Shale Breaks
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 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 two distinct plant community phases. The 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. The loss of functional/structural groups such as cool-season and warm-season midgrass reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this site.
Submodel
Description
Increased bare ground is a major concern, erosion potential is high, and soil loss can be severe. This community lacks stability, diversity, and productivity. An ecological threshold has been crossed. The loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns, and the nutrient and water cycles, and energy flow are impaired.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and lack of fire shifts this plant community across an ecological threshold to the Warm-season Shortgrass State. Biotic integrity and hydrologic function are impaired as a result of this transition.
Mechanism
Long-term, heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and lack of fire causes a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increased Bare Ground State.
Soil erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are constraints to recovery. This transition can occur in a relatively short time span.
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.