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. -
Transition T1B
Mechanical tillage.
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing.
More details
Prescribed fire. -
Transition T2A
Heavy, continuous grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
Transition T3A
Mechanical tillage.
More details -
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
A significant amount of production and diversity have been lost when compared to the Reference Plant Community. Inland saltgrass and blue grama are now the dominant species and have developed into a sodbound condition. A major reduction or loss of cool-season grasses, the shrub component, and nitrogen fixing forbs has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Slick spots have increased in size and may be connected by developing flow paths. The plant community exhibits an impaired water cycle.
Submodel
Description
In the Eroded State, most of the more palatable species have been greatly reduced or eliminated. Litter levels are extremely low and bare ground is increasing. Slick spots, soil crusting, reduced infiltration, and ponding are present. Flow paths are connected and plant pedestalling is evident. Organic matter and carbon reserves are greatly reduced. This community is not stable. Desertification is advanced.
Submodel
Description
This state is defined by having undergone mechanical tillage and subsequently abandoned. The difference in management following abandonment creates two separate vegetation communities that are highly variable. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion varies depending on the vegetation present.
The designation of the tillage state denotes changes in plant community composition and soil structure. This change in plant species and soil structure affects the hydrologic function, biotic integrity, and soil site stability.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous, heavy grazing without an adequate recovery period following each grazing event and lack of fire shifts this state to the Inland Saltgrass, Blue Grama State.
Mechanism
Tilled or farmed (sodbusted) and abandoned cropland are the drivers of this transition. An ecological threshold has been crossed, resulting in the elimination all native vegetation. The soil organic matter is reduced, the soil structure degraded, and a plow pan or compacted layer forms.
Mechanism
Long term prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence, proper stocking rate, and prescribed fire move this state to the Reference State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events and lack of fire shift this plant community across an ecological threshold to the Eroded State.
Mechanism
Tilled or farmed (sodbusted) and abandoned cropland are the drivers of this transition. An ecological threshold has been crossed, resulting in the elimination all native vegetation. The soil organic matter is reduced, the soil structure degraded, and a plow pan or compacted layer forms.
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.