Deep 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, flooding, drought
More details -
Transition T1B
Tillage, drought
More details -
Transition T1C
Drought
More details -
Restoration pathway T2A
Deep water, prescribed grazing, prescribed fire, drought, time
More details -
Transition T2B
Tillage, drought
More details -
Transition T2C
Drought, drainage
More details -
Restoration pathway T3A
Non-use, inundation, flooding, Tillage, Seeding
More details -
Restoration pathway T4A
Renovation/restoration
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
This state represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of the ecological state prior to Europeans settling in North America. This site, in the Reference State (State 1), is dominated by cattails and grass-like vegetation. Drought and flooding are major drivers between plant community phases, while herbivory by native ungulates and other wildlife and fire played a more minor role. Invasion of non-native or hybrid cattails during the drawdown/bare soil phase will result in a transition to the Invaded State (State 2).
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by a shift from broadleaf cattail dominance to narrowleaf (Typha angustifolia) and hybrid (Typha x glauca) cattail dominance – both more invasive cattail species. The transition leads to a more cattail dominated state, decreasing the amount of bulrush species present in this state and also allowing Phragmites to invade as well. This state incorporates the same drought and deluge cycles as the Reference state, but is dominated by invasive and non-native vegetation.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the production of annual crops. This community phase only occurs during extreme drought years when basin is dry enough to be cropped.
Submodel
Mechanism
Invasion of non-native cattails and phragmites along with flooding and drought may lead to the Invaded State (State 2).
Mechanism
Extended drought will dry out the site, allowing tillage and annual cropping. This leads to the Crop Production State (State 3).
Mechanism
Drainage allows for the basin to be cropped, leading to the Altered Production State (State 4). Restoration of this state may occur, but natural pathways have been altered and site will never return to Reference State (State 1).
Mechanism
Deep water or drought may help the Invaded phase return to a more native state within the Reference State (State 1). Narrowleaf and hybrid cattails cannot withstand deep water or drought. A combination of management strategies including prescribed grazing, and burning, may return the site to to a non-native state.
Mechanism
Extended drought dries out the site, allowing tillage and annual cropping which facilitates transition to State 3.
Mechanism
Drainage and drought of basin may allow for the basin to be cropped and may lead to the Altered Production State (State 4). Restoration of this state may occur, but natural pathways have been altered and site will never return to Reference State (State 1).
Mechanism
Non-use and flooding will allow invasive water-loving plants to revegetate the site over time. Seeding with native vegetation may also speed this process.
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.