Linear Meadow
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 More details
- Restoration pathway R2 More details
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This state represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state is typically codominated by cool-season grass and grass-like species, and warm-season grasses. Before European settlement, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included sporadic fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire and concentrated livestock grazing. Grasses that are desirable for livestock and wildlife can decline and a corresponding increase in less desirable grasses will occur.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the degradation of the biotic integrity of the site due to excessive disturbance resulting in dominance by highly competitive species such as reed canarygrass and possibly the invasion of nonnative species. Loss of diversity and reduction of plant vigor and production have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Infiltration is reduced and native plant mortality is increased. As the disturbance level increases, native plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species and invasive perennial species, as well as, an increase in bare ground.
Submodel
Mechanism
Sedimentation beyond normal levels due to increased flooding or nonuse and no fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, or heavy continuous grazing will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the 2.1 Reed Canarygrass/Spikerush/Blue-grass Plant Community Phase within the Degraded State (State 2).
Mechanism
Wetland restoration coupled with prescribed grazing may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). Wetland restoration techniques may be effective, but will likely be costly, and the results may not be satisfactory.
Relevant conservation practices
Practice | External resources |
---|---|
Wetland Restoration |
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Model keys
Briefcase
Add ecological sites and Major Land Resource Areas to your briefcase by clicking on the briefcase () icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
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.