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).
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.
This state is characterized by the dominance of improved forage species and frequent disturbance. Severe soil disturbance has occurred and this state is planted with introduced forage species.
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.
Without brush control to manage encroaching woody seedlings, the site will transition to State 2.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
