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
Briefcase
Add ecological sites and Major Land Resource Areas to your briefcase by clicking on the briefcase () 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.
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.
