Saline Lowland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway T2A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The vegetation in the Reference State represents the natural range of variability that influences the dynamics of this ES. This state is typically dominated by cool-season grass and grass-like species. Before Europeans settled North Americat, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the Reference condition included periodic fire, grazing by large herding ungulates, and fluctuations in the water table. Frequent surface fires ( every 3 to 5 years), grazing, and weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire, concentrated livestock grazing, and weather fluctuations. Species that are desirable for livestock and wildlife can decline and a corresponding increase in less desirable species will occur.
Submodel
Description
This State is characterized by the dominance of the shorter-statured, more saline tolerant species such as foxtail barley and inland saltgrass, an increase in bare ground, and the increased presence of salt accumulations on the soil surface. Infiltration is reduced, which allows the moisture and the salts carried by the moisture to be wicked up to the soil surface. The short-statured and shallow-rooted species are more capable of withstanding the higher concentrations of salts in the soil surface. As the disturbance level increases, plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species and invasive perennial species, and a further increase in bare ground.
Submodel
Mechanism
No surface 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, and heavy, continuous grazing will lead this 1.2 Western Wheatgrass-Foxtail Barley-Inland Saltgrass Plant Community Phase within the Reference State (State 1) over a threshold resulting in the Degraded State (State 2).
Mechanism
This community pathway occurs with the passage of time as successional processes take place and perennial plants gradually begin to establish on the site again. This pathway will lead to the 2.1 Foxtail Barley-Inland Saltgrass/Bare Ground Plant Community Phase
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.