Wet Upland Woodland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Fire suppression greater than 10 years
More details -
Transition T1B
Tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
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Transition T1C
Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
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Restoration pathway R2A
Forest stand improvement; livestock access control; prescribed fire, 3-5 years; long term stand rotation
More details -
Transition T2A
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
More details -
Transition T2B
Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system
More details -
Transition T3A
Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
More details -
Transition T4A
Vegetative seeding ; grassland management
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
These open woodland communities were strongly influenced by fire and seasonal soil wetness. Herbivory by native (now expatriated) ungulates also played a role. Consequently, fire-tolerant oaks over a ground flora of native prairie grasses, sedges and wildflowers made up the Wet Upland Woodland ecological site. There are two phases associated with this reference state.
Submodel
Description
Many current areas have experienced fire exclusion for decades along with periodic domestic livestock uncontrolled grazing. In the absence of fire, ongoing recruitment of trees into the canopy develops a closed canopy, shading out the herbaceous ground flora. Red maple and midstory species such as American elm may also increase. Herbaceous cover and diversity greatly diminishes, leaf litter builds up, and more shade-tolerant woodland species persist. Transition to cool season grasslands (State 3) or intensive cropland (State 4) is common.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.), red top (Agrostis stolonifera L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) has been common in the Illinois Central Claypan area. Occasionally, these grasslands may have scattered swamp white and pin oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction. A return to the reference state may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options.
Submodel
Description
This is an occasional state that exists with intensive cropping of corn (Zea mays L.), soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) occurring. Water management activites are needed to maximize yields. Some conversion to cool season grassland occurs for a limited period of time before transitioning back to cropland.
Submodel
Mechanism
Clearing/woody removal, tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
Mechanism
Forest stand improvement; livestock access control; prescribed fire, 3-5 years; long term stand rotation
Mechanism
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
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.