Loamy Terrace
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Large scale disturbance
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Transition T1C
Clearing of site; agricultural production - forage
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Transition T1B
Clearing of site; agricultural production -row crops.
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Restoration pathway R2A
Restoration inputs such as planting, brush control, prescribed fire, and timber stand improvement.
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Transition T2B
Clearing; agricultural production - forage
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Transition T2C
Clearing; agricultural production - row crops
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Transition T3B
Abandonment of agricultural practices
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Transition T3A
Site preparation and tillage, seeding, weed control, cropland management
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Transition T4A
Transition site to forage production; seeding; weed/brush control; pasture management
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This State is characterized by a mature, mixed, deciduous forest with an oak component. Species on these sites include northern red oak (Quercus rubra), Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii), American elm (Ulmus americana), white ash (Fraxinus americana), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), black walnut (Juglans nigra), basswood (Tilia americana), white oak (Quercus alba), and multiple species of hickory (Carya spp.). The shrub layer consists of multiple species including spicebush (Lindera benzoin), American hazelnut (Corylus americana), and blackberry (Rubus spp.). Understory composition and density will be varied depending depth of wet layer and drainage.
Historically these sites were influenced by wildfires, wind damage, ice storms, and grazing by native mammals. Severe disturbances (clearing, selective harvest) or a lack of a natural fire regime will increase fire-intolerant species on site. Maple, ash, and tulip poplar are common species. Shrub density and sapling numbers will increase.
Submodel
Description
Today, most Loamy Terrace ecological sites have been altered due to disturbances. Some sites have also been grazed or had intermittent selective harvest (i.e. oak removal). Trees on site, will depending on the type, length and severity of disturbances. Sites that have had a long-term absence of fire will display the following characteristics: an increase in fire -intolerant species, decrease in oak regeneration, an increase in shrub density, an increase in leaf-litter buildup, and an increase in shade-tolerant understory species. Diversity of species may also be reduced, especially if there has been an introduction of non-native species such as bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate).
Many of these sites are eventually transitioned to Pastureland (State 3) or cropland (State 4) on lower slope sites.
Submodel
Description
A portion of these sites have been converted to pastureland or forage production. Species selection will depend upon the objectives and goals of the landowner; however, commonly planted grasses include tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), brome (Bromus spp.), white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense). Species health and productivity are determined by the management and long-term overgrazing on some sites has caused soil erosion and compaction.
Submodel
Description
Common crops include corn (Zea mays), soybeans (Glycine max), and occasionally winter wheat (Triticum aestivum). Some landowners choose to convert sites to cool season grasses for a period before resuming cropland production. Hydrological modifications such as ditching and tiling may be utilized on sites.
A return to the historical Reference State from State 4 is unlikely, if not impossible.
Submodel
Mechanism
Severe disturbances, such as clearing or selective harvesting (oak/hickory removal) , will transition this site to State 2.
Mechanism
A transition to an agricultural site focused on forage production. Management inputs would include clearing, site preparation, seeding and weed/brush control.
Mechanism
Site is transitioned to an agricultural site focused on row crop production. Management inputs would include clearing, site preparation, seeding and weed control.
Mechanism
Restoration would require long-term management inputs including planting of desired species, weed control, brush control, timber stand improvement, and prescribed fire.
Mechanism
Site is cleared and forage/pasture production is initiated. Management inputs would include tree/shrub removal, site preparation, seeding, and weed/brush control.
Mechanism
Site is cleared and row crop production is initiated. Management inputs would include tree/shrub removal, site preparation, tillage, seeding, and weed control.
Mechanism
Site is abandoned and slowly would transition to a wooded state dominated by deciduous trees. Species on site would depend on the severity and length of disturbance and available seed sources.
Mechanism
Management inputs that transition a site from pasture or forage production to a site that is utilized for row crop production.
Model keys
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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.