Wet Upland Prairie
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
No fire regime; no management
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearing; site prep; seeding; weed control; agricultural management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Planting; weed control; prescribed fire; grassland management
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
This state is a diverse native shrub-grassland with numerous grass and herbaceous species. Historically, these sites were extremely diverse . Tallgrass species such as Andropogon gerardii, Sorghastrum nutans, and Panicum virgatum were dominant with a diverse variety of herbaceous native species present on sites. Disturbances (fire, grazing, drought) controlled the community composition.
Submodel
Description
This state has tree saplings and shrubs encroaching upon the grass dominated prairie system. Species will vary depending upon seed sources and disturbance regimes, but often include oaks, cottonwood, ashes, and maples. Species will depend on seed sources. A lack of fire and grazing will result in a continual increase in shrub and tree 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. Many different plant species are feasible for these sites depending on the landowner management objectives.
Submodel
Mechanism
Conversion of site to agricultural production.
Landowners should be aware of any potential wetland issues prior to conversion.
Mechanism
Long term restoration efforts would include hydrological restoration, planting of native grasses and forbs, weed control, and utilization of fire or manual removal to remove trees.
Historically, these sites were species rich and very diverse, so numerous plant species are possible for these sites.
Mechanism
Transition from mixed grassland/woodland to agricultural state. Activities and species selection would be determined by the landowner’s production objectives.
Landowners should be aware of any potential wetland issues prior to conversion.
Mechanism
Cropland or pastureland that is abandoned will slowly transition to a mixed woodland usually dominated by tree species that have wind-blown seeds and are fast growing such as tuliptree, cottonwood, maples, elms, etc. Species will depend upon presence or absence of disturbances (grazing, fire, etc.) and seed source availability. Warm season native grasses will be present if the site was previously utilized as pasture and contained these 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.