Sandy
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 T1C More details
- Transition T6A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T6A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T6A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Transition T6A 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 represents the best estimate of the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the ecological site prior to European settlement. This site in the Reference State (1.0) is dominated by warm-season grasses with cool-season grasses being subdominant. Grazing or the lack of grazing, fire, and drought are the major drivers between plant communities. Continuous season-long grazing can push this state to a warm-season shortgrass-dominated state (2.0). Non-use, no fire, and invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will result in a transition to a Native/Invaded State (4.0). Today, a similar state can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.
Submodel
Description
This Shortgrass Sod state occurs as a result of continuous season-long grazing at moderate to heavy stocking rates, inadequate recovery periods between grazing events, or a combination of these disturbances. This state is dominated by short warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The shallow, compact nature of the roots of the dominant species causes increased runoff and reduced infiltration. These conditions combine to cause the site to become more droughty, and thus reduce the opportunity for recruitment and establishment of the taller statured grasses. This state is relatively stable and resistant to change.
Submodel
Description
This state occurs as a result of extreme disturbance that typically removes most of the native species normally present on this site. Disturbance in the form of severe grazing over several years are the most typical. Occupation by black-tailed prairie dogs or concentrated livestock may result in this transition. The dominant species present is highly variable, but the common characteristics include high amounts of bare ground, reduced soil aggregate stability, increased runoff and increased erosion (including increased sediment loads in the runoff). Restoration of the ecological processes will be very difficult.
Submodel
Description
The Native/Invaded State is dominated by native cool- and warm-season grasses, and subdominant non-native cool-season grasses. It can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and possibly prescribed burning, and on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. If the native cool-season grasses decline, a corresponding increase of non-native cool-season grasses can occur. The non-native cool-season grasses will include Kentucky bluegrass, cheatgrass, and field brome.
Submodel
Description
This State can be transitioned to from any plant community. The two separate vegetative plant communities, Go-Back and Seeded, are highly variable in nature. They are derived through different management scenarios and are not related successionally. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion will vary depending on the vegetation present on the site.
The Go-Back Plant Community (5.1) was previously tilled for crop production and then abandoned. The plant community that develops on this site will be greatly influenced by the plant communities that are located on adjacent land. The Seeded Plant Community (5.2) was typically tilled and then seeded to a perennial forage species or mix of species.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous seasonal grazing (stocking levels above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and at the same time of year each year, typically beginning early in the season); continuous season-long grazing; or heavy grazing in combination with drought will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Shortgrass State (2.0). This transition is most likely to occur from the Needle and Thread-Prairie Sandreed-Blue Grama Plant Community (1.2).
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent and severe defoliation; or heavy disturbance will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Early Successional State (3.0).
Mechanism
Continuous summer seasonal grazing; long-term light grazing; non-use and no fire; and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Mechanism
Heavy disturbance including soil erosion; tillage; abandoned cropland; or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0).
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods) may lead the Shortgrass State (2.0) over a threshold to the Reference State (1.0). This could require significant time and inputs to achieve and, in the end, may not meet management objectives.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent severe defoliation; or heavy disturbance will likely move the Shortgrass State (2.0) to the Early Successional State (3.0).
Mechanism
Heavy disturbance including soil erosion; tillage; abandoned cropland; or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0).
Mechanism
Removal of disturbances coupled with long-term prescribed grazing with change in season of use, and adequate recovery time following grazing even may return the Early Successional State (3.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0). Herbaceous weed control may also be needed. This transition could require significant time and input to achieve and, in the end, may not meet management objectives.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Herbaceous Weed Control |
Mechanism
Heavy disturbance including soil erosion; tillage; abandoned cropland; or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0).
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent and severe defoliation; or heavy disturbance will transition the Native/Invaded State (4.0) to the Early Successional State (3.0).
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.