Loess Terrace
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
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Restoration pathway R4A More details
- Transition T4A 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
This ecological site was a grassland prairie. The fragipan layer located two to three feet below the surface restricts root growth and perches water. Herbaceous vegetation found throughout the site are adapted to these conditions. Frequent fire is necessary to keep the sites open and free of woody species.
Submodel
Description
Prolonged absence of fire in the Prairie State will transition into the Forest State. Without natural frequent fire intervals, woody species become established. Within a few years they can grow to a height where fire is ineffective at controlling their growth. They eventually grow to densities where light is restricted to the grasses and forbs, and only shade tolerant species can thrive.
Submodel
Description
The Plantation State is a result of conversion activities. The landowner has maximized silviculture production by planting a monoculture of tree species.
Submodel
Mechanism
The transition from State 1 to State 2 is a result of time and long periods of no fire. Without fire to suppress seedlings, biomass and diversity is lost from the grass and forb layers.
Mechanism
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing silviculture potential. If present, merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to a monoculture of trees.
Mechanism
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing agricultural production. If present, merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to either a tame grass or row crop.
Mechanism
Restoration of this community to the reference state begins with a timber harvest. Removing trees opens up the canopy, allowing sunlight penetration to the ground. If the land has been forested for many decades, native seeds may be required if a seedbank does not exist. After a successful stand of grass has returned, natural burn intervals are required to keep woody species controlled.
Mechanism
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing silviculture potential. If present, merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to a monoculture of trees.
Mechanism
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing agricultural production. If present, merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to either a tame grass or row crop.
Mechanism
Restoration of this community to the reference state begins with a timber harvest. Removing trees opens up the canopy, allowing sunlight penetration to the ground. If the land has been forested for many decades, native seeds may be required if a seedbank does not exist. After a successful stand of grass has returned, natural burn intervals are required to keep woody species controlled.
Mechanism
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing agricultural production. If present, merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to either a tame grass or row crop.
Mechanism
Restoration of this community to the reference state begins by reseeding native seeds. After a successful stand of grass has returned, natural burn intervals are required to keep woody species controlled.
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.