Very Shallow 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 -
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, followed by range planting
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Mixedgrass Community is a mixture of tall, mid, and shortgrasses. Little bluestem and sideoats grama are the most common grasses. Diverse forb community with few scattered shrubs < 10 percent exists. Some areas with surface rock fragments are common to this site.
Submodel
Description
This plant community is a midgrass/shrub dominant with lesser amounts of tallgrasses. Little bluestem will be replaced with perennial three-awns. The tallgrasses found in depressions and other favorable niches on the site have been reduced and are only found in small amounts. Perennial forb diversity is still good with increasing amounts of annuals. Shrubs such as yucca, juniper, skunkbush and broom snakeweed will increase.
Submodel
Mechanism
With no fires, heavy continuous grazing, and brush invasion, this plant community will transition to the Midgrass/Shrubs Community.
Mechanism
With the implementation of various conservation practices such as Prescribed Grazing, Prescribed Burning, and Brush Management, the Midgrass/Shrubs Community can be shifted to the Mixed Grass Community.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
With continuous heavy grazing pressure, brush invasion, no brush management, and no fires, the Midgrass/Shrubs Community will transition to the Shrub/Shortgrass Community.
Mechanism
Prescribed grazing (3–5 consecutive years of deferment during the growing season), brush management (chemical and/or mechanical) and range planting will be necessary. At this point, prescribed burning is not an option due to the lack of fine fuel and poor continuity.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Range Planting |
Model keys
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