Deep Sand 5-7
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 More details
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Restoration pathway NR
NR= Non Recoverable Pathway
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 under pristine conditions. Plant communities are dynamic in response to changes in disturbance regimes and weather patterns. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by long-term drought. Historically, fire had little impact in this system due to low fuel loading and widely spaced vegetation.
Submodel
Description
The Representative State is characterized by the presence of non-native annuals in the understory. Ecological resilience of the site is reduced by the presence of non-natives. A biotic threshold is crossed, with the introduction of non-native annuals that are difficult to remove from the system and have the potential to alter disturbance regimes significantly from their natural or historic range of disturbances. Introduced annuals such as red brome and redstem stork's bill have invaded the reference plant community and have become a dominant component of the herbaceous cover. These non-natives annuals are highly flammable and promote wildfires where fires historically have been infrequent.
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 and 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.