Saline Overflow
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. -
Restoration pathway R2A
Prescribed grazing.
More details
Prescribed fire. -
Transition T2A
Heavy, continuous grazing.
More details
Lack of fire. -
Restoration pathway R3B
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, herbivory 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 Blue Grama/Inland Saltgrass Dominated State contains one community phase. This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama and 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. The loss of dominant and subdominant 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, most of the more palatable species have been greatly reduced or eliminated. Litter levels are extremely low and bare ground is increasing. Rills may be evident as well as some gully erosion. The nutrient cycle, water cycle, and overall energy flow are greatly impaired. Organic matter and carbon reserves are greatly reduced. This community is not stable.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous, heavy grazing without an adequate recovery period and lack of fire result in a shift between states. This transition involves a major loss of plant diversity resulting in the degradation of biotic integrity. The hydrologic function is significantly impaired.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing management with proper stocking and adequate rest, and restoration of the fire regime are the management actions required to recover to the Reference State. The species to target for management are those that were dominant or sub-dominant within the reference plant community according to documented functional/structural groups. This restoration may take greater than 80 years to accomplish.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing without an adequate recovery period and lack of fire will move the Blue Grama/Inland Saltgrass Dominant State across an ecological threshold to the Eroded State. This transition may take greater than 25 years to occur. Resilience and resistance to disturbance are lost. Soil site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity are drastically altered.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing with adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and prescribed fire shift this state to the Blue Grama/Inland Saltgrass Dominant State. The species to target for management are those that were dominant or sub-dominant within the reference plant community according to the documented functional/structural groups. This transition may take up to 40 years or more to accomplish.
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.