Shallow
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition 1A More details
- Transition 1B More details
- Restoration pathway 2A More details
- Restoration pathway 3A 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- and cool-season mid-grasses, shortgrasses, grass-likes, forbs and shrubs. The primary disturbances included fire and grazing by large ungulates and small mammals.
Submodel
Description
This state is dominated by shortgrass species and upland sedges. It is the result of continuous season-long grazing or heavy continuous grazing. Desirable species have been over utilized and removed or greatly reduced in the plant community. The site is has increased runoff and depending on percent bare ground and slope the site can be susceptible to erosion. This state can be very resistant to change.
Submodel
Description
This state is dominated by juniper species and is a result of no use and no fire resulting in encroachment of conifers. In the absence of fire, this plant community phase will be resistant to change. This state will have lower water infiltration rates, increased runoff, and an increased potential for soil erosion. The resulting plant community is less productive for grazing animals and wildlife than the other states.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous heavy grazing, or continuous season-long grazing where stocking rates are slightly above carrying capacity will shift this plant community (1.2) to the Shortgrass State. Extended periods of below normal precipitations can accelerate this transition.
Mechanism
No use, no fire, and encroachment of conifers, primarily juniper species, will shift the Reference State toward a Conifer/Deciduous State (3.0).
Mechanism
With long-term prescribed grazing, that includes proper stocking, change in season of use and adequate recovery periods and/or a return to normal precipitation patterns may shift this plant community back to the Reference State. The restoration may take an extended period of time and in the end not meet management goals or objectives.
Mechanism
Mechanical brush management and/or prescribed burning or fire will move this plant community towards the Reference State. The restoration of this site may not be feasible or achievable depending on how well established juniper is on the site and the density of juniper.
Model keys
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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.