Clayey Breaks
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, 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
Submodel
Description
The following narrative describes the plant community within the Shrubland/Woody State. This state has 25% or greater canopy cover by invasive woody species with a decreasing herbaceous component.
Submodel
Mechanism
With continous disturbances through heavy grazing (if applicable), erosion, fire suppression, long term drought, and/or encroachment by Juniper and/or Mesquite; the Grassland state will transition to a Shrubland/Woody Invasion state.
Mechanism
Through development and initiation of a prescribed fire and brush management program, the Shrubland/Invasion state may be restored to a Grassland state. It is important to remember that fine fuel management is an very important when planning a prescribed burn on these sites due to the sparse grasses that occur in the Shrubland/Invasion state. Depending on precipitation patterns, this restoration can can take many years.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Burning |
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.