Modeling the unique attributes of aridland ecosystems: Lessons from the Jornada Basin

TitleModeling the unique attributes of aridland ecosystems: Lessons from the Jornada Basin
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsReynolds J.F, Kemp P.R, Ogle K., Fernández RJ, Gao Q., Wu J
EditorHavstad K, Huenneke L., Schlesinger W.H
Book TitleStructure and Function of a Chihuahuan Desert Ecosystem: The Jornada Basin Long-Term Ecological Research Site
Chapter16
Pagination321-353
PublisherOxford University Press
CityNew York, NY
ARIS Log Number182778
Keywordsaridland, ecosystems, paradixically, production, water-limited
AbstractThe Jornada Basin is typical of aridland ecosystems of the southwestern United States and many other regions of the globe: it is water-limited with low annual net primary production (ANPP) and low-standing crop (Szarek 1979; Ludwig 1987). Yet, paradoxically, aridland ecosystems are structurally and functionally quite complex, exhibiting a remarkable range of species compositions and system behaviors. This can be attributed, in part, to the presence of complex topography and landscape physiography which, when combined with extreme variability in precipitation, produces striking spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the availability of essential limiting resources such as water and mineral nutrients.
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