State 1 represents the historic range of variability for this ecological site. This state no longer exists due to the ubiquitous naturalization of non-native species in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Drought and very rare fire were the natural disturbances influencing this ecological site.
Data for this State does not exist, but it would have been similar to State 2, except with only native species present. See State 2 narrative for more detailed information.
State 2 represents the current range of variability for this site. Non-native annuals, including Mediterranean grass (Schismus barbatus) are naturalized in this plant community. Abundance varies with precipitation, but it is at least sparsely present (as current year's growth or present in the soil seedbank).
This transition occurred with the naturalization of non-native species in this ecological site. Non-native species were introduced with settlement of the Southwest Desert region in the 1860s.
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.