Semidesert Gravelly Loam (Shadscale)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 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 is highly resistant to change due to the general lack of fire or other natural disturbances, and a harsh soil environment that does not support many invasive species. The fuel loads are too sparse to carry a fire under normal weather conditions, 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.
Soil surface disturbance from recreation, livestock, or natural means may increase the likelihood that cheatgrass, Russian thistle, or halogeton establishment on this site. These invasive species may establish in the absence of any major disturbance, but they are not known to dominate this site at the present time.
Submodel
Description
This state is functionally and structurally similar to state 1, however it allows for the presence of non-native species. As a result of the establishment of non-native species, the resilience of this state is less than the reference state. Cheatgrass, Russian thistle, and/or halogeton are the most likely invaders to occur in this state.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition occurs with the establishment of non-native invasive species. Although disturbances such as roads, recreation, and grazing may facilitate the establishment of non-native species, they may establish on this site in the absence of major soil disturbances.
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.