Till Upland Prairie
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 R3A More details
- Transition T3B More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T3C 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
As a mesic tallgrass prairie, this state has a reference plant community which is categorized as upland prairie and includes grasses, sedges, forbs, and shrubs. Species composition is typically little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), Sporobolus asper, tapered rosette grass (Dichanthelium acuminatum), and tall tickseed (Coreopsis tripteris). The sedges consist of Carex bicknellii, Carex gravida, and Carex brevior. Shrubs include multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii), Rubus allegheniensis, and Vitis riparia.
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and smooth brome (Bromus inermis) are common invasive species. Extended periods with no fire and no grazing can cause this state to shift into a shrub-prairie. Conversely, grazing and browsing accompanied by frequent or high-intensity fires can ultimately shift this phase back towards the reference community. In addition, frequent fires followed by periods of no fire can cause an oak savanna phase to form (Rosburg, 2014).
Submodel
Description
This state is the most common. Tillage, seeding, and herbicide have destroyed all of the original prairie. Corn and soybeans are the principal crops. Variation in management within this state creates a wide range of soil properties and can be detrimental to the environment.
Submodel
Description
This state is a native reference state transformed into a cool-season pasture due to a suppression of fire and heavy grazing by livestock. Because there were very little inputs to the original reference state, this state has possibility for restoration to the reference state. This path would need prescribed fire, grazing, and a reduction of cool-season grasses by use of a selective herbicide. With a combination of inputs of non-selective herbicide and inter-seeding, the semi-native pasture transitions to a non-native pasture. Continual management is required to prevent invasion of shrubs. Shrubs invade if the site is overgrazed and seeding and herbicide are discontinued.
Submodel
Description
Abandonment of the shrub invaded pasture for 20 or more years will result in a woody invaded forest consisting of larger DBH honey locust and red cedar. At this state a significant amount of input and resources would be required to reverse the invaded woody species (Woodland Health, 2004).
Submodel
Description
Prairie reconstruction is accomplished through site preparation, herbicide, brush management seeding and tillage. Careful management and planting/seeding of forbs or natural propagation will further develop this from an early successional ruderal prairie to a late successional prairie.
Submodel
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.