Dry Outwash Upland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Restoration pathway R3A 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
This is the reference or diagnostic plant community for this site. In reference conditions, this forested site was dominated by white oak, black oak, and hickory species in the canopy. Secondary species included sugar maple, black cherry and sassafras. Brambles and native roses were common in the understory. Less common, but present were some of the prairie species such as Pennsylvania sedge and big bluestem.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by a longer than normal fire return interval or the absence of fire as a disturbance agent. Shade tolerant species, specifically sugar maple and beech, that are present in the understory in relatively small amounts become the dominant tree species.
Submodel
Description
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.
Submodel
Mechanism
No management, to include fire, or other large disturbance to remove trees from the canopy will allow the site to move towards State #2.
Mechanism
Removal of the tree species, tillage, and planting of the agricultural crop transition the site to state 3.
Mechanism
Prescribed tree thinning to give competitive advantage to desired species and fire move the site back to the reference state.
Mechanism
All trees removed, the site prepared, tillage and planting of the agricultural crop.
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.