Gleyed Soil Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
State 1 Reference transitions to State 2 Invaded Understory by gradual replacement of the understory by introduced plant species that outcompete native understory species. This process is accelerated by ungulate foraging that disturbs the soil surface and directly destroys native plants and prevents their regeneration.
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
It may be possible to restore State 2 Invaded Understory to State 1 Reference. Before restoration of native plants, introduced understory plants must be eliminated, and ungulates must be excluded from the restoration site.
More details -
Transition T2A
State 2 Invaded Understory will transition to State 3 Invaded Overstory and Understory. Native species are unable to successfully regenerate due to the dense, shady weed understory. Mature native plants eventually die out and are replaced by more competitive, introduced species.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State consists of one community phase that contains a range of vegetation that varies with very small changes in elevation and drainage. State 1 will transition into State 2 Invaded Understory by gradual weed invasion, which is exacerbated greatly by activities of feral ungulates, particularly pigs.
Submodel
Description
This state consists of one community phase. Native plant abundance and diversity are lower than in the Reference state. Most native species are unable to regenerate well in this plant community and eventually die out. Some small native ferns persist on tree trunks and limbs. Ground cover of moss is lower than in the Reference state. Where moss cover is naturally shallow, digging and rooting by pigs removes the moss cover completely, exposing the mineral soil beneath. These bare soil patches are easily invaded by introduced weed species.
Submodel
Mechanism
State 1 Reference transitions to State 2 Invaded Understory by gradual replacement of the understory by introduced plant species that outcompete native understory species. This process is accelerated by ungulate foraging that disturbs the soil surface and directly destroys native plants and prevents their regeneration.
Mechanism
It may be possible to restore State 2 Invaded Understory to State 1 Reference. Before restoration of native plants, introduced understory plants must be eliminated, and ungulates must be excluded from the restoration site.
Mechanism
State 2 Invaded Understory will transition to State 3 Invaded Overstory and Understory. Native species are unable to successfully regenerate due to the dense, shady weed understory. Mature native plants eventually die out and are replaced by more competitive, introduced species.
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.