Sands
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A 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
This state represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the ecological site prior to European settlement. This site, in reference, is dominated by warm-season grasses and sub-dominant cool-season grass. Grazing or the lack of grazing, fire, and wind erosion are the major drivers between plant communities.
Submodel
Description
This state can be reached from any other plant community with significant disturbances such as heavy grazing and repeated wildfire. Large areas of blowing sand result in movement and possible enlargement of the blowout. Evaporation and transpiration rates of the few existing plants are extremely high due to bare ground and lack of litter.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy continuous grazing or heavy disturbance in combination with drought and excessive wind erosion will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Erosional State (2.0).
Mechanism
Frequent and severe defoliation, heavy disturbance, or long-term non-use and no fire will convert the Reference State (1.0) plant communities to the Disturbed State (3.0).
Mechanism
Restoration of the site which can include shaping, mulching, and potentially seeding, followed by long-term prescribed grazing. The grazing prescription may include extended periods of deferment or non-use to transition this plant community back to the Reference State (1.0). This restoration pathway may not be fast or in the end meet management goals
Mechanism
Frequent and severe defoliation, heavy disturbance, or long-term non-use and no fire will convert the Erosional State (2.0) plant community to the Disturbed State (3.0).
Mechanism
Removal of management-induced disturbance, possibly herbaceous weed control, and long-term prescribed grazing, including adequate rest periods, may return this plant community to the Reference State (1.0). This restoration pathway may not be fast or in the end meet management goals.
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.