Natural Resources
Conservation Service
TABLELAND 3-5 P.Z.
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition 1 More details
- Transition 1 More details
- Restoration pathway NR More details
- Transition 2 More details
- Restoration pathway NR More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This state is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by long-term drought. Insect attack and wildfire are infrequent, but have long-term impacts on the plant community. The plant communities of this site are dynamic in response to changes in disturbance regimes and weather patterns. Vegetative cover is sparse. Desert pavement is characterized by dynamic stability, small scale disturbances can self-repair by natural processes.
Submodel
Description
The Invaded State is characterized by the presence of non-native annuals in the understory. A biotic threshold has been crossed, with the introduction of non-native annuals that cannot be removed from the system. Ecological resiliency has been reduced by the presence of non-native annual species and a reduction in the cover of desert pavement. Non-native species have the potential to alter disturbance regimes significantly from their natural or historic range of variability.
Introduced annuals such as red brome, schismus and redstem stork's bill have invaded the reference plant community and have become a dominant 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.
Submodel
Description
The Eroded State is characterized by persistent and severe surface disturbance, reduced vegetative cover and increased bare ground. A biotic threshold has been crossed, with the loss of long-lived native vegetation. This threshold causes changes in abiotic components of the site leading to active soil erosion.
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-native species due to anthropogenic disturbances including OHV use, dry land farming, grazing, linear corridors, mining, military operations, and settlements.
Mechanism
The introduction of non-native species due to anthropogenic disturbances including OHV use, dry land farming, grazing, linear corridors, mining, military operations and settlements.
Mechanism
Non-native annuals species have become naturalized in these systems creating an unlikely scenario to restore the site back to reference.
Mechanism
Persistent heavy disturbance removes existing vegetation and disturb protective surface reducing soil stability.
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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