Salt Flat
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
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. These 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 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 inland saltgrass to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (aka root pan), and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. The loss of functional/structural groups such as warm-season bunchgrasses, cool-season bunchgrass, forbs, and shrubs reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this site.
Submodel
Description
Litter levels are extremely low and bare ground is a major concern. Increased slick spots, soil crusting, reduced infiltration, and ponding are present. Flow paths are connected and plant pedestalling evident. Organic matter and carbon reserves are greatly reduced. This community is not stable. An ecological threshold has been crossed. It is in an extremely degraded condition.
Submodel
Description
The Tilled State is the result of the site being mechanically tilled (farmed). An ecological threshold has been crossed due to complete removal of native vegetation and degredation of the soil structure. Physical, chemical, and biological soil properties have been dramatically altered. Due to the saline nature of Salt Flat sites, the Tilled State is uncommon.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous, heavy grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events and lack of fire shifts this plant community across an ecological threshold to the Warm-Season Shortgrass State.
Mechanism
Mechanical tillage causes an immediate transition across an ecological threshold to the Tilled State. This transition can occur from any plant community and it 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.