Shallow Mixed Sedimentary Upland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1 - 2 More details
- Transition T1 - 3 More details
- Restoration pathway R2 - 1 More details
- Transition T2 - 3 More details
- Restoration pathway R3 - 2 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
These Oak – Hickory forests occur on acidic shale, siltstone, and sandstone uplands along the foothills of the sandstone ridges and within the shale dominated valleys. The restricted soil depth, and droughty conditions favor the growth of xeric oak species. The reference communities listed below have been documented on the Shallow Mixed Sedimentary Uplands and although they are representative, they are not intended to describe every situation or the full range of conditions for this site. There are no transition pathways designated between some of the three communities in the reference state because the differences in vegetation are more controlled by landscape position than management or disturbance, or the relationships are not understood.
Submodel
Description
Dry Oak Hickory forests were observed growing on what was considered to be former agricultural areas where the soil profile showed characteristics of prior cultivation, most noticeably having a relatively distinct plow layer in the upper 15cm of soil. Heavy invasion of non-native species in the understory was also an indicator of disturbance. The dominance or strong presence of Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine) in some areas points to historic clearing as the bare mineral soil of cultivated sites facilitates the germination requirements of Pinus virginiana, and other early successional species.
Submodel
Description
Upland shale areas that have less than 15% slope have nearly all been cleared for either row crop production or for the planting of non-native cool season grasses for pasture. Soils are generally acidic, so pH must be managed for best fertility. The soils are relatively shallow, 10 to 40 inches in depth, and can be droughty and stony.
Submodel
Mechanism
Historically logged and cleared; possibly plowed, pastured, and grazed. Long term succession; no grazing.
Mechanism
Logged, cleared, cultivated. Cultivation currently maintained.
Mechanism
Remove understory, plant native seeds and seedlings, eliminate and manage nonnative species, implement a prescribed fire plan. Return to the reference or post logged minimally managed state may require a very long term series of costly management options and stages. Many species may need to be planted or seeded to restore the system. Herbivory can be a problem as well as competition from faster growing species. Depending on the existing seed bank and the proximity of a mature forest from which to recruit seeds, ruderal forests may regain a mixed forest stand. Nevertheless, sites that have been cleared and tilled have significant soil disturbance which may include compaction, erosion, loss of native soil structure, loss of soil organic matter, disruption of soil microorganisms, all which affect the soil’s nutrient availability and water holding capacity (Duiker and Myers, 2005). These characteristics favor recolonization by plant species that have wind dispersed seeds (verses those that propagate through underground roots called rhizomes, or which have heavy seeds that stay near the parent tree), are shade intolerant, have rapid to moderate growth rates, and drought tolerance (Dyer, 2010). Aggressive control of nonnative species and invasive species will be ongoing.
The following conservation practices from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide can be used for restoration efforts (FOTG-USDA): Brush Management-314; Forest Stand Improvement-666; Herbaceous Weed Control-315; Upland Wildlife habitat management-645; Prescribed burning-338.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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Prescribed Burning |
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Upland Wildlife Habitat Management |
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Forest Stand Improvement |
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Herbaceous Weed Control |
Mechanism
Logged, cleared, cultivated. Cultivation currently maintained.
Mechanism
Tree planting; long term succession (50+ years); no grazing.
The following conservation practices from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide can be used for restoration efforts (FOTG-USDA): Brush Management-314; Critical Area Planting-342; Early Successional Habitat Development-647; Fence-382; Forest Stand Improvement-666; Herbaceous Weed Control-315; Tree/Shrub site Preparation-490; Upland Wildlife habitat management-645; Prescribed burning-338
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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Critical Area Planting |
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Tree/Shrub Site Preparation |
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Upland Wildlife Habitat Management |
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Early Successional Habitat Development/Management |
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Forest Stand Improvement |
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Herbaceous Weed Control |
Model keys
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