Sandstone Upland Woodland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1C More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T4A 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 is native mature oak woodland dominated by white oak and black oak, with a variety of prairie forbs and grasses in the understory. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice maintained the woodland structure and diverse ground flora species. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in both the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species.
Submodel
Description
Degraded reference states that have experienced fire suppression and woody invasion for 20 or more years will transition to this state. With fire suppression, woody species such as black oak, post oak and hickory will begin to increase. Native herbaceous ground cover will also decrease.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue and red clover has been common in this area. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing and a lack of grassland management can cause significant soil erosion and compaction and increases in less productive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and weedy forbs such as ironweed. A return to the reference state may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options.
Submodel
Description
Wooded sites subjected to repeated, high-graded timber harvests and uncontrolled domestic grazing transition to this State. This state exhibits an over-abundance of hickory and other less desirable tree species, and weedy understory species such as buckbrush, gooseberry, poison ivy and Virginia creeper. The vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff.
Submodel
Mechanism
This is a gradual transition that results from extended, disturbance fire free periods.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of high-grade logging, uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing and fire suppression.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway is the result of the systematic application of prescribed fire. Mechanical thinning may also be used along with understory removal.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of light intermittent grazing, long idle periods and increased woody growth and development.
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.