Saline Upland (SU)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Excessive grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
Transition T1B
Excessive grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
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. The plant communities and 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 nutrient and hydrologic cycles. The loss of functional/structural groups such as cool-season mid-grasses reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this site.
This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama and buffalograss to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (aka root pan), and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. The loss of other functional/structural groups such as cool-season and warm-season bunch and cool-season rhizomatous grasses, forbs, and shrubs reduces the biodiversity productivity of this site.
Submodel
Description
Soil erosion hazard has increased due to the increase of bare ground. Runoff is typically high and infiltration is low. All ecological functions are impaired.An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous, heavy grazing and lack of fire shifts this state across an ecological threshold to the Sod-bound State. Biotic integrity and hydrologic function are impaired as a result of this transition.
Mechanism
Long-term heavy, continuous grazing, and lack of fire shifts this state across an ecological threshold to the Increased Bare Ground State. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns. Non-native exotic plants are likely to invade.
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.