Outwash Upland Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Fire free intervals in excess of approximately 40 years or more.
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearing site; tillage; seeding; weed control; agricultural management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Long-term restoration inputs including brush control, weed control, timber stand improvement projects, planting of desired species and prescribed burning.
More details -
Transition T2A
Clearing site; tillage; seeding; weed control; agricultural management
More details -
Transition T3A
Abandonment; no management inputs
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The historic reference state is an open oak -hickory forest. Dominants include white oak, black oak, shagbark hickory, and pignut hickory. Tree density and understory composition was dependent upon fire return intervals and other natural disturbances. Frequent fires would push the understory community toward a more open structure with prairie species present. Lack of fire would allow more shade tolerant forest plants to increase.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by fire suppression which transitions the community from an open oak reference community to a denser forested site. Lack of burning will allow more fire intolerant trees, shrubs and sub-canopy species to develop. Understory species composition and density will be altered by an increase in shading.
Most remaining wooded sites have undergone substantial disturbances (clearing, oak removal, grazing, etc.). Disturbances often provide a pathway for the introduction of non-native species. The aggressive nature of these plants results in substantial changes to the native plant community. Trees on these sites will depend on the type of disturbance and the available seed sources.
Submodel
Description
Agricultural uses vary depending on landowner objectives. Many species of cool season or warm season grasses along with forbs can be planted on these sites. Row crops are also grown in many locations.
Submodel
Mechanism
Lack of natural fire regimes will result in fire intolerant tree species increasing. Maple, ash, poplar, and beech gain co-dominance on these sites if fire free intervals extend beyond approximately 40 years.
Mechanism
Clearing of site for the purpose of cropland production. Not all mapunits may be appropriate for agricultural conversion due to slope.
Mechanism
Restoration to the reference site would require long-term management efforts including brush control, weed control, timber stand improvement projects, and prescribed fire.
Mechanism
Transition the Invaded State to an agricultural state would require substantial management inputs including tree/shrub removal, site preparation, brush control, weed control, and planting of desired species.
NOTE: many mapunits in this initial PES grouping are not appropriate for crop production due to slope and high risk of soil erosion and water quality impacts.
Mechanism
Abandoning an agricultural site would allow for successional plant communities to take hold and dominate. First, weedy annuals would increase followed by shrubs, perennials and tree seedlings/saplings. Eventually tree species would be dominate, and the species composition would vary greatly depending on available seed sources. Common species on these sites include maple, ash, cottonwood, and numerous non-native species.
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.