Desert Very Steep Stony Loam (Shadscale)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The reference state represents the historic plant communities and ecological dynamics of the Desert Very Steep Stony Loam, shadscale site. This state includes the biotic communities that become established on the ecological site if all successional sequences are completed under current climatic conditions; natural disturbances are inherent in its development. This state is dominated by shadscale. The primary disturbance mechanism is climate fluctuations. The reference state is self sustaining and resistant to change due to high resistance to natural disturbances and high resilience following natural disturbances. When natural disturbances occur, the rate of recovery is relatively rapid due to niches being filled with highly adapted native vegetation.
The reference state was determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance and outside influences, such as grazing and recreation. Literature reviews, trends in plant community dynamics, and historical accounts are also considered.
Reference State: Community phases disturbed by climate fluctuations.
Indicators: A site dominated by shadscale where James galleta and Indian ricegrass may also be present.
Feedbacks: Fluctuations in climate that allow for a self sustaining shadscale shrubland community.
At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when nutrients are available for invasive plants to establish.
Trigger: Introduction of invasive plants to fill available niches.
Submodel
State 2
Current Potential State
Description
This state is similar to state one, however, now there are invasive species established in the understory with cheatgrass being the most common. The primary disturbance mechanism is climate fluctuations.
Current Potential State: Plant communities disturbed by fluctuating climatic conditions.
Indicators: A site dominated by shadscale and James galleta, where Indian ricegrass and sand dropseed may also be present. Invasive species are present.
Feedbacks: Fluctuations in climate allow for the maintenance of both shrubs and perennial grasses.
Submodel
Mechanism
Transition from Reference State (State 1) to Current Potential State (State 2).
This transition occurs as any combination of improper livestock grazing, drought, and/or surface disturbance allow invasive species become established in the plant community. The most common invasive species is cheatgrass. Invasive species, however, have been known to invade intact perennial plant communities where no disturbance has occurred.
Model keys
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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.