Clayey Plains
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 plant communities. These plant communities and the 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.
This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama and buffalograss to grazing. The loss of functional/structural groups such as cool-season bunchgrasses, forbs, and shrubs reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this state.
Submodel
Description
To reach the Increased Bare Ground state, an ecological threshold has been crossed. This state lacks stability, diversity, and productivity. Litter levels are extremely low. Erosion is evident where flow paths are continuous. Rills may occur on steeper slopes. 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 mechanically tilled. An ecological threshold has been crossed due to complete removal of vegetation and degradation of the soil structure. Physical, chemical, and biological soil properties have been dramatically altered.
Submodel
Mechanism
Excessive grazing and lack of fire shifts this plant community across an ecological threshold to the Warm-season Shortgrass Dominant State.
Mechanism
Long-term, heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods and lack of fire shifts this state to the Increased Bare Ground State. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns.
Mechanism
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 it is irreversible.
Mechanism
Long-term, heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing event and lack of fire shifts this state to the Increased Bare Ground State. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns.
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.