Recharge Depressions
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Plant community altered by cattle grazing and invasive plant species
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Management inputs to restore 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
The Recharge Depressions ecological site is characterized by a native, wet-tolerant, plant community that was historically influenced by drought, fire, and grazing. Plant community composition varies depending upon moisture and depth of ponding. Common shallow marsh species include broadleaf cattail and river bulrush. Water knotweed is common on mud flats.
High-quality reference sites are now uncommon in MLRA 103. Due to current wetland protection regulations, it is unlikely that remaining areas will be transitioned to agricultural production.
Submodel
Description
The Degraded Marsh State is characterized by hydrologic alterations, non-native plants species, and long-term fire suppression which allows for an increase woody plant species. Common species in this state include common reed, narrowleaf cattail, hybrid cattail, reed canarygrass, and various shrubs and tree saplings. Plant community composition will be influenced by the duration and depth of ponding.
Some sites in this state may be conservation easements. Areas not in a conservation program are assumed to be jurisdictional wetlands, making it very unlikely they will be transitioned to agriculture due to various wetland programs and laws, including the Swampbuster provision of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198, as amended by P.L. 115-25) and the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) of 1991 (M.R. 8420.0100, as amended in 2009).
Submodel
Description
Tillage and altered hydrology are the primary mechanisms for transitioning to agriculture production. Soil tillage affects dynamic soil properties such as bulk density, structure, organic carbon content, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Hydrological modifications (tiling and ditching) may be installed to improve drainage, so natural hydrology is also altered. Most areas currently in this state were transition to agriculture prior to current wetland protection legislation and will likely remain as such for the foreseeable future.
Conservation practices can mitigate the impacts of traditional agricultural practices on soil health. Conservation tillage minimizes soil disturbance and can improve soil structure and overall soil health. Corn or soybean plantings and a cover crop rotation can build soil structure, improve infiltration rates, reduce runoff and erosion, and protect water quality.
Some areas within this ecological site have been seeded to grass or have reverted to a scrubby woodland. However, this is a small percentage of acres within the MLRA, so these communities are not currently included in this state and transition model.
Submodel
Mechanism
Disturbances such invasive species and grazing will alter the State 1 plant community composition and structure.
Mechanism
Restoration activities include control of invasive plant species, establishment of desired native species, and protection of the site from disturbances such as cattle grazing. Complete restoration is only possible if the natural hydrology still exists.
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.