Upland Sand (Utah Juniper-Pinyon)
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- 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 is characterized by a diverse mixture of grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees. Two-needle pinyon and Utah juniper dominate the tree canopy, with mountain big sagebrush, Gambel oak, manzanita, Mormon tea, prickly pear, and various other shrub species common. Sandhill muhly is the most common grass, especially in relatively sandy soils, with blue grama dominant in less sandy areas. Grasses are diverse and often include Indian ricegrass, needleandthread, mesa dropseed, bluegrass, muttongrass, sand dropseed, and squirreltail.
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 resillience of this state is less than the reference state.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition occurs with the establishment of non-native invasive species, such as cheatgrass. 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.