Sloping Clayey Upland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut and site is planted to a monoculture of pine trees.
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Transition T1B
Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut and site is planted with improved forage species or annual crops.
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Restoration pathway R2A
Reintroduction of desirable native species and natural regeneration overtime
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Transition T2A
Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut and site is planted with improved forage species or annual crops.
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Restoration pathway R3A
Reintroduction of desirable native species and natural regeneration overtime
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Transition T3A
Site is planted to a monoculture of pine trees
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Sloping Clayey ecological site is a Shortleaf Pine/Red Oak Forest. The entirety of MLRA 152B is typically flat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, so the sloping nature of these sites are unique. The soils are comprised of deep clays with shrink-swell properties. The shifting clays cause some tree trunks to grow crooked as they adjust and grow towards the sunlight. Nutrients accumulate well in the soils and produce a moderate to heavy overstory canopy from 75 to 95 percent. Basal areas can be high, ranging from 70 to over 90 square feet per acre. A moderate fire regime is probable, occurring every 5 to 10 years when herbaceous biomass has accumulated.
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 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 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, 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 woodland. 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 oak and pine species to their natural frequencies (see State 1 – Overstory Composition table); trying to attain a representative 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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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.