This is the reference or diagnostic community for the site. The description is based on early range site descriptions, clipping data, professional consensus of experienced range specialists, and analysis of field work.
Within the reference state there are variations in vegetation as a result of the variation in surface water. Many plants including Switchgrass, Barnyardgrass, Knotgrass, and many forbs can tolerate moist soils. However, most of these plants cannot thrive under prolonged inundation. When water ponds for long periods, the plant community may be dominated by rushes, smartweeds, willows and other species adapted to the conditions. As the amount and duration of ponding on these sites varies from year to year, so will the plant community.
The vegetative production for this site has been estimated by range specialists at 2,500 to 6,500 pounds per acre.
The description for this plant community is derived from analysis of limited field data and professional consensus of range trained individuals.
This ecological state is the result of altered hydrologic flow in the site. The seasonal wetting has ceased and the site has been dry for multiple growing seasons. This transition may be the result of a long term drought event, or the result of manipulated drainage to keep the site dry year round.
As the site remains dry, the obligate wetland plant species will be the first to decline. Replacement species such as Broomsedge Bluestem, Silver Bluestem, and annual threeawn may thrive. The exact plant community composition will greatly depend on surrounding seed sources and management.
If the hydrology is restored to the site and surface water remains intact, the site may transition back to the reference state (1).
The description for this plant community is derived from analysis of limited field data and professional consensus of range trained individuals.
This state is the result of cultivation. The area has been cleared of any woody species and tilled. The soil structure and biology has been altered. The hydrology will also be changed and may never return to that of the reference state(1) even if abandoned.
The site may experience a significant dry up as a result of a long term(multiyear) drought or if overhead water has been cut off. This results in a transition to state 2.
Some of these sites have been drained with the use of heavy equipment and used for farming activities. The hydrology of the site has been severely altered.
Some of these sites have been drained with the use of heavy equipment and used for farming activities. The hydrology of the site has been severely altered.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
