Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Restoration pathway R3A 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 state is similar to the Reference State 1.0 with three similar community phases. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Non-natives may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. These non-natives can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These feedbacks include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include the non-natives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal. A site may be considered
Submodel
Description
This state is a product of many years of heavy grazing during time periods harmful to perennial bunchgrasses. Sites within this DRG with high water tables may transition to a shrub state if the hydrology of the area is affected. In both cases, basin wildrye is significantly reduced and other perennial grasses such as beardless wildrye will increase. Big sagebrush dominates the overstory and rabbitbrush may be a significant component. Big sagebrush cover exceeds site concept and may be decadent, reflecting stand maturity and lack of seedling establishment due to competition with mature plants. The shrub overstory and shallower rooted grasses dominate site resources such that soil water, nutrient capture, nutrient cycling and soil organic matter are temporally and spatially redistributed.
Submodel
Description
This state has two community phases. One community phase is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as cheatgrass and tansy mustard in the understory. The other community phase is dominated by rabbitbrush with an understory of cheatgrass and mustards. Big sagebrush and/or rabbitbrush may dominate the overstory.
Submodel
Mechanism
Time and lack of disturbance, may be coupled with grazing management and/or hydrologic changes that favor shrubs over perennial grasses.
Mechanism
Mechanical/chemical brush treatment coupled with herbicide. Seeding of perennial bunchgrasses may be necessary.
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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