Blackland
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 with improved forage species
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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
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, coupled with excessive grazing pressure
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Submodel
Submodel
Mechanism
The transition from the Grassland State (1) to the Tree/Shrubland Complex (2) can happen within 5 to 10 years. This transition can be driven by persistently dry weather conditions, grazing management, and the lack of fire and brush management practices. Overstocking the site with grazing animals will put pressure on the herbaceous plant component of the community. This will create a more favorable environment with bare ground and open spaces for woody plants to germinate and grow. If the woody component is not managed it will begin to dominate the landscape and out-compete grasses and forbs for water, sunlight, and other resources.
Mechanism
Land managers may want to utilize this site as cropland or pastureland. To achieve this transition from the Grassland State (1) brush management and heavy disking with a Rhome disk, or other heavy implement, will be necessary to incorporate the vegetation into the soil. Prescribed burning can also be used prior to the disking operation to eliminate excessive vegetation. After the land has been cleared and an appropriate seedbed prepared the crop or pasture can be planted.
Mechanism
Major inputs, both chemical and mechanical, are often required to restore the Tree/Shrubland Complex State (2) to the Grassland State (1). Often with this community, mechanical means such as rootplowing and raking are utilized along with dozing and grubbing. Species like mesquite and huisache will re-sprout if not removed completely from the ground. Chaining and rollerchopping are mechanical practices which will be short lived and will typically result in thicker, harder to manage brush stands and will encourage brush seedlings. Follow-up conservation practices such as Individual Plant Treatment (IPT) for woody re-growth and new seedlings and prescribed grazing will be necessary for several years after the initial brush management to maintain an improved plant community. Depending on local conditions, it may also be necessary to prepare an appropriate seedbed and, re-introduce a seed source for desired native plant species through range planting.
Mechanism
Land managers may want to utilize this site as cropland or pastureland. To achieve this transition practices such as dozing and raking will be necessary. After the land has been cleared and an appropriate seedbed prepared the crop or pasture can be planted.
Mechanism
In time, this site will revert to the Tree/Shrubland Complex (2) on its own, but usually this timeline is impractical for landowners. Prescribed grazing along with various brush management practices will be necessary to achieve this transition. This phase is very unproductive for herbaceous plants and it could take years for desirable plant species to begin to reestablish.
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.