Natural Resources
Conservation Service
SODIC LOAM 3-5 P.Z.
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 More details
- Transition T2 More details
- Restoration pathway R3 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. Community phase changes are primarily driven by natural disturbances such as long-term drought and insect attack. Wildfire is infrequent due to low fuel loading and widely spaced shrubs. Interactions between disturbance events and weather patterns determines long term plant community dynamics.
Submodel
Description
The invaded state is characterized by the presence of non-native species in the understory. A biotic threshold has been crossed with the introduction of non-native species, that cannot be easily removed from the system and have the potential to alter disturbance regimes significantly from their historic range of variation. Non-native annuals are highly flammable and promote fires where fire have historically been infrequent.
Submodel
Description
The eroded state is characterized by increased erosion, the presence of rills and gullies and a narrow disturbance return interval. Low shrub recruitment rates and loss of deep-rooted perennial grasses have resulted in decreased nutrient cycling, water storage and energy capture. Loss of native perennial vegetation has pushed this site across an abiotic threshold leading to soil erosion, water flow patterns, rills and gullies.
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-native species due 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.
Mechanism
Large scale disturbances remove native perennial vegetation, increasing the amount of bare ground which results in increased erosion, decreased soil infiltration rates, and loosening of the soil surface causing channeling.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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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