Till 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
Disturbance; no post management inputs.
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearing; tillage; seeding; weed control; agricultural management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Planting; brush/weed control; selective thinning; long-term management 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 historic reference community on these sites was a mature oak-hickory forest. Dominant species include white oaks, red oaks, and hickories. Multiple species of oaks and hickories were present on these sites depending on aspect, topography, and disturbance regimes.
Submodel
Description
Today, disturbances such as selective harvest, clear cutting, grazing, and fire suppression have transitioned these communities from mixed oak - hickory to a greater maple-ash-poplar dominance. Sugar maple, red maple, tulip poplar, American beech and white ash often are prevalent.
Understory composition on these sites may be altered due to non-native vegetation, heavy shade, lack of natural fire, and thick leaf litter. These sites are highly susceptible to invasion from non-native vegetation species such as autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellate), Asian bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate), winged burning bush (Euonymus alatus), periwinkle (Vinca minor), and winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei).
Submodel
Description
This state exists on lower sloping sites and is characterized by the conversion of the site to agricultural use - specifically row crops. Most common practice is a corn and soybean rotation. Many crops can be grown on these sites. Species selection and management inputs depend on landowner's goals and objectives.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition can occur due to substantial canopy disturbance such as oak/hickory removal followed by no timber standing improvement activities and no control of non-native species. Tree regeneration will be dependent upon a number of factors such as the type of disturbance, the length and severity of the disturbance, and available seed sources. Site resilience will determine the recovery rate and species composition. Most sites are repopulated by maple, ash, elm, and poplar.
Mechanism
Clearing of mature high-quality forest for conversion to agricultural production. Species planted and management activities will depend on the landowner's goals.
Mechanism
Restoration of site would include planting of oaks and long-term timber stand improvement activities such as planting desired species, selective thinning, weed control and brush control.
Mechanism
Transition from disturbed forest to agricultural state. Activities would be determined by the landowner’s production objectives.
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.