Loamy-Mantled Uplands

Description

An undisturbed Reference State is hard to find these days. The floristic representation of early-seral, mid-seral and climax phases are mostly assumed from remnant populations. The early and mid-seral phases were the result of disturbances; the long-term trend toward the climax phase was the most common trajectory in the past. Now many sites fail to reach a climax phase before disturbance sets them back. Nearly all of the Reference State sites were harvested during logging era and these sites were often converted to farmland because they had the most productive soils with the fewest restrictions (i.e. wetness, stoniness, or droughtiness). However agricultural was still problematic and thus abandoned, promulgating old-field succession to the forested condition.

Submodel

Description

The Cutover State has largely replaced the Reference State. These sites often have a mix of early- and late-successional species due to frequent natural disturbances and selective logging practices. Then again, mono-cultures of aspen or maple can develop in patches on these site due to same disturbance factors. The reality is that this site has many possible combinations of species, and those species must compete intensely for the available resources.

Submodel

Description

This very common state will over time closely resemble the Cutover State except for the addition of invasive species. However, in some extreme cases the post-logging condition of the site precludes timely forest regeneration. This may be due soil compaction, excessive rutting or introduction of particularly aggressive weeds. Soil compaction and rutting result from vehicle traffic when the soil too wet to bear the load. The loamy-mantled soils on these sites have a higher water-holding capacity and slower permeability than nearby sandy soils, so it may appear that vehicle traffic won't be problem when in fact it is. The Earthworm Phase is common in areas near lakes, roads, trails, farm fields, and dwellings. Weeds also follow these invasion routes.

Submodel

Description

The Converted State involves removal of existing vegetation (i.e. land clearing) and transforming the site into completely different land use. This can advantageous if the site was previously disturbed and is currently infested with problematic species. Otherwise this practice causes loss of native forest habitat. Ideally, redevelopment of disturbed sites will be encouraged and undisturbed sites will be left in forested sites.

Submodel