The reference state is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. It is maintained by periodic flooding in response to heavy rainfall events and has increased available moisture and nutrients. Fire is rare in this system. This ecological site experiences seasonal flooding and is important for redistributing moisture and nutrients throughout the landscape. Timing of disturbances combined with weather events determines plant community dynamics.
The Representative Plant Community is characterized by the presence of non-native species in the understory. A biotic threshold is crossed with the introduction of non-natives that are difficult to remove from the system and have they potential to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their historic range of variation. Non-native annuals will persist once introduced into the plant community, due to their annual growth form, abundant seed production and long term seed viability. Non-native annuals such as red brome and cheatgrass are potential invaders on this ecological site. These non-native annuals are highly flammable and promote wildfires where fires historically have been infrequent.
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.
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.
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
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.
