Wet Meadow 10-19
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Prolonged improper grazing management
More details -
Transition T1B
Introduction of non-native invasive species (non-native perennial grasses, noxious weeds, etc.)
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Proper grazing management, normal or above-normal moisture, revegetation (management intensive and costly)
More details -
Transition T2A
Introduction of non-native invasive species (non-native perennial grasses, noxious weeds, etc.)
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference state for this ecological site consists of three communities and evolved under the combined influences of climatic conditions, periodic fire activity, grazing by large herbivores, and impacts from small mammals and insects. The Reference state is the plant community in which interpretations are primarily based and is used as a reference in order to understand the original potential of the site.
Submodel
Description
The Reduced Diversity state occurs when diverse, native plant communities become fragmented which alters ecological processes, ecosystem function, and resilience, resulting in a state that is substantially departed from the Reference State.
Submodel
Mechanism
Prolonged improper grazing practices weaken the resilience of the Reference state and drive its transition to the Reduced Diversity state.
Mechanism
The Reference state transitions to the Invaded state when non-native grasses or noxious weeds invade the plant community. Exotic plant species dominate the site in terms of cover and production and site resilience has been substantially reduced. In addition, other rangeland health attributes, such as reproductive capacity of native grasses and soil quality, have been substantially altered from the Reference state.
Mechanism
Proper grazing management, normal or above-normal moisture, and revegetation transition the Reduced Diversity state back to the Reference state. These practices are typically management intensive and costly, therefore, returning the Reduced Diversity state to the Reference state can require considerable cost, energy, and time.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
The Reduced Diversity state transitions to the Invaded state when non-native grasses, noxious weeds, and other invasive plants invade the Reduced Diversity state. Exotic plant species dominate the site in terms of cover and production. Site resilience has been substantially reduced.
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.