The Reference state is characterized by four distinct plant community phases. The plant communities and the various successional stages between them represent the natural range of variability.
Submodel
1.1. Western Wheatgrass and Green Needlegrass
1.2. Western Wheatgrass and Blue Grama
1.3. Western Wheatgrass and Green Needlegrass, Low Plant Density
Compared to the Reference state, perennial plants have been greatly reduced with only remnants of the most grazing tolerant species present. Annuals and non-native species have increased.
Litter levels are extremely low. Wind erosion can be a hazard due to increased bare ground. Mineral crusting caused by raindrop impact magnifies the situation by disrupting surface soil aggregates decreasing infiltration. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are resource concerns.
Long-term, heavy, continuous grazing and lack of fire cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increased Bare Ground State.
Erosion, loss of organic matter, and invasion of annual plants may delay recovery.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.
