Wet Land
Circle-spoke model
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Reference State (1.0) represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site, in the Reference State (1.0), is dominated by grasses, grass-like species, forbs, and shrubs. Variations in annual precipitation and in length of time the site is ponded greatly influence the species composition from year to year. During wet years, the plant community responds to higher surface water levels. Grass-like species and forbs increase in abundance. During drier years, the plant community is dominated by grasses and obligate sedges and rushes.
Grazing pressure on this site and surrounding sites also influence the plant community dynamics. Hoof action during wet periods can cause soil compaction and reduce rooting depth and soil saturation levels. Heavy animal concentrations or cropping on the surrounding landscapes can increase runoff and sedimentation. In pre-European settlement times, the primary disturbances included grazing by large ungulates, occasional fire, and drought. Favorable growing conditions occurred during the spring and the warm months of June through August. Today, a similar state can be found in areas where proper livestock management occurs.
Submodel
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.