Thin Upland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site. This State is dominated by warm- season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included relatively frequent 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. Today, the Reference State can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.
Submodel
Description
The Shortgrass Sod State is dominated by shortgrass species and upland sedges. This State is the result of grazing patterns that do not provide adequate recovery time for warm-and cool-season grasses. The hydrologic function of this site is dramatically altered. Runoff is high and infiltration is low. This State is very resistant to change through grazing management alone.
Submodel
Description
This State has been invaded by smooth brome and/or Kentucky bluegrass, but not at the levels where the plant community is dominated by these species. Prescribed burning and/or chemical herbicides, and targeted grazing can be used to reduce the amount of smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass in the plant community, but it will not be completely removed. At this point, a restoration pathway to the Reference State (1.0) does not exist.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous seasonal grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and at the same time of year each year, typically beginning early in the season) or heavy, continuous season-long grazing or overutilization during extended drought periods, will convert the Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.2) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0).
Mechanism
Continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels at the same time of year each year), continuous season-long grazing (grazing at light to moderate stocking levels for the entire growing season), or long-term light grazing and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses can cause a transition to the Native/Invaded State (3.0).
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high- density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (1.0). This will likely take a long period of time, possibly up to 10 years or more, and recovery may not be attainable.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high- density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (3.0). This will likely take a long period of time, possibly up to 10 years or more, and recovery may not be attainable.
Mechanism
Continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels at the same time of year each year), continuous season-long grazing (grazing at light to moderate stocking levels for the entire growing season), or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic heavy grazing will shift this State to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0).
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.