Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Semidesert Sandy Loam (Winterfat)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Transition T3A 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
The dominant aspect of this plant community is Indian ricegrass. The composition by air-dry weight is approximately 55 percent perennial grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 35 percent shrubs.
Submodel
Description
The Current Potential State is similar to the Reference State, however is also includes non-native annual species such as cheatgrass and Halogeton. This species change the natural disturbance pattern of this site by increasing under natural disturbance (fire) and out competing native species (Indian ricegrass). Community Phase 2.2 is at risk of moving to a Shrub State (3) or Annual State (4) because it has lost resiliency and resistance to returning to a native plant community after disturbance.
Submodel
Description
Bunchgrasses have been greatly reduced in the Shrub State either from heavy grazing in the presence of non-native species.
Submodel
Description
The Annual State consists of one community phase. This community is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as Halogeton and cheatgrass. Rabbitbrush and other sprouting shrubs may dominate the overstory.
Submodel
Mechanism
Inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native species
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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