Depression
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Clearcut, site preparation, tree planting
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearcut, grass/crop planting
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Gap-phase regeneration or clearcut with tree planting
More details -
Transition T2A
Clearcut, grass/crop planting
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Tree planting, mature overstory establishment
More details -
Transition T3A
Clearcut, site preparation, tree planting
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
State 1 has an overstory of willow oak, green ash, and laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia). The fringes around the depressions and mounds in between may have loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and southern red oak (Quercus falcata). The shrub layer oftentimes forms dense thickets. Species that grow in these areas have to be able to withstand prolonged soil saturation and erratically-timed ponding up to 12 inches.
Natural disturbances of fires, lightning strikes, hurricanes (wind throw), ice events (rare), and beetle infestations aid in maintaining the uneven-age structure. The natural canopy spacing is kept intact by the natural droughtiness and periodic fires ranging from 10 to 20 years. Fire is not an extremely important factor until the sites become really dry and experience burning from the adjacent uplands and terraces. Instead, treefall from soil saturation is the most common disturbance.
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 is due to the land manager maximizing silviculture potential. 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. Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to either an improved grass or row crops.
Mechanism
When restoring a plantation, the land manager can either clearcut the timber, prepare the site, and plant trees. Otherwise, gap-phase regeneration is possible through selective timber harvests. This involves replanting the desired overstory species in small openings within the current structure of the forest. The benefit is a slow progression of restoration instead of starting from primary succession.
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 an improved grass or row crops.
Mechanism
This restoration path can be accomplished by planting a mix of native species to their natural frequencies while trying to attain a mature overstory canopy. Management will be required to control unwanted species by burning, mowing, and/or herbicides. Controlling introduced pasture grasses is difficult, with complete control likely not attainable. The herbaceous understory will take time to develop, but this process can be expedited if adapted plant material seed is available.
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.