Shallow Sandy Loam
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 coupled with excessive grazing pressure
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Transition T1B
Removal of vegetation followed by seeding introduced species
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Restoration pathway R2A
Introduction of historic disturbance return intervals
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Transition T2A
Removal of vegetation followed by seeding introduced species
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Transition T3A
Absence of disturbance coupled with excessive grazing pressure
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Grassland State consists of approximately 65 to 85 percent grasses, 10 to 30 percent woody plants, and 5 to 15 percent forbs by air-dry weight. For interpretive purposes, the woody crown canopy can be approximately 20 percent. Two community phases exist, the Midgrass Community and the Shortgrass Community.
Submodel
Description
The Chaparral Shrubland State consists of the Shrubland Community. This is a midgrass and shortgrass community with a shrub canopy of mixed brush.
Submodel
Mechanism
The Grassland State will cross a threshold to State 2 Chaparral Shrubland with heavy continuous grazing, no brush management, and subsequently no fire. Severe drought is also a significant factor to accelerate this crossing of a threshold. In State 2 more rainfall is being utilized by woody plants. Because of the increased canopy, sunlight is being captured by the woody plant and converted to energy limiting the growth of the herbaceous plants.
Mechanism
The transition to the Converted Land State is triggered by major ground disturbing mechanical treatment and planting to native or introduced forages (usually following brush management).
Mechanism
If the management goal is to restore to State 1, significant inputs of energy will be needed. An integrated approach to Brush Management (Scifres, et al., 1985) with mechanical treatment, herbicides, and fire will initially reduce the woody species providing opportunity for at least partial recovery of the hydrologic cycle and the energy cycle. Seeding may be needed and can be done in conjunction with ground disturbance methods of brush management.
Mechanism
The transition to the Converted Land State is triggered by mechanical treatment and planting to native or introduced forages. Planting usually follows brush 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.