Shallow Lakes
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Transition to agriculture; tillage; seeding; continued management
More details -
Transition T1B
Hydrological alterations; invasive species
More details -
Restoration pathway R3A
Restoration of site including hydrology and plant community
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The Shallow Lakes ecological site reference state exhibits a diversity of hydrophytic native plant species. Plant community structure and composition within the reference state are variable and dependent upon depth of water. Open water areas will be dominated by American white waterlily and Coon’s tail. Deep marsh areas will be dominated by softstem bulrush and broadfruit bur-reed. High-quality, undisturbed areas are uncommon in MLRA 103 as many sites have been transitioned to, or are impacted hydrologically, by human disturbance.
Submodel
Description
Soil tillage and altered hydrology are the primary mechanisms transitioning a site to the Tillage State. Most sites in State 2 were transitioned to agricultural production prior to current wetland protection regulations. Areas converted to agriculture will likely remain as such for the foreseeable future.
A few areas within this ecological site have been seeded to grass. This may occur under a NRCS conservation program. Other areas are utilized for pasture or hay production. Species selection will depend on the landowner’s objectives and site specifics.
Submodel
Description
This State is characterized by woody vegetation and human disturbance. Often, non-native species may be present. Eastern cottonwood, black willow, boxelder, reed canarygrass and giant ragweed are common. Sites may be in 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 state and federal wetland protection laws.
Submodel
Mechanism
Transition T1A is the conversion of the reference state to agriculture. The triggers are tillage and intentional plant establishment (crop seeding). Hydrological modifications, such as ditching and tiling, are often also installed. Resilience management practices include continual agricultural practices such as seeding, fertilizing, and managing invasive plants with herbicides or field cultivation.
Mechanism
Hydrological alterations, invasion of non-native vegetation, and other human disturbances will transition a reference site to a scrubby woodland. Community structure and composition will vary depending on the hydrology and severity/type of disturbances.
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.