Natric Till Plain Savanna
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 > 30 years; woody invasion; domestic uncontrolled grazing
More details -
Transition T1B
Woody removal; vegetative seeding; grassland management
More details -
Transition T1C
Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Access control; prescribed fire; vegetative seeding; savanna management
More details -
Transition T2A
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
More details -
Transition T2B
Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
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
This state is a savanna community dominated by big bluestem, switchgrass, sedges and forbs, with an overstory of scattered oaks and hickories. This state occurs on level to gently sloping soils that have high sodium levels and a seasonal high water table during the spring months in most years. Some ponding may also occur. These conditions influence the species composition and site productivity. Two phases can occur that will transition back and forth depending on fire and wetness frequencies. This state is extremely rare (maybe completely expatriated). Nearly all sites have been converted to cool season grassland and cropland. Some altered sites have transitioned to woodland.
Submodel
Description
These existing alternative areas have experienced fire exclusion for decades along with periodic uncontrolled 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. Oak, hickory and midstory species increase. Herbaceous cover and diversity greatly diminishes, leaf litter builds up, and more shade-tolerant species persist.
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) has occurred in the MLRA. A return to the reference state may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options.
Description
This is the dominant state that exists currently with intensive cropping of corn (Zea mays L.), soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), and common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) occurring. When weather turns dry, drought symptoms on crops often appear (Figure 3). Some conversion to cool season hay land occurs for a limited period of time before transitioning back to cropland.
Mechanism
Fire suppression > 30 years; woody invasion; domestic uncontrolled grazing
Mechanism
Access control; prescribed fire; vegetative seeding; savanna management
Mechanism
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
Mechanism
Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
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.