Claypan
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition 1A More details
- Restoration pathway 2A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This state represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics in this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site, in Reference, is dominated by a mix of cool-season rhizomatous wheatgrasses and needlegrasses and warm-season shortgrasses. Heavy grazing will cause the plant community to transition to a community dominated by warm-season shortgrasses and cool-season rhizomatous wheatgrasses. Erosion of the surface horizon is a potential outcome with heavy grazing. In pre-European times the primary disturbances included grazing by large ungulates and small mammals, and drought. Favorable growing conditions occurred during the spring and warm months of June through August. Today a similar state can be found in areas where proper livestock use has occurred.
Submodel
Description
This state is dominated by shortgrass species, upland sedges, and pricklypear cactus. It is the result of grazing practices that remove the mid-stature cool- and warm-season grasses, and provide a competitive advantage to shortgrasses and grass-like species that are grazing-resistant. Water infiltration has decreased and runoff has increased in this state. This state is very resilient and resistant to change.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing, without adequate recovery, heavy disturbance, or drought will convert this plant community to the Shortgrass State (2.0).
Mechanism
Under long-term prescribed grazing, including proper stocking, change in season of use, and adequate rest periods in combination with a return to normal precipitation patterns this plant community may return to the Reference State (1.0). This may take a long period of time and may not 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.