Calcareous Loam 5-7
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- 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. The plant community is shrub dominated with a minor component of perennial grasses. Plant community dynamics are primarily driven by long-term drought, insect outbreaks, infrequent wildfire and anthropogenic vegetation clearing. Historically, this state experienced an extended fire return interval due to low fuel loading, which resulted in long-lived stable shadscale plant communities.
Submodel
Description
The Representative State is characterized by the presence of non-native annuals in the understory. Plant communities in this state function very similarly to the reference state, however, ecological resilience is reduced by the presence of the non-natives. Introduced annuals such as red brome, Mediterranean grass and redstem stork's bill have invaded the reference plant community and have become a component of the herbaceous cover. These non-natives annuals are highly flammable and promote wildfires where fires historically have been infrequent. Mature shadscale persists after this invasion by non-native annuals, however shrub seedlings and desirable grasses suffer reduced vigor and limited reproductive capability due to increased competition from non-natives.
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-native species due to a combination of factors including; surface disturbance, changes in the kinds of animals and their grazing patterns, drought, changes in fire history or any other type of vegetation removal. Non-natives can alter disturbance regimes significantly from their natural or historic range and change ecological processes therefore creating an unlikely scenario to restore the site back to reference.
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.