Calcareous Fens
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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Transition T1A
Disturbances alter plant community composition and structure
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Restoration pathway R2A
Restoration inputs
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
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Description
The Calcareous Fen reference state is dependent upon ponding and groundwater discharge, which makes the soil water very basic in pH. The most common month for ponding is April. This site tends to stay ponded for a much longer duration than other wetlands in MLRA 103. Most woody species and upland grasses are kept from proliferating mainly by saturated conditions. The natural plant community is composed of hydrophytic species including prairie sedge (Carex prairea), needle beaksedge (Rhynchospora capillacea), muhly grass (Muhlenbergia spp.) and includes various state-listed species such as the white lady’s slipper (Cypripedium candidum). Fire, drought, and grazing were the historic, natural disturbances.
Submodel
Description
Through a variety of disturbances, invasive woody plants and non-native grasses can become established on this site. These plant spread quickly thereby changing the composition and structure of the plant community. Common invasives include narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia L.), hybrid cattail (Typha xglauca Godr. (pro sp.) [angustifolia or domingensis x latifolia]), and common reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.).
Historically, these sites burned which reduced woody vegetation and maintained the dominance of grasses and sedges. Without fire, these sites often exhibit an increase in woody species such as redosier dogwood (Cornus sericea) and willows (Salix spp.).
Submodel
Mechanism
Disturbances trigger plant community changes. Common disturbances include grazing, hydrological alterations, an absence of a natural fire regime, and invasive species.
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.