Shallow Porous Clay
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T4A 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 the Reference State, is dominated by warm-season grasses and sub-dominant cool-season grass. Shrubs are almost always present. Grazing, fire or lack of fire, erosion, and drought are the major drivers between plant communities.
Submodel
Description
This State is the result of encroachment and/or the expansion of trees on this site. The most common trees are bur oak, ponderosa pine, and Rocky Mountain juniper. Bur oak is common in the northern portion of the MLRA, but uncommon or non-existent in the southern portion.
Ponderosa pine can be found on this site throughout the MLRA. Rocky Mountain juniper is most commonly found in the southern portion of the MLRA, but can occur in the northern portion as well.
The dynamics of this State are largely due to encroachment and/or expansion of trees, fire, and soil erosion. It is not fully understood whether erosion is the result of tree encroachment or vice versa. Livestock will congregate under the tree canopy during extreme weather (hot or cold) and will obviously have a detrimental impact on soil site stability. This Wooded State provides excellent habit for wildlife and is a good grazing resource; however, it is at-risk to severe erosion with improper management.
Submodel
Description
This State is the result of severe erosion. The site is very unstable and recovery to a vegetated state is highly unlikely within any predictable timeline. Runoff and sedimentation from this site can and will cause significant impacts to adjacent sites and infrastructure such as roads and culverts.
Submodel
Mechanism
Encroachment and/or expansion of bur oak, ponderosa pine, juniper, no fire, and erosion will shift this plant community to the Wooded State (2.0). Once this plant community is established, erosion is likely to increase and expand.
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing, fire, and erosion will shift any of the plant communities to the Shale Outcrop State (4.0).
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing, fire, and erosion will shift any of the plant communities to the Shale Outcrop State (4.0).
Mechanism
Fire or prescribed burning to remove woody vegetation followed by long-term prescribed grazing that includes proper stocking, change in season of use, and adequate time for recover will transition the Woody State (2.0) back to the Reference State (1.0). Extended periods of non-use may help this transition.
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing, fire, and erosion will shift any of the plant communities to the Shale Outcrop State (4.0).
Model keys
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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.