Salt Meadow
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Continuous, heavy grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
Transition T1B
Drainage.
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing.
More details
Prescribed burning. -
Transition T2A
Heavy, continuous 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 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, herbivory by large ungulates, and adequate recovery opportunity. High production of perennial grasses and extensive soil cover allow for increased soil moisture retention, vegetative production, and overall soil quality.
Submodel
Description
The Inland Saltgrass Sod State contains one community phase. This state evolved under continuous, heavy grazing pressure without adequate recovery and a lack of fire. This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of inland saltgrass to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (also known as a root pan), and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. Extended drought may cause extensive mortality of any remnant mid- and tall grasses. The loss of dominant and sub-dominant functional/structural groups such as cool-season grasses, nitrogen fixing legumes, and shrubs significantly reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this state.
Submodel
Description
The Eroded State is characterized by a major reduction of the grasses that dominate the Reference State. Less palatable plants now dominate the landscape, and plant diversity and production have decreased significantly. The Reference State ecosystem has been driven beyond the limits of ecological resilience and has crossed a threshold. This state describes the complete deterioration of ecological processes.
Submodel
Description
This state represents the influence of the manipulation of the hydrology affecting the site. It can develop from any of the states pertaining to the site. This state denotes complete alteration or disruption of the hydrologic function and biotic integrity resulting in replacement of the natural states and plant communities applicable to the site.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous, heavy grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and lack of fire shifts this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Inland Saltgrass Dominated State. This transition results in significant loss of biologic integrity, nutrient cycling, and energy flow.
Mechanism
Persistent water table alteration or drainage. This transition causes a complete alteration and disruption of the hydrologic function and biotic integrity resulting in replacement of the natural states and plant communities applicable to the site. This anthropologic transition can occur from any of the states or plant communities pertaining to the site.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing and prescribed burning moves this plant community toward the Reference State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
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.