Terrace
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
-
Transition T1A
Planting of merchantable trees
More details
Targeted suppression of vegetation
Prescribed fire
Fertilization -
Transition T1B
Tree removal
More details
Mechanical and chemical suppression of woody vegetation
Tillage
Introduction of annual or perennial forage species -
Restoration pathway R2A
Natural regeneration and disturbance regimes
More details -
Transition T2A
Tree removal
More details
Mechanical and chemical suppression of woody vegetation
Tillage
Introduction of annual or perennial forage species -
Restoration pathway R3A
Natural regeneration and disturbance regimes
More details -
Transition T3A
Planting of merchantable trees
More details
Targeted suppression of vegetation
Prescribed fire
Fertilization -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State represents the natural range of variability for the ecological site without major human influences.
The main drivers for community pathways within the Reference State are climate effects (decadal scale), insect and disease presence or establishment, flooding events, wildlife grazing or browsing, and wildfire frequency and intensity.
High soil moisture and very rare flooding events are the main feedback mechanisms within this state. Because these factors limit the types of species that can grow and survive, water-tolerant trees dominate the ecological site.
Characteristics and indicators
The Reference State consists of a bottomland hardwood forest. Common tree species for this state are oak, sycamore, hickory, and hackberry (Bedinger, 1979).
Submodel
Description
The Timber Plantation State consists of merchantable trees planted to maximize production and wood volume. Common species include loblolly pine and oak. Important ecological drivers in this state include timber type (softwood or hardwood) and harvest method.
The main drivers for community pathways in this state are prescribed fire, pest management, vegetation management, and canopy density.
Timber harvesting is the main feedback mechanism for this state. Management focuses on increasing the growth of cultivated species.
Submodel
Description
Species that improve forage quality dominate the Pasture State. The quality and quantity of forbs and grass species within this state depend on the level of management inputs (seeding, weed management, and land uses). Both warm-season and cool-season forages are suitable for this ecological site.
The main drivers for community pathways in this state are the mechanical disturbance of the soil and seed planting, climate effects (decadal scale), seed dispersal, and wildlife or livestock grazing or browsing.
The main feedback mechanism in this state is the use of mechanical equipment or chemicals to maintain a productive pasture. Wildlife or livestock grazing or browsing reduces the amount of available forage. Fertilizer inputs and brush management are essential for maintaining high productivity.
Submodel
Mechanism
The main triggers for this transition are the planting of merchantable trees, targeted suppression of vegetation, prescribed fire, and fertilization.
The main slow variables for this transition are increased production and management of merchantable trees, alongside tree thinning when appropriate.
The main thresholds for this transition are the removal of existing vegetation and the planting of timber species.
Mechanism
The main triggers for this transition are tree removal, mechanical and chemical suppression of woody vegetation, tillage, and the introduction of annual or perennial forage species.
The main slow variables for this transition are increased production and management of forage species.
The main thresholds for this transition are changes in soil properties, such as structure, organic matter, and nutrient cycling, and changes in type and frequency of disturbance.
Mechanism
Restoration efforts for this pathway begin with mechanical and chemical treatment of undesirable woody vegetation and seeding native species. A grazing management plan and a reintroduction of historical disturbance regimes must accompany these initial treatments. Returning to a historical fire interval through prescribed burning helps to suppress woody vegetation and manage invasive species.
Mechanism
The main triggers for this transition are tree removal, mechanical and chemical suppression of woody vegetation, tillage, and the introduction of annual or perennial forage species.
The main slow variables for this transition are increased production and management of forage species.
The main thresholds for this transition are changes in soil properties, such as structure, organic matter, and nutrient cycling, and changes in type and frequency of disturbance.
Mechanism
Restoration efforts for this pathway include the removal of introduced species, cessation of suppression activities affecting desirable species, planting of native species, and regeneration. Introduced species may need removing several times before native species can flourish.
Mechanism
The main triggers for this transition are the planting of merchantable trees, targeted suppression of vegetation, prescribed fire, and fertilization.
The main slow variables for this transition are increased production and management of merchantable trees, alongside tree thinning when appropriate.
The main threshold for this transition is the suppression of introduced forage species due to management strategies and shading from the canopy.
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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.