Gravelly
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be coupled with excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Adequate rest from defoliation and removal of woody canopy, followed by reintroduction of historic disturbance regimes
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This ecological state is considered the reference state for the Gravelly ecological site. It represents the historical range of variability on the site under reference conditions(periodic fire/grazing). It is dominated by herbaceous plants, mainly grasses, with some scattered shrubs.
Submodel
Description
This state is the result of an crease in woody plants. Woody canopy cover exceeds 25 percent. Ecological process are greatly influenced by the shrubs on the site as they outcompete herbaceous plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients. As the herbaceous plant community shrinks, so does the available forage for grazing animals. This can lead to overgrazing if stocking rates are not adjusted. Overall production of the site may be similar to the Grassland state, but woody plants will make up a much larger percentage of the total.
Mechanism
Without periodic fire, or alternative forms of brush management, the woody species may expand across the site both in abundance and canopy. As woody canopy coverage exceeds 25 percent, the site may transition to the Shrub Encroached state(2).
It is important to note that while grazing, alone, may not directly cause in increase in woody canopy, overgrazing can greatly reduce the effectiveness of prescribed fires and the ability to implement them.
Mechanism
With the implementation of prescribed fire or other brush management practices, the site may be restored to the Grassland state. This restoration may take multiple years depending on prior management, weather patterns, and practices used.
It is important to note that grazing management plays a vital role in the success of the restoration process. Fine fuels are needed to implement a successful prescribed fire. If chemical or mechanical brush management is used, deferment after treatment is often necessary to allow recovery of herbaceous plants.
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.