Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Warm Foothills and Mountains (PSSPS-POSE)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Introduction of non-native species
More details -
Transition T2A
Severe or continuous disturbance in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Reference state 1.0 is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The reference state is bunchgrass dominated with a diverse forb component. State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These are maintained by elements of ecosystem structure and function such as the presence of all structural and functional groups, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire and/or periodic drought.
Dominant plant species
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata), grass
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Submodel
Description
This state is similar to the Reference state 1.0. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Non-native plant species may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. These species can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These are maintained by elements of ecosystem structure and function such as the presence of all structural and functional groups, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. Processes and characteristics that contribute to positive feedbacks include the non-natives species' high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Dominant plant species
bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata), grass
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
Submodel
Description
This community is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as medusahead, cheatgrass, and ventenata.
Dominant plant species
medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), grass
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
North Africa grass (Ventenata dubia), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-native species
Transition T2A
Severe or continuous disturbance in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation.
Mechanism
Severe or continuous disturbance in the presence of non-native annual species, may be combined with higher than normal spring precipitation. (e.g Catastrophic fire and/or soil disturbing treatments and/or inappropriate grazing management resulting in soil compaction due to grazing while soils are wet and/or utilization of perennial grasses that impact the plant’s ability to recover).
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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