Dense Clay
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- 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
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. Overall the plant diversity on this site is relatively low. The Reference State is dominated by cool-season grasses. Forbs will be common. Shrubs species, including pricklypear cactus, may or may not be present. In the far western portion of MLRA 64, Wyoming big sagebrush may be present in minor amounts. Grazing or the lack of grazing, and drought are the major drivers between plant communities. The Reference State is very susceptible to invasion of non-native cool-season annual grasses.
Submodel
Description
This State is dominated by rhizomatous wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and up to 30 percent non-native cool-season annual and/or perennial grasses. The Native/Invaded State can resemble the Reference State (1.0) in composition and production, except that the Native/Invaded State is invaded by non-native cool-season grasses. This plant community can maintain productivity if managed properly and does not degrade.
Submodel
Mechanism
Invasion of non-native cool-season annual and perennial grasses, and other invasive and/or noxious species will lead this State (1.0) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (2.0). Once this threshold is crossed, it highly unlikely to return to the Reference State (1.0).
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.