Badlands Overflow
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 natural erosion, fire, and grazing by large ungulates, small mammals, and insects. Favorable growing conditions occur 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.
Severe flooding and channel downcutting elevate this site to a higher landscape position and transition the plant community to one described in the Badlands Terrace (R064XY048NE) ecological site.
Submodel
Description
The Disturbed State results from heavy, continuous season-long grazing or from 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 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 Disturbed State (2.0).
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.