Sodium Affected Uplands
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Long fire return intervals; tree species dominant
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearing; site prep; tillage; agricultural management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Planting; weed control; brush control; prescribed fire
More details -
Transition T2A
Clearing; site prep; planting; 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
Historically, fire and grazing influenced these sites creating different plant communities that were in a continuum of change. Historic reference sites were a oak-savanna landscape dependent upon disturbance regimes. Repeated fires and grazing created tallgrass prairie or open wooded savannas. The type and severity of disturbance influenced the plant composition and community state.
Today, most sites have been cleared and are utilized for agricultural production. Extensive land modifications have altered these sites with very few prairie or savanna type remnants remaining. Remaining wooded sites are largely ruderal with species dependent upon seed sources and disturbance regimes,
Submodel
Description
Remaining wooded sites today generally have a history of disturbance such as clearing, grazing, and/or selective harvest. Oaks and hickories have often been removed. Disturbances may introduce a number of invasive non-native plants species.
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.
Submodel
Mechanism
Lack of historic fire regimes and grazing transitions the prairie/savanna state to a forested state.
Mechanism
Conversion to agricultural production. Management inputs and species selected will depend upon landowner goals and objectives. Landowner should be aware of any potential wetland issues prior to conversion.
Mechanism
Restoration of site would include planting of desired species and long term management to encourage desired native species. Prescribed fire would be a management tool to maintain a prairie or savanna state.
Mechanism
Transition from woodland to agricultural state. Activities would be determined by the landowner’s production objectives.
Landowners should be aware of any potential wetland issues prior to conversion.
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.