Sandstone Protected Backslope Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- 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 oak forest dominated by white oak with a structurally diverse understory and an abundant forest ground flora. Maximum tree age was likely 150 to 300 years. These sites were subject to occasional disturbances from wind and ice, which periodically open the canopy up by knocking over trees or breaking substantial branches of canopy trees. Such canopy disturbances allowed more light to reach the ground and favor reproduction of the dominant oak species. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in both the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species.
Submodel
Description
Unmanaged reference states that have experienced, occasional logging, a lack of natural disturbance, and woody invasion for 30 or more years will transition to this state. With a lack of disturbance, woody species such as northern red oak, hickory species, and eastern hophornbeam will begin to increase. Logging and woody invasion decreases the overall age and average diameter of the forest.
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.
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 livestock, and excessive stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition is the result of ice and wind free disturbances greater than 30 years, woody invasion; and occasional logging.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing; tillage, vegetative seeding and grassland management.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of high-grade logging and uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway is the result of forest stand improvement, regular disturbances and long-term rotations.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of abandonment for greater than 30 years and uncontrolled grazing
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.