Shallow Clayey
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1C More details
- Transition T1D More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Restoration pathway R4A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Transition T5B More details
- Transition T5C More details
- Transition T5A 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 Shallow Clayey ecological site prior to European settlement. This state is dominated by cool-season grasses, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms included occasional fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Taller cool- and warm-season grasses would have declined and a corresponding increase in short-statured grasses and grass-like species would have occurred. 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. The Reference State is susceptible to invasion of non-native cool-season grasses and the encroachment of conifers from adjacent sites.
Submodel
Description
This state is a result of overgrazing (individual plants of selected species being repeatedly grazed due to continuous grazing systems which allow for long paddock occupation periods). This type of grazing causes reduced vigor of the selected species (i.e., typically the most desired by grazing ungulates). As the photosynthetic area of these species is repeatedly removed, carbohydrate production needed for root respiration is inadequate and the root systems of these species begin to falter. The shorter, more grazing tolerant species are given the advantage and will dominate the site. In the early stages of this state, tall and mid-grass remnants may be present in sufficient quantities to allow for recovery to the Reference State (1.0). Over time, this recovery will become less likely due to higher runoff and reduced infiltration.
Submodel
Description
The Early Successional State is the result of very heavy, concentrated disturbance such as intense rodent activity, or livestock concentration areas. This state can also develop as a result of invasion by highly competitive or noxious weed species. Extended periods of drought accompanied by heavy grazing can also push an at-risk plant community phase to this state. In most cases, this phase is dominated by pioneer perennial and annual grass and forb species. Bare ground is also much higher than on any other plant community phase.
Submodel
Description
This Conifer State consists of areas where tree canopy increases to a level that impedes the reproductive capability of the major native perennial grass species. The increase in tree canopy is a result of a disruption of the natural historic fire regime that kept the trees at an immature stage. This state is reached when mature tree canopy reaches approximately 25 percent or more. Tree canopy typically is dominated by ponderosa pine, but Rocky Mountain juniper may also be present in varying amounts.
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, smooth brome, cheatgrass, and field brome.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous season-long grazing (stocking levels above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season); continuous seasonal grazing (spring or fall); heavy grazing in combination with drought will result in a transition from the Reference State (1.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0). This transition will most likely occur from the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Grama-Little Bluestem 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
Encroachment or increase in canopy cover of native coniferous tree species, and no fire will lead the Reference State (1.0) over a threshold to the Conifer State (4.0). This threshold will be crossed when tree canopy reaches approximately 25 percent or more of mature trees.
Mechanism
Continuous seasonal grazing (summer); long-term light grazing; or no use and no fire; the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Native/Invaded State (5.0).
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing including proper stocking rates, change in season of use, adequate time for recovery and a return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will transition the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Reference State (1.0). This transition may not be fast or feasible.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent and severe defoliation; or heavy disturbance will transition the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Early Successional State (3.0).
Mechanism
No use, or long-term light grazing, and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will likely transition the Shortgrass Sod (2.0) State to the Native/Invaded 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 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 |
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Herbaceous Weed Control |
Mechanism
Removal of disturbances, herbaceous weed control, possibly seeding to native species, followed by prescribed grazing that includes proper stocking, change in season of use, and deferment that provides time for adequate recovery will transition this state to the Native/Invaded State (5.0).
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
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Herbaceous Weed Control |
Mechanism
Fire; prescribed burning; or mechanical brush management in conjunction with long-term prescribed grazing may lead the Conifer State (4.0) across a threshold back to the Reference State (1.0). This would need to take place before the trees reach maturity and are still susceptible to fire, and reproductive propagules of the perennial grasses are still present. After trees reach maturity, a stand replacing fire or brush management would be needed to move this state over the threshold back to the Reference State (1.0).
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Invasion of non-native cool-season grasses; fire, mechanical brush management, or prescribed burning to remove conifers will transition the Conifer/Herbaceous State (4.0) to the Native/Invaded State (5.0).
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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|
Prescribed Burning |
Mechanism
Continuous season-long grazing (stocking levels above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season); continuous seasonal grazing (spring or fall); or heavy grazing in combination with drought will result in a transition from the Native/Invaded State (5.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0).
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent and severe defoliation; or heavy disturbance will transition the Native/Invaded State (5.0) to the Early Successional State (3.0).
Mechanism
Encroachment or an increase in canopy cover of native coniferous tree species, and no fire will lead the Native/Invaded State (5.0) over a threshold to the Conifer State (4.0). This threshold will be crossed when tree canopy reaches approximately 25 percent or more of mature trees.
Model keys
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