Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Moist Loamy-Clayey Bedrock Upland Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Clear cutting or stand-replacing fire.
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Disturbance-free period 70+ years.
More details -
Transition T2A
Livestock grazing commenced.
More details -
Transition T2B
Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Removal of livestock grazing.
More details -
Transition T3A
Removal of forest vegetation and tilling.
More details -
Restoration pathway R4A
Cessation of agricultural practices, natural or artificial afforestation.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
In absence of stand-leveling disturbances the Reference State Community oscillates between two easily definable community phases, a mature, or late successional, community phase and a rejuvenated community phase.
Dominant plant species
eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), tree
red pine (Pinus resinosa), tree
white oak (Quercus alba), tree
northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree
Submodel
Description
Post-logging state may consist of considerable diversity of pioneer and mid-successional community phases. Here we are describing four, most commonly found under current conditions.
Submodel
Description
Site phase consists of various grasses and forbs impacted by livestock grazing.
Dominant plant species
reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), grass
tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
brome (Bromus), grass
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the production of agricultural crops. Species will vary depending on landowner goals and objectives.
Dominant plant species
corn (Zea mays), grass
wheat (Triticum), grass
soybean (Glycine max), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
Clear cutting with initial control of competing vegetation, or stand-replacing fire, prepare the site for occupancy by shade intolerant species. This may occur through natural regeneration or by planting.
Mechanism
A period of some 70-100 years without major stand disturbance, especially fire, leads to decreased presence, through natural mortality, of early successional species and the dominance of relatively shade tolerant white pine and sub-canopy of red maple, returning the community to Reference State.
Mechanism
The site is characterized by forage species and grazing by livestock.
Mechanism
The site is cleared and tiling is installed to improve drainage.
Mechanism
Grazing is removed from the site. The site is allowed to slowly transition to trees. Timber stand improvement activities will improve stand health and species distribution.
Mechanism
The site is cleared and tiling is installed to improve drainage.
Restoration pathway R4A
Cessation of agricultural practices, natural or artificial afforestation.
Mechanism
The site is transitioned from agricultural production to early successional tree species. Management actions my include seeding and/or planting of desired tree species, weed control, brush control, and timber stand improvement actions.
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.
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