Shallow Clay
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State represents the best estimate of the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics in the Shallow Clay ecological site prior to European settlement. This site, in the Reference State, is dominated by cool-season grasses and subdominant warm-season grass. Forbs will be common and diverse. Shrubs species will vary depending upon precipitation and slope aspect. Rocky Mountain juniper can occur on this site but in minor amounts. Grazing or the lack of grazing, fire, and drought are the major drivers between plant communities.
Submodel
Description
The Shortgrass State is dominated by shortgrass species and upland sedges. This State is the result of grazing management that did not provide adequate recovery time for tall- and mid-statured cool- and warm-season grasses. The hydrologic function of this state may be 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 is dominated by rhizomatous wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and non-native cool-season annual and perennial grasses. The Native/Invaded State can resemble the Reference State (1.0) except that it is invaded by non-native cool-season grasses. This plant community can be very productive if managed properly and it does not degrade.
Submodel
Mechanism
Non-use or long-term light grazing and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will convert the Reference State (1.0) to the Native/Invaded State (3.0).
Mechanism
Continuous season-long grazing, or continuous seasonal grazing without change in season of use, or heavy grazing in combination with drought will convert the plant community to Shortgrass State (2.0). This transition is most likely to occur from the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Grama/Sedge Plant Community (1.2).
Mechanism
Restoration work should include prescribed burning, followed by long-term prescribed grazing including proper stocking rates, change in season of use, and adequate time for plant recovery. This restoration may not be rapid or meet management goals.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing including proper stocking rates, change in season of use, and adequate time for plant recovery after grazing may convert this plant community to the Reference State (1.0). A return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will help with recovery. This transition may not be rapid or meet management objectives.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Invasion and expansion of non-native cool-season grasses on the site. Long-term prescribed grazing including proper stocking rates, change in season of use, and adequate time for plant recovery after grazing may convert this plant community to the Native/Invaded State (3.0). A return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will help with the transition. This transition may not be rapid or meet management objectives.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
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.