Loamy Limestone/Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1C More details
- Transition T1D More details
- Restoration pathway R2B More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Transition T5B More details
- Transition T5A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The historical reference state for this ecological site was old growth, oak woodland. The reference state was dominated by chinkapin oak and black oak. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice maintained the woodland structure and diverse ground flora species. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in both the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species. Two community phases are recognized in the reference state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency.
Submodel
Description
These stands will slowly increase with more shade tolerant species and white oak will become less dominant. These woodlands tend to be rather dense, with a sparse understory and ground flora. Thinning can increase overall tree vigor and improve understory diversity. However, in the absence of fire, the diversity and cover of the ground flora is still diminished. Without periodic disturbance, stem density and fire intolerant species, like eastern redcedar and hickory, increase in abundance.
Submodel
Description
The Fire Managed Woodland state results from managing woodland communities with prescribed fire and canopy thinning,. This state can resemble the reference state, but with younger maximum tree ages, more open canopies and lower ground flora diversity. Cessation of prescribed fire will allow transition to various managed woodland states.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of woodlands to planted, non-native cool season grassland species such as tall fescue is common for this region. Steep slopes make grasslands harder to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site. Two community phases are recognized in the grassland state, with shifts between phases based on types of management. Poor management will result in a shift to Community 4.2 that shows an increase in oak sprouting and increases in broomsedge densities. If grazing and active pasture management is discontinued, the site will eventually transition to State 2 from this phase.
Submodel
Description
States that were subjected to repeated, high-grading timber harvests and uncontrolled domestic grazing transitioned to a High-Graded, Grazed Woodland state. This state exhibits an over-abundance of hickory and other less desirable tree species, and weedy understory species such as buckbrush, gooseberry, poison ivy and Virginia creeper. The existing vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive cattle stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition is the result of uneven-aged management and fire suppression.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of prescribed fire and even-age management.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing, grassland planting and grassland management.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of poorly planned harvest and uncontrolled grazing.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway is the result of forest stand improvement, prescribed fire and extended rotations.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of prescribed fire and forest stand improvement.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway is the result of forest stand improvement, prescribed fire and extended rotations.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of forest management and fire exclusion.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of tree planting, long-term succession and livestock exclusion.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of forest stand improvement, livestock exclusion, and prescribed fire.
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.