Sandy Bottomland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Heavy, continuous grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
Transition T1B
Chemical brush management.
More details
Prescribed grazing. -
Transition T1C
Non-use.
More details
Lack of fire. -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing.
More details
Prescribed fire. -
Transition T2A
Heavy, continuous grazing.
More details
Chemical brush management. -
Restoration pathway R3A
Prescribed grazing.
More details -
Restoration pathway R4A
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, grazing by large ungulates, and 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
The Sand Sagebrush State is dominated almost entirely by sand sagebrush with little understory species present. Favorable species that remain are few and are protected by the sagebrush. The state is characterized by a lack of resilience and resistance to disturbances. Site stability and hydrologic function along with biological diversity are greatly reduced.
Submodel
Description
The Grass Dominated State consists primarily of mid- and short-grasses, and It is a result of chemical brush management and prescribed grazing. Plant diversity has been significantly decreased. Nutrient and water cycles are significantly impaired. The state is resistant to change but lacks resilience to disturbances.
Submodel
Description
In the Eroded State, production and litter levels are extremely low. The plant community is dominated by less palatable grasses, forbs, and shrubs and the nutrient cycle, water cycle, and energy flow are greatly reduced. Erosion is occurring. Pedestalling is evident. Organic matter and carbon reserves are greatly reduced. Desertification is advanced, and blowouts may develop.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing, particularly when combined with chemical brush management eliminates tallgrasses, palatable forbs, and shrubs, and moves this plant community across an ecological threshold to the Sand Sagebrush State. Lack of fire accelerates this process.
Mechanism
Chemical brush management and prescribed grazing move this plant community across an ecological threshold to the Grass Dominated State.
Mechanism
Long-term non-use and lack of fire move the Reference State across an ecological threshold to the Eroded State.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing and prescribed fire move this state back to the Reference State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing without providing adequate recovery opportunity and chemical brush management shift this state to the Eroded State.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing moves the Grass Dominated State to the Reference State. This transition can take greater than 20 years to achieve.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing moves the Eroded State to the Reference State. This transition may take greater than 20 years to accomplish. Prescribed fire accelerates this process.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Model keys
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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.