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 a mix of cool-season wheatgrasses and grass-like species. Variations in annual precipitation, and length of time the site is ponded, greatly influence the species composition from year to year. During wet years the plant community will be dominated by grass-like species and forbs. During dryer years the plant community will be dominated by cool-season wheatgrasses. This variability is independent of grazing pressure and is considered a distinct plant community. Grassing pressure on this site and surrounding sites also influence the plant community dynamics. Hoof action during wet periods can cause soil compaction and salts to accumulate on the surface causing an increase in salt tolerant species. Grazing on upland can increase or decrease runoff into the site creating a dryer or wetter site.
Submodel
1.1. Western Wheatgrass/Grass-Like/Forb Plant Community
1.2. Western Wheatgrass-Inland Saltgrass Plant Community
This State is dominated by salt tolerant plant species and is the result of soil compaction and salt accumulations at the surface. This state is very resilient and resistant to change.
Submodel
2.1. Foxtail Barley-Inland Saltgrass Plant Community
This State developed through mechanical manipulation of the watershed causing the loss of hydrologic function, biotic integrity and soil site stability. On existing rangeland hydrologic function is disrupted through terracing, contour furrowing or pitting the area surrounding the closed depression. Other causes include severe mechanical disturbance through tillage and conversion to cropland or pastureland.
Submodel
3.1. Go-back, Excessive Disturbance, Installed Water Control Structures
Heavy continuous grazing, excessive haying, heavy disturbance and soil compaction will shift the Western Wheatgrass-Inland Saltgrass Plant Community to the Degraded State.
Long-term prescribed grazing that includes changing season of use and allowing for adequate recovery periods between grazing events or extended periods of rest (non-use) and above average precipitation may lead this plant community back to the Reference State.
This restoration may take a long period of time with management alone and may not meet management goals. Renovation (mechanical and/or chemical inputs) is not recommended due to high salt content of the soil and the persistence of inland saltgrass.
Heavy disturbance, installation of water control structures, mechanical renovation practices, or land use conversion to crop or pasture.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.
) 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.
