Modeling the unique attributes of aridland ecosystems: Lessons from the Jornada Basin. Reynolds, J. F., Kemp, P. R., Ogle, K., Fernandez, R. J., Gao, Q., & Wu, J. In Structure and Function of a Chihuahuan Desert Ecosystem: The Jornada Basin Long-Term Ecological Research Site. Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 2006.
Modeling the unique attributes of aridland ecosystems: Lessons from the Jornada Basin [pdf]Paper  abstract   bibtex   
The 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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