This is the diagnostic plant community for this site. In reference condition, this site was dominated by beech and sugar maple trees. An earlier successional phase of this site is comprised largely of shrubs and pioneering species like white oak and white ash. Stand replacing events were very uncommon. Small gap disturbance was the most common disturbance event that allowed propagation of these species.
This state is characterized by the establishment and eventual dominance of invasive species in the understory. This greatly reduces the species richness and diversity of the site as a whole, especially in the understory. Common invasive species for this site include, but are not limited to, species of Asian bush honeysuckle and Callery pear.
This state is characterized by the conversion of the site to agricultural use. Most common practice is a corn and soybean rotation of various types. A small portion of the historic acres are used for forage and pasture.
Removal of the trees and the installation of a drainage system are the first steps in converting the site to the Agriculture State. Regular agricultural practices will maintain the site in that state.
Chemical and mechanical treatment of the invasive species. Planting of desired species may be needed if they are not enough left to recolonize the site.
Removal of trees and other woody species. Install drainage system (if warranted), prepare the site for planting the agricultural crop, and regular agricultural practices.
Removal of drainage system (if warranted), site preparation, and tree planting.
Model keys
Briefcase
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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.
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
