Siliceous Sand Uplands
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Clear cutting or stand-replacing fire
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Disturbance-free period 70+ years
More details -
Transition T2A
Livestock grazing
More details -
Transition T2B
Site transitioned to cropland production
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Livestock removed
More details -
Transition T3A
Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
More details - Restoration pathway R2A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
In absence of stand-leveling disturbances the Reference State Community oscillates between two easily definable community phases, a mature, or late successional, community phase and a rejuvenated community phase.
Submodel
Description
Post-logging state may consist of considerable diversity of pioneer and mid-successional community phases. Here we are describing four common communities that are found under current conditions.
Submodel
Description
Site phase consists of various grasses and forbs impacted by livestock grazing.
Submodel
Mechanism
Clear cutting with initial control of competing vegetation or a stand-replacing fire will prepare the site for occupancy by shade intolerant species. This may occur through natural regeneration or by planting.
Mechanism
A period of some 70-100 years without major stand disturbance, especially fire, leads to decreased presence, through natural mortality, of early successional species and the dominance of relatively shade tolerant white pine and sub-canopy of red maple, returning the community to Reference State.
Mechanism
State 2 is transitioned to the Livestock Grazed State (3). The presence of livestock grazing characterizes this state. Management activities in transitioning the site may include woody species removal and seeding of desired forage species.
Mechanism
The site is transitioned to agricultural crop production. Management inputs will include woody species removal, site preparation, weed control, and planting of desired crop species. This is feasible only on lower slope areas.
Mechanism
Removal of livestock will allow woody vegetation to increase. Management inputs may include planting, brush control, weed control and timber stand improvement activities.
Mechanism
The site is transitioned from livestock grazing to cropland. Management inputs commonly include woody species removal, site preparation, planting desired crop species, and weed control. This is feasible only on lower slope areas.
Mechanism
A period of some 70-100 years without major stand disturbance, especially fire, leads to decreased presence, through natural mortality, of early successional species and the dominance of relatively shade tolerant white pine and sub-canopy of red maple, returning the community to Reference State.
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.