Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Thermic Low Stream Terrace Alluvium
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3B More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This state approximates reference conditions. It varies widely across the MLRA from north to south. Generally, forests consist of some mixture of pine and hardwood species. Notable species include the hickories, red oak, white oak, chestnut oak, blackjack oak, shortleaf pine, longleaf pine, eastern white pine, and Virginia pine. Yellow poplar and the maples are also common. Because of the extent of disturbance on this site, reference conditions are approximations based on available historical descriptions and cannot be considered reliable.
Submodel
Description
This site is heavily managed. Pasture and hay are common land-uses. Crops can include corn, cotton, small grain, soybeans, tobacco, peanuts, and truck crops.
Submodel
Description
This state represents a managed site (E.g., pasture) that is no longer being managed and has been abandoned to succession. Species composition and overall health of this state will largely depend on the type and extent of previous land-use disturbance. It is likely that non-native invasive plants will be introduced to this state. Other native early successional species will also be represented but will naturally fall out over time as the site ages. In some cases, early successional habitat is desirable (E.g., for some wildlife species). If that is the case, then it must be managed to be maintained. Management practices should be locally determined based on the native species composition, presence of non-native invasive plants and landowner goals.
Submodel
Mechanism
Tree clearing and establishment of agricultural crop. Practices vary widely based on the intent of management.
Mechanism
Natural succession after management ceases. Sometimes this includes invasion by undesirable non-native plants.
Mechanism
If few or no invasive, non-native plant species are present this site will naturally regenerate to the forested state. In some cases, herbicide or mechanical control might be needed to select desirable species if the future goal is timber management. In some cases, tree planting might be merited.
Mechanism
Brush clearing where needed, application of herbicides where needed, management for desired agricultural outcome. Where native grasslands/prairies are the management objective, different techniques should be employed. Site preparation and seeding mixtures would likely be needed. If early successional habitat is the management goal, practices such as brush clearing, herbicide application where needed and prescribed fire might be necessary to maintain this condition.
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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