Sandy Upland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Stand replacing disturbance e.g., blow-down and fire, or clear-cutting followed by fire. Regeneration by natural seeding or planting.
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Fire control, time, natural succession.
More details -
Transition T2A
Grazing by livestock. Disruption of tree regeneration and ground vegetation.
More details -
Transition T2B
Removal of natural vegetation, plowing, fertilizing, irrigating, planting agricultural crops.
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Removal of livestock from stands.
More details -
Transition T3A
Removal of natural vegetation, plowing, fertilizing, irrigating, planting agricultural crops.
More details -
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. The major difference between these two states being the level and degree of small scale disturbance leading to canopy openings and the resulting abundance and age of canopy tree species as well as the shrub layer. Typically this state is characterized by a mixed forest of White pine, Red and White Oak, and Red maple. A mixed presence of Red pine, Jack pine, Pin oak, and Black oak could occur as well.
Submodel
Description
Post-logging state may consist of considerable diversity of pioneer and mid-successional community phases. Here we are describing four, most commonly found under current conditions.
Submodel
Description
Livestock grazed forests are more often referred to as woodlands rather than forests because this long-term land use significantly changes some soil characteristics and nature of vegetative community. Species composition is altered by selective browsing and grazing as well as by distribution of seeds and other propagules by grazing animals. In addition, soil compaction differentially affects germination and establishment of plant species, including trees.
Submodel
Mechanism
Stand-replacing disturbance, such as blow-down, or ice storm, followed by fire, or clear-cut logging, followed by natural regeneration or site preparation and planting.
Mechanism
Time (50-100 years) and natural succession by white pine will lead back to the reference state. Minimal disturbance during the successional period.
Mechanism
Elimination of forest cover and introduction of tilling, fertilizing an/or irrigation.
Mechanism
Removal of livestock, natural succession. Results may be sped up by planting and initial outcomes will be heavily influenced by seed source and adjacent plant communities.
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.