Subirrigated
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition 1 More details
- Restoration pathway 2A More details
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
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 native warm- and cool-season grasses, forbs and shrubs. Trace amounts of non-native species, including Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome may be present but are not prevalent. During wet years the plant community will respond to a higher water table and grass-like species will increase. During dryer years the plant community will be dominated by grasses. Grassing pressure on this site and surrounding sites also influence the plant community dynamics. Heavy grazing will reduce the amount of tall warm-season grasses and increase non-native cool-season grasses. Conversely no use and no fire will cause an increase in litter and an increase in non-native cool-season grasses.
Submodel
Description
This state has been invaded and is dominated by non-native invasive cool-season species. Kentucky bluegrass occurs on this site and drives the successional process. Preliminary studies would indicate that a threshold may exist when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30% of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community composition. Plant communities dominated by Kentucky bluegrass have significantly less cover and diversity of native grasses and forb species (Toledo, D. et al., 2014). Hoof action during wet periods can potentially cause soil compaction and reduce rooting depth and soil saturation levels. Heavy animal concentrations or cropping on the surrounding landscapes can increase runoff and sedimentation.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy continuous grazing, or no use and no fire and expansion of non-native cool-season grasses will convert this plant community to the Kentucky Bluegrass/Sedge Plant Community. The transition is most likely to occur from either Plant Community Phase 1.2 or 1.3.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing and possibly prescribed burning will move this plant community to the Western Wheatgrass-Big Bluestem-Bluegrass/Sedge Plant Community (1.2). It could potentially will return to the reference plant community (1.1), assuming an adequate seed/vegetative source is available. This process will require a long period of time and may be difficult to attain depending on the degree of degradation.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Model keys
Briefcase
Add ecological sites and Major Land Resource Areas to your briefcase by clicking on the briefcase (
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
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.