Salty Prairie
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
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
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 representative of the range of variation in pre-Euro settlement conditions. Historically, this state was characterized by a tallgrass prairie with salt tolerant species. Community phase changes are primarily driven by wildfire, grazing by native large herbivores, and periodic drought and wet cycles (including hurricanes and tropical storms).
Submodel
Description
The Encroached State is characterized by an increase of long-lived wood species, including non-native species. Woody vegetation has increased to the point where it is controlling site processes including energy transfer, nutrient cycling, and hydrologic cycling. Non-natives species may be present and are stable to increasing.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy grazing, lack of fire, and brush invasion over 10 percent canopy signal the transition to State 2.
Mechanism
Conversion signals this transition by preparing a seedbed and planting to pasture.
Mechanism
Restoration occurs when brush management reduces the canopy cover below 10 percent, prescribed grazing restores correct stocking rates, and once grasses have created enough biomass, prescribed fire returns.
Mechanism
Conversion signals this transition by clearing brush, preparing a seedbed, and planting to pasture.
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.