Saline Lowland
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 represents the best estimate of the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics in this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site is dominated by warm- and cool-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 occurred during the spring and the warm months of June through August. The Reference State is in areas that have a history of proper grazing management, including adequate recovery periods between grazing events.
Submodel
Description
The Degraded State (2.0) is the result of heavy, continuous season-long grazing or the result of frequent and severe defoliation. In most cases, this state is dominated by grazing resistant grasses, pioneer perennials, and annual grasses and by forbs. The extent of bare ground is much higher than on any other plant community phase. This state is at-risk of water erosion.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing, heavy disturbance, heavy grazing in combination with drought, and possible soil compaction result in the Reference State (1.0) transitioning to the Degraded State (2.0).
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing, including periods of non-use, and normal precipitation patterns may eventually move the Degraded State (2.0) toward the Reference State (1.0). This transition is difficult to achieve because inland saltgrass and foxtail barley are persistent and competitive.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
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.