Clayey Flat
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Absence of disturbance, introduction of Chinese tallow and/or other non-native species, and natural regeneration over time
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Transition T1B
Native vegetation has been cleared and replaced with desirable timber species
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Transition T1C
Native vegetation has been cleared and replaced with improved forage species or annual crops
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Restoration pathway R2A
Mechanical and chemical control of Chinese tallow, coupled with period fire every 10-20 years
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Transition T2A
Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut and vegetation is replaced with monoculture of desirable timber species.
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Transition T2A
Vegetation has been cleared and replaced with improved forage species or annual crops
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Restoration pathway R3A
Selective harvest combined with reintroduction of native species and periodic fire every 10-20 years
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Transition T3A
Native vegetation has been harvested and replaced with improved forage species or annual crops
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Transition T4B
Lack of natural/anthropogenic disturbance and natural regeneration over time
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Transition T4A
Planting monoculture of desirable timber species
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Clayey Flat ecological site is a Swamp Chestnut/Willow Oak Forest. The nature of the clayey soils and flat surface greatly increase the available water to the plants. The clayey soils have shrink-swell properties and can cause crooked trunks in the overstory trees. The soils shift through wetting and drying, causing the trees to readjust as they grow towards the sunlight. Clay soils accumulate nutrients more readily which allows the biomass on the sites to be high. The high quality of the soils create a moderate to heavy overstory from 75 to 95 percent. Basal areas are high from 85 to over 105 square feet per acre. Wetness is more of a disturbance factor than fire. Fire frequencies are low and probably occurred every 10 to 20 years.
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 chemicals 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 or hardwood species.
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 outcompete, 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 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
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 is prepared and planted to a monoculture of pine or hardwood 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 and begin as in the previous example. 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, the site prepared and planted to either an improved grass or row crops.
Mechanism
This community transition is caused by neglecting crop or pasture. Without continuation of agricultural management, noxious weeds can invade ground layer and eventually develop into a thicket, shading out desired plants.
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.