Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Gravelly South Slope 12-16 PZ ARTRV/PSSPS
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T3A 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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Submodel
Description
This plant community is dominated by Sandberg bluegrass and annuals in the understory. Cheatgrass is a dominant annual in the community, particularly at lower elevations. There may be a variety of invasive forbs and some noxious plant species may have invaded the site. Some soil loss has occurred. The community has developed due to frequent fire and continued improper grazing management. This site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this state to State 1 with accelerated practices.
Submodel
Description
This plant community is dominated by Utah juniper with Sandberg bluegrass and annuals in the understory. Cheatgrass is a dominant annual at lower elevations. There are few shrubs present due to competition from junipers. Some deep-rooted perennials may be present under the junipers. When shrub cover is below 10-15%, bare ground is above 25-30%, and juniper cover is greater than 20%, the site has crossed the threshold. Some soil loss has occurred. This plant community has developed due to the lack of fire and continued improper grazing management. It is economically impractical to return this community to State 1 with accelerated practices.
Submodel
Description
This plant community has gone over the threshold to a new site. Site potential has been reduced. Significant soil loss has occurred. Infiltration has been reduced and run-off has become more rapid. This state has developed due to either continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fires from State 2 or with improper grazing management and/or the continued absence of fire from State 3 where junipers are occupying the site.
Submodel
Mechanism
State 1 Phase C and D to State 2. Develops with frequent fire and through improper grazing management. This site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this state to State 1 with accelerated practices.
Mechanism
State 1, Phase B to State 3. Develops with no fire and improper grazing management from a juniper invaded phase of State 1. This site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this state to State 1 with accelerated practices
Mechanism
Excessive soil loss and changes in the hydrologic cycle caused by improper grazing management and/or frequent fire cause this state to cross the threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential. It is economically impractical to return this state to State 1 with accelerated practices.
Mechanism
Continued improper grazing management and/or lack of fire or cause this state to cross the threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential due to significant soil loss and changes in hydrology. It is economically impractical to return this state to State 1 with accelerated practices.
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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