SHALLOW GRAVELLY LOAM 7-9 P.Z.
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 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 and is dominated by a blackbrush shrubland, important associated species include Purshia and Ephedra. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire, long-term drought and insect attack. Timing of disturbances in combination with weather events determines plant community dynamics. Historically, fire was rare in this system but did have long-term impacts on the plant community.
Submodel
Description
The invaded state is characterized by a blackbrush dominated community with non-native annuals in the understory. A biotic threshold has been crossed by the introduction of non-natives that cannot be easily removed from the system and have the potential to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their historic range of variation. Ecological processes have not been compromised at this time, however the presence of non-natives has reduced the ecological resilience. Introduced annuals such as red brome and cheatgrass have invaded the reference plant community. These non-natives are highly flammable and promote wildfires where wildfires historically have been infrequent.
Submodel
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.