Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a 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.
Within the reference state there are variations in vegetation as a result of the variation in surface water. Many plants including Switchgrass, Barnyardgrass, Knotgrass, and many forbs can tolerate moist soils. However, most of these plants cannot thrive under prolonged inundation. When water ponds for long periods, the plant community may be dominated by rushes, smartweeds, willows and other species adapted to the conditions. As the amount and duration of ponding on these sites varies from year to year, so will the plant community.
The vegetative production for this site has been estimated by range specialists at 2,500 to 6,500 pounds per acre.
Dominant plant species
willow (Salix), shrub
common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), shrub
fogfruit (Phyla), grass
Submodel
Description
The description for this plant community is derived from analysis of limited field data and professional consensus of range trained individuals.
This ecological state is the result of altered hydrologic flow in the site. The seasonal wetting has ceased and the site has been dry for multiple growing seasons. This transition may be the result of a long term drought event, or the result of manipulated drainage to keep the site dry year round.
As the site remains dry, the obligate wetland plant species will be the first to decline. Replacement species such as Broomsedge Bluestem, Silver Bluestem, and annual threeawn may thrive. The exact plant community composition will greatly depend on surrounding seed sources and management.
If the hydrology is restored to the site and surface water remains intact, the site may transition back to the reference state (1).
Dominant plant species
broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus), grass
silver beardgrass (Bothriochloa laguroides), grass
Submodel
Description
The description for this plant community is derived from analysis of limited field data and professional consensus of range trained individuals.
This state is the result of cultivation. The area has been cleared of any woody species and tilled. The soil structure and biology has been altered. The hydrology will also be changed and may never return to that of the reference state(1) even if abandoned.
Dominant plant species
wheat (Triticum), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
The site may experience a significant dry up as a result of a long term(multiyear) drought or if overhead water has been cut off. This results in a transition to state 2.
Mechanism
Some of these sites have been drained with the use of heavy equipment and used for farming activities. The hydrology of the site has been severely altered.
Mechanism
If the hydrology is restored as result of the end of a drought or restored drainage onto the site, the site may be restored to the reference state 1.
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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