Closed Depression (Cd)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Excessive grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Reference State is characterized by four distinct plant community phases. The plant communities and the various successional stages between them represent the natural range of variability.
Submodel
Description
Compared to the Reference State, perennial plants have been greatly reduced with only remnants of the most grazing tolerant species present. Annuals and non-native species have increased.
Litter levels are extremely low. Wind erosion can be a hazard due to increased bare ground. Mineral crusting caused by raindrop impact magnifies the situation by disrupting surface soil aggregates decreasing infiltration. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are resource concerns.
Submodel
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.