Claypan Summit Prairie
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1C More details
- Transition T1D More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Transition T4B More details
- Restoration pathway R5A More details
- Transition T5A 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
This state is native tall grass prairie dominated by little bluestem, big bluestem and forbs, but also a substantial component of wet tolerant sedges. This state occurs on level to gently sloping soils that have a seasonal high water table that is perched above the abrupt textural change or clayey subsoil during the spring months in most years. This condition influences the species composition and site productivity. Two phases can occur that will transition back and forth depending on fire frequencies. Longer fire free intervals will allow woody species to increase such as gray dogwood and eastern redcedar. When fire intervals shorten these woody species will decrease.
This state is extremely rare. Nearly all remaining sites have been converted to cool season grassland, cropland, or have been degraded through uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing.
Submodel
Description
Degraded reference states that have experienced fire suppression for 20 or more years will transition to this state. With fire suppression, woody species such as elm and eastern redcedar will begin to dominate transitioning this state from a prairie to a Woody Invaded Savanna. Native ground cover will also decrease and invasive species such as tall fescue may begin to dominate. Transition to cool season grasslands (State 3) or intensive cropland (State 4) is very common.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue and red clover has been common. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction. A return to the reference state may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options.
Submodel
Description
This is the dominant state that exists currently with intensive cropping of corn, soybeans, and wheat occurring. Some conversion to cool season grassland occurs for a limited period of time before transitioning back to cropland. Limited acres are sometimes converted to native warm season grassland.
Submodel
Description
Conversion from the Cool Season Grassland (State 3) or the Cropland (State 4) to this state is increasing due to renewed interest in warm season grasses as a supplement to cool season grazing systems or as a native restoration activity. This state is the most easily transformable state back to a reference state. Substantial restoration time and management inputs will still be needed.
Submodel
Mechanism
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
Mechanism
Vegetative seeding; prescribed fire 1-3 years; limited grazing
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.