Floodplain Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Site disturbance; invasion of non-native species
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearing; site prep; seeding; weed control; agricultural management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Planting; brush control; weed control; long-term timber stand improvement inputs
More details -
Transition T2A
Clearing; site prep; seeding; weed control; agricultural management
More details -
Transition T3A
Abandonment
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The historical reference community for this ecological site was an old growth floodplain forest with multiple species including oaks, hickory, sycamore, elm, walnut, maple, ash, Periodic natural disturbances included flooding, wind damage or ice storms; however, catastrophic disturbances were rare and these communities generally evolved into old-growth, dense forests with a high level of canopy cover and diversity.
Submodel
Description
This community is characterized by the removal of the higher value tree species, primarily oak species, or other disturbances that remove the oaks, hickories and/or black walnuts. Oak regeneration is often limited without timber stand improvement inputs. Disturbance often introduces non-native understory species which, if not controlled, will overtake the site and impede oak reproduction. Fast growing, shade tolerant species often gain in prominence within the community structure.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the conversion of the site to agricultural use. Most common practice is a corn and soybean rotation of various types. A small portion of the historic acres are used for forage and pasture. Species depend on landowners management objectives.
Submodel
Mechanism
Substantial disturbance such as clearing or selective harvest. Little or no post-harvest timber stand management. No control of non-native species.
Mechanism
Clearing of mature high-quality forest for conversion to agricultural production. This transition is for sites with lower slopes only. Landowners should be aware of any potential wetland issues on or near these sites.
Mechanism
Restoration of site would include long-term timber stand improvement inputs including planting of desired tree species and continual brush and weed control.
Mechanism
Transition from forest to agricultural state. Activities would be determined by the landowner’s production objectives.
Mechanism
Cropland or pastureland that is abandoned will slowly, but naturally, transition to a mixed deciduous woodland usually dominated by low-value trees such as maple, ash, elm, etc. Often non-native species make up all or a portion of the shrub and understory layers.
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.