Shallow Sandstone 12-18" PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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State 1
Grassland State
Description
In historic climax it is dominated by mid-grasses with a large compliment of short-grasses and perennial forbs, along with a variety of short shrubs. There are a few tallgrasses present in areas of more favorable moisture regime, such as in small depressions where some soil material has accumulated. Many of the short shrubs appear to have their origin in the larger cracks in the sandstone parent material. There is probably both soil material and moisture accumulation in some of these cracks that make germination and establishment of shrubs possible. Plant basal cover is sparse generally, but varies within the site. Lack of inherent fertility may render some plant species less palatable on this site as compared to sites with deeper soils. Over-utilization by herbivores, especially cattle, is not as likely to be a serious problem compared with some of the more-productive, adjacent sites. There is a good diversity of species and these are well distributed between grasses, forbs and short shrubs.
Submodel
Description
The Shrub/Shortgrass Community (2.1) shows a less productive community of sparse vegetation. The ecological drivers are increased surface erosion from both wind and water and increase in exposed bedrock. Actual soil formation from weathered sandstone is limited. In time, weathering will increase along with deposition of soil material. Both diversity and production will gradually increase over time. It may take many years for major changes to occur.
Submodel
Mechanism
With abusive grazing and browsing, lack of fire, and long-term droughts, it is possible that deterioration in the Shortgrass/Shrub plant community may move this site towards the Shrub/Shortgrass Community (2.1).
Mechanism
Conservation practices such as Prescribed Grazing with growing season rests and Brush Management (specifically Individual Plant Treatments) are implemented in order to restore the Shrubland State to the Grassland State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
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.