Wet Land
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
-
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Reference State (1.0) represents the best estimate of the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the Wet Land ecological site prior to European settlement. This site, in the Reference State (1.0), is dominated by grasses, grass-like species, and forbs. Variations in annual precipitation and in length of time the site is ponded greatly influence the species composition from year to year. During wet years, the plant community responds to higher surface water levels. Grass-like species and forbs increase in abundance. During drier years, the plant community is dominated by grasses and obligate sedges and rushes. Grazing pressure on this site and surrounding sites also influence the plant community dynamics. Hoof action during wet periods can cause soil compaction and reduce rooting depth and soil saturation levels. Heavy animal concentrations or cropping on the surrounding landscapes can increase runoff and sedimentation. In pre-European settlement times, the primary disturbances included grazing by large ungulates, occasional fire, and drought. Favorable growing conditions occurred during the spring and the warm months of June through August. Today, a similar state can be found in areas where proper livestock management occurs.
Submodel
Description
The Native/Invaded State (2.0) is dominated by native and non-native cool-season grasses and grass-like species. The non-native cool-season grasses, primarily Kentucky bluegrass, make up 10 to 15 percent of the total annual production. This state is the result of heavy grazing; excessive haying; or heavy disturbance that can create soil compaction and sedimentation. Cattails and possibly reed canarygrass increase in abundance and replace the reference plant community. The Native/Invaded State (2.0) is very resilient and resistant to change.
Submodel
Mechanism
Heavy grazing, excessive haying with no recovery opportunity, or heavy disturbance that results in sedimentation transition State 1.0 to the Native/Invaded State (2.0).
Mechanism
Removal of management-induced disturbance coupled with long-term prescribed grazing; or prescribed burning in combination with prescribed grazing may eventually move the Native/Invaded State (2.0) toward the Reference State (1.0). This transition pathway assumes the availability of an adequate seed and vegetative source. This process may require a long time to accomplish and may be difficult to attain depending on the degree of degradation. Wetland restoration may be an alternative but may be cost prohibitive and may not meet management objectives.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Prescribed Burning |
|
|
Prescribed 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.