Shallow Ridge
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
Extensive soil disturbance followed by seeding improved forage species
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of historic disturbance return intervals
More details -
Transition T2A
Extensive soil disturbance followed by seeding improved forage species
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 Grassland State consists of approximately 75 percent grasses, 20 percent woody plants, and 5 percent forbs composition by air-dry weight. For interpretive purposes, the woody crown canopy can be up to 30 percent. Two community phases exist, the Midgrass/Shortgrass Community and the Shortgrass Dominant Community.
Submodel
Description
This State has one community, the 2.1 Shrubland Community. Woody cover exceeds 30 percent and is characterized by mid and short grasses.
Submodel
Mechanism
The Chaparral Grassland State will cross a threshold to State 2 Chaparral Shrubland State 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 (usually following brush management) and planting to native or introduced forages.
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.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Range Planting |
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Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
The transition to the Converted Land State is triggered by major ground disturbing mechanical treatment (usually following brush management) and planting to native or introduced forages.
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.