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.
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. Dominant species persist after invasion by non-native annuals but non-native annuals are extremely difficult to remove from the system. When dried, non-natives annuals can be highly flammable and may increase fire frequency where fires historically have been infrequent. Establishment of non-natives is attributed to a combination of factors including; surface disturbances, changes in the kinds of animals and their grazing patterns, drought, and changes in fire history.
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.
Model keys
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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.