Wet Sandy 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
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The historic reference state for Wet Sandy Terrace ecological site is dependent on both natural hydrology and a natural fire regime. With frequent fires, these sites would be an open woodland with a variety of native forbs and grasses in the understory. Species included swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), hickories (Carya spp.), red maple (Acer rubrum), Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii), pin oak (Quercus palustris), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and silver maple (Acer saccharinum). The shrub and vine species on these sites are variable depending on the frequency and severity of fires. Understory species include native sedges (Carex blanda, Carex laxiculmis, Carex rosea), wildryes (Elymus riparius, Elymus virginicus), woodreed (Cinna spp.), and bittercress (Cardamine spp.).
The frequency (and intensity) of the fires altered the species composition and density and encouraged oak reproduction while reducing shrub density. A cessation of natural fires on these sites results in an increase in wood vegetation and an increase in fire-intolerant tree species. Natural large-scale disturbance regimes would have created a continuum of forest, woodland, savanna and prairie throughout MLRA 115X.
Submodel
Description
Most remaining wooded Wet Sandy Terrace sites have been altered due to anthropogenic disturbances. Sites have been cleared, 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.
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, plant composition, and productivity levels are determined by management.
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 are often installed on sites to facilitate improved drainage.
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. Long-term lack of fire will also transition this state to a more mixed deciduous forest community.
Mechanism
Site is transitioned to an agricultural site focused on forage production. Management inputs would include clearing, site preparation, seeding and weed/brush control. Drainage modifications may be installed.
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. Restoration of natural hydrology may also be reqquired.
Mechanism
Site is cleared and forage/pasture production is initiated. Management inputs would include tree/shrub removal, site preparation, seeding, and weed/brush control. Hydrological modifications may be installed.
Mechanism
Site is cleared and row crop production is initiated. Management inputs would include tree/shrub removal, site preparation, tillage, seeding, and weed control. Ditching and tiling is common on these sites 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 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. Ditching and tiling is commonly used to improve drainage.
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.