Clayey Bottomland
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
Introduction of non-native species coupled with prolonged, excessive grazing
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of fire and regular disturbance return intervals
More details -
Transition T2A
Introduction of non-native species coupled with prolonged, excessive grazing
More details -
Transition T3A
Absence of disturbance that reduces woody species 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. Historically this state would have supported an open tallgrass savannah with scattered clumps of trees. Wildfire, climate fluctuations, and flooding were important disturbances in the reference state.
Submodel
Description
The Encroached state is characterized by an increase in long-lived woody plants. Widening of the disturbance return interval has allowed woody plants do dominate the visual aspect of the community, as well as ecological processes. Increasing runoff, reducing infiltration, and changing rates of litter accumulation, nutrient cycling and biomass production.
Submodel
Description
This state this characterized by the dominance of non-native species and/or undesirable, grazing tolerant, natives and is the result of many years of excessive grazing pressure. These grasses are long-lived and persistent in the plant community, contributing to the stability of the site.
Submodel
Mechanism
Continued heavy overgrazing, lack of fire, and lack of brush management will transition the site to State 2.
Mechanism
When savannah communities have been overgrazed for long periods of time the site may be invaded by exotic or native weedy grasses.
Mechanism
Prescribed grazing, prescribed fire, and brush management will restore the site to State 1. Overstory canopies need to be below 40 percent to reestablish the reference community.
Mechanism
Invasion of the site by exotic plant species causes the site to transition to State 3.
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.