Subirrigated
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Reference State (1.0) represents the best estimate of the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics in the Subirrigated ecological site prior to European settlement. This site is dominated by warm-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbances included natural erosion, fire, and grazing by large ungulates, small mammals, and insects. Favorable growing conditions occur during the spring and the warm months of June through August. Currently, a similar state can be found in areas where proper livestock use has occurred.
Submodel
Description
The Native/Invaded State (2.0) is dominated by native and non-native cool-season grasses and grass-like species. The non-native cool-season grasses, primarily Kentucky bluegrass, make up 15 to 30 percent of the total annual production. This state is the result of heavy, continuous grazing, excessive haying, or heavy disturbance that can create soil compaction. The Native/Invaded State is very resilient and resistant to change.
Submodel
Mechanism
The invasion of non-native cool-season grasses in combination with heavy, continuous season-long grazing with no recovery opportunity, excessive haying with no recovery opportunity, or heavy disturbance transition this state to the Native/Invaded State (2.0). This transition is most likely to originate from either the Little Bluestem-Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Sedge Plant Community (1.2) or the Excessive Litter Plant Community (1.3).
Mechanism
Removal of management-induced disturbance coupled with long-term prescribed grazing, including periods of non-use, can eventually move the Native/Invaded State (2.0) toward the Reference State (1.0). This transition pathway requires an adequate seed and vegetative source. This process may require a long period of time to accomplish and may be difficult to attain depending on the degree of degradation.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
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.