Dense Clay
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A 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 what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site prior to European settlement. This state is dominated by cool-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the Reference condition included somewhat frequent fire, precipitation cycles 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, this 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. Cool-season species can decline and a corresponding increase in short, warm-season grasses will occur. Under extended periods of disturbance, the main change is a reduction in vigor and production and an increase in bare ground.
Submodel
Description
This plant community results from the invasion of non-native, invasive species such as cheatgrass, field bromegrass, bluegrass, and/or smooth bromegrass. This plant community will have similar plant composition to the Reference State (1.0). The main difference is that the plant communities in this State will have up to 15 percent non-native cool-season grasses.
Submodel
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.