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, coupled with excessive grazing pressure
More details -
Transition T1B
Extensive soil disturbance followed by seeding improved forage species
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of historic disturbance return intervals
More details -
Transition T2A
Extensive soil disturbance followed by seeding improved forage species
More details -
Transition T3A
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
The Grassland State composition consists of approximately 75 percent grasses, 20 percent woody plants, and 5 percent forbs by air-dry weight. The woody crown canopy can be approximately 30 percent. Two community phases exist, the Midgrass/Tallgrass Community and the Shortgrass Dominant Community.
Dominant plant species
tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus), grass
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
Submodel
Description
This State has one community, the 2.1 Shrubland Community. Woody cover exceeds 35 percent and is characterized by mid and short grasses.
Dominant plant species
guajillo (Acacia berlandieri), shrub
blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima), shrub
Submodel
State 3
Converted Land State
Converted Land State
Description
The Converted Land State is the result of mechanical intervention along with range planting to either native or adapted introduced species.
Dominant plant species
buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare), grass
Submodel
Transition T1A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, coupled with excessive grazing pressure
Mechanism
The Chaparral Grassland State will cross a threshold to Chaparral Shrubland State (State 2) with heavy continuous grazing, no brush management, and subsequently no fire. Severe drought is also a significant factor to accelerate this crossing of a threshold. In State 2 more rainfall is being utilized by woody plants. Because of the increased canopy, sunlight is being captured by the woody plant and converted to energy, limiting the growth of the herbaceous plants.
Mechanism
The transition to the Converted Land State is triggered by major ground disturbing mechanical treatment (usually following brush management) and planting to native or introduced forages.
Mechanism
If the management goal is to restore to State 1, significant inputs of energy will be needed. An integrated approach to Brush Management (Scifres et. al., 1985) with mechanical treatment, herbicides, and fire will initially reduce the woody species providing opportunity for at least partial recovery of the hydrologic cycle and the energy cycle. Seeding may be needed and can be done in conjunction with ground disturbance methods of brush management.
Transition T2A
Extensive soil disturbance followed by seeding improved forage species
Mechanism
The transition to the Converted Land State is triggered by major ground disturbing mechanical treatment (usually following brush management) and planting to native or introduced forages.
Transition T3A
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, coupled with excessive grazing pressure
Mechanism
The transition from the Converted Land State to the Chaparral Shrubland State is triggered by neglect or no management practices over long periods of time.
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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