Clay Loam 19-26" 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
Removal of woody canopy, adequate rest from defoliation and reintroduction of historic disturbance return intervals
More details -
Transition T2A
Extensive soil disturbance followed by rangeland seeding
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 Grassland state demonstrates the historical variability of the site. The major grasses include: Blue grama, buffalograss, vine mesquite, and small amounts of Hall’s panicum (Panicum hallii) and silver bluestem (Bothriochloa laguroides). Mesquite may increase to a canopy of 20 % or more if no brush management is applied.
Submodel
Description
In this Shortgrass/Shrub State, mesquite has increased to 15-18% woody canopy. The cover of shortgrasses has decreased and some bare ground is evident. Invasion of annual weedy species will begin. Production is low and vigor is poor.
Submodel
Mechanism
With abusive grazing, no fires and no brush management over a fifteen year period, the Grassland State will transition into the Mesquite Shrubland State.
Mechanism
With the implementation of various conservation practices such as Prescribed Grazing including some deferment, Prescribed Burning, and Brush Management over an eight to ten year period, the Mesquite/Shrubland may be able to be restored to the Grassland State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
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.