Natural Resources
Conservation Service
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
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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 represenative 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, which resulted in long-lived stable saltbush 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. Introduced annuals such as red brome, Mediterranean grass and redstem filaree have invaded the reference plant community. These non-natives annuals are highly flammable and promote wildfires where fires historically have been infrequent.
A biotic threshold has been crossed, with the introduction of non-natives that are difficult to remove from the system and have the potential to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their natural or historic range of variability.
Submodel
Description
The Eroded State is characterized by a reduction in 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. Site function is controlled by soil erosion, wind and soil temperature.
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-natives is attributed to a combination of factors including 1) surface disturbances (anthropogenic), 2) changes in the kinds of animals and their grazing patterns, 3) drought, and 4) changes in fire history.
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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