Clayey 12-18" PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3B More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Grassland State is composed of galleta which dominates the site along with lesser amounts of blue grama and buffalograss. There are scattered shrubby plants such as cholla and short mesquite present along with a few perennial forbs and pricklypear. Soils are deep and of a clayey nature. Production is moderately high. Principal plant species are tobosa, blue grama, buffalograss, scarlet globemallow, prairie coneflower, annual broomweed, cholla, and pricklypear.
Submodel
Description
The shrubland state is dominated by cholla with a shortgrass understory. Perennial grass production is lowered. This state is the result of overgrazing by livestock over a long period of time, lack of fire, and invasion of cholla. The increase in cholla suggests no natural fire for many years and perhaps climatic influences such as long-term drought conditions in the past. Galleta is still the dominant grass species. Annual production of this plant community may be slightly greater than in the HCPC due to the annual production of cholla. Annual production ranges from 1,195 to 1,930 pounds per acre.
Submodel
Description
The shortgrass/shrubland state is dominated by a shortgrass understory with cholla. Perennial grass production is lowered. This state is the result of overgrazing by livestock over a long period of time, lack of fire, and invasion of cholla. The increase in cholla suggests no natural fire for many years and perhaps climatic influences such as long-term drought conditions in the past. Galleta is the dominant grass species with an increase in mesquite and cholla. The shrub component is approximately 50/50 mesquite and cholla with total canopy of about 20 percent. Total annual production ranges from 1,130 to 2,115 pounds per acre annually.
Submodel
Mechanism
With heavy continuous grazing, no fire and long-term drought conditions (more than five years), and brush invasion of cholla and mesquite, this site would transition from the Grassland State to the Shrubland State.
Mechanism
With brush invasion, no brush management, and no fires, this site would transition from the Grassland State to the Shortgrass/Shrubland State.
Mechanism
The Shrubland State can be restored to the Grassland State with the implementation of Prescribed Grazing, Brush Management, Prescribed Burning (over a three to five year period) conservation practices.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Prescribed Grazing |
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Invasive Plant Species Control |
Mechanism
The Shrubland State can transition to the Shortgrass/Shrubland State with continued heavy grazing pressure, no fires, and brush invasion of cholla and mesquite.
Mechanism
The Shortgrass/Shrubland State can be restored to the Grassland State with the implementation of Prescribed Grazing, Brush Management and Prescribed Burning conservation practices.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Invasive Plant Species Control |
Mechanism
The Shortgrass/Shrubland State can be restored to the Shrubland State by implementing conservation practices such as prescribed grazing, brush management and individual plant treatment.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Invasive Plant Species Control |
Model keys
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