Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be couples with excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Transition T1B
Prolonged excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of historic of disturbance return intervals
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Stabilization of dunes followed by reintroduction of historic disturbance return intervals
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Dominant plant species
live oak (Quercus virginiana), tree
shore little bluestem (Schizachyrium littorale), grass
gulfdune paspalum (Paspalum monostachyum), grass
Submodel
Submodel
Transition T1A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be couples with excessive grazing pressure
Mechanism
With continued heavy grazing and no fire, the site will transition to the Shrubland State. The shrubs and brush exceed a 10 percent canopy cover and the herbaceous understory is greatly reduced.
Mechanism
If the site is grazed heavy enough without rest, the site can transition the Dune State. Without herbaceous cover, bare ground increases and active dunes can form, moving across the landscape.
Mechanism
Brush management, prescribed grazing, and the return of fire can restore the plant community to the Grassland State. Care should be taken to minimally disturb the soils, due to their ability to form active dunes.
Restoration pathway R3A
Stabilization of dunes followed by reintroduction of historic disturbance return intervals
Mechanism
Stabilization of dunes is required to restore the Grassland State. Stabilization can occur naturally by first colonization of first successional herbaceous species or active restoration by cutting, mulching, and lightly incorporating native hay.
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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