Cottonwood Terrace
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 T2A 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
The Reference State concept has two main community phases influenced by time since disturbance (flooding, fire, etc.). Cottonwood seeds will be left behind after a seasonal flood event. The cottonwood seedlings will germinate if the soil conditions are right (moist and bare). These seedlings, if left undisturbed, will mature to trees. Understory plants, like rhizmomatous willow and graminoids are less influenced by seasonal flooding and may remain intact after seasonal flooding. Extreme flooding or fire may remove the tree overstory and the understory, allowing the graminoids and willows to dominate the site until the conditions are appropriate for cottonwood establishment.
Submodel
Description
The Current Potential State occurs after non-native plant species introduction. The species can range from trees, shrubs, to herbaceous. Russian olive, tamarisk, Kentucky bluegrass, and thistles are common non-native plants.
Submodel
Description
The Channelized/Degraded state is characterized by a adjacent stream that has been channelized. Most seasonal floodwaters remain the in channel and do not inundate the flood plain. This reduces cottonwood recruitment and may reduce soil moisture on the site allowing species that are more tolerant to dry conditions to establish.
Submodel
Mechanism
Channelization of adjacent stream channel. Reduced soil moisture and altered hydrology of the site. Urbanization and agriculture uses may be present.
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.