Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Heavy, continuous grazing; Invasion
More details -
Transition T1B
Tillage, Cropping
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Long-term prescribed grazing, Invasive species control
More details -
Transition T2A
Tillage, Cropping
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Restoration pathway R3A
Restoration seeding, Cropping and abandonment
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state is co-dominated by cool-season grasses and grasslikes. Prior to European settlement of North America, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the Reference condition included periods of below and above average precipitation, periodic fire, and herbivory by insects and large ungulates. Timing of fires and herbivory coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Wheatgrass species can decline and a corresponding increase in foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), short, warm-season grasses and forbs will occur. Under extended periods of disturbance, the main change is a reduction in vigor and production and an increase in bare ground and forb composition.
Interpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Reference Plant Community Phase. This plant community evolved with grazing by large herbivores and occasional fire, as well as periodic flooding and drying, and can be maintained with prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, or areas receiving occasional short periods of rest or deferment. This plant community phase has two sub-phases, just referred to as plant communities here. These sub-phases are mainly driven by precipitation and flooding and drying sequences.
Dominant plant species
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
common spikerush (Eleocharis palustris), grass
Nuttall's alkaligrass (Puccinellia nuttalliana), grass
sedge (Carex), grass
American licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota), grass
curlytop knotweed (Polygonum lapathifolium), grass
Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum), grass
pale dock (Rumex altissimus), grass
Submodel
Description
The Native/Invaded State represents the range of variability that exists with reduced vigor and production of the dominant species as a result of grazing-induced disturbance and the introduction of non-native species. This state is dominated by cool-season grasses. It can be found on areas that are impacted by extended periods of heavy, continuous grazing. Grazing tolerant species become dominant, and non-native species are present.
Dominant plant species
foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), grass
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), grass
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
Nuttall's alkaligrass (Puccinellia nuttalliana), grass
burningbush (Bassia scoparia), grass
cocklebur (Xanthium), grass
curly dock (Rumex crispus), grass
curlycup gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa), grass
Submodel
Description
The Crop Production State is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices. Perennial hay crops, such as alfalfa, are also common in this state. Cropping on this site is enabled during years with drier than normal precipitation or with artificial drainage (surface or subsurface).
Dominant plant species
corn (Zea mays), grass
wheat (Triticum), grass
soybean (Glycine max), grass
sunflower (Helianthus), grass
alfalfa (Medicago sativa), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy, continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and often at the same time of year each year, typically beginning early in the season) and invasion of non-native plant species will cause a transition from the Reference State to the Native/Invaded State.
Mechanism
Tillage and cropping systems, typically in drier than normal years, will cause a transition from the Reference state to the Crop Production state.
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high-density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) and removal of non-native species may lead the Native/Invaded State (State 2) over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). This restoration may not be achievable due to time and financial constraints, and depending on the prevalence of non-native species present in the plant community.
Mechanism
Tillage and cropping systems, typically in drier than normal years, will cause a transition from the Native/Invaded state to the Crop Production state.
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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