Lowland (LL) 15-17” 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, improper grazing, or a combination of these factors
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Proper grazing management 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, crested wheatgrass, noxious weeds)
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 plant communities and various successional stages represent the natural range of variability. 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, improper grazing management such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, or a combination of these factors. The Sod Bound state for this ecological site consists of one community.
Submodel
Mechanism
Prolonged drought, improper grazing practices such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, 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 non-native, invasive species such as smooth brome are introduced and dominate the plant community.
Mechanism
Sod-forming species such as smooth brome can resist displacement by other species. A reduction in livestock grazing pressure alone may not be sufficient to reduce the cover of smooth brome 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.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
The Sod Bound state transitions to the Invaded state when non-native grasses, noxious weeds, and other invasive plants invade the Sod Bound 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.