Badlands Terrace
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
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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. This site is dominated by warm- and cool-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbances included 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. This state is in areas that have a history of proper grazing management, including adequate recovery periods between grazing events.
Submodel
Description
The Early Successional State results from heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent and severe defoliation; or concentrated disturbance, such as rodent activity or heavy livestock use. In most cases, this phase is dominated by grazing-resistant grasses, pioneer perennials, and annual grasses and by forbs. The extent of bare ground is also much greater than in any other plant community phase. This state is at risk for further degradation or aggradation caused by water erosion.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing or frequent and severe defoliation transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Early Successional State (2.0).
Mechanism
Early Successional State 2.0 may transition to the Reference State (1.0) if the disturbance causing severe defoliation is removed and long-term prescribed grazing is initiated, including proper stocking, change in season of use, and an adequate rest period. This pathway takes an extended period of time and may not meet management objectives.
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.