Wet Loamy Terrace
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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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 for forage
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Transition T1B
Clearing of site; agricultural production of 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 of forage
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Transition T2C
Clearing; agricultural production of 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 wet hardwood forest community is found in LRU 115XA along rivers, streams, and swamps. Sites generally have an oak component unless frequent, long-term flooding occurs. Species may include pin oak (Q. palustris), swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii), and swamp white oak (Q. bicolor). Other tree species include hickories (Carya spp.), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), maple (Acer spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua).
The understory consists of shade-tolerant shrubs and a diverse shade-tolerant herbaceous layer. Willows (Salix spp.), roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) and possumhaw (Ilex decidua) are common shrubs. These sites occurred on somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained terraces with slopes generally less than 5%, so sites are not substantially influenced by slope or aspect.
Sedges (Carex spp.) and wet tolerant forbs and grasses are prominent in the herbaceous layer. Common vine species include graybark grape (Vitis cinereal), riverbank grape (Vitis riparia), trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), and eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans).
Historically, these communities were influenced by fire, drought, windstorms, ice storms, and ungulate grazing. (LANDFIRE, NatureServe, 2020)
Submodel
Description
Most Wet Loamy Terrace sites have been altered due to disturbances including previous clearing and hydrological modifications. Some sites have been grazed or had intermittent selective harvest (i.e. oak removal). Trees on site will depending on the type, length, and severity of disturbances and if natural hydrological processes are still in place. Diversity of species may also be reduced, especially if there has been an introduction of non-native species.
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. Hydrological modification such as ditching may be present on some sites.
Submodel
Description
Hydrological modifications such as ditching and tiling are often used on these sites to increase crop production. 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.
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 removal) , will transition this site to State 2.
Mechanism
Site is transitioned to an agricultural site focused on forage production. Management inputs would include clearing, site preparation, seeding and weed/brush control. Hydrological modifications such as ditching and/or tiling may be installed to facilitate improved drainage.
Mechanism
Site is transitioned to an agricultural site focused on row crop production. Management inputs would include clearing, site preparation, seeding and weed control. Hydrological modifications such as ditching and tiling are usually installed to facilitate drainage.
Mechanism
Restoration would require long-term management inputs including planting of desired species, weed control, brush control, timber stand improvement, and restoration of any hydrological modifications.
Mechanism
Site is cleared and forage/pasture production is initiated. Management inputs would include tree/shrub removal, site preparation, seeding, and weed/brush control. Tiling or ditching may be installed to improve drainage on these sites.
Mechanism
Site is cleared and row crop production is initiated. Management inputs would include tree/shrub removal, site preparation, seeding, and weed control. Ditching and tiling is often installed to improve drainage.
Mechanism
Site is abandoned and slowly would transition to a wooded state dominated by deciduous trees. Species on site would depend on the type, severity, and length of disturbance and available seed sources. Any hydrological modifications on site will also influence the plant community composition.
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.