The Reference state for this site is a dense mesquite overstory with an understory of sub-shrubs, and perennial and annual grasses and forbs. Leaf-out for mesquite occurs midspring, after the last frost, produces flowers in late spring, and mature fruits begin dropping by July. The trees lose their leaves in the fall with the first hard frost. The aspect is deciduous woodland.
Mesquite canopy ranges from 5% to 15%. If the mesquite overstory is removed, shrubs (such as greythorn, saltbush, burroweed, and alkalai goldenweed) can become the dominant vegetative cover. Herbaceous understory varies greatly depending on canopy cover.
Mesquite sprouts vigorously after fire or manual cutting. Excessive groundwater pumping can, over time, lower water tables beyond the reach of tree roots and cause extensive tree loss on stream terraces. In high water table areas, saltcedar can establish on the site and become dominant with alteration of native tree cover.
Bermudagrass and Johnson grass are introduced perennials commonly found on this site. Foxtail barley, London rocket mustard and Carolina canarygrass are common, introduced annuals on this site. Cocklebur can become undesirable with overgrazing of the understory.
Submodel
2.1. Mixed Shrub
2.2. Large Shrub
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.
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
