Sandy Outwash Woodland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Long-term fire suppression; disturbances
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Transition T1B
Clearing; 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; access control; prescribed fire; long term stand rotation
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Transition T2A
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
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Transition T2B
Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system
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Transition T3A
Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
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Transition T4A
Vegetative seeding ; grassland management
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This woodland community was 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. The overstory in one phase is dominated by black oak and white oak, with scattered other oaks. Fire, drought and natural native grazing would have maintained a more open canopy and abundant ground flora species.
This other woodland community phase is characterized by an increase in the understory of maple saplings and shrubs. The herbaceous layer is diminished due to fire-free intervals.
Submodel
Description
Most current areas of Sandy Outwash Woodlands 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. 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.
Submodel
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 oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction. A return to the reference state may be difficult, requiring a very long term series of management options.
Submodel
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.
Submodel
Mechanism
Fire suppression >30 years; woody invasion; repeated timber harvests; uncontrolled livestock grazing
Mechanism
Forest stand improvement; access control; prescribed fire; 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.