Natural Resources
Conservation Service
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, may be coupled with excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of historic disturbance regimes, may be coupled with rangeland seeding
More details -
Transition T2A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be coupled with excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Introduction of historic disturbances and adequate rest from defoliation
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
State 1
Tall/Midgrass Grassland State
Tall/Midgrass Grassland State
Description
This is the reference or diagnostic community for the site. The description is based on early range site descriptions, clipping data, professional consensus of experienced range specialists, and analysis of field work.
The reference plant community for this site is mid and tall perennial grasses with deep rooted perennial forbs and scattered woody shrubs and trees. Tall and midgrasses such as switchgrass, western wheatgrass, meadow dropseed, and vine mesquite are present. Channels are stable due to good vegetative cover.
Dominant plant species
switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
Submodel
Description
This plant community is dominated by blue grama and buffalograss. Vigor and annual production are reduced considerably. There are a few pockets of western wheatgrass. False tarragon sagewort is beginning to increase.
Dominant plant species
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
Submodel
Description
The Degraded Grassland State contains a shortgrass community and annual forbs are present. Surface erosion is evident at the site. The hydrology is poor. There are signs of erosion of channel banks and very poor plant community production.
Dominant plant species
broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), shrub
Submodel
Transition T1A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be coupled with excessive grazing pressure
Mechanism
The Tall/Midgrass Grassland State will transition to the Shortgrass Grassland State with heavy continuous grazing pressure and no fires.
Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of historic disturbance regimes, may be coupled with rangeland seeding
Mechanism
With the implementation of conservation practices such as Prescribed Grazing and Prescribed Burning, the Shortgrass Grassland State can be restored to the Tall/Midgrass Grassland State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
Transition T2A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be coupled with excessive grazing pressure
Mechanism
With heavy continuous grazing, brush invasion of mesquite and yucca, and no brush or pest management practices implemented, the Shortgrass Grassland State transitions to the Degraded Grassland State.
Restoration pathway R3A
Introduction of historic disturbances and adequate rest from defoliation
Mechanism
With the implementation of conservation practices such as Prescribed Grazing, Brush Management, and Pest Management, the Degraded Shortgrass State can be restored to the Shortgrass Grassland State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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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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