Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 More details
- Transition T2 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 Reference State is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The plant community is shrub dominated with few perennial grasses and forbs. Historically, this state experienced an extended fire return interval due to low fuel loading, resulting in long-lived stable salt-desert shrub plant communities. These communities were sparsely vegetated and soil stability was primarily provided by surface rock fragments and microbiotic soil crust.
Submodel
Description
The invaded state is characterized by the presence of non-native annuals in the understory. Plant communities in this state function very similarly to the reference state. A biotic threshold has been crossed with the introduction of non-native annuals that cannot be easily removed from the system and have the potential to alter disturbance regimes significantly from their natural range of variation. Introduced annuals such as red brome, Mediterranean grass and redstem filaree have invaded the reference plant community and have become a component of the herbaceous cover. This invasion of non-natives is attributed to a combination of factors including: 1) surface disturbances, 2) changes in the kinds of animals and their grazing patterns, 3) drought, and 4) changes in fire history. These non-natives annuals are highly flammable and promote wildfires where fires historically have been infrequent.
Submodel
Description
The Eroded State is characterized by increased bare ground and reduced soil stabilization. Prolonged soil surface disturbance has caused this site to cross an abiotic threshold. The loss of vegetation and soil crust has decreased the stability of the site. Ecological processes such as nutrient cycling and water storage are severely reduced.
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-natives due to anthropogenic impacts, including OHV use, dry land farming, changes in grazing animals and patterns, linear corridors, mining, military training operations and settlements, also drought and changes in fire history.
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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