Wet Footslope Savanna
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
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Restoration pathway T4A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The historical reference state for this ecological site was an oak savanna. The savanna was dominated by pin oak and bur oak. Periodic disturbances from flooding, fire, wind or ice as well as grazing by native large herbivores maintained the savanna 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. Reference states are very rare today. Fire suppression and altered drainage have resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora. Most reference states are currently altered because of clearing and conversion to grassland or cropland.
Submodel
Description
Composition is altered from the reference state through long term, low disturbance which allows woody species to increase in density and size. This state will slowly increase with shellbark hickory, pin oak and bur oak species. Without periodic canopy disturbance, stem density and fire intolerant species, like hackberry and elm, will also increase in abundance. Some periodic grazing may be occurring.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue and white clover has been common. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered oak. 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 and transitions.
Submodel
Description
This is a common state that exists currently with intensive cropping of corn, soybeans and wheat. Some conversion to cool season hay land occurs, but when commodity prices are high, these states transition back to cropland.
Submodel
Mechanism
Lack of disturbance events greater than 20 years ; repeated timber harvests.
Mechanism
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management.
Mechanism
Thinning; bush Management; prescribed fire 3-10 years
Mechanism
Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management.
Model keys
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Major Land Resource Areas
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.