Sandy (Sy)
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 T1C
Mechanical tillage.
More details -
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.
This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama and threadleaf sedge 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 bunch and rhizomatous grasses, forbs, and shrubs, reduces the biodiversity productivity of this site.
Submodel
Description
The hazard of soil erosion 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. The loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are resource concerns.
Submodel
Description
The Tilled State is the result of the site mechanical farming operations. An ecological threshold has been crossed due to complete removal of vegetation and of soil tillage. Physical, chemical, and biological soil properties have been dramatically altered. There is no restorative pathway known at this time.
Submodel
Mechanism
Long-term, heavy, continuous grazing and lack of fire shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward 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 shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Increased Bare Ground State. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns. Non-native exotic plants are likely to invade.
Mechanism
Mechanical tillage of this ecological site causes an immediate transition across an ecological threshold to the Tilled State. This transition can occur from any plant community and is irreversible.
Mechanism
Long-term heavy, continuous, grazing and lack of fire cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increase Bare Ground State.
Erosion and loss of organic matter are resource concerns. Annual plants such as sixweeks fescue, and cheatgrass are likely to increase or invade as a result of this transition.
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.