Thin Upland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B 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
The Reference State (1.0) represents the best estimate of the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the Thin Upland ecological site prior to European settlement. This site is dominated by cool- and warm-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbances included fire, grazing by large ungulates, and small mammals. Favorable growing conditions occurred during the spring and the warm months of June through August. This state is in areas having a history of proper grazing management, including adequate recovery periods between grazing events.
Submodel
Description
The Shortgrass State (2.0) 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. In the early stages of this state, mid-grass remnants may be present in sufficient quantities to allow for recovery to the Reference State (1.0). The dominant herbaceous species are well adapted to grazing. 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
The Native/Invaded State (3.0) consists of areas that have been invaded by smooth brome, Kentucky bluegrass, and annual brome grass but not at the levels where the plant community is dominated by these species. Targeted grazing and either prescribed burning or chemical herbicide treatments can be used to reduce the amount of non-native cool-season grasses in the plant community, but these grasses are not completely removed. From State 3, a restoration pathway to the Reference State (1.0) does not exist.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous season-long grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels for the entire growing season); continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels at the same time of year each year); or heavy grazing in combination with drought can cause a transition from the Reference State (1.0) to the Shortgrass 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 non-use and no fire; and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses can cause a transition from the Reference State (1.0) to the Native/Invaded State (3.0).
Mechanism
The removal of grazing disturbance followed by long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods; or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) may result in State (2.0) passing over a threshold to the Reference State (1.0). This restoration is likely to take a long period of time, and recovery may not be feasible.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
The invasion of non-native cool-season grasses; the removal of grazing disturbance followed by long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods; or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) may lead State (2.0) to the Native/Invaded State (3.0). This transition is likely take a long period of time, and recovery may not meet management objectives.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
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, shift State (3.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0).
Model keys
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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.