Sandy Loam 16-24" 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 excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Transition T2A
Absence of disturbance, natural regeneration over time, and prolonged excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Removal of woody canopy, coupled with adequate rest from defoliation
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/Tallgrass Community is a mixture of mid and tallgrasses with several shortgrass species present. It has a variety of forbs, and a few woody shrubs. The major grass species are little bluestem, sideoats grama, Indiangrass, and sand bluestem.
The Shortgrass/Midgrass with Shrubs Community is composed of midgrasses with some shortgrasses and sparse yucca and sand sagebrush. Sideoats grama is the dominant grass species.
Submodel
Description
The Shortgrass/Shrub State is dominantly short and midgrasses with a few scattered shrubs and annual forbs. The community is less productive than the reference plant community. Main species are buffalograss, blue grama and silver bluestem. There are also sand sage present at the site.
Submodel
Description
The Shrubland State is a severely degraded plant community where a definite threshold has been crossed. No tall or midgrasses remain. Shortgrasses such as buffalograss dominates and shrubs such as sand sagebrush have increased. Years of heavy continuous grazing has completely changed the plant community. There does not appear to be any seed source present to enable the more productive perennial grasses and forbs to return.
Submodel
Mechanism
The Grassland State can transition to the Shortgrass/Shrub State due to heavy continuous grazing, no brush management, and no fires.
Mechanism
With the continuation of heavy grazing pressure, no brush management, and no fires, the Shortgrass/Shrub State will transition to the Shrubland State.
Mechanism
With Prescribed Grazing, Brush Management, and Prescribed Burning conservation practices applied, the Shrubland State can be restored back to the Shortgrass/Shrub State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Prescribed Grazing |
Model keys
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
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