Sandy Meadow
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 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 edaphic (soil characteristics) changes have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient and hydrologic cycles. The loss of functional/structural groups such as warm-season tallgrass reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this site.
Submodel
Description
Compared to the Reference State, all perennial plants have been greatly reduced with only remnants of the most grazing tolerant species present. Plant diversity and production are very low.
Wind erosion can be a concern due to increased bare ground. Litter amounts are low. Carbon storage and nutrient cycling has been greatly reduced. Compaction, if severe enough, can affect water infiltration. Animal wastes can contaminate ground water or runoff. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns. Water cycling and energy flow are impaired.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and lack of fire shift this State across an ecological threshold to the Warm-season Midgrass State. Biotic integrity and hydrologic function will be impaired as a result of this transition.
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and lack of fire cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increase Bare Ground State. Erosion, loss of organic matter, loss of carbon reserves, and flooding are concerns. Non-native exotic plants such as field bindweed and knapweeds 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.