Clayey Bottomland 30-38" 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 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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Submodel
Mechanism
The introduction of aggressive woody invader species creates risk for transition to the Invaded Woodland State. This transition can occur from any community within the Bottomland State, it is not dependant on degradation of the herbaceous community, but on introduction of aggressive woody species. Risk of invasives increases on poorly managed or Go-back Land. Improper grazing, prolonged drought, and a warming climate will provide a competitive advantage to shrubs adapted to warmer, drier conditions which will accelerate this process. Without control, invasive woody species can dominate the site. Invasive introduced to a healthy Bottomland Community will be mixed with native over and understory. The driver for this transition is the introduction of invasive species.
Mechanism
The transition to the Converted State from the Bottomland State (T1B) occurs when the bottomland is plowed for planting to cropland or hayland. The size and density of brush in the Woodland State will require heavy equipment and energy-intensive practices (i.e. rootplowing, raking, rollerchopping, or heavy disking) to prepare a seedbed. The threshold for this transition is the plowing of the prairie soil and removal of the woody plant community. The Converted State includes cropland, tame pasture, and go-back land. The site is considered “go-back land” during the period between cessation of active cropping, fertilization, and weed control and the return to the “native” states. Agronomic practices are used to convert rangeland to the Converted State and to make changes between the communities in the Converted State. The driver for these transitions is management’s decision to farm the site.
Mechanism
Restoration of the Invaded Woodland State to the Bottomland State requires substantial energy input. The driver for this restoration pathway is removal of invasive woody species, restoration of native herbaceous and overstory species, and ongoing management of invasives. Without maintenance, invasive species are likely to return (probably rapidly) due to presence of propagules in the soil.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Prescribed Grazing |
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Range Planting |
Mechanism
The transition to the Converted State from the Woodland State (T2A) occurs when the bottomland is plowed for planting to cropland or hayland. The size and density of brush in the Woodland State will require heavy equipment and energy-intensive practices (i.e. rootplowing, raking, rollerchopping, or heavy disking) to prepare a seedbed. The threshold for this transition is the plowing of the prairie soil and removal of the woody plant community. The Converted State includes cropland, tame pasture, and go-back land. The site is considered “go-back land” during the period between cessation of active cropping, fertilization, and weed control and the return to the “native” states. Agronomic practices are used to convert rangeland to the Converted State and to make changes between the communities in the Converted State. The driver for these transitions is management’s decision to farm the site.
Mechanism
The transition to the Converted State from the Woodland State (T2A) occurs when the bottomland is plowed for planting to cropland or hayland. The size and density of brush in the Woodland State will require heavy equipment and energy-intensive practices (i.e. rootplowing, raking, rollerchopping, or heavy disking) to prepare a seedbed. The threshold for this transition is the plowing of the prairie soil and removal of the woody plant community. The Converted State includes cropland, tame pasture, and go-back land. The site is considered “go-back land” during the period between cessation of active cropping, fertilization, and weed control and the return to the “native” states. Agronomic practices are used to convert rangeland to the Converted State and to make changes between the communities in the Converted State. The driver for these transitions is management’s decision to farm the site.
Mechanism
Transition from the Converted State can occur in the short term through active restoration or over the long-term due to cessation of agronomic practices. Cropland and tame pasture require repeated and continual inputs of fertilizer and weed control to maintain the Converted State.
Heavily disturbed soils are more likely to return to the Invaded Woodland State. Without continued disturbance from agriculture the site can eventually return to the Invaded Woodland state. The level of disturbance while in the converted state determines the direction of the site restoration pathway.
Return to the Invaded Woodland State is more likely to be successful if soil chemistry and structure are heavily disturbed. Converted sites can be returned to the Invaded Woodland State through active restoration, including seedbed preparation and seeding of native grass and forb species. Protocols and plant materials for restoring prairie communities is a developing part of restoration science. The driver for both of these restoration pathways is the cessation of agricultural disturbances.
Model keys
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