Loamy Terrace Ridge
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
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearing of native vegetation, followed by planting of improved forage species or annual crops
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of fire and regular disturbance return intervals
More details -
Transition T2A
Clearing of vegetation, followed by planting improved forage species or annual crops
More details -
Transition T3A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference state is considered to be representative of pre-Euro settlement conditions. Major ecological drivers in this state include climate fluctuations, fire, and grazing by native wild herbivores. There are historic records that fires commonly occurred, but none that definitively describe the frequency, timing, or intensity of fires. It has been postulated fires occurred as frequent as every 2 to 5 years. Historically, bison were the primary large ungulates that grazed the site.
Submodel
Description
The Encroached state is characterized by an increase in long-lived woody plants. Lengthening disturbance return intervals allows woody plants do dominate ecological processes. Increasing runoff, reducing infiltration, and changing rates of litter accumulation, nutrient cycling and biomass production. Non-native species may be present and are stable to increasing.
Submodel
Mechanism
Lack of prescribed grazing, fire, and brush management will transition the Reference state (1) to the Encroached State (2).
Mechanism
Planting introduced forages in the form of crops or grasses will transition the site to the Converted State (3).
Mechanism
Restoration back to reference conditions requires brush management to remove the overstory canopy followed by prescribed grazing and return of regular fire intervals.
Mechanism
Planting introduced forages in the form of crops or grasses will transition the site to the Converted State (3).
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.