Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Shallow Upland 38-42 PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1C More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Restoration pathway R4A More details
- Transition T4B More details
- Transition T4A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This is the reference state for the Shallow Upland ecological site. It represents the historic range of variability in the plant communities with the periodic disturbance of fire and grazing. It is dominated by herbaceous plants with few woody species.
The dominant grasses are sideoats grama, big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass and little bluestem. Other grasses include Texas cupgrass, dropseeds, silver bluestem, hairy grama, blue grama and Scribner’s panicum. Dominant forbs include, western ragweed, heath aster, poppymallows and trailing ratany. Legumes include wild indigo, prairie clovers, scurfpea, and native lespedezas. Few woody species persist in reference condition but may include sumacs, sand plum, coralberry, persimmon and skunkbush. The Shallow Upland site is estimated to produce between 1,500 – 3,000 pounds of vegetative production per year in reference condition.
Tallgrasses = Midgrasses greater than Forbs
Shrubs and Trees are a minor component of these sites.
Dominant plant species
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
Submodel
Description
This state represents a change in the dominant plant community. Shortgrasses such as buffalograss, blue grama and hairy gramma have formed a sod-like plant community. There are many areas of bare ground and opportunistic annuals such as annual threewn and common broomweed are abundant. Precipitation runoff is high and infiltration is low which leads to low soil moisture and reduced production.
Dominant plant species
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
Submodel
Description
This state represents a change in land use from rangeland to pastureland. The soil structure and biology has been altered and the site is dominated by introduced species. Management of introduced forages requires more inputs than native grasses. Careful consideration should be taken prior to planting to ensure the result meets the desired use. Ratings for forage yields can be found under the non-irrigated crop yield section in web soil survey. As with any fertility management program, current soil tests should be taken before planting and subsequent fertilization of introduced pastures.
The most common forage species on these sites include Bermudagrass and Old World Bluestems(eg. KR Bluestem).
Without brush management, woody species such as mesquites, junipers, elms, or honey locust may invade these sites.
There may be opportunities to plant native grass species on these sites to restore the reference plant communities. The success of this type of restoration is highly variable and depends on the remaining soil resources and past management. This type of endeavor often requires site specific planning and evaluation. However, the species described in the reference state are a good resource for initial planning of any restoration project.
Dominant plant species
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), grass
Submodel
Description
This state describes the invaded, woody dominated plant community of the Clay Upland site. The ecological processes are dominated by woody species including mesquite, honey locust, elm, and juniper species. Some herbaceous plants persist under the woody canopy or in interspaces. Usually, shade tolerant species like Texas wintergrass are prominent herbaceous components in this community. There may also be an increase in prickly pear in this state.
Dominant plant species
juniper (Juniperus), tree
Submodel
Mechanism
With years of abusive grazing, more palatable grasses and forbs will decline and lead to a shift towards a sodded shortgrass and annual dominated state.
Mechanism
Most of these sites were cultivated for crop production during the settlement of the area. Many of them have been planted to monocultures of introduced forage grasses in recent years. When these sites are cultivated, the soil properties are significantly altered from the reference state. Soil structure, hydrology and biology have been impacted and the site is transitioned to the Converted state.
Mechanism
Without fire or other brush management, woody species will increase and dominate the site.
Mechanism
These sites are prone to invasion by juniper, mesquite and honey locust. Without brush management, brush invasion may increase to the point where the site transitions to the Invaded Woodland state. At this point it will take significant inputs to remove woody species and restore the grass dominated pasture.
Mechanism
These sites are prone to invasion by juniper, mesquite and honey locust. Without brush management, brush invasion may increase to the point where the site transitions to the Invaded Woodland state. At this point it will take significant inputs to remove woody species and restore the grass dominated pasture.
Mechanism
At this point it will take significant inputs to remove woody species and restore the grass dominated pasture. However, it may be achieved through brush management, prescribed fire, and a prescribed grazing plan which allows ample rest for the re-establishment of grasses.
Mechanism
At this point it will take significant inputs to remove woody species and restore the grass dominated pasture. However, it may be achieved through brush management and a prescribed grazing plan which allows ample rest for the re-establishment of grasses.
Model keys
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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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