Sands
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
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 represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the Sands ecological site prior to European settlement. This site in the Reference State (1.0) is dominated by warm-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms included frequent fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Taller warm- and cool-season grasses would have declined and a corresponding increase in short statured grass and grass-like species would have occurred. Today, a similar state can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and prescribed burning and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.
Submodel
Description
The Disturbed State (2.0) can be reached from any plant community through heavy disturbance. This can result from heavy livestock or wildlife concentration (i.e., water locations, bedding or loafing grounds, etc.,). With significant disturbances, large areas of blowing sand can result in large blowouts. Evaporation and transpiration rates of the few existing plants are extremely high due to bare ground and lack of litter.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent and severe defoliation; heavy disturbances; or heavy grazing in combination with drought; and wind erosion; will transition any plant community in the Reference State (1.0) to the Disturbed State (2.0).
Mechanism
Removal of disturbances; restoration of the disturbed areas (i.e., use of mulch and seeding); and long-term prescribed grazing, which may require extended periods of deferment or non-use, may transition the Disturbed State (2.0) to the Reference State (1.0). This transition may not be fast or in the end meet management goals.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Mulching |
|
|
Range Planting |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
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.