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
Introduction of non-native invasive species (annual bromes, non-native perennial grasses, noxious weeds)
More details -
Transition T1B
Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
More details -
Transition T2A
Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
More details -
Transition T3A
Cessation of cultivation
More details -
Transition T4A
Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference state evolved under the combined influences of climatic conditions, periodic fire activity, grazing by large herbivores, and impacts from small mammals and insects. The Reference state is the plant communities in which interpretations are primarily based and is used as a reference in order to understand the original potential of the site. The Reference state for this ecological site consists of three communities.
Submodel
Description
The Invaded state occurs when invasive plant species invade native grassland communities and displace the native species. Encroachment by introduced grasses, noxious weeds, and other invasive species is common. The Invaded state consists of one community phase.
Submodel
Description
The Cropland state occurs when cultivation occurs to the land. The Cropland state consists of one community.
Submodel
Description
The Post Cropland state occurs when cultivated cropland is abandoned and allowed to either re-vegetate naturally or is seeded back to perennial species for livestock grazing or wildlife use. This state can transition back to the Cropland state if the site is returned to cultivation. The Post Cropland state has two communities.
Submodel
Transition T1A
Introduction of non-native invasive species (annual bromes, non-native perennial grasses, noxious weeds)
Mechanism
The Reference state transitions to the Invaded state when non-native grasses, invasive species, or noxious weeds invade the plant community. Exotic plant species dominate the site in terms of cover and production and site resilience has been substantially reduced. In addition, other rangeland health attributes, such as reproductive capacity of native grasses and soil quality, have been substantially altered from the Reference state.
Transition T1B
Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
Mechanism
Tillage or application of herbicide followed by seeding of cultivated crops transitions the Reference state to the Cropland state.
Transition T2A
Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
Mechanism
Tillage or application of herbicide followed by seeding of cultivated crops transitions the Invaded state to the Cropland state.
Mechanism
The transition from the Cropland state to the Post Cropland state occurs with the cessation of cultivation. The site may also be seeded to perennial forage species, such as crested wheatgrass and alfalfa, or a mix of native species.
Transition T4A
Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
Mechanism
Tillage or application of herbicide followed by seeding of cultivated crops, such as winter wheat, spring wheat, and barley, transitions the Post Cropland state to the Cropland state.
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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