Shale Breaks
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
Long-term prescribed grazing.
More details
Prescribed fire. -
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 two plant community phases that represent the natural range of variability and disturbance regimes within the site. These plant community 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.
Submodel
Description
The Blue Grama Dominant state is represented by one plant community phase. This state evolved with heavy, continuous grazing pressure without adequate recovery, and an absence of fire. Extended drought may cause extensive mortality of blue grama. The loss of dominant and subdominant structural/functional groups reduces the biodiversity and productivity.
A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference state. Loss of cool-season grasses, key shrubs, and nitrogen fixing forbs has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Soil loss is obvious where flow paths are connected. The plant community lacks diversity and exhibits a greatly impaired water cycle.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the loss of the more palatable species and a significant increase in bare ground, resulting in impairment of all ecological functions. The erosion potential is high and soil loss can be severe. The state lacks stability, diversity, and productivity.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and lack of fire will shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Blue grama Dominated State.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing with adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and prescribed fire moves this state to the Reference State. This change will require a long period of time and may be difficult to attain depending on the degree of degradation.
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.