Sands
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition 1A More details
- Restoration pathway 2A 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
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 warm-season grasses and sub-dominant cool-season grass. Grazing or the lack of grazing, fire and wind erosion are the major drivers between plant communities.
Submodel
Description
This State can be reached from any other plant community with significant disturbances such as heavy grazing, and repeated wildfire. Large areas of blowing sand result in movement and possible enlargement of the blowout. Evaporation and transpiration of the few existing plants are extremely high due to bare ground, lack of litter.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous heavy grazing in combination with drought and excessive wind erosion will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Disturbed State (2.0).
Mechanism
Restoration which can include shaping, mulching, and potentially seeding, followed by long-term prescribed grazing, which may include extended periods of deferment or no use can be used to transition this plant community back to the Reference State (1.0). This restoration may pathway may not be fast or in the end meet management goals.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.