Limestone Breaks
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
A major shift in species composition and plant functional/structural groups has taken place. Nutrient and water cycles have been negatively affected due to the loss of nitrogen fixing forbs and deeper-rooted plants. Soil erosion is a concern. Rills and pedestaled plants with exposed roots are apparent. An ecological threshold has been crossed. 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
Litter levels have been reduced substantially. Soil erosion hazard has increased due to the increase of bare ground and may be severe on steeper slopes. Biological integrity, watershed function, and soil stability are all impaired. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns. 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 shift 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 cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increased Bare Ground State.
Constraints to recovery
Erosion, loss of organic matter and carbon reserves, and invasion by annual plants are constraints to recovery.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.