Draw 16-21" PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
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 reintroduction of historic disturbance regimes
More details -
Transition T2A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be coupled with excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Adequate rest from defoliation and removal of woody canopy
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The reference plant community consists of a mixture of tall and midgrasses with lesser amounts of shortgrass species along with a respectable amount of forbs and scattered woody plants. The productivity is fairly high due to a deep soil and extra runoff from adjacent upland sites. The main grass species are western wheatgrass, vine mesquite, sideoats grama, along with smaller components of switchgrass and Indiangrass. There is always a compliment of blue grama and buffalograss present but it is relatively small in the reference community. There are also a few shrubs and trees present.
The Midgrass Community (1.2) contains midgrass dominant plants like vine mesquite and western wheatgrass with scattered remnants of tallgrasses. There are also a few scattered shrubs and trees in this community as well.
Submodel
Description
This plant community is dominated by blue grama and buffalograss. There are a few pockets of western wheatgrass. There are also a half-shrubs and yucca invasion. This community has a low vigor and production potential.
Submodel
Mechanism
With the continuous heavy grazing and no fire being practiced, the Midgrass Community will transition to the Shortgrass/Midgrass Community.
Mechanism
With the implementation of various conservation practices such as Prescribed Grazing and Prescribed Burning conducted over a three to five year period, the Shortgrass/Midgrass Community can revert back to the Midgrass Grassland State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
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|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
With heavy continuous grazing, brush invasion, no brush management, and no pest management, the Shortgrass/Midgrass Community will transition to the Degraded Shortgrass Community.
Mechanism
The degraded shortgrass community can be restored to the Shortgrass Grassland State through the use of Prescribed Grazing, Brush Management, and Pest Management conservation practices.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
|
|
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.