Loamy Floodplain Step Forest
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 R2A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T3B More details
- Transition T4C More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Transition T4B 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
Historically, Loamy Floodplain Step Forests in the Ozarks were on relatively stable floodplain positions that flooded approximately once every 3-5 years. This state was dominated by a variety of mesic species such as sugar maple, northern red oak, and bitternut hickory. The understory was complex, with multiple layers of shade-tolerant species. A highly diverse ground flora was also present.
Submodel
Description
Where this state remains, it has often been subjected to selective timber harvest; rarely are they managed with an even-aged timber management system. While these patches may closely resemble the reference state, the diversity of tree species has been selectively (removal of oak and walnut) altered. In addition, a change to more frequent, higher-intensity floods on the modern landscape likely creates more frequent canopy gaps, and introduces more flood-tolerant species such as sycamore, eastern cottonwood, green ash or hackberry. Limiting timber harvest may allow a return to the reference state where hydrologic regimes are least altered.
Submodel
Description
This ecological site has been converted to non-native grasslands of tall fescue and red clover. This state frequently transitions to a cropland state especially when commodity prices are high. A return to a near-reference state from this state is not recommended. Transitioning to a Managed Forest state is possible through long-term commitments of time and money.
Submodel
Description
This state is subjected to uncontrolled grazing and high-graded timber harvests. The grazing will open up the understory and remove much of the diverse ground flora. This can lead to erosion of the topsoil during floods. Grazed units also often undergo timber harvest removing a wide variety of outstanding hardwood trees, further diminishing the structural and compositional diversity. A return to the near-reference state will require a long-term commitment including the elimination of grazing, planting of trees and perhaps shrub and herbaceous species, and very limited targeted timber harvests and thinning.
Submodel
Description
Some areas of this ecological site have been converted to row crop agriculture. They often transition to a grassland state. A return to the near-reference state is not practical from this state. Transitioning to a Managed Forest state is possible through long-term commitments of time and money.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition occurs when the natural flood regime of the area is altered. It also occurs during uneven-age timber management.
Mechanism
This transition is where clearing and pasture planting has occurred.
Mechanism
This transition occurs when there has been a poorly planned harvest and grazing within the area.
Mechanism
This transition occurs when there has been clearing of the area for row crop management.
Mechanism
Forest stand improvement; long term succession (+10-20 years)
Mechanism
This transition occurs when there is fescue eradication, tree planting and weed control done in the area.
Mechanism
This transition occurs when there has been clearing of the area for row crop management.
Mechanism
This transition occurs when there is tree planting with long-term succession and uneven-age management.
Mechanism
This transition is where clearing and pasture planting has occurred.
Mechanism
This transition occurs when there has been clearing of the area for row crop management.
Mechanism
This transition occurs when there is tree planting with long-term succession and uneven-age management.
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.