Organic Floodplain Marsh
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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Transition T1A
Disturbances alter the plant community composition
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 Organic Floodplain Marsh ecological site is characterized by a native, wet tolerant, plant community. Dominant species will depend on depth of ponding and flooding. The most common month for flooding/ponding of this site is April. Water depth and flooding will create inherent plant variations on this site. Shallow marsh areas will be dominated by broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia) and river bulrush (Bolboschoenus fluviatilis). Deeper marsh zones will be dominated by softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) and multiple species of sedges (Carex spp.), including hairy sedge (Carex lacustris). Open water, when present, will include American white waterlily (Nymphaea odorata) and coon's tail (Ceratophyllum demersum).
Submodel
Description
The Degraded Marsh State is characterized by one or more disturbance triggers. These disturbances could be hydrologic alterations, non-native plants species, cattle grazing, or an increase woody plant species. Common species include narrowleaf cattail, hybrid cattail, reed canarygrass, common reed, and various shrubs and tree saplings. Plant community composition will be influenced by the type, severity, and duration of disturbances as well as the depth of flooding and ponding.
Some sites in this state may be in 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
Mechanism
Disturbances such as cattle grazing and invasive species will alter the reference plant community composition and structure.
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 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.