Clayey Overflow (CyO) 10-17” PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Prolonged drought, heavier stocking rates, or a combination of these factors
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Lighter stocking rates in combination with rangeland seeding, grazing land mechanical treatment, and timely moisture (management intensive and costly)
More details -
Transition T2A
Introduction of non-native, invasive species (annual bromes, noxious weeds, other invasive plant species)
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference state 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. The Reference state for this ecological site consists of two communities.
Submodel
Description
The dynamics of the Sod Bound state are driven by long-term drought, grazing management such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, heavier stocking rates, or a combination of these factors. The Sod Bound state for this ecological site consists of one community.
Submodel
Description
The dynamics of the Increased Bare Ground state are driven by long-term drought, grazing management such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, heavier stocking rates, or a combination of these factors. The Increased Bare Ground state for this ecological site consists of one community.
Submodel
Mechanism
Prolonged drought, grazing practices such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, heavier stocking rates, or a combination of these factors weaken the resilience of the Reference state and drive its transition to the Sod Bound state. The Reference state transitions to the Sod Bound state when mid-statured grasses are greatly reduced and sod-forming species such as smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass dominate the plant community.
Mechanism
Sod-forming species such as smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass can resist displacement by other species. A reduction in livestock grazing pressure alone may not be sufficient to reduce the cover of these species in the Sod Bound state and mechanical treatments may be necessary. Therefore, returning the Sod Bound state to the Reference state can require considerable cost, energy, and time.
Mechanism
The Sod Bound state transitions to the Increased Bare Ground state when non-native grasses such as cheatgrass, noxious weeds, and other invasive plants invade the Sod Bound state. Exotic plant species increase substantially on the site in terms of cover and production. Site resilience has been significantly 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.