Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Limy Slopes 16-20" p.z.
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
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Restoration pathway R3B More details
- Transition T3A More details
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Submodel
Mechanism
Non-native bunchgrass seed source (wind-blown or mechanical transport) paired with a native perennial grass community disturbance such as fire or unmanaged grazing.
Mechanism
In the absence of fire, shrub growth is unchecked. Juniper, mesquite and other shrubs, including yucca-like shrub, increase in size and number. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize with shrub competition. Fire suppression or long-term unmanaged grazing with or without drought/fire interaction reduces perennial grass vigor and removes fine fuels from carrying fire.
Mechanism
No restoration pathway known at this time. Perhaps future development of herbicide or biological treatment to remove perennial exotic lovegrasses will occur. Fire will maintain open aspect.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Long-term unmanaged grazing repeatedly removes perennial grass canopy, reduces fire fuel load and prevents fire. Shrubs out-compete perennial grasses for resources. Juniper, mesquite and other shrubs not found in the RPC are inadvertently introduced to the site by animal transport. Once established shrubs increase in size and number. Remnant native perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Mechanism
Chemical brush management, range planting (as needed) supported by prescribed grazing. Shrub control needs to be maintained with herbicide treatment or prescribed burning. Chemical brush management is preferred since the steep slope limits the use of machinery.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Range Planting |
|
|
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Restoration practices conducted when a non-native seed bank is present along trails, roads or in disturbed areas can result in an exotic grassland community. Range planting with native grasses may enhance the native grass component. Practices are chemical brush management, range planting (as needed) supported by prescribed grazing. Shrub control maintained with herbicide will favor the native grasses while prescribed burning favors non-natives. Burning the mixed shrub community with a non-native grass seed source present can result in an exotic grassland co-dominant with shrubs.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Range Planting |
|
|
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Long-term unmanaged grazing has removed the herbaceous plant community. The absence of perennial grasses affects soil site stability and hydrologic functioning. Animal trailing and soil surface compaction compound the effect of plant community changes (increased shrub/decreased perennial grass community) to increase surface water run-off rather than infiltration. Over time (50-100+ years) the mollic A horizon can be lost leaving the site with a reduction in potential productivity.
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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