Shallow
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A 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 represents relatively late-seral conditions in terms of grazing response. Highly palatable "decreasers" such as western wheatgrass and little bluestem are well-represented.
Description
This state represents relatively early-seral conditions in terms of grazing response. Highly palatable "decreasers" such as western wheatgrass and little bluestem are either poorly represented or absent. Where soils are derived from either shale and not armored by surface fragments, erosion is quite evident in this state.
Mechanism
This transition represents a prolonged period of season-long grazing providing little rest and recovery for preferred grazed plants during critical growing periods, coupled with high utilization. Drought may accelerate this transition.
Mechanism
This pathway represents practices which facilitate the recovery of palatable species. A considerable period of prescribed and/ or deferred grazing will likely be necessary, and seeding might also be required. In cases where soils have been eroded, recovery of topsoil will be a long and energy-intensive endeavor.
Model keys
Briefcase
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Ecological site groups
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.