Depressional
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Introduction of Chinese tallow and/or other non-native
More details -
Transition T1B
Native vegetation has been cleared and replaced with desirable timber species.
More details -
Restoration pathway R2
Mechanical and chemical control of Chinese tallow
More details -
Transition T2A
Existing vegetation cleared and replaced with desirable timber species.
More details -
Restoration pathway R3
Selective harvest combined with reintroduction of native species.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Depressional ecological site is a Blackgum/Water Oak Forest. The deep silty soils are very poorly and drained and typically pond water during a portion of the year, primarily November through May. The sites generally do not let much light to the forest floor having canopy covers over 85 percent. Basal areas can range depending on stand age, but are commonly between 75 and 95 square feet per acre. Fire is not usually a factor and burn only during persistent droughts or the peripheries when the surrounding uplands burn. Instead, the ponding of water forms the makeup of the plant communities.
Submodel
Description
Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) is an undesired, invasive species brought to the United States in 1776 (Randall and Marinelli, 1996). Rapid expansion along the gulf coastal states has allowed the species to invade many ecosystems and consequently reduce diversity. Tallow trees are known to cause gastrointestinal upset, contact dermatitis, and toxicity in livestock and humans. Mechanical and chemical options exist as a means to control the trees.
Submodel
Description
The Plantation State is a result of conversion activities. The landowner has maximized silviculture production by planting a monoculture of pine species, usually loblolly pine, but sometimes slash pine (Pinus ellioti) is planted.
Submodel
Mechanism
The transition from State 1 to State 2 is a result of occupancy by Chinese tallow or other noxious weeds. Invasion can be enhanced by clearing of the overstory. Invasive plants out compete, and eventually choke out, all other native species.
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 pine or hardwood trees.
Mechanism
The driver for restoration is control of Chinese tallow. Although an option, mechanical removal of the trees is difficult because they readily regrow from roots and seeds. Several chemical methods are available including glyphosate for cut-stump treatments, triclopyr for cut-stump and foliar treatments, imazamox for broad spectrum application, and imazapyr as a foliar spray. Many aquatic herbicides have water use restrictions and can potentially kill hardwoods, so labels and restrictions should be read carefully prior to application.
Mechanism
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing silviculture potential. Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut. Then, the site prepared and planted to a monoculture of pine or hardwood trees.
Mechanism
When restoring a plantation, the land manager can clearcut the timber, prepare the site, and then plant. 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 woodland. The benefit is a slow progression of restoration instead of starting from primary succession.
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.