Siltstone Plains
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. -
Transition T1B
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 plant community phases. The plant communities and various successional stages between them represent the natural range of variability due to the disturbance regimes that occur on the site.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by a vegetation shift to a shortgrass dominated community.
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 edaphic (soil characteristic) 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 buffalograss to grazing. The loss of other functional/structural groups such as cool-season midgrasses, forbs, and shrubs, reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this site.
Submodel
Description
Litter levels are extremely low. Erosion is evident and flow paths are continuous. Rills may occur on steeper slopes. Wind scoured areas may be apparent on knolls or unprotected areas. The nutrient cycle, water cycle, and overall energy flow are greatly impaired. Organic matter and carbon reserves are greatly reduced.
Submodel
Description
The Tilled State is the result of the site being tilled (farmed). An ecological threshold has been crossed due to complete removal of vegetation and years of soil tillage. Physical, chemical, and biological soil properties have been dramatically altered.
Submodel
Mechanism
Excessive grazing and lack of fire shifts this state across an ecological threshold to the Warm-season Shortgrass Dominant State.
Mechanism
Tillage of this ecological site will cause an immediate transition across an ecological threshold to the Tilled State. This transition can occur from any plant community and is irreversible.
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.