Acid Peatland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Logging, seeding.
More details -
Transition T1B
Impoundment or maintenance of water on-site, and/or establishment of invasive species.
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Transition T1C
Beaver activity, roads, drainage, and other alterations in hydrology.
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Transition T2A
Non-native plant species on site
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Restoration pathway R4A
Hydrological management
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Transition T4A
Non-native species on site
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
Moss cover is very indicative for this site, driving the successional dynamics and species diversity. Sphagnum sp. absorb dissolved mineral cations, and release organic acids, which lowers the pH of stagnant surface water below 5.0 (MN DNR 2003). Sphagnum tends to form carpets of hummocks, which creates an acidic environment cut off from groundwater and on-site ponding. In recently developed bogs, on sites mostly in the western range of the MLRA where soils are less continuously saturated, on sites where water table fluctuations are less variable, or on inclusions of sites where there are upwellings of groundwater, isolated minerotrophic species (i.e. creeping sedge or bluejoint) may be present. Other ground cover includes fine-leaved graminoids, and minimal presence of forbs. Occasionally, seedlings of deciduous tree species associated with adjacent sites (i.e. red maple or paper birch) may become established on Sphagnum hummocks but typically do not survive to become saplings or trees (MN DNR 2003).
The overstory usually consists of scattered, stunted (<30ft [10m] tall) black spruce or tamarack (<50% cover) where Sphagum hummocks provide relief from surface flooding (MN DNR Forestry). Most vascular plants associated with Acid Peatlands have a strong association with mycorrhizal fungi, depending on them to obtain minerals and nutrients in this depauperate and harsh environment (MN DNR 2003). These fungi are more diverse on this ecological site than on other sites throughout the region.
Submodel
Description
This state describes the removal of tamarack and black spruce through logging. The natural plant community has been severely disturbed and the site has been impacted by heavy equipment. Compositional changes in canopy cover and soil/water disturbances impact all layers of the plant community. Best management practices can help reduce site damage and the implementation of post-logging timber stand improvement practices can enhance tree regeneration.
Submodel
Description
In this state, invasive species such as Typha sp. or reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) are present. Water ponding for a longer than normal duration results in canopy mortality of tamarack and spruce trees and opening of the understory to light. Alder and willow shrubs often remain on edge zones. Site disturbance such as logging often allows for the introduction of non-native vegetation on these sites.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by sphagnum-dominated acidic peatlands with variable microtopography that includes hummocks, deep hollows, and areas of sphagnum "carpets". This state will exhibit variability in plant community composition due to these variations in microtopography.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition involves logging, usually clearcutting, but with reserves for seed sources, site preparation, control for disease and invasive species, and seeding, in order to maintain the site as a viable commercial timber harvesting state. This transition is only possible, or desirable, when the management is applied to phases in which radial growth has been prolific and trees have reached maturity, exhibiting taller, more commercially viable trees.
Mechanism
Impoundment or maintenance of water on-site, and/or establishment of invasive species. Beaver activity, roads, drainage, and other alterations in hydrology can transition the Acid Peatlands out of Reference to an Impounded State, where water is ponded on site for longer durations and receives excessive nutrients from overland surface flow.
Mechanism
Impoundment or maintenance of water on-site. Beaver activity, roads, drainage, and other alterations in hydrology can transition the Acid Peatlands out of Reference to an Open State, where water is on site for longer durations and receives excessive nutrients from overland surface flow causing stunted tree growth.
Mechanism
Introduction and establishment of non-native invasive species.
Mechanism
Draining or maintenance of water on-site causing alterations in hydrology that can transition the Open state back to the Reference State, where water is on site for shorter durations and receives less nutrients from overland surface flow causing increased tree growth.
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.