Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Clay Loam 16-24" PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time coupled with excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of historic disturbances, maybe be coupled with rangeland seeding
More details -
Transition T2A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time coupled with excessive grazing pressure
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
Blue grama is dominant along with a few midgrasses present. There are scattered mesquite trees throughout the site. Few forbs are visible due to a dryer than usual summer.
Dominant plant species
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
Submodel
Description
Shortgrasses such as blue grama and buffalograss are in low vigor. Plant litter rarely exists. Mesquite and cholla woody canopy is increasing to fifteen percent canopy. There is also a dramatic increase of annuals and bare ground.
Dominant plant species
cholla (Cylindropuntia), shrub
Submodel
Description
Mesquite and annual grasses and forbs dominate. Few perennial grasses remain. A threshold has been crossed. The site is now unstable and the natural processes such the water and nutrient cycles have been compromised. This community is the result of years of grazing abuse.
Dominant plant species
honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), shrub
Submodel
Transition T1A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time coupled with excessive grazing pressure
Mechanism
With heavy continuous grazing, no fires, no brush management, and a brush invasion of mesquite and cholla, the Shortgrass Grassland State will transition to the Degraded Grassland State.
Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of historic disturbances, maybe be coupled with rangeland seeding
Mechanism
With the installation of beneficial conservation practices such as Prescribed Grazing and Brush Management, the Degraded Shortgrass State can be restored to the Shortgrass Grassland State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Transition T2A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time coupled with excessive grazing pressure
Mechanism
With long-term heavy continuous grazing, no brush management, no pest management, and brush invasion of mesquite and cholla, the Degraded Grassland State will transition to the Shrubland State.
Model keys
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