State and transition ecosystem models: Application to soil survey and dynamic soil properties databases

Title	State and transition ecosystem models: Application to soil survey and dynamic soil properties databases
Publication Type	Conference Proceedings
Year of Publication	2001
Authors	Tugel A.J., Brown JR
Conference Name	Proceedings of the Washington National Cooperative Soil Survey Work Planning Conference
Pagination	194-201
Date Published	June 25, 2001
Conference Location	Washington, D.C.
ARIS Log Number	142827
Abstract	Arid and semiarid rangelands are hypothesized to function as nonequilibrium systems. Models that capture these nonequilibrium dynamics at the ecological site level are called state and transition models (STMs). Through the literature, we examined the changes in soil properties that occurred as a result of changes in vegetation on a sandy loam upland site in the shrublands of south Texas. Clay content, bulk density, pH, carbon and nitrogen are compared for herbaceous plant communities and mesquite states. Dynamic soil property data is needed in rangeland management for assessment, prediction and monitoring. State and transition models can provide a database framework for soil characteristics according to soil-plant relationships as well as soil-management interactions that affect soil properties and plant communities over time and at multiple scales. Developing a soil information system or enhancing the National Soil Information System (Natural Resources Conservation Service) for dynamic soil properties will require the reinterpretation of existing data and new observations and experiments. Measurable soil properties that reflect ecological processes and the functional capacity of rangeland soils should be included.
URL	/files/bibliography/01-060.pdf