Sandy Bottomland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A 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 is the reference or diagnostic community for the site. The description is based on early range site descriptions, clipping data, professional consensus of experienced range specialists, and analysis of field work.
Submodel
Description
This plant community is basically a result of the absence of fire. Fire was an important element in suppressing woody plants during the ecological evolution of this site. So, when fire was suppressed, and continues to be suppressed for many years, the plant community naturally and gradually shifted towards woody plant dominance. Areas protected from both fire and grazing for 20 to 150 years, or longer, have transitioned from open grassland to closed canopy woodland. Some areas, due to their juxtaposition to streams, were historically protected from reoccurring fires. In 19th century pictures taken in and around MLRA 80A, these sites have very few, if any, trees. So, apparently, periodic fires kept the woody species in check. Species composition of woody plants will vary from area to area. But generally, tree species will be bur oak, hackberry, elm, ash, sycamore or pecan. Eastern redcedar is invading this site and becoming more prominent in the plant community. Shrubs and vines common to the site are buckbrush, sumac, blackberry, poison ivy, grape and greenbrier. Combined trees and shrubs may form an overstory canopy of 70 to 80 percent. The understory is dominated by shade tolerant plants such as Virginia wildrye, Canada wildrye, sedges, Scribner’s panicum, Indian woodoats, sweet woodreed and various muhlys.
Suitable livestock forage production in this state, is limited. This state of the Sandy Bottomland site provides shelter for both livestock, deer and numerous small mammals. Many species of birds frequent this state because of the trees.
Description
This state represents a conversion in land use. The soil, plant, and hydrological properties have been altered. Many sites are still in commodity crop production. Others have been planted to an introduced monoculture pasture planting, principally Bermudagrass.
Mechanism
In the absence of prescribed fire or alternative brush management practices, woody species may encroach and eventually dominate the ecological processes on the site.
Mechanism
Through cultivation and seeding, the site will be transitioned to the converted state. The soil properties have been altered significantly.
Mechanism
With the implementation of prescribed burning and or mechanical brush management, the woody state may be restored to the reference state. It is often necessary to follow specific grazing management guidelines during this process to ensure the recovery of the herbaceous plant community.
Model keys
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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.