Saline Lowland (SL)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Excessive grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing.
More details
Prescribed fire.
Mechanical brush control. -
Transition T2A
Excessive grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State is characterized by three distinct plant community phases. These plant communities and the various successional stages between them represent the natural range of variability within the Reference State.
Submodel
Description
An ecological threshold has been crossed and a significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference State. Significant biotic and soil changes have negatively impacted energy flow, and the nutrient and hydrologic cycles.
This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of inland saltgrass and blue grama to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (root pan), and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. The loss of other functional/structural groups such as cool-season bunch and rhizomatous grasses, forbs, and shrubs, reduces the biodiversity productivity of this site.
Submodel
Description
An ecological threshold has been crossed. The Increased Bare Ground State denotes changes in infiltration, runoff, aggregate stability, and species composition. The changes in water movement and the plant community affect changes in hydrologic functionality, biotic integrity, and soil and site stability. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion vary depending upon the vegetation present. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are resource concerns.
Submodel
Mechanism
Frequent and severe defoliation, and lack of fire shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Sod-bound State. Biotic integrity and hydrologic function is impaired as a result of this transition.
Mechanism
Very long-term prescribed grazing moves this plant community to the Reference State. This transition, however, could take generations. Prescribed fire and mechanical brush control accelerate this process.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
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.