Sands
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
- Transition T1C More details
- Transition T1D More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Transition T2C More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Restoration pathway R4A More details
- Transition T4A 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
This state contains four community phases historically maintained by frequent fire and herbivory (grazing) with adequate recovery periods. High perrennial grass cover and production facilitates increased soil moisture retention, high infiltrates rates, plant vigor, and overall soil quality.
Submodel
Description
This state consists of one community phase that has deteriorated from the reference state and consists of warm season short grasses and cool season grasses. It may be invaded by introduced species such as smooth bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. The loss of native warm season grasses/functional groups and increased bare soil will reduce forage productivity, soil moisture retention, organic matter, and plant vigor.
Submodel
Description
This state includes two community phases that have very little plant cover, few native warm or cool season grasses and few perennial forbs. The vegetation that is present consists of pioneer species. The majority of the plants are annual forbs with a lesser amount of short-lived perennial species. Erosion has occurred and may still be occurring. There is very little plant cover, little forage production and poor soil quality.
Submodel
Description
This state includes one plant community that has been invaded by Eastern red cedar. The woody species are present due to lack of prescribed fire and/or brush management measures. The sites typically have a loss of native warm season grasses, reduced forage production and reduced soil quality.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy grazing and improper rest periods can convert this plant state to the Native/Invaded Grass State. Continuous heavy grazing tends to accelerate this movement.
Mechanism
Heavy grazing, prolonged drought, and soil disturbance can all cause the transition from the reference state to erosion state.
Mechanism
Encroachment from lack of chemical or mechanical removal, of Eastern redcedar, as well as abscense of prescribed burning causes a transition from the reference state to the invaded woody state.
Mechanism
Tillage followed by abandonment of soil causes a transition from the reference state to sod disturbance state.
Mechanism
With long-term prescribed grazing, including adequate recovery periods, this plant community will move through the successional stages leading to the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community. This change will require a long period of time, and may be difficult to attain if the grama sod is extensive.
Mechanism
Heavy grazing, wildfires, and other disturbance causes transition from Native/Invaded Grass State to Erosion State.
Mechanism
Encroachment of Eastern redcedar due to lack of chemical or mechanical removal as well as abscence of prescribed burning causes transition from Native/Invaded Grass State to Invaded Woody State.
Mechanism
Tillage and abandonment of farmland causes transition from Native/Invaded Grass State to Sod Disturbance State
Mechanism
Under long-term prescribed grazing (10+ years), including adequate rest periods, succession will progress leading to the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community. The slope, aspect, size and relative abundance of perennial plants will influence the rate that change will occur.
Mechanism
Encroachment of Eastern redcedar due to lack of chemical or mechanical removal or the abscence of prescribed burning causes transition from Erosion State to Invaded Woody State.
Mechanism
With brush management, or prescribed burning, followed by prescribed grazing, succession will progress leading to the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed/Needlegrass Plant Community.
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.