Upland
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 is characterized by plant communities in which highly palatable plants such as western wheatgrass are well-represented. Topsoil remains intact, and blue grama is in bunchgrass form (rather than sod-bound).
Description
In this state, highly palatable plants such as western wheatgrass are poorly-represented or absent. Blue grama is sod-bound, and often codominant to buffalograss. Broom snakeweed is often a major component. Topsoils are typically degraded, and may be absent.
Mechanism
This transition results from a prolonged period of season-long grazing providing little rest and recovery for preferred grazed plants during critical growing periods, coupled with high utilization. This reduces or eliminates species such as western wheatgrass. Blue grama adapts by assuming a sod-bound growth form.
Mechanism
This pathway will necessarily involve a prolonged period of prescribed grazing. In cases where State 1 species have been extirpated, restoration may involve seeding. Where topsoils are highly eroded, full restoration cannot be expected in a human lifetime.
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.