Claypan Prairie
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, coupled with excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Transition T1B
Removal of native vegetation followed by extensive disturbance and seeding with non-native species
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Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of natural disturbance return intervals
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Transition T2A
Removal of woody vegetation followed by extensive soil disturbance and seeding of non-native species
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Transition T3A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time
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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 95 percent grasses, a few of woody plants, and a 5 percent composition of forbs by air-dry weight. For interpretive purposes, the woody crown canopy can be approximately five percent. Two community phases exist: the Midgrass Community and the Midgrass/Shortgrass Community.
Submodel
Description
The Shrubland State consists of two communities: Shrubland Community (2.1) with a brush canopy of 20 to 50 percent, and the Woodland Community (2.2) with a brush canopy of greater than 50 percent. These communities are mid and shortgrass communities with a shrub canopy of mixed brush and trees.
Submodel
Mechanism
The Grassland State will cross a threshold to Shrubland (State 2) with abusive grazing and without brush management or 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 than the herbaceous plants. Because of the increased canopy, sunlight is being captured by the woody plants and converted to energy instead 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. Planting is usually done following brush management.
Mechanism
Brush management is the key driver in restoring Shrub/Woodland State (2) back to the Grassland Savannah State (1). Reduction in woody canopy below 20 percent will take large energy inputs depending on the canopy cover. A prescribed grazing plan and prescribed burning plan will keep the state functioning.
Mechanism
The transition to the Converted Land State is triggered by major ground disturbing mechanical treatment and planting to native or introduced forages. Planting is usually done following brush management.
Mechanism
The transition from the Converted Land State to the Shrubland State is triggered by neglect or no management over long periods of time. Shrubs re-establish from the seed bank and introduction from wildlife and livestock. A complete return to a previous state is not possible if adapted non-native plants have been established.
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.