Gravel 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. -
Transition T1B
Heavy, long-term grazing.
More details
Non-use.
No fire. -
Restoration pathway R2A
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, and herbivory by large ungulates with adequate recovery periods.
Submodel
Description
The Blue Grama Dominant State is represented by one plant community phase. Species diversity and production have been severely reduced. Litter levels are very low. Mineral and water cycles are impaired due to the loss of deeper-rooted grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Rills are evident and soil loss is obvious, especially on steeper slopes. Pedestalled plants with exposed roots are common. The loss of dominant and subdominant structural/functional groups reduces the biodiversity and productivity.
Submodel
Description
This state has one community. It is characterized by an impairment of all ecological functions. Bare ground, cushion plants, and cryptogamic crusts have significantly increased.
Water erosion can be severe on steeper slopes as evidenced by pedestaled plants and connected water flow paths.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods and lack of fire shifts this state across an ecological threshold to the Blue Grama Dominant State.
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing, lack of fire, and long-term non-use move this state to the Bare Ground State. This transition may take 40 years or more.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing with adequate recovery opportunity between grazing events and prescribed fire move this plant community to the Reference State. This transition may take upwards of 40 years or more to achieve.
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.