Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Claypan (ARAR8/FEID-PSSPS)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Introduction of non-native species
More details -
Transition T2A
Grazing management favoring shrubs and/or severe drought will reduce the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory
More details -
Transition T2B
Catastrophic fire, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
More details -
Transition T3A
Catastrophic fire, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
More details -
Transition T3B
Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community
More details -
Restoration pathway R5A
Mechanical treatment of trees coupled with seeding of desired species
More details -
Restoration pathway R5B
Mechanical treatment of trees
More details -
Transition T5A
Catastrophic fire
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State 1.0 is a representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The reference state has 3 general community phases; a shrub-grass dominant phase, a perennial grass dominant phase and a shrub dominant phase. State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These are maintained by elements of ecosystem structure and function including the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire, periodic drought and/or insect or disease attack.
Dominant plant species
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata), grass
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 are maintained by elements of ecosystem structure and function including 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. Processes and characteristics that contribute to positive feedbacks include the non-natives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Dominant plant species
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), grass
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata), grass
Submodel
Description
This state is a product of many years of heavy grazing during time periods harmful to perennial bunchgrasses. Sandberg bluegrass will increase with a reduction in deep rooted perennial bunchgrass competition and become the dominant grasses. Low sagebrush dominates the overstory and rabbitbrush may be a significant component. 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 bluegrass understory dominate site resources such that soil water, nutrient capture, nutrient cycling and soil organic matter are temporally and spatially redistributed.
Dominant plant species
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus), shrub
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Submodel
Description
This community is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as medusa head, cheatgrass, ventenata and tansy mustard (Descurainia pinnata) in the understory. Sagebrush and/or rabbitbrush may dominate the overstory.
Dominant plant species
little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), shrub
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia), grass
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by a dominance of western juniper in the overstory. Low sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses may still be present, but they are no longer controlling site resources. Soil moisture, soil nutrients and soil organic matter distribution and cycling have been spatially and temporally altered.
Dominant plant species
western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), tree
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-native species
Transition T2A
Grazing management favoring shrubs and/or severe drought will reduce the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory
Mechanism
Grazing management favoring shrubs and/or severe drought will reduce the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory
Transition T2B
Catastrophic fire, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
Mechanism
Catastrophic fire, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
Constraints to recovery
Probability of seeding success on this site is low.
Transition T3A
Catastrophic fire, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
Mechanism
Catastrophic fire, and/or soil disturbing treatments/activities. Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation
Transition T3B
Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community
Mechanism
Time and lack of disturbance allows for maturation of the tree community
Restoration pathway R5A
Mechanical treatment of trees coupled with seeding of desired species
Mechanism
Mechanical treatment of trees coupled with seeding of desired species
Context dependence
Probability of seeding success on this site is low
Mechanism
Mechanical treatment of trees
Model keys
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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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