Semidesert Shallow Gypsum (Mormontea)
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
Reference State (State 1)
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 gypsum, Mormon tea 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 warm 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 sand dropseed may or may not be present.
Feedbacks: Natural fluctuations in climate that allow for a self sustaining Torrey’s jointfir and native grass community. 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
The current potential state is similar to the reference state however, invasive plants are present. Galleta is typically the dominant perennial grass species in this plant community phase.
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. However invasive species such as cheatgrass have been known to invade intact perennial plant communities with little to no disturbances. Once invasive plants are found in the plant community a threshold has been crossed.
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.