Thermic Alfic Shale Uplands
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- 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. Some areas are planted in pine for pulpwood production. If this is found to be an important land-use, it may require it's own state in future iterations. Loblolly pine is the most commonly planted species in the southern extent of the MLRA although this site is not rated highly for it's productivity.
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. In the Official Series Descriptions for the soil series included in this PES, the term "idle" is often used to described this state.
Mechanism
Tree clearing, pasture species establishment, continued pasture management
Mechanism
Natural succession after pasture/hay 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, pasture management (may include re-seeding with desirable forage).
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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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.