The reference state is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. Community phase changes are primarily driven by natural disturbances such as long-term drought and insect attack. Wildfire is infrequent and patchy due to low fuel loading and widely spaced shrubs. Timing of disturbance combined with weather events determines plant community dynamics.
The invaded state is characterized by the presence on non-native species. 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 historic range of variability. Theses non-native annuals are highly flammable and promote wildfire where fires historically have been infrequent. A 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 historic range of variation.
The eroded state is characterized by reduced cover of perennial vegetation. Increasing the amount of bare ground, leading to higher levels water erosion, decreased infiltration rates, and loosening of the soil surface causing channeling. Feedbacks keeping this state stable include reduced perennial vegetative cover causing increased runoff, decreased infiltration and reduced run-on moisture preventing establishment of desirable perennial vegetation.
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.
Restoration pathway. Possible restoration techniques, to stabilize the site and reestablish native perennials, include flattening and terracing hill slopes, closing roads, vertical, horizontal and rock mulching, as well as, planting container stock. Non-native species remain in the plant community.
Relevant conservation practices
Practice
External resources
Range Planting
Native Plant Community Restoration and Management
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
