Shallow Limestone Upland Glade/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
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition 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
Glade/Woodland reference sites harbor a wide diversity of plants and animals. Many, like little bluestem, Indiangrass, and sideoats grama, are also found on prairies. But others, such as Missouri coneflower and calamint are only found on limestone/dolomite glades. Desert-adapted animals, like scorpions and tarantulas, also occupy healthy glades. The glade/woodland complexes range from wide open grassy areas with shallow soils and bare bedrock, to areas with widely scattered chinkapin oak and post oak on locations with soil depths at the deeper extreme of the range for this soil component. On protected slopes, open woodlands are more common. Here the deeper soil depth range for this soil component and protected aspects allow more woody components to dominate. While many have suffered from grazing and fire suppression, good examples can still be found.
Submodel
Description
This state is dominated by eastern redcedar with large increases of oak density due to extended periods of fire suppression. This state can form relatively even-age stands, dating to when fire suppression became the dominant management characteristic on the site. Canopy closures can approach 100% with little or no ground flora. Transition back to the reference state may require a number of prescribed fire events and thinning out of excess woody species. This state also can transition to a grazed state (State 3) with the introduction of domestic livestock.
Submodel
Description
The Grazed Glade/Woodland State has reduced cover, diversity and vigor of native glade/woodland flora. Woody species encroachment, particularly by eastern redcedar, has also increased in this state. Potential physical site damage by uncontrolled livestock grazing may further degrade this State.
Submodel
Mechanism
This gradual transition results from prolonged periods of fire suppression, generally over 20 years.
Mechanism
This transition results from persistent livestock grazing accompanied by fire suppression.
Mechanism
Restoration requires removing most of the eastern redcedar and other woody invaders, accompanied by prescribed fire.
Mechanism
Restoration requires exclusion of livestock grazing, accompanied by prescribed fire and woody removal.
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.