Gravelly/Loamy Upland Drainageway Woodland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Restoration pathway T3A 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 reference community is a well-developed woodland with a rather tall, developed canopy (60 to 80 feet and 80 to 90 percent canopy closure), a complex understory and a dense herbaceous ground flora. Gaps in all three layers are common due to flash flooding. White oak and black oak dominate along with a variety of mixed hardwood tree species, including elm and hickory.
Submodel
Description
Gravelly Upland Drainageway Woodlands subjected to repeated, high-graded timber harvests and domestic grazing transition to this state. This state exhibits an over-abundance of less desirable tree species, and weedy understory species such as coralberry. The vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition, destabilizes stream banks and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff during flood events. Restoration of this state can be facilitated by exclusion of cattle coupled with tree planting.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of Gravelly Upland Drainageway Woodlands to non-native pasture species such as tall fescue has been common in the Springfield Plain. Frequent flooding and low available water capacity make non-native pastures difficult to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site. Restoration of this state is time consuming and costly but can be achieved over time by discontinuing grazing and active pasture management and tree planting.
Submodel
Mechanism
Clearing; grassland planting; prescribed grazing; grassland management
Mechanism
Grazing exclusion; access control; tree planting; forest stand improvement
Mechanism
Clearing; grassland planting; prescribed grazing; grassland management
Mechanism
Tree planting; long term succession (60-70 years); forest stand improvement
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.