Desert Gypsum Loam (Torrey's Jointfir)

Description

The reference state is highly resistant to change due to the harsh soil environment of this site. Few species can readily establish and dominate on a gypsum affected soil with only 6-9 inches of annual precipitaion. However, given the moderate to deep soils, deep-rooted perennial grass species are resilient during and after drought, and are expected to persist in the community under droughty conditions. The fuel loads are too sparse to carry a fire, and insect or disease impacts have not been documented to have a major impact on the plant community of the site. The resulting condition is a reference state that perpetuates itself on the site indefinately under natural historical conditions.

To this point, no non-native invasive species have been documented on this site, however, it is expected that cheatgrass, Russian thistle, and/or annual mustards may be able to establish as a result of disturbance.

Submodel