Loamy-Mantled Terraces And Plains
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Reference State of the Loamy-Mantled Terraces and Plains ecological site has been replaced by the Cutover State, which is mainly the second- or third-growth, mesic hardwood forest with a few white pines leftover.
Submodel
Description
The Cutover State was the most common state following the logging boom. Most sites regenerated quickly to early successional species like quaking aspen, or understory species like balsam fir were released as the canopy was removed. Tree species found in the pre-logging era climax forests, such as eastern hemlock and white pine, have not returned to their former numbers.
Submodel
Description
This state has gradually become the most abundant state on this site. The cover types or land uses (community phases) are similar to the Cutover State or the Converted State. However the predominance of exotic species such as earthworms or weeds makes this state noteworthy as a separate entity.
Submodel
Description
This state has sites that have been cleared and converted to another land use, which may be considered unfortunate because of the high inherent forest productivity of the site. That very productivity spurred conversion to agriculture and pine plantations. On the Developed Phase, the possibility exists that high value canopy trees have been retained on the site for aesthetic reasons, however development such as road building, permanent structures and parking areas doesn't allow this. For the Agriculture Phase and Pine Plantation Phase to occur, the pre-existing vegetation is removed down to bare soil. Re-planting to crop species follows, other tillage operations are also required. This changes the nature of the site from "wild" land to "working" land. Agricultural crops include hay and pasture, potatoes and corn.
Submodel
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.