed when Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass, quackgrass, or other exotic species became established on the site.

Constraints to recovery. (i.e. variables or processes that preclude recovery of the former state). Current knowledge and technology will not facilitate a successful restoration to Reference State

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

This transition from the State 2: Native/Invaded to State 3: Wooded State generally occurs during extended periods of non-use (or very light grazing) and no fire. It frequently occurs when the site has high density of shrubs such as willow or dogwood or is in close proximity to shrub dominated areas where woody vegetation may encroach vegetatively upon the site and/or serve as a seed source for these species to colonize the site. It has also become more frequent following European settlement when the historic fire regime was markedly reduced.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

This transition from the State 2: Native/Invaded State to State 4: Invaded State generally occurs with long-term heavy grazing pressure or extended periods of non-use. Exotic cool-season grasses such as quackgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and/or smooth brome become the dominant graminoids. Studies indicate that a threshold may exist in this transition when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30% of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community composition. Similar thresholds may exist for smooth brome and quackgrass. This transition may occur under a wide range of managerial conditions ranging from non-use and no fire to heavy season-long grazing (primarily Kentucky bluegrass).

Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2

This from State 3: Wooded State to State 2: Native/Invaded State can be accomplished with brush control. Initial use of herbicides and/or mechanical brush control to reduce the shrubs will permit adequate fine fuel loads to establish, permitting the application of prescribed fire to further control sprouting shrubs species. However, depending upon level of remnant native grasses and forbs, a range planting may also be necessary to complete the restoration. A combination of mechanical brush management, chemical treatment, and prescribed burning is necessary to remove the woody vegetation and, if necessary, to prepare the seedbed for a successful range planting. Once this is accomplished, it may be possible using selected plant materials and agronomic practices to approach something very near the functioning of State 2: Native/Invaded State. Application of chemical herbicides and the use of mechanical seeding methods using adapted varieties of the dominant native grasses are possible and can be successful. The application of several prescribed burns may be needed at relatively short intervals in the early phases of this restoration process, in part because many of the shrubs (e.g. western snowberry) sprout profusely following one burn. After establishment of the native plant species, management objectives must include the maintenance of those species, the associated reference state functions, and continued treatment of exotic grasses. Due to the resprouting nature of woody species within MLRA 56 repeated treatments will be necessary for a transition from this state. Following the removal of woody species, other restoration practices such as range planting, prescribed burning, and prescribed grazing may be necessary to complete the restoration. The prescribed grazing should include adequate recovery periods following each grazing event and stocking levels which match the available resources. If properly implemented, this will help suppress any exotic cool-season grasses on the site.

Context dependence. Prescribed burning should be applied in a manner that enhances the competitive advantage of native grass and forb species over the exotic species. Prescribed burns should be applied at a frequency which mimics the natural disturbance regime or more frequently as is ecologically (e.g. available fuel load) and economically feasible. Burn prescriptions may need adjustment to: (1) account for change in fuel type (herbaceous vs. shrub vs. tree), fine fuel amount and orientation ; (2) fire intensity and duration by adjusting ignition pattern (e.g. backing fires vs head fires); (3) account for plant phenological stages to maximize stress on woody and exotic species while favoring native species (both cool- and warm-season grasses). The method of brush management will be site specific but generally the goal would be to apply the pesticide, mechanical control or biological control, either singularly or in combination, in a manner that shifts the competitive advantage from the targeted species to the native grasses and forbs. The control method(s) should be as specific to the targeted species as possible to minimize impacts to non-target species. A successful range planting will include proper seedbed preparation, weed control (both prior to and after the planting), selection of adapted native species representing functional/structural groups inherent to the State 1, and proper seeding technique. Management (e.g. prescribed grazing, prescribed burning) during and after establishment must be applied in a manner that maintains the competitive advantage for the seeded native species. Adding non-native species can impact the above and below ground biota. Some evidence suggests the addition of exotic legumes to the seeding mixture may favor exotic cool-season grass expansion/invasion.

Transition T3A
State 3 to 4

This is the transition from State 3: Wooded State to State 4: Invaded State resulting from brush control (e.g. mechanical and/or chemical) and prescribed burning.

Constraints to recovery. Labor and financial cost of removal/control of woody species either through repeated prescribed burns, mechanical and/or chemical treatment.

