Semidesert Shallow Sand (Utah Juniper-Pinyon)

Description

This state includes the biotic communities that become established on the ecological site if all successional sequences are completed under the natural disturbance regimes. The reference state is generally dominated by Utah juniper, and twoneedle pinyon, however depending on disturbance history, native grasses, forbs, or other shrubs may occupy significant composition in the plant community. The primary disturbance mechanism is climate fluctuation. During long periods of drought, this site may lose the two-needle pinyon (phase 1.1). 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 variable. Typically, in the reference state this site will fluctuate between community phases 1.1 and 1.2.

Reference State: Plant communities influenced by insect herbivory, and climate fluctuations.

Indicators: A community dominated by Utah juniper, where twoneedle pinyon shrubs, and native perennial grasses and forbs may or may not be present.

Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in climate that allow for a self sustaining juniper-pinyon and native grass community.

At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when native plants are stressed and nutrients become available for invasive plants to establish. Such an occurrence has not been documented on this site, however, this possibility should be taken into consideration.

Submodel