Choppy Sands
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Heavy, season-long grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
Transition T1B
Non-use.
More details
Lack of fire. -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing.
More details
Prescribed fire. -
Transition T2A
Heavy, season-long grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
Restoration pathway R3A
Prescribed grazing.
More details
Prescribed 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 community phases that exist within the natural range of variability for the site. These phases are maintained by a historic fire frequency estimated to be on 15 to 20 year intervals (Guyette and others), and grazing by large ungulates with adequate recovery periods. High production of perennial grasses and extensive soil cover allow for increased soil moisture retention, vegetative production, and overall soil quality.
Submodel
Description
This state is dominated by Sandhill muhly, and results from continuous, heavy grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events, and lack of fire. The state is characterized by a lack of resiliency and resistance to disturbances. Biological integrity, site stability, and hydrologic function are greatly reduced.
Submodel
Description
This state results from continued disturbances that further impair the stability of the site. Continuous, heavy grazing without providing adequate recovery opportunity following grazing events is the driver of the process. Blowouts can develop.
Submodel
Mechanism
Repeated, heavy season-long grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and lack of fire shift this plant community across an ecological threshold to the Sandhill Muhly State. Decreased production and increased erosion are concerns.
Mechanism
Non-use of greater than 25 years and lack of fire can move this plant community across an ecological threshold causing accelerated erosion. Annuals or early perennial plant communities can result depending on the amount of non-use or rest involved with the transition. Blowouts can occur.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing moves this state to the Reference State. This transition may take greater than 25 years depending on the size of the area, proximity to seed source and remnant species present. Prescribed fire will accelerate this process.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Continuous, heavy grazing without an adequate recovery period will cause this state to cross an ecological threshold to the Eroded State. Lack of fire can accelerate this transition. Blowouts can result, and severe erosion is a major concern.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing that allows an adequate recovery period can eventually move this plant community toward the Reference State. Prescribed fire can accelerate this recovery.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Model keys
Briefcase
Add ecological sites and Major Land Resource Areas to your briefcase by clicking on the briefcase (
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
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.