MOIST FLOODPLAIN
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 one identified community phase influenced by time since
disturbance (flooding, fire, etc.). The primary plants in this site are grasses and grasslikes, however there is a small component of shrubs and trees. 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 that can be sparse on this site. Understory plants, like rhizmomatous willow and graminoids are less influenced by seasonal flooding and may remain intact after seasonal flooding.
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 that can establish on this site.
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 the adjacent stream channel. Or artificial lowering of the water table. Or a combination of these two disturbances.
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.