Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Sand 12-16 PZ PUTR2/HECOC8
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T3B 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
Communities 1, 5 and 6 (additional pathways)
1.1. State 1 Phase A
1.5. State 1, Phase E
1.6. State 1, Phase F
Description
This plant community is dominated by Utah juniper. Remnants of bluebunch wheatgrass and some other bunchgrasses may be present, often under trees. Shallow-rooted grasses, such as Sandberg bluegrass, and annuals can be found in the interspaces. Few shrubs are present. When shrub cover is below 12-13%, bare ground is above 27-28%, juniper cover is greater than 20%, and infiltration less than 6 cm/hr, the site has crossed the threshold. Some soil loss has occurred. This state has developed with improper grazing management and in the absence of fire. It is usually uneconomical to return this community to State 1 through accelerated practices.
Submodel
Description
This plant community is dominated by either introduced seeded species or a mixture of native species seeded to mimic the Reference Plant Community, Phase A.
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 continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fires from State 2 or the continued absence of fire and improper grazing management from State 3 where Utah juniper is present. This site will not return to State 1 or 2 because of significant soil loss.
Submodel
Mechanism
State 1 Phase D to State 2, Phase B. Develops through improper grazing management and frequent fire. This site has crossed the threshold. It is usually uneconomical to return this community to State1 through accelerated practices. State 1 Phase F to State 2 Phase A. Develops through improper grazing management with no fire. This site has crossed the threshold. It is usually uneconomical to return this community to State1 through accelerated practices.
Mechanism
State 1 Phase C or E to State 3. Results from improper grazing management and lack of fire. This site has crossed the threshold. It is usually uneconomical to return this community to State1 through 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 to retrogress to a new site with reduced potential. It is usually uneconomical to return this community to State1 through accelerated practices.
Mechanism
Continued lack of fire and improper grazing management cause this state to cross the threshold and to retrogress to a new site with reduced potential due to significant soil loss and changes in hydrology. It is usually uneconomical to return this community to State1 through 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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