Dissected Pediment
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition 1 More details
- Transition 2 More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
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 Desert. Periodic drought and water erosion 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.
Description
State 2 represents the current range of variability for this site. Non-native annuals, including red brome and red-stem stork’s bill (Erodium cicutarium) are naturalized in this plant community. Their abundance varies with precipitation, but they are at least sparsely present (as current year's growth or present in the soil seedbank).
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by severe soil erosion. Biological soil crusts are largely absent, gullying is pronounced, and soil surfaces have no protective surface gravels. Vegetative cover is restricted to interfluves or sheltered locations around rock outcrops. Shrubs capable of resprouting or of quickly colonizing after disturbance increase in importance, including subshrubs (see Community phase 2.1 list), and catclaw acacia, desertsenna, parish’s goldeneye, Acton’s encelia, burrobrush (Hymenoclea salsola) and burrobush. Blackbrush is absent or only trace.
Mechanism
This transition occurred with the naturalization of non-native species in this ecological site. Non-native species were introduced with settlement of the Mojave Desert region in the 1860s.
Model keys
Briefcase
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
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.