Shallow Limy 5-7
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 More details
- Transition T2 More details
- Restoration pathway R1 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 dominated by creosotebush with other shrubs and perennial grasses making a significant contribution to species composition.
Submodel
Description
Introduced annuals such as red brome, schismus and redstem stork's bill have invaded the reference plant community and have become a dominant component of the herbaceous cover. Factors such as soil surface disturbances, changes in the kinds of animals and grazing patterns, drought, and changes in fire frequency are likely to create conditions which favor non-native annual plant species. Following wet years, dried non-native annuals can provide enough fuel to carry wildfires where large, intense wildfires historically have been infrequent.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by an increase in herbaceous plant species due to frequent recurring fire which prohibits the establishment of the reference and representative plant communities.
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.
Mechanism
Repeated disturbance, including wildfire, removes perennial vegetation and decreases soil stability.
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.