Sandy Wash
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 R3 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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Submodel
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by reduced cover of woody perennials. Bare ground is increasing, leading to increased erosion, decreased infiltration and loosening of the soil surface causing channeling. An abiotic threshold has been crossed preventing the natural repair of this plant community. Feedbacks keeping this state stable include reduced perennial vegetative cover causing increased runoff and decreased infiltration preventing the establishment of desirable perennial vegetation.
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-native species due to a combination of factors including: 1) surface disturbance, 2) changes in the kinds of animals and their grazing patterns, 3) drought and/or 4) changes in fire history.
Mechanism
Large scale reoccurring disturbance, natural or anthropogenic.
Mechanism
Ecological processes can be restored to the site, but non-natives remain. Possible restoration techniques include stabilizing the site by reestablishing native perennials and the use of artificial rip-rap to dissipate energy and reestablish the flood plain.
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.