Semidesert Shallow Loam (Torrey's Jointfir)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1, E 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 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.
The reference state represents the historic plant communities and ecological dynamics of the semidesert shallow loam, Torrey’s jointfir 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 Torrey’s jointfir and a mixture of warm cool season perennial grasses. The reference state is self sustaining and resistant to change due to high resistance to natural disturbances and high resilience following natural disturbances.
Reference State: Community phases resistant to natural disturbances.
Indicators: A site dominated by Torrey’s jointfir where galleta, Indian ricegrass and needleandthread may or may not be present.
Feedbacks: Any disturbance that may allow for the establishment of invasive species.
At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when perennial plants are stressed and nutrients are available for invasive plants to establish.
Trigger: Introduction of invasive plants to fill available niches.
Submodel
Description
This state is similar to state one, however there are now invasive species established in the understory—prickly Russian thistle being the most common.
Indicators: A site dominated by Torrey’s jointfir where galleta, Indian ricegrass and
needleandthread may or may not be present.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition is from the native perennial warm and cool season grass understory in the reference state to a state that contains invasive species. Events include season long continuous grazing of perennial grasses, prolonged drought, and surface disturbances, etc. Once invasive plants are found in the plant community a threshold has been crossed.
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.