Loamy Sand 29-33" PZ
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T3A 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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State 1
Tallgrass/Oak Savannah State - Reference
Description
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Tallgrass/Oak Savannah (1.1). The community is dominated by warm-season perennial tallgrasses with post oak and blackjack oak. The major perennial grass species are well dispersed through the community. Perennial forbs and shrubs are well represented throughout the community. Annual production ranges from 2500 to 4500 pounds per acre. Tree canopy is less than 20 percent.
The Tallgrass/Shrubland Transition Community occurs when post oak, blackjack oak and elm starts regeneration and the tallgrasses will start to disappear from the plant community. Invader brush (mesquite, juniper, yaupon, etc) appears and becomes established. Cedar elm, bumelia, and hackberry also start to increase. Texas wintergrass and purpletop tridens increases as brush canopy increases. The plant community consists of about a 20 to 50 percent canopy of mature trees with an understory canopy of shrubs and young oaks, elm and pecan. Annual production ranges from 2500 to 4500 pounds per acre. Grasses account for 55% of species composition and shrubs/trees account for 30% of species composition.
Submodel
State 2
Oak Shrubland State
Description
The Oak/Shrubland Transition Community (2.1) consists of 50 to 80% canopy of woody plants. As the shrubland community ages, oak matures and the invader species increase. Warm-season perennial tallgrasses such as Indiangrass and switchgrass have all but disappeared. In the early stages of this transition stage little bluestem tends to dominate the grasses; however, as brush canopy continues to increase, Texas wintergrass, three-awns and annuals continue to increase while the little bluestem decreases. Annual production ranges from 2500 to 4500 pounds per acre. Grasses make up 30% species composition while shrubs/trees make up 35% species composition.
The Oak/Woodland Community is a closed overstory (greater than 80% canopy) woodland dominated by postoak and blackjack oak. The herbaceous understory is almost nonexistent except for remnants of shade-tolerant species. Small isolated clearings will contain little bluestem, perennial three-awns, Texas wintergrass and small amounts of other grasses. Continuous grazing by domestic livestock has accelerated the shift. Annual production ranges from 2500 to 4500 pounds per acre. Species composition for grasses is 5% while shrubs/trees reach 90%.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of the Tallgrass/Oak Savannah (1.1) to Converted Land Community (3.1) (mainly for cotton production) occurred from first settlement by European settlers during the middle 1800’s and continued until early 1900’s. Some remains in cropland today. This site is often planted to introduced grasses following crop production or brush control. Typical species planted include Bermudagrass varieties and yellow bluestems. Many of these species may become invasive and once established they are difficult to remove and hinders the establishment of native species.
In the Threeawn/Invasive Brush Transition Community, the plant community will move toward a transition of invasive brush species such as mesquite and/or cacti without the annual application of the cultural practices, especially fertilization. The introduced grass species will start to disappear and be replaced by three-awns and annuals. Annual production ranges from 2500 to 4500 pounds per acre. Grasses comprise of 30% and shrubs/trees comprise of 40% species composition.
Submodel
Description
The Invasive Brush/Midgrass Community occurs due to continued absence of added fertility the plant community will continue change toward a brushy condition. The shrubs will continue to thicken especially mesquite. At this state the introduced grasses have almost disappeared. Annual production ranges from 2500 to 4500 pounds per acre. Grasses make up 30% species composition and trees/shrubs make up 40%.
Submodel
Mechanism
The Tallgrass/Oak Savannah State will transition into the Oak Shrubland State due to continuous heavy grazing, no fires, and land not in use.
Mechanism
The Tallgrass/Oak Savannah State will transition into the Converted Land State with the application of various conservation practices including Pasture/Hay Planting, Crop Cultivation, Pest Management, Nutrient Management, and Prescribed Grazing.
Mechanism
With the use of Prescribed Grazing, Brush Management, Range Planting, and Prescribed Burning conservation practices, the Oak Shrubland State can be restored into the Tallgrass/Oak Savannah State.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Brush Management |
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Conservation Crop Rotation |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Prescribed Grazing |
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Range Planting |
Mechanism
The Oak Shrubland State will transition into the Converted Land State with the use of various conservation practices including Pasture/Hay Planting, Crop Cultivation, Pest Management, and Nutrient Management.
Model keys
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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.