Context dependence. Societal norms have accepted woody invasion as positive for wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, aesthetics, etc. Livestock managers may not understand the loss of production due to woody invasion and loss of native grass species. Wildlife managers may need to manage woody habitat for exotic wildlife species such as ring-necked pheasants instead of sharp-tailed grouse or other grassland nesting birds intolerant to woody species invasion.

Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2

This Restoration Pathway from State 4: Invaded State to State 2: Native/Invaded State may be accomplished with the implementation of long-term prescribed grazing and prescribed burning, assuming there is an adequate component of native grasses to respond to the treatments. Both prescribed grazing and prescribed burning are likely necessary to successfully initiate this restoration pathway, the success of which depends upon the presence of a remnant population of native grasses in Community Phase 4.1. That remnant population, however, may not be readily apparent without close inspection. The application of several prescribed burns may be needed at relatively short intervals in the early phases of this restoration process, in part because many of the shrubs (e.g. western snowberry) sprout profusely following one burn. Early season prescribed burns have been successful; however, fall burning may also be an effective technique. The prescribed grazing should include adequate recovery periods following each grazing event and stocking levels which match the available resources. If properly implemented, this will shift the competitive advantage from the exotic cool-season grasses to the native cool-season grasses.

Context dependence. Grazing management should be applied in a manner that enhances/maximizes the competitive advantage of native grass and forb species over the exotic species. This may include the use of prescribed grazing to reduce excessive plant litter accumulations above that needed for rangeland health indicator #14 (see Rangeland Health Reference Worksheet). Increasing livestock densities may facilitate the reduction in plant litter provided length and timing of grazing periods are adjusted to favor native species. Grazing prescriptions designed to address exotic grass invasion and favor native species may involve earlier, short, intense grazing periods with proper deferment to improve native species health and vigor. Fall (e.g. September, October) prescribed burning followed by an intensive, early spring graze period with adequate deferment for native grass recovery may shift the competitive advantage to the native species, facilitating the restoration to State 2: Native/Invaded. Prescribed burning should be applied in a manner that enhances the competitive advantage of native grass and forb species over the exotic species. Prescribed burns should be applied at a frequency which mimics the natural disturbance regime, or more frequently as is ecologically (e.g. available fuel load) and economically feasible. Burn prescriptions may need adjustment to: (1) account for change in fine fuel orientation (e.g. “flopped” Kentucky bluegrass); (2) fire intensity and duration by adjusting ignition pattern (e.g. backing fires vs head fires); (3) account for plant phenological stages to maximize stress on exotic species while favoring native species (both cool- and warm-season grasses). The longer this community phase exists, the more resilient it becomes. Natural or management disturbances that reduce the cover of Kentucky bluegrass or smooth brome are typically short-lived.

Transition T4A
State 4 to 3

This Transition from State 4: Invaded State to State 3: Wooded State occurs during periods of no use and no fire. It frequently occurs when the site is in close proximity to wooded areas where the woodland vegetation may encroach vegetatively upon the site and/or serve as a seed source for these species to colonize the site. It has also become more frequent following European settlement when the historic fire regime was markedly reduced.

Restoration pathway R5A
State 5 to 2

This Restoration from State 5: Go-Back State to State 2: Native/Invaded State can be accomplished with a successful range planting. Following seeding, prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, haying, or use of herbicides will generally be necessary to achieve the desired result and control any noxious weeds. It may be possible using selected plant materials and agronomic practices to approach something very near the functioning of State 2: Native/Invaded State. Application of chemical herbicides and the use of mechanical seeding methods using adapted varieties of the dominant native grasses are possible and can be successful. After establishment of the native plant species, prescribed grazing should include adequate recovery periods following each grazing event and stocking levels which match the available resources, and management objectives must include the maintenance of those species, the associated reference state functions, and continued treatment of exotic grasses.

Restoration pathway R5B
State 5 to 4

A failed range planting and/or secondary succession will lead to State 4: Invaded State.

Restoration pathway T6A
State 6 to 5

This transition from any plant community to State 5: Go-Back State. It is most commonly associated with the cessation of cropping without the benefit of range planting, resulting in a “go-back” situation. Soil conditions can be quite variable on the site, in part due to variations in the management/cropping history (e.g. development of a tillage induce compacted layer, erosion, fertility, herbicide/pesticide carryover). Thus, soil conditions should be assessed when considering restoration techniques.