Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Mesic Temperature Regime, Acidic Upland Depressions and Heads of Drains, Wet
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Clearcut logging or other large-scale disturbances that cause canopy removal.
More details -
Transition T1B
Mechanical tree/brush/stump/debris removal, seedbed preparation, applications of fertilizer/lime, and planting of perennial grasses and forbs.
More details -
Transition T2A
Long-term natural succession.
More details -
Transition T2B
Mechanical tree/brush/stump/debris removal, seedbed preparation, applications of fertilizer/lime, weed control, and planting of perennial grasses and forbs.
More details -
Transition T3A
Long-term cessation of grazing.
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
This mature forest state is generally dominated by bottomland oaks, with water-tolerant and acid-tolerant vines, shrubs, and herbs in the understory. The herb layer is generally dominated by sedges (Carex spp.), together with various rushes, grasses, ferns, and mosses. Species-richness is typically low in all strata.
Characteristics and indicators
Stands are uneven-aged with at least some old trees present. Canopy cover from sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), red maple (Acer rubrum), and other pioneers is low, though these tree species frequently appear in the understory.
Dominant plant species
willow oak (Quercus phellos), tree
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), tree
common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), tree
roundleaf greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), shrub
black highbush blueberry (Vaccinium fuscatum), shrub
trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), shrub
possumhaw (Viburnum nudum), shrub
hirsute sedge (Carex complanata), grass
greater straw sedge (Carex normalis), grass
hop sedge (Carex lupulina), grass
slender woodoats (Chasmanthium laxum), grass
leathery rush (Juncus coriaceus), grass
American climacium moss (Climacium americanum), grass
sphagnum (Sphagnum), grass
polytrichum moss (Polytrichum), grass
thuidium moss (Thuidium), grass
leucobryum moss (Leucobryum), grass
Submodel
Description
This successional phase develops in the wake of clearcut logging, storm-related catastrophic tree mortality, or other large-scale disturbances that have led to canopy removal in the recent past. Which species colonize a particular location in the wake of a disturbance does involve a considerable degree of chance. It also depends a great deal on the type, duration, and magnitude of the disturbance event.
Characteristics and indicators
Plant age distribution is even. Plants exhibit pioneering traits such as rapid growth, early reproduction, and shade-intolerance.
Submodel
Description
This converted state is dominated by herbaceous forage species.
Resilience management
Though flooding from streams does not occur, seasonal soil wetness should be accounted for when planning grazing rotations, budgeting forage, and planning fencing needs. Grazing is not practical in most years during the cooler months.
Dominant plant species
tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
beaked panicgrass (Panicum anceps), grass
eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), grass
white clover (Trifolium repens), grass
bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), grass
Submodel
Transition T1A
Clearcut logging or other large-scale disturbances that cause canopy removal.
Mechanism
The reference state can transition to the secondary succession state through clearcut logging or other large-scale disturbances that cause canopy removal.
Transition T1B
Mechanical tree/brush/stump/debris removal, seedbed preparation, applications of fertilizer/lime, and planting of perennial grasses and forbs.
Mechanism
The reference state can transition to the pasture/hayland state through 1) mechanical tree/brush/stump/debris removal, 2) seedbed preparation, 3) applications of fertilizer/lime, and 4) planting of perennial grasses and forbs.
Context dependence
Herbicide applications, fire, and/or root-raking can be helpful in transitioning treed land to pasture. This is done in part to limit coppicing, as many woody plants are capable of sprouting from residual plant structures left behind after clearing. Judicious use of root-raking is recommended, as this practice can have long-term repercussions with regard to soil structure. Applications of fertilizer and lime can also be helpful in establishing perennial forage species. Grazing should be deferred until grasses and forbs are well established.
Mechanism
The secondary succession state can transition to the reference state through long-term natural succession. This process can be accelerated to some degree by a combination of prescribed burns and selective harvesting of pines and opportunistic hardwoods.
Transition T2B
Mechanical tree/brush/stump/debris removal, seedbed preparation, applications of fertilizer/lime, weed control, and planting of perennial grasses and forbs.
Mechanism
The secondary succession state can transition to the pasture/hayland state through 1) mechanical tree/brush/stump/debris removal, 2) seedbed preparation, 3) applications of fertilizer/lime, 4) weed control, and 5) planting of perennial grasses and forbs.
Constraints to recovery
A broad spectrum herbicide, fire, and/or root-raking can be helpful in transitioning wooded or semi-wooded land to pasture. This is done in part to limit coppicing, as many woody pioneers are capable of sprouting from residual plant structures left behind after clearing. Judicious use of root-raking is recommended, as this practice can have long-term repercussions with regard to soil structure. Applications of fertilizer and lime can also be helpful in establishing perennial forage species. Grazing should be deferred until grasses and forbs are well established.
Model keys
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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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