Clay Flat 23-30" 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 -
Transition T1B
Extensive soil disturbance followed by seeding
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
Extensive soil disturbance followed by 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 reference plant community for this site was a fire induced mixed-grass prairie. Woody species made up less than 1 percent of the herbage production. Tobosa, being tolerant of repeated fires made up as much as 30 percent composition in the western and southern portion of the area, but decreased in dominance from west to east and was often not present. Other desirable midgrasses made up 25 to 35 percent of the composition. Shortgrasses accounted for 30 to 35 percent of the production. Texas wintergrass and western wheatgrass were important parts of the cool season component. Smaller components of forbs, shrubs, and trees were also found.
The Mixed-Grass Community (1.2) is a mid and shortgrass prairie being invaded by woody and unpalatable herbaceous species that have been held at low densities by repeated fires and competition from a vigorous grass component. Shrubby species increased in density because long-term overgrazing by livestock reduced grass cover, caused a reduction of soil cover and reduced fine fuel for fire. The more palatable climax grasses and forbs decrease in density and vigor and are replaced by less palatable or more grazing resistant species.
Submodel
State 2
Shrubland State
Description
The Shortgrass/Mixed-brush Community (2.1) supports a 15 to 35% percent woody plant canopy of Mixed-brush dominated by mesquite. In this phase there is a continued decline in diversity of the grassland component and an increase in woody canopy and cool season component. All, except the more palatable woody species, have increased in size and density. Remnants of climax grasses and forbs and unpalatable invaders occupy the interspaces between shrubs. Characteristic grasses are buffalograss, curly mesquite, three-awn, white tridens, silver bluestem, vine mesquite and Texas wintergrass. Typical forbs include basketflower, filaree, flax wild onion, heath aster, verbena and annual broomweed.
Mesquite dominates the Shrub/Shortgrass/Annuals Community (2.2) throughout the MLRA. Redberry juniper is common in the southern portion of the MLRA. Common understory shrubs are pricklypear, lotebush, and tasajillo. Remnants of grazing resistant grasses, forbs and unpalatable invaders occupy the interspaces between shrubs. Characteristic grasses are buffalograss, curly mesquite, three-awn, white tridens, silver bluestem, Texas wintergrass, red grama, annual brome and tobosa in the western portion of the MLRA.
Submodel
Description
The Clay Flat Ecological Site is sometimes cultivated and planted to crops. The crusting and cracking of exposed soil on this site make it difficult to re-vegetate. When cropping is abandoned the site should be re-vegetated with adapted native plant mixtures, which reference community species. Cultivation and erosion may have reduced soil productivity but near climax forage production may be obtained with a native plant mix that approximates reference species composition. Introduced species often require more care, but can also be productive as pasture.
Submodel
Mechanism
When the canopy of the woody plants becomes dense enough (15 %) and tall enough (> 4 feet) to suppress grass growth and resist fire damage, a threshold in ecological succession is crossed. This threshold can also occur when the fine fuel load provided by grasses is too low to effectively control the brush with prescribed burning. Once this threshold is passed, the Mixed-Grass Prairie Community (1.2) transitions into the Shortgrass/Mixed-brush Community (2.1), a stable plant community state in which normal range management practices, such as proper grazing and prescribed burning, cannot reverse the trend toward woody plant dominance.
Mechanism
The Grassland State may also transition into the Converted Land State. With the implementation of various conservation practices such as Crop Cultivation, Plowing, Range Planting, Pasture Planting, Pest Management, Nutrient Management, and Prescribed Grazing, the Coverted Land Community may be cultivated for crops, planted into permanent native or introduced pastureland grass species or let abandoned with existing native species.
Mechanism
Alternatives for restoration include brush control and range planting to return the Shrubland to Grassland State. Proper stocking, prescribed grazing and prescribed burning would then be necessary to maintain the desired community.
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 |
Mechanism
The Shrubland State may also transition into the Converted Land State. With the implementation of various conservation practices such as Crop Cultivation, Plowing, Range Planting, Pasture Planting, Pest Management, Nutrient Management, and Prescribed Grazing, the Coverted Land Community may be cultivated for crops, planted into permanent native or introduced pastureland grass species or let abandoned with existing native species.
Model keys
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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.