Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Sandy Lowland (SyL)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Excessive grazing. Lack of fire.
More details -
Transition T1B
Excessive grazing. Lack of fire.
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Flooding. Prescribed grazing.
More details -
Transition T2A
Excessive grazing. Lack of 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 is characterized by three distinct plant community phases. The plant communities, and the various successional stages between them, represent the natural range of variability within the Reference state.
Dominant plant species
plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera), tree
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia), shrub
western sandcherry (Prunus pumila var. besseyi), shrub
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata), grass
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
Submodel
Description
An ecological threshold has been crossed and a significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference state. Significant biotic and soil changes have negatively impacted energy flow, and nutrient and hydrologic cycles.
This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (root pan), and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. The loss of other functional/structural groups such as cool-season bunch and rhizomatous grasses, forbs, and shrubs, and loss of cottonwood seedling recruitment reduces the biodiversity productivity of this state.
Dominant plant species
plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera), tree
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia), shrub
western sandcherry (Prunus pumila var. besseyi), shrub
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
Submodel
Description
An ecological threshold has been crossed. The Increased Bare Ground state denotes changes in infiltration, runoff, aggregate stability, and species composition. The changes in water movement and the plant community affect changes in hydrologic functionality, biotic integrity, and soil and site stability. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion vary depending on the vegetation present. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns.
Dominant plant species
plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera), tree
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia), shrub
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
burningbush (Bassia scoparia), grass
Russian thistle (Salsola), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
Frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery periods between grazing events and lack of fire shifts this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Sod-bound State. Biotic integrity and hydrologic function are impaired as a result of this transition.
Mechanism
Long-term, heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods and lack of fire shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Increased Bare Ground State. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns. Non-native exotic plants are likely to invade.
Mechanism
Flooding followed by very long-term prescribed grazing moves this state towards the Reference State. A timely flood event can result in germination of cottonwood seeds. Cottonwood regeneration is feasible if grazing and degree of browsing is closely monitored and controlled. Prescribed fire enhances the herbaceous component of the stand, but potentially eliminates the cottonwood regeneration.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Mechanism
Long-term frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery between grazing events and lack of fire cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increase Bare Ground State. Erosion and loss of organic matter along with invasion of introduced plants and noxious weeds are constraints to recovery.
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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