Sandy
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T5A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T5A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T5A More details
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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 this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site in the Reference State (1.0) is dominated by cool- and warm-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms included periodic 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-season grasses and cool-season needlegrasses 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 sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.
Submodel
Description
The Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) is dominated by shortgrass species, upland sedges and clubmoss. This State is the result of grazing management that does not provide adequate recovery time for cool-season wheatgrasses and needlegrass. The hydrologic function of this state is dramatically altered. Runoff is high and infiltration is low. This State is very resistant to change through grazing management alone.
Submodel
Description
The Native/Invaded State (3.0) is dominated by western wheatgrass, needlegrass, and non-native cool-season annual, and perennial grasses. The Native/Invaded State can resemble the Reference State (1.0) in species composition and vegetative production except that it is invaded by non-native cool-season grasses.
Submodel
Description
Any plant community can transition to the Disturbed State (4.0). The two separate vegetative plant communities found in this State are highly variable in nature. They are derived through different management scenarios and are not related successionally. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion vary depending upon the vegetation present on the site.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous season-long grazing, or continuous seasonal grazing (early spring), or heavy grazing in combination with drought will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0).
Mechanism
Invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, continuous season-long grazing, or continuous seasonal grazing (early spring), will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Native/Invaded State (4.0). Long period of non-use can also cause this transition.
Mechanism
Heavy disturbance including, tillage, cropping, abandonment of cropland, soil erosion, or seeding to improved pasture species will result in a transition to the Disturbed State (4.0). This transition can occur from any plant community on this site.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing, and favorable climatic conditions, which allow for adequate plant recovery periods, may allow for a transition from the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Reference State (1.0). This transition may not be rapid or in the end meet management goals.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Invasion of non-native cool-season grasses; a return to normal precipitation patterns; and long-term prescribed grazing, may transition the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Native/Invaded State (3.0). This transition my not be rapid or meet management objectives.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Heavy disturbance including, tillage, cropping, abandonment of cropland, soil erosion, or seeding to improved pasture species will result in a transition to the Disturbed State (4.0). This transition can occur from any plant community on this site.
Mechanism
Continuous season-long grazing; continuous seasonal grazing; or heavy grazing in combination with drought will transition the Native/Invaded State (3.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0).
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.