Closed Depression
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T4A 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 of the ecological site prior to European settlement. This site, in Reference, is dominated by a mix of cool-season wheatgrasses and grass-like species. Variations in annual precipitation and length of time the site is ponded greatly influence the species composition from year to year. During wet years the plant community will be dominated by grass-like species and forbs. During drier years the plant community will be dominated by cool-season wheatgrasses. This variability is independent of grazing pressure and is considered a distinct plant community. Grazing pressure on this site and surrounding sites also influence the plant community dynamics. Hoof action during wet periods can cause soil compaction and salts to accumulate on the surface, causing an increase in salt-tolerant species. The degree of grazing on uplands, adjacent to the Closed Depression site, can increase or decrease runoff into the site, creating a drier or wetter site. Adjacent areas that are grazed close will have more runoff compared to areas with proper grazing use.
Submodel
Description
This State is dominated by salt-tolerant plant species and is the result of soil compaction and salt accumulations at the surface. This state is very resilient and resistant to change.
Submodel
Description
This State developed through mechanical manipulation of the watershed causing the loss of hydrologic function, biotic integrity, and soil site stability. On existing rangeland, hydrologic function is disrupted through terracing, contour furrowing, or pitting the area surrounding the closed depression. Other causes include severe mechanical disturbance through tillage and conversion to cropland or pastureland.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy continuous grazing, excessive haying, heavy disturbance, and soil compaction will shift the Western Wheatgrass-Inland Saltgrass Plant Community (1.2) to the Degraded State (2.0).
Mechanism
Heavy disturbance, installation of water control structures, mechanical renovation practices, or land use conversion to crop or pasture will transition any plant community to the Degraded State (3.0).
Mechanism
Heavy disturbance, installation of water control structures, mechanical renovation practices, or land use conversion to crop or pasture will transition any plant community to the Degraded State (3.0).
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing that includes changing season of use, and allowing for adequate recovery periods between grazing events, or extended periods of rest (non-use) and above average precipitation may lead this plant community back to the Reference State.
This restoration may take a long period of time with management alone and may not meet management goals. Renovation (mechanical and/or chemical inputs) is not recommended due to the high salt content of the soil and the persistence of inland saltgrass.
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.