Sodic Fan 9-12 PZ
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 annual plants
More details -
Transition T2A
Improperly managed livestock grazing
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Transition T2B
High severity fire, or multiple fires at short intervals, in the presence of sufficient seed source or invasive plant species
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Treatments to remove shrubs and seeding of native species. This may require the use of herbicide.
More details -
Transition T3A
High severity fire, or multiple fires at short intervals, in the presence of sufficient seed source or invasive plant species
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State is representative of the natural range of variability for the site under pristine conditions. The Reference State is a bunchgrass shrubland. 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 plant groups, the retention of organic matter and the maintenance of plant community cover. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by infrequent fire and periodic drought.
Submodel
Description
This state is similar to the Reference State. 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 or control ecological processes 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 driven by plant community invasion decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include exotic plant species' high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by infrequent fire, periodic drought and ungulate herbivory.
Submodel
Description
Plant community dynamics within this state are primarily driven by shrub species. Native perennial grass composition has been reduced considerably. Sprouting species such as black greasewood, green rabbitbrush and broom snakeweed as well as non-sprouting species such as big sagebrush are dominant on the site. Western juniper may also be present. Exotic herbaceous species are often present..
Submodel
Description
Plant community dynamics within this state are primarily driven by exotic annual and perennial herbaceous species. Native perennial grass composition has been greatly diminished. Shrub species and western juniper may also be present. Rehabilitation of this state is uncertain given the difficulty of establishing plant material in the sodic soils and under the influence of an aridic soil moisture regime.
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-native annual plants leading to a decrease in site resilience relative to reference conditions.
Mechanism
Improperly managed livestock grazing may dramatically reduce native perennial grasses and increase shrub cover. When heavy herbivory is combined with fire or mechanical removal of shrub species, basin big sagebrush may be reduced or eliminated.
Mechanism
High severity fire, or multiple fires at short intervals, in the presence of sufficient seed source or invasive plant species may lead to a loss much of the native plant community composition and a dramatic increase in invasive annual plants.
Mechanism
Treatments to remove shrubs and seeding of native species. This may require the use of herbicide.
Context dependence
Chance of success is limited by the droughty, sodic soils.
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.