Chert Limestone/Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T3B More details
- Transition T4A More details
- Transition T4B 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
Historically, these woodlands occurred occur on steep backslopes with southern and western aspects. The restricted soil depth, droughty conditions, and native grasses made them susceptible to frequent fires, once every 3 to 5 years. Consequently, fire-tolerant post oak, black oak, and chinkapin oak, along with hickory dominated the open-canopy overstory. The understory consisted of a dense cover of native grasses and forbs (community phase 1.1).
Submodel
Description
Fire suppression has allowed these previously open woodlands to become dense with less fire-tolerant trees and saplings such as eastern redcedar. The dense, shaded conditions and lack of fire has caused the ground flora to decrease in cover and diversity. Fragrant sumac often forms a dense shrub understory under these conditions. However, many of the original herbaceous species persist as small plantlets or in the seed bank.
Submodel
Description
In addition to fire exclusion, many of these sites have been subjected to heavy grazing by domestic livestock and periodic logging. These areas are dense and shady with a diminished ground flora. In addition, grazed areas exhibit a lower diversity of native ground flora species and an increased abundance of eastern redcedar and other invasive natives such as coralberry and multi-flora rose.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue and red clover has been common. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction.
Submodel
Mechanism
This is a gradual transition that results from extended, disturbance free periods of roughly 50 years or longer. Selective logging is also occurring.
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.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
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.