Loamy Till Backslope Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Fire suppression > 30 years; woody invasion; repeated timber harvests; uncontrolled livestock grazing
More details -
Transition T1B
Tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
More details -
Transition T1C
Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Forest stand improvement; access control; prescribed fire; 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 forested communities were influenced by fire, drought, and wind. Herbivory by native (now expatriated) ungulates also played a role. There are two phases associated with this reference state.
Submodel
Description
Most current areas of Loamy Till Backslope Forests have experienced fire exclusion for decades along with periodic domestic livestock grazing. In the absence of fire, ongoing recruitment of trees into the canopy develops a closed canopy, shading out the herbaceous ground flora. This results in the formation of Black Oak – Hickory/ Ironwood/ Goldenrod woodland. Black oak, hickory and midstory species increase. Herbaceous cover and diversity greatly diminishes, leaf litter builds up, and more shade-tolerant species persist, such as elmleaf goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia Muhl. ex Willd.) panic grass (Dichanthelium dichotomum (L.) Gould) and late purple aster (Symphyotrichum patens (Aiton) G.L. Nesom). The understory also changes with sassafras (Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees) and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) saplings. Transition to cool season grasslands (State 3) or intensive cropland (State 4) is common, especially on slopes less than 10 percent.
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) has been common in the Illinois Central Claypan area. Occasionally, these pastures may have scattered bur 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.
Description
This is a state that exists currently on slopes less than 10 percent with intensive cropping of corn (Zea mays L.), soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) occurring. Some conversion to cool season grassland occurs for a limited period of time before transitioning back to cropland.
Mechanism
Fire suppression > 30 years; woody invasion; repeated timber harvests; uncontrolled livestock grazing
Mechanism
Clearing/woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
Mechanism
Clearing/woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
Mechanism
Forest stand improvement; access control; prescribed fire; long term stand rotation
Mechanism
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
Model keys
Briefcase
Add ecological sites and Major Land Resource Areas to your briefcase by clicking on the briefcase (
) 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.
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.