Interbedded Sedimentary Backslope Savanna
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
This state is native oak savanna dominated by little bluestem, big bluestem and a wide variety of prairie forbs. This state occurs on sloping backslopes. Bur oak, swamp white oak, post oak, American hazelnut, prairie willow and wild plum occurred in small groves or as scattered individuals across the prairie landscape. Canopy covers ranged from 10 to 30 percent with higher canopy covers on protected north and east slopes.
Two phases can occur that will transition back and forth depending on fire frequencies. Longer fire free intervals will allow woody species to increase such as oaks, prairie willow, dogwoods and wild plum. When fire intervals shorten these woody species will decrease.
This state is very rare. Nearly all former reference states have been converted to cool season grassland and intensive agriculture cropland or reverted to a woodland community.
Submodel
Description
Degraded reference states that have experienced fire suppression and woody invasion for 20 or more years will transition to this state. With fire suppression, woody species such as bur oak, post oak and swamp white oak will begin to increase transitioning this state from a savanna to a woodland. Native herbaceous ground cover will also decrease.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue and red clover has been common in this area. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered bur oaks and/or swamp white oak. Long term uncontrolled grazing and a lack of grassland management can cause significant soil erosion and compaction and increases in less productive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and weedy forbs such as ironweed along with increases of oak sprouts. A return to the reference state may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options and high implementation costs.
Submodel
Description
Conversion from the Cool Season Grassland (State 3) to this state is increasing due to renewed interest in warm season grasses as a supplement to cool season grazing systems or as a native restoration activity. The thinning of trees and shrubs to reduce canopy cover from the fire suppressed woodland state (State 2) will cause a transition to this state. Additional native grass and forb plantings along with reintroduction of periodic fire may be needed to meet anticipated use needs for this state.
This state can be transformed back to a Reference State. Substantial restoration time and management inputs will still be needed.
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.