Clayey Terrace
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
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A 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 is a grassland prairie. Herbaceous vegetation found throughout the site are adapted to the clayey-textured soils. 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
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 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. Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to either a tame grass or row crop.
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.