Thin Claypan

Description

This state represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics in this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site, in reference, is dominated by a mix of warm-season short-grasses and cool-season wheatgrasses. Because of the influence of salts in the soil, salt tolerant species, such as inland saltgrass, are almost always present but in minor amounts. Excessive grazing will cause the plant community to transition to a community dominated by salt tolerant species. Erosion of the surface horizon is also a likely outcome with heavy grazing. In pre-European times the primary disturbances included grazing by large ungulates and small mammals and drought. Favorable growing conditions occurred during the spring, and warm months of June through August. Today a similar state can be found in areas where proper livestock use has occurred.

Submodel