Saline Lowland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State (1.0) represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the Saline Lowland ecological site prior to European settlement. This site is dominated by a mixture of salt-tolerant warm- and cool-season grasses, forbs and shrubs. In pre-European settlement times, the primary disturbances included grazing by large ungulates and small mammals, drought, and a fluctuating water table. 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 use has occurred.
Submodel
Description
Heavy, long-term animal impacts have altered soil site stability, hydrologic function, and the biotic integrity of the site. Salt accumulation near or at the soil surface has reduced the vigor of many of the species present in the Reference State (1.0). This State is resistant to change, and a restoration pathway may not be feasible.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Disturbed State (2.0). This transition is most likely to occur from the Inland Saltgrass-Foxtail Barley Plant Community (1.2).
Mechanism
Under long-term prescribed grazing, possibly including extended rest (non-use) periods, and avoiding grazing when hoof action would contribute to additional soil compaction and sedimentation, this plant community could return the Degraded State (2.0) to the Inland Saltgrass-Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.2). Depending on the severity of compaction, sedimentation, and if adequate perennial plants exist, this change could take an extended period of time and may not meet management goals.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Model keys
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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.