Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Post Oak Flatwoods
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Site disturbance with no post-management inputs
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearing; site prep; tillage; seeding; agriculture management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Timber stand improvement inputs; brush control; weed control; planting of desired species
More details -
Transition T2A
Clearing; site prep; planting; agricultural management
More details -
Transition T3A
Abandonment
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
Widely scattered post oak (Quercus stellata), blackjack oak (Q. Marilandica), black oak (Q. velutina) and hickories (Carya spp.) were the primary tree species. These species are often stunted in height due to the challenging soil conditions and periods of drought. Ground flora is varied in composition and overall density. Numerous native grasses and herbaceous species were present and species vary depending on the timing and severity of disturbances .
Dominant plant species
post oak (Quercus stellata), tree
black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica), tree
Carolina rose (Rosa carolina), shrub
blackberry (Rubus), shrub
sedge (Carex), grass
woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus), grass
Submodel
Description
This state is typified by a variety of oak and hickory species and other woody species. Ground cover density and composition will vary depending on disturbances and seed sources.
Dominant plant species
hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
post oak (Quercus stellata), tree
blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica), tree
sumac (Rhus), shrub
blackberry (Rubus), shrub
Carolina rose (Rosa carolina), shrub
multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), shrub
sedge (Carex), grass
eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), grass
Submodel
Description
Numerous crops can be grown on these sites depending on landowner goals and objectives. Sites often have had hydrological modifications installed such as ditches and tiling.
Dominant plant species
corn (Zea mays), grass
soybean (Glycine max), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
Many different disturbance can transition the reference state to a mixed oak - hickory community. Many different species may be present depending on the type and severity of disturbance(s). Non-native plants may also be brought on to the site thereby altering the understory species composition.
Mechanism
Site is cleared and utilized for agriculture production
Restoration pathway R2A
Timber stand improvement inputs; brush control; weed control; planting of desired species
Mechanism
Restoration inputs include woody species control, weed control and planting of desired species followed by continued management.
Mechanism
Site abandonment results in a number of native and non-native plant species invading the site. Species will be determined by a number of factors including the type/length of disturbance and the available seed sources. The community will naturally continue toward a return to a mixed woodland disturbed state
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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