Loamy Dolomite Upland 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
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Transition T3B More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Transition T4B 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
Historically, these woodlands occurred occur on upland summits, shoulders and backslopes. The restricted soil depth, droughty conditions, and native grasses made them susceptible to frequent fires, once every 3 to 5 years. The understory consisted of a dense cover of native grasses and forbs. Tree height was 50 to 70 feet, and canopy closure 50 to 80 percent. During fire-free intervals, hickories and oak sprouts, increased in abundance and competed with the herbaceous ground flora, creating brushy woodland (community phase 1.2). However, the return of fire would re-open the woodland and promote the ground flora.
Submodel
Description
Fire suppression and cessation of logging has allowed these previously open woodlands to become denser. The dense, shaded conditions and lack of fire has caused the ground flora to decrease in cover and diversity. Fragrant sumac often forms a dense shrub understory under these conditions. However, many of the original herbaceous species persist as small plants or in the seed bank. Consequently, thinning of the woody species and the re-introduction of fire has shown these communities to be exceptionally resilient, and a return, after a period of many years, to the reference condition is possible.
Submodel
Description
In addition to fire exclusion, many of these sites have been subjected to heavy grazing by domestic livestock and periodic unrestricted logging. These grazed and logged areas exhibit a lower diversity of native ground flora species and an increased abundance of eastern redcedar and other invasive natives such as buck brush. Like State 2, restoration using thinning and fire is possible, but will take longer and require more effort. Restricting livestock access and eliminating logging will be necessary for successful restoration.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue and red clover has been common. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction. A return to the reference state may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options. If oak sprouting is left unchecked and grazing is eliminated or reduced then over time this state will transition to a fire excluded woodland or to a high-graded/grazed woodland.
Submodel
Mechanism
This is a gradual transition that results from extended, disturbance free periods of roughly 50 years or longer. Selective logging is also occurring.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of high-grade logging, uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing and fire suppression.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway is the result of the systematic application of prescribed fire. Mechanical thinning may also be used along with understory removal.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of high-grade logging and uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Mechanism
This transition results from the cessation of cattle grazing and forest stand improvement.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Mechanism
This is a gradual transition that results from extended, disturbance free periods of roughly 50 years or longer, selective logging, tree planting and no grazing.
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.