Loamy Upland 38-42 PZ
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 T3A More details
- Transition T4A 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 state for the Loamy Upland ecological site. It represents the historic range of variability in the plant communities with the periodic disturbance of fire and grazing. It is dominated by herbaceous plants with few woody species.
The dominant grasses are big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass and little bluestem. Other grasses include Texas cupgrass, sideoats grama, dropseeds, silver bluestem and Scribner’s panicum. Dominant forbs include compassplant, Engelmann daisy, sunflowers, western ragweed, heath aster, poppymallows and pitcher sage. Legumes include wild indigo, leadplant, Illinois bundleflower, scurfpea, and native lespedezas. Few woody species persist in reference condition but may include sumacs, sand plum, coralberry, persimmon, prairie rose and blackberry. The Clay Upland site is estimated to produce between 3,000 – 6,000 pounds of vegetative production per year in reference condition.
Tallgrasses Midgrasses Forbs
Shrubs and Trees are a minor component of these sites.
Submodel
Description
This state represents a site dominated by juniper species(Eastern Redcedar/Ashe Juniper). There are some grasses and forbs that persist in the interspaces, but herbaceous diversity and production is significantly reduced. This site is very susceptible to wildfire due to the increased juniper cover.
Description
This state represents a change in land use from rangeland to pastureland. The soil structure and biology has been altered and the site is dominated by introduced species. Management of introduced forages requires more inputs than native grasses. Careful consideration should be taken prior to planting to ensure the result meets the desired use. Ratings for forage yields can be found under the non-irrigated crop yield section in web soil survey. As with any fertility management program, current soil tests should be taken before planting and subsequent fertilization of introduced pastures.
The most common forage species on these sites include Bermudagrass and Old World Bluestems(eg. KR Bluestem).
Without brush management, woody species such as mesquites, junipers, elms, or honey locust may invade these sites.
There may be opportunities to plant native grass species on these sites to restore the reference plant communities. The success of this type of restoration is highly variable and depends on the remaining soil resources and past management. This type of endeavor often requires site specific planning and evaluation. However, the species described in the reference state are a good resource for initial planning of any restoration project.
Description
This state describes the invaded, woody dominated plant community of the Clay Upland site. The ecological processes are dominated by woody species including mesquite, honey locust, elm, and juniper species. Some herbaceous plants persist under the woody canopy or in interspaces. Usually, shade tolerant species like Texas wintergrass are prominent herbaceous components in this community. There may also be an increase in prickly pear in this state.
Mechanism
These sites are prone to invasion by juniper. Without brush management, brush invasion may increase to the point where the site transitions to the Juniper Woodland state. At this point it will take significant inputs to remove woody species and restore the grass dominated site.
Mechanism
Most of these sites were cultivated for crop production during the settlement of the area. Many of them have been planted to monocultures of introduced forage grasses in recent years. When these sites are cultivated, the soil properties are significantly altered from the reference state. Soil structure, hydrology and biology have been impacted and the site is transitioned to the Converted state.
Mechanism
At this point it will take significant inputs to remove woody species and restore the grass dominated pasture. However, it may be achieved through prescribed fire or brush management and a prescribed grazing plan which allows ample rest for the re-establishment of grasses. Effectiveness of prescribed fire depends upon fine fuel load and continuity and burning conditions.
Mechanism
These sites are prone to invasion by juniper, mesquite and honey locust. Without brush management, brush invasion may increase to the point where the site transitions to the Invaded Woodland state. At this point it will take significant inputs to remove woody species and restore the grass dominated pasture.
Mechanism
At this point it will take significant inputs to remove woody species and restore the grass dominated pasture. However, it may be achieved through brush management and a prescribed grazing plan which allows ample rest for the re-establishment of grasses.
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.