Low-Base Loamy Upland Woodland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1D More details
- Restoration pathway R1B More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R1A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T4B More details
- Transition T4A 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The historical reference state for this ecological site was old growth oak woodland dominated by black oak and post oak.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. Quality reference sites are rare today.
Submodel
Description
These woodlands tend to be rather dense, with a sparse understory and ground flora. Thinning can increase overall tree vigor and improve understory diversity. 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. Continual timber management, depending on the practices used, will either maintain this state, or convert the site to uneven-age (State 3) woodlands.
Submodel
Description
Composition of this state is likely altered from the reference state depending on tree selection during harvest. Scarlet oak is often more abundant than historically. In addition, without a regular 15 to 20 year harvest re-entry into these stands, they will slowly increase in more shade tolerant species and post oak will become less dominant. Without periodic disturbance, stem density and fire intolerant species, like hickory, increase in abundance.
Submodel
Description
Timbered sites subjected to repeated, high-graded timber harvests and domestic grazing transition to this state. This state exhibits an over-abundance of hickory and other less desirable tree species, and weedy understory species such as coralberry (buckbrush), gooseberry, poison ivy and Virginia creeper. The vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff. Exclusion of cattle from sites in this state coupled with uneven-age management techniques will cause a transition to state 3. This state will be transitioned to a grassland state through clearing and grassland planting or to a pine plantation through clearing, tree planting and fire control.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of woodlands to non-native cool season grassland species such as tall fescue has been common. Low available water, abundant surface fragments, low organic matter contents and soil acidity make non-native grasslands difficult to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered patches of oaks. If grazing and pasture management is discontinued, oak sprouts will occur, and the site will eventually transition to state 2. Forest stand improvement and tree planting practices can hasten this process.
Submodel
Mechanism
Forest management; extended rotations; 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.