GYPSIC BARREN 3-5 P.Z.
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
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This state represents the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. Primary natural disturbance mechanisms affecting this ecological site are long-term drought and insect attack. Historically, this state experienced an extended fire return interval, which resulted in long-lived stable plant communities. These communities were sparsely vegetated, therefore soil stability was primarily provided by microbiotic soil crust.
Submodel
Description
The Invaded State is characterized by the presence of non-natives in the understory. A biotic threshold has been crossed with the introduction of non-native annuals that cannot be removed from the system. Ecological resiliency has been reduced by the presence of non-native annual species that have the potential to alter disturbance regimes significantly from their natural or historic range of disturbances alter disturbance regimes significantly from their natural or historic range of variability.
Introduced annuals such as red brome, schismus and redstem stork's bill have invaded the reference plant community and have become a dominant component of the herbaceous cover. This invasion of non-natives is attributed to a combination of factors including: 1) surface disturbances, 2) changes in the kinds of animals and their grazing patterns, 3) drought, and 4) changes in fire history.
Submodel
Description
The Eroded State is characterized by reduced soil stabilization do to loss of vegetative cover and microbiotic soil crust. A biotic threshold has been crossed, with the loss of microbiotic soil crust leading to active soil erosion. This state is characterized by a new ecological equilibrium, one that includes reduced nutrient cycling and infiltration.
Submodel
Mechanism
Introduction of non-natives due to anthropogenic impacts, including OHV use, dry land farming, grazing, linear corridors, mining, military training operations and settlements.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.