Extremely Stony Fan Remnants
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition 1 More details
- Transition 2 More details
- Restoration pathway 1 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
State 1 represents the historic range of variability for this ecological site. This state no longer exists due to the ubiquitous naturalization of non-native species in the Colorado Desert. Periodic drought was the natural disturbance influencing this ecological site.
Data for this State does not exist, but dynamics and composition would have been similar to State 2, except with only native species present. See State 2 narrative for more detailed information.
Description
State 2 represents the current range of variability for this site. Non-native annuals, including Mediterranean grass is naturalized in this plant community, but have not altered the ecological dynamics of this site.
Submodel
Description
This State develops when the fire return interval is less than 50 years. The reference plant community has been significantly altered. It is characterized by the loss of teddybear cholla and creosote bush, and dominance by brittlebush. Data is not available for this State, and the description is based on research from nearby burned areas.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition occurred with the naturalization of non-native species in this ecological site. Non-native species were introduced with settlement of the Southwest Desert region in the 1860s.
Mechanism
This transition occurs when the fire return interval in the reference state is less than 50 years.
Mechanism
Restoration of communities severely altered by repeat fire at the landscape scale is difficult. Methods may include aerial seeding of early native colonizers such as desert globemallow, burrobrush, threeawns (Aristida spp.), and desert marigold. Increased native cover may help to reduce non-native plant invasion, helps to stabilize soils, provides a source of food and cover for wildlife, including desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), and provides microsites that facilitate creosote bush establishment. However, the amount of seed required for success is often prohibitive. In this ecological site, brittlebush naturally colonizes rapidly, and large-scale planting of creosote bush and other secondary species would be required to restore this site to the reference state. Creosote bush can be successfully propagated and outplanted, especially if outplants receive supplemental water.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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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.