Sandy Terrace
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 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 the ecological site prior to European settlement. The vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) is a near equal mix of 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 cool- and warm-season grasses would decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass and grass-like species would have occurred. Sliver sagebrush and western snowberry will almost always be present. Deciduous trees will likely be found scattered across this site, but regeneration is unlikely. 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, and upland sedges. 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 has been invaded by Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and annual bromes, but not at the level to which the plant community is dominated by these species. The plant community in this State looks very similar to the Reference Plant Community (1.1) and it functions very much like the Reference State. It is ‘At Risk’ of transitioning to the Invaded State (4.0), which is dominated by Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome.
Submodel
Description
Any plant community can transition to the Disturbed State (4.0). The three 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; continuous seasonal grazing; or heavy grazing in combined with drought will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0).
Mechanism
Non-use and lack of fire for extended periods of time; long-term light grazing; invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Native/Invaded State (3.0).
Mechanism
Heavy disturbance including tillage; abandonment of cropland; cropping; and 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 with proper stocking rate, change in season of use, and adequate time for plant recovery; and a return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will convert the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Reference State (1.0).
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Removal of the grazing disturbance; invasion of non-native cool-season grasses; the implementation of long-term prescribed grazing; and favorable climatic conditions, may shift the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Native/Invaded State (3.0). This transition may not be rapid or meet management objectives.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Heavy disturbance including tillage; abandonment of cropland; cropping; and 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.
Model keys
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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.