Organic Marsh
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Disturbances such as hydrological modifications, cattle grazing, invasive species
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Management inputs to restore natural functions of the site
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The Organic Marsh ecological site is characterized by organic soils and a native, wet-tolerant, plant community that was historically influenced by fire, drought, and grazing. Plant community structure and composition vary depending upon moisture and depth of ponding. Softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) and broadfruit bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum) are dominant in deep marsh areas. Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia) and river bulrush (Bolboschoenus fluviatilis) are common in the shallow marsh environment. Numerous species of emergent forbs will be present in this community. Areas of longer-term ponding may exhibit floating-leaved and submergent forbs such as watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spp.), American white waterlily (Nymphaea odorata), pondweed (Potamogeton spp.), and water knotweed (Polygonum amphibium).
High-quality, natural reference sites are now uncommon in MLRA 103. Most sites were transitioned to agricultural production prior to current wetland protection legislation. Of the Organic Marsh sites that still remain, many have altered hydrology due to adjacent tile drainage and ditching.
Submodel
Description
The Degraded Marsh State is characterized by non-native plants species, altered hydrology, cattle grazing, and/or long-term fire suppression which allows for an increase woody plant species. Plant community composition will be influenced by the duration and depth of ponding. Deep marsh areas will be dominated by softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (C.C. Gmel.) Palla) and broadfruit bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum Engelm.). In shallow areas, broadleaf cattails (Typha latifolia L.) and river bulrush (Bolboschoenus fluviatilis (Torr.) Soják) are often dominant. Open water zones may contain American white waterlily (Nymphaea odorata Aiton) and shortspike watermilfoil (Myriophyllum exalbescens Kom.).
Some areas in this state may be managed as set-aside 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 drainage are the primary mechanisms for transitioning to agriculture production.
The majority of these sites were transitioned to agriculture prior to current wetland protection legislation. Most areas in this state will remain in crop production in the foreseeable future – primarily in an intensive corn and soybean rotation.
Some areas within this ecological site may 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 the state and transition model.
Resilience management
Resilience management practices include weed control (herbicide application), field cultivation, fertilizer application, and harvest management.
Submodel
Mechanism
Disturbances such invasive species, hydrological modifications, and cattle grazing will alter the State 1 plant community composition and structure transitioning it to the Degraded Marsh State.
Mechanism
Restoration activities may include the eliminate 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 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.