Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Moist Scabland 14-18 PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Introduction of invasive annual grasses
More details -
Transition T1B
Prolonged improper grazing management, catastrophic fire
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Extensive restoration activities designed to reduce invasive species
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This grassland site is dominated by one-spike oatgrass in the Historical Reference Community. Sandberg bluegrass, bottlebrush squirreltail and various forbs are common. No invasive annual grasses are present in this state.
Dominant plant species
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
onespike danthonia (Danthonia unispicata), grass
Submodel
Description
This state resembles the Reference State with the addition of some exotic species. The level of invasion is low enough for the site to maintain the primary ecological process and functions of the Reference State.
Dominant plant species
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
onespike danthonia (Danthonia unispicata), grass
Submodel
Description
Much of the perennial grasses have been lost and replaced by medusahead, soft chess, pacific fescue, willowweed, knotweed, tarweed, collomia and collinsia. This may result in an increase in fire frequency and size thereby maintaining the site in this state (Archer 2001).
Dominant plant species
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
An introduction of invasive annual grasses due to factors such as improperly managed grazing, recreational use, or transport via mechanical means will alter the resilience and resistance of the site to disturbance (Archer 2001).
Mechanism
Prolonged improper grazing management leading to a loss of most perennial grasses and a widespread invasion of medusahead among other exotic species. This may also occur following catastrophic fire if exotic annuals were high in cover before disturbance (Archer 2001).
Restoration pathway R3A
Extensive restoration activities designed to reduce invasive species
Mechanism
Reduction of invasive species may be possible, but will be time and labor intensive and require significant inputs. Techniques may include prescribed burning, mechanical treatment, herbicide application and reseeding (Archer 2001). Inter-mound topography may restrict some activities.
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.
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