Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A 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) represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site in the Reference State (1.0) is dominated by a mix of cool-season and warm-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms included periodic fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Taller warm-season grasses and cool-season wheatgrasses and needlegrasses would have declined and a corresponding increase in short statured grass and grass-like species would have occurred. Today, a similar state can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.
Dominant plant species
leadplant (Amorpha canescens), shrub
big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), shrub
western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), shrub
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
sedge (Carex), grass
white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), grass
scurfpea (Psoralidium), grass
purple coneflower (Echinacea), grass
prairie clover (Dalea), grass
Submodel
Description
The Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) is dominated by shortgrass species, and upland sedges. This State is the result of grazing management that does not provide adequate recovery time for tall and mid-statured warm- or cool-season grasses. The hydrologic function of this state is dramatically altered. Runoff is high and infiltration is low. This State is very resistant to change through grazing management alone.
Dominant plant species
prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), shrub
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
sedge (Carex), grass
white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), grass
tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), grass
scurfpea (Psoralidium), grass
Cuman ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), grass
common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
Continuous season-long grazing, or continuous seasonal grazing (early spring), or heavy grazing in combination with drought will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0).
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing, including proper stocking rates, change in season of use, and time for adequate plant recovery; and favorable climatic conditions, may allow for a transition from the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Reference State (1.0). This transition may not be rapid or in the end meet management goals.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
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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