Saline Clay

Home / Esd catalog / MLRA 083B / Ecological site R083BY015TX / Interactive models

List model

Ecosystem states

State 1

Grassland

State 2

Shrubland

State 3

Seeded

State 4

Shrub/Cacti/Saladillo Complex

8400

Circle-spoke model

Ecosystem states

State 1

State 2

State 3

State 4

8400

Scenario model

Ecosystem states

Current ecosystem state

Select a state

State 1
Grassland
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State 2
Shrubland
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State 3
Seeded
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State 4
Shrub/Cacti/Saladillo Complex
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Management practices/drivers

Select a transition or restoration pathway

Transition T1A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time coupled with excessive grazing pressure
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Transition T1B
Extensive soil disturbance followed by seeding improved forage species
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Transition T1C
Prolonged heavy grazing pressure, may be coupled with drought conditions
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Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of historic disturbance regimes
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Transition T2A
Extensive soil disturbance followed by seeding with improved forage species
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Transition T3A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time 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

State 1
Grassland
More details
State 2
Shrubland
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State 3
Seeded
More details
State 4
Shrub/Cacti/Saladillo Complex
More details

8400

State 1
Grassland

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Submodel

1.1. Midgrass Dominant

1.2. Mid/Shortgrass Dominant

State 2
Shrubland

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Submodel

2.1. Mid/Shortgrass Shrubland Complex

2.2. Wooded Grassland

State 3
Seeded

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Submodel

3.1. Introduced/Native Species

State 4
Shrub/Cacti/Saladillo Complex

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Submodel

4.1. Shrub/Cacti/Saladillo Complex

Transition T1A

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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.

Transition T1B

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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.

Transition T1C

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Mechanism

This transition is not fully understood, but the driver is replacement of midgrasses by shortgrasses and cacti.

Restoration pathway R2A

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Mechanism

Brush management is the key driver in restoring State 2 back to the Grassland 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.

Transition T2A

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Mechanism

The transition to the Seeded State is triggered by major ground disturbing mechanical treatment and planting to native or introduced forages. Planting is usually done following brush management.

Transition T3A

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Mechanism

The transition from the Seeded 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

Briefcase

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Saline Clay

List model

Circle-spoke model

Scenario model

Current ecosystem state

Management practices/drivers

Target ecosystem state

State 1
Grassland

Submodel

State 2
Shrubland

Submodel

State 3
Seeded

Submodel

State 4
Shrub/Cacti/Saladillo Complex

Submodel

Transition T1A

Mechanism

Transition T1B

Mechanism

Transition T1C

Mechanism

Restoration pathway R2A

Mechanism

Transition T2A

Mechanism

Transition T3A

Mechanism

Model keys

Briefcase

Ecological sites

Major Land Resource Areas