High Lime 16-21" PZ
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
State 1
Grassland State
Description
The Midgrass/Shortgrass plant community is a mixture of high vigor mid and shortgrasses with a few tallgrass species present. Small amounts of woody plants and forbs are scattered throughout the site. The plants found on this site are tolerant of the limy nature of the soil.
If excessive grazing continues, ecological retrogression occurs. This will bring about the Shortgrass/Midgrass/Annuals Community (1.2) with decreased amounts of low vigor sideoats grama and blue grama. Less palatable species such as alkali sacaton will increase along with inland saltgrass, dropseed species and perennial three-awn species. The better quality perennial forbs will be replaced with less desirable annual and perennial forbs.
Submodel
Description
This site will develop bare areas (>50 percent bare ground) and an increase in annuals. Some high lime sites may be invaded by broom snakeweed and mesquite. Once established, these woody plants can increase to the point of domination. This community may also be dominated by four-wing saltbush with heavy densities of mesquite scattered throughout the site. Salinity and lime content of the soil influences the woody invasion more than any other factor. Western ragweed and sagewort may increase in some areas. The short and midgrass species that do remain will be in low vigor.
Submodel
Mechanism
With heavy continuous grazing, brush invasion, no brush management, no fires, and no pest management, this site will transition from the Grassland State to the Shrubland State.
Mechanism
With the application of various conservation practices including Prescribed Grazing, Brush Management, Pest Management, Prescribed Burning, and Range Planting, the Shrubland State can be restored to the Grassland State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Prescribed Grazing |
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Range Planting |
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
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.