Sandy (Sy) 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
Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods or frequent and severe defoliation
More details -
Transition T1B
Heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking, or frequent and severe defoliation
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Transition T1C
Mechanical tillage
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Transition T2A
Long-term heavy, excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods, or heavy, excessive grazing with over-stocking, or frequent and severe defoliation
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Transition T2B
Mechanical tillage
More details -
Transition T3A
Mechanical tillage
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference state is characterized by two distinct plant communities. The plant communities, and various successional stages between them, represent the natural range of variability within the Reference state.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the sod-bound nature of the plant community. An ecological threshold has been crossed and a significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference state. Significant biotic and soil changes have negatively impacted energy flow and the nutrient and hydrologic cycles.
This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama and threadleaf sedge to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (root pan) and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. Loss of other functional/structural groups, such as cool-season bunch and rhizomatous grasses, forbs, and shrubs, reduces the biodiversity productivity of this site.
Submodel
Description
The Increased Bare Ground state develops with heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking, or frequent and severe defoliation. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns.
Submodel
Description
The Post Cropland state is the result of mechanical farming operations on the site. An ecological threshold has been crossed due to complete removal of vegetation and years of soil tillage. Physical, chemical, and biological soil properties have been dramatically altered. There is no restorative pathway known at this time. This state includes the Abandoned Cropland and Seeded communities.
Submodel
Mechanism
Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods or frequent and severe defoliation, if continued, will shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Sod Bound state. Biotic integrity and hydrologic function will be impaired because of this transition.
Mechanism
Heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking, or frequent and severe defoliation will shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Increased Bare Ground state. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns. Non-native plants are likely to invade.
Mechanism
Mechanical tillage of this ecological site will cause an immediate transition across an ecological threshold to the Post Cropland state. This transition can occur from any plant community and is irreversible.
Mechanism
Long-term heavy, excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods, or heavy, excessive grazing with over-stocking, or frequent and severe defoliation, if continued, will cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increased Bare Ground state.
Erosion and loss of organic matter are concerns. Annual plants such as sixweeks fescue and/or cheatgrass are likely to increase or invade because of this transition.
Mechanism
Mechanical tillage of this ecological site will cause an immediate transition across an ecological threshold to the Post Cropland state. This transition can occur from any plant community and is irreversible.
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.