Thin Claypan

Description

This State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site. This State is dominated by cool- season grasses, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included precipitation cycles and grazing by large herding ungulates. Fire was not a major factor influencing vegetation as this site does not typically have sufficient fuel loads to carry a fire. Timing of grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, this state can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. Cool-season species can decline and a corresponding increase in short, warm-season grasses will occur. Non-native cool-season grasses typically will not make up more than 15 percent of any plant community within this State.

Submodel