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tallgrasses, important forbs and shrubs is a major concern. Blue grama is increasing at the expense of the <br /> tallgrasses and deep-rooted shrubs. Water cycle, nutrient cycle and energy flow may become impaired due to a <br /> shift in root structure and species composition. Less litter is being produced. Production in this community can vary <br /> from 400 to 1,200 pounds of air-dry vegetation per acre per year depending on weather conditions and averages <br /> 900 pounds. <br /> Figure 8.Plant community growth curve(percent production by month). <br /> CO6710,Warm-season dominant;MLRA-6713;upland coarse-textured soils.. <br /> Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec <br /> 0 0 0 5 20 40 20 10 5 0 0 0 <br /> Community 1.3 <br /> Low Plant Density, Increased Litter Plant Community <br /> Most of the species occurring in the Reference Plant Community are present in this plant community but are <br /> reduced in abundance and production. Much of the nutrients are tied up in excessive litter and standing dead <br /> canopy. The semiarid environment and the absence of animal traffic to break down litter slow nutrient recycling. <br /> Aboveground litter also limits sunlight from reaching plant crowns. Many plants, especially bunchgrasses die off. <br /> Accumulation of litter and absence of grazing or fire reduce seed germination and establishment. This plant <br /> community is at risk of losing many key species and if left ungrazed or ungrazed without fire can go to a vegetative <br /> state resembling the Increased Bare Ground Plant Community.This plant community will change rapidly if plant <br /> manipulation is allowed to occur(grazing by domestic livestock or possibly fire). In advanced stages, plant mortality <br /> can increase and erosion potential increases as bare areas increase. Production can vary from 300 to 1500 pounds <br /> of air-dry vegetation per acre per year depending on weather conditions and the plants that are present. <br /> Figure 9.Plant community growth curve(percent production by month). <br /> CO6711,Warm-season dominant,cool-season subdominant,excess litter; <br /> MLRA-6713;upland coarse texture soil.. <br /> Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec <br /> 0 0 2 8 20 35 17 10 5 3 0 0 <br /> Pathway 1.1 to 1.2 <br /> Community 1.1 to 1.2 <br /> Moderate to heavy continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events, and/or extended <br /> drought, and/or reduced fire frequency shifts this plant community toward the At-Risk Plant Community. Biotic <br /> integrity will be altered and water and nutrient cycles may be slightly impaired as a result of this community <br /> pathway. <br /> Pathway 1.1 to 1.3 <br /> Community 1.1 to 1.3 <br /> Non-use(rest)and lack of fire will move this plant community to the Low Plant Density, Increased Litter Plant <br /> Community. Plant decadence and standing dead plant material can impede energy flow.Water and nutrient cycles <br /> may be impaired as a result of this community pathway. <br /> Pathway 1.2 to 1.1 <br /> Community 1.2 to 1.1 <br /> Grazing with adequate recovery periods after each grazing occurrence,with proper stocking,will return this plant <br /> community back to the Reference Community, relative to climatic conditions. <br /> Pathway 1.3 to 1.1 <br /> Community 1.3 to 1.1 <br /> The return of grazing with adequate recovery periods and/or normal fire frequency will cause a community pathway <br />