Sandy Salt Flat
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. -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing.
More details
Prescribed fire. -
Transition T2A
Continuous, heavy 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 Blue Grama-Inland Saltgrass Dominant State contains one community phase. This is a very stable state that is resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama and inland saltgrass to grazing. The loss of dominant and sub-dominant functional/structural groups such as cool-season grasses, nitrogen fixing legumes, and shrubs reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this site.
Submodel
Description
In the Eroded State, inland saltgrass is present, but the more palatable species have been replaced by sand dropseed and annual grasses. Accelerated soil loss is a major concern. Wind scoured areas may be apparent as regression proceeds. Bare ground is becoming more apparent and slick spots have enlarged and are connected by flow paths. Soil stability, plant diversity, and productivity are lacking. Nutrient cycle, water cycle, energy flow, and community dynamics are severely impacted. Desertification is well advanced.
The Reference State ecosystem has been driven beyond the limits of ecological resilience and has crossed a threshold. The designation "Eroded State" denotes complete deterioration of ecological processes.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous, heavy grazing without adequate recovery opportunity following each grazing event and lack of fire shift this state to the Blue Grama-Inland Saltgrass Dominant State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing with adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events shifts this state to the Reference State. Prescribed fire accelerates this process.
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.