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.
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.
Long-term prescribed grazing may eventually convert the Disturbed State (2.0) closer to the Reference State (1.0). This transition is difficult to achieve because inland saltgrass and knotweed are persistent and competitive.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
