Frequently Flooded, Low Intensity Ephemeral Stream
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 More details
- Transition T2 More details
- Restoration pathway R3 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 representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. It is maintained by periodic flooding in response to heavy rainfall events and has increased available moisture and nutrients. Fire is rare in this system. This ecological site experiences seasonal flooding and is important for redistributing moisture and nutrients throughout the landscape. Timing of disturbances combined with weather events determines plant community dynamics.
Submodel
Description
The Representative State is characterized by the presence of non-native species in the understory. A biotic threshold is crossed with the introduction of non-natives that are difficult to remove from the system and have they potential to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their historic range of variation. Non-native annuals will persist once introduced into the plant community, due to their annual growth form, abundant seed production and long term seed viability. Non-native annuals such as red brome and cheatgrass are potential invaders on this ecological site. These non-native annuals are highly flammable and promote wildfires where fires historically have been infrequent.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by reduced cover of woody perennials. Bare ground is increasing, leading to increased erosion, decreased infiltration and loosening of the soil surface causing channeling. An abiotic threshold has been crossed preventing the natural repair of this plant community. Feedbacks keeping this state stable include reduced perennial vegetative cover causing increased runoff and decreased infiltration preventing the establishment of desirable perennial vegetation.
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-native species due to a combination of factors including: 1) surface disturbance, 2) changes in the kinds of animals and their grazing patterns, 3) drought and/or 4) changes in fire history.
Mechanism
Large scale reoccurring disturbance, natural or anthropogenic.
Mechanism
Ecological processes can be restored to the site, but non-natives remain. Possible restoration techniques include stabilizing the site by reestablishing native perennials and the use of artificial rip-rap to dissipate energy and reestablish the flood plain.
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.