Shallow Marsh
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Inundation, Heavy continuous grazing, No fire
More details -
Transition T1B
Tillage, Artificial drainage
More details -
Restoration pathway T2A
Long term prescribed grazing, Wetland restoration
More details -
Transition T2B
Tillage, Artificial drainage
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Restoration pathway T3A
Cropped and abandoned
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Shallow Marsh site typically occurs in a basin or closed depression, and receives water directly from precipitation, surface overland flow, and groundwater discharge. Soils are very poorly drained and formed in local alluvium. Permeability is very slow and the site will pond water until early summer in most years. The central concept soil series is Worthing, but other series are included. Ponded water conditions and very slow permeability strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship. This state represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ES. This state is typically dominated by cool-season grass and grass-like species. Before European settlement, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periodic fire, grazing by large herding ungulates, and fluctuations in the water table and ponding frequency and duration. Frequent surface fires (3 to 5 years) and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire, concentrated livestock grazing, and weather fluctuations. Species that are desirable for livestock and wildlife can decline and a corresponding increase in less desirable species will occur.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the increase in bare ground due to trampling caused by excessive use and/or by inundation for extended periods which causes a temporary shift in the plant composition and cover. This allows for the invasion of nonnative species, which, with continued heavy grazing, can increase to eventual dominance. Loss or reduction of native cool- and warm-season species can negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Infiltration will be reduced and native plant mortality will increase. As the disturbance level increases, native plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species and invasive perennial species, as well as, a further increase in bare ground.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices. Cropping on this site is enabled during years with drier than normal precipitation or with artificial drainage (surface or subsurface).
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season and often at the same time of year each year), no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 years or more) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, and/or inundation for extended periods beyond normal ponding and drying patterns will eventually cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 2.1 Spikerush-Baltic Rush-Fowl Bluegrass-Forbs Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 2). Grazing repeatedly in the early growing season can expedite this shift by causing mechanical disturbance due to trampling.
Mechanism
Tillage, artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).
Mechanism
Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high-density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). Wetland restoration techniques may be necessary to restore biotic integrity and plant diversity and productivity.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Grazing |
|
|
Wetland Restoration |
Mechanism
Tillage, artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).
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.