The reference plant community is categorized as a midgrass prairie community, dominated by herbaceous vegetation. The two community phases within the reference state are dependent on recurrent fires. The amount and duration of disturbance alters species composition, cover, and extent. Drought and grazing have more localized impacts in the references phases, but do contribute to overall species composition, diversity, cover, and productivity.
Submodel
1.1. Little Bluestem - Ontario Blazing Star
1.2. Leadplant/Little Bluestem - Ontario Blazing Star
The anthropogenic state occurs when the reference state is cleared and developed for human use and inhabitation, such as for commercial and housing developments, landfills, parks, golf courses, cemeteries, earthen spoils, etc. The native vegetation has been removed and soils have either been altered in place (e.g. cemeteries) or transported from one location to another (e.g. housing developments). Most of the soils in this state have 50 to 100 cm of overburden on top of the natural soil. This natural material can be determined by observing a buried surface horizon or the unaltered subsoil, till, or lacustrine parent materials. This state is generally considered permanent.
Vegetation removal and human alterations/transportation of soils transitions the site to the anthropogenic state (2).
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.
