Claypan 26-33" PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Prairie State is predominately a grassland with forbs and occasional low shrubs on the landscape. Within the Reference Plant Community, plant composition is dynamic, responding to drought and short term grazing effects. Drought especially has a profound impact on this site. In dry years, the site produces very little taking on the appearance of bare ground even though the tillers of the mid and shortgrasses are present. If conditions are appropriate for its germination and establishment, common broomweed can be in abundance one year and non-existent the next year. Abundant fall rains favor a broomweed crop the following spring and summer.
Submodel
State 2
Prairie/Shrubland State
Description
The Mid/Shortgrass/Mesquite Community has mesquite that is large enough to not be controlled by fire. Generally, State 2 begins when the mesquite canopy exceeds 10 percent. Mesquite has started to invade the site since the forage was overgrazed, no fires were used and the prairie dog populations were removed from the site. At first the canopy was light, but as time moved on mesquite continues to reproduce and grow in height and canopy. The grasses and forbs remained approximately the same as climax. Species include sideoats grama, buffalograss, Texas wintergrass, meadow dropseed, and mesquite.
The site has now moved from a prairie to a shrubland state that has changed the overall appearance of the landscape.
Submodel
Description
In the Shrubland State, the drivers are no brush management or fire.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy continuous grazing pressure over long periods of time and no fires will transition the Prairie State into the Prairie/Shrubland State. Usually mesquite seeds have been brought into the site from adjacent sites.
Mechanism
With the application of various conservation practices including Prescribed Grazing, Brush Mangement, and Prescribed Burning, the Prairie/Shrubland State can be restored to the Prairie State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Range Planting |
Mechanism
With drivers of heavy continuous grazing, no fires, and no brush management, the Prairie/Shrubland State will transition into the Shrubland State.
Mechanism
With the use of the following conservation practices, the Prairie/Shrubland State can be transitioned into the Converted Land State: Brush Management, Land Clearing, Plowing, Pasture Planting, Range Planting, Prescribed Grazing, Prescribed Burning, Crop Cultivation, Nutrient Management and Pest Management.
Mechanism
With the application of various conservation practices including Prescribed Grazing, Brush Management, Range Planting, and Prescribed Burning, the Shrubland State can be restored to the Prairie State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Range Planting |
Mechanism
With the use of the following conservation practices, the Prairie/Shrubland State can be transitioned into the Converted Land State: Brush Management, Land Clearing, Plowing, Pasture Planting, Range Planting, Prescribed Grazing, Prescribed Burning, Crop Cultivation, Nutrient Management and Pest Management.
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.