Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Major stand replacing disturbance such as blow-down or clear-cutting in conjunction with fire.
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Disturbance-free period 70+ years.
More details -
Transition T2A
Grazing by livestock.
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.
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
Livestock grazed forests are more often referred to as woodlands rather than forests because this long-term land use significantly changes some soil characteristics and nature of vegetative community. Species composition is altered by selective browsing and grazing as well as by distribution of seeds and other propagules by grazing animals. In addition, soil compaction differentially affects germination and establishment of plant species, including trees.
Submodel
Transition T1A
Major stand replacing disturbance such as blow-down or clear-cutting in conjunction with fire.
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
Introduction of grazing by livestock. Livestock remove and trample most of the regenerating trees, shrubs, and understory plants leading to the establishment of grasses and forbs.
Mechanism
Removal of forest vegetation for agricultural crop production. Includes plowing, tilling, and irrigation.
Mechanism
Removal of livestock grazing. As long as grazing was not present for too great a length of time the understory plants may recover and return to the site. Grasses are likely to persist and out compete the native understory plants until the canopy is closed.
Mechanism
Removal of forest vegetation for agricultural crop production. Includes plowing, tilling, and irrigation.
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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