Natural Resources
Conservation Service
GRAVELLY LOAM 12-16 ARTRT/PSSPS
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B 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
The Reference State has three plant community phases. Community phase 1.1 is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and basin big sagebrush. Community phase 1.2 is dominated by basin big sagebrush with bluebunch wheatgrass reduced in production from 1.1. Community phase 1.2 develops in the absence of a disturbance that would reduce or remove the sagebrush. Community phase 1.3 develops after a recent disturbance, such as fire, that removes the sagebrush canopy.
Submodel
Description
The Current Potential State has four plant community phases. Community phases 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 are similar to community phases 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3. All community phases in this state contain non-native species. Community phase 2.4 is dominated by basin big sagebrush with shallow rooted bunchgrasses as the dominant species in the understory. Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses have been removed by improper grazing.
Submodel
Description
The Shrub State has basin big sagebrush in the overstory and Sandberg bluegrass and annuals in the understory. Cheatgrass is a dominant annual in the community. There may be a variety of weedy forbs and some noxious weeds may have invaded. Some soil loss has occurred. The Shrub State developed due to continued improper grazing management and frequent fire. The Gravelly Loam 12-16 ARTRT/PSSPS site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this state to State 1 or 2 with accelerated practices.
Submodel
Description
The Tree State is dominated by 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 trees. Generally, shrub cover is below 10 to 15 percent, bare ground is above 25 to 30 percent, and juniper cover is greater than 20 percent, when the threshold is crossed. Some soil loss has occurred. Th Tree State has developed due to continued improper grazing management and lack of fire. The Gravelly Loam 12-16 ARTRT/PSSPS site has crossed the threshold. It is economically impractical to return this community to State 1 or 2 with accelerated practices.
Submodel
Mechanism
Develops through improper grazing management and frequent fire.
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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