Ponded Loess Sedge Meadow
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Direct and indirect alterations to the landscape hydrology from human-induced land development transition the site to the hydrologically-altered state
More details -
Transition T1B
Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transition the site to the forage state
More details -
Transition T1C
Installation of drain tiles, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition the site to the cropland state
More details -
Transition T2A
Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transition the site to the forage state
More details -
Transition T2B
Installation of drain tiles, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition the site to the cropland state
More details -
Transition R2A
Hydroperiod restoration, site preparation, non-native species control, and seeding native species transition the site to the reconstructed sedge meadow state
More details -
Restoration pathway T3A
Land is abandoned and left fallow; natural succession by opportunistic species transition this site the hydrologically-altered state
More details -
Transition T3B
Installation of drain tiles, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition the site to the cropland state
More details -
Transition R3A
Hydroperiod restoration, site preparation, non-native species control, and seeding native species transition the site to the reconstructed sedge meadow state
More details -
Restoration pathway T4A
Agricultural production abandoned and left fallow; natural succession by opportunistic species transition this site to the hydrologically-altered state
More details -
Restoration pathway T4B
Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transition the site to the forage state
More details - Transition R4A More details
- Restoration pathway T5A More details
- Restoration pathway T5B More details
- Restoration pathway T5C More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The reference plant community is categorized as a sedge meadow community, dominated by hydrophytic herbaceous vegetation. The two community phases within the reference state are dependent on ponding and fire. The depth and duration of ponding alters species composition, cover, and extent, while regular fire intervals keep woody species from encroaching. Drought has more localized impacts in the reference phases, but does contribute to overall species composition, diversity, cover, and productivity.
Submodel
Description
Hydrology is the most important determinant of wetlands and wetland processes. Hydrology modifies and determines the physiochemical environment (i.e., sediments, soil chemistry, water chemistry) which in turn directly affects the vegetation, animals, and microbes (Mitsch and Gosselink 2007). Human activities on landscape hydrology have greatly altered Ponded Loess Sedge Meadows. Alterations such as agricultural tile draining and conversion to cropland on adjacent lands have changed the natural hydroperiod, increased the rate of sedimentation, and intensified nutrient pollution (Werner and Zedler 2003; Mitsch and Gosselink 2007).
Submodel
Description
The forage state occurs when the reference state is converted to a farming system that emphasizes domestic livestock production known as grassland agriculture. Fire suppression, periodic cultural treatments (e.g., clipping, drainage, soil amendment applications, planting new species and/or cultivars, mechanical harvesting) and grazing by domesticated livestock transition and maintain this state (USDA-NRCS 2003). Early settlers seeded non-native species, such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), to help extend the grazing season. Over time, as lands were continuously harvested or grazed by herds of cattle, the non-native species were able to spread and expand across the landscape, reducing the native species diversity and ecological function.
Submodel
Description
The continuous use of tillage, row-crop planting, and chemicals (i.e., herbicides, fertilizers, etc.) and subsurface tile drainage have effectively eliminated the reference community and many of its natural ecological functions in favor of crop production. Corn and soybeans are the dominant crops for the site, and oats (Avena L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) may be rotated periodically. These areas are likely to remain in crop production for the foreseeable future.
Submodel
Description
Sedge meadow habitats provide multiple ecosystem services including flood abatement, water quality improvement, and biodiversity support. However, many sedge meadow communities have been stressed from watershed-scale changes in hydrology or eliminated due to type conversions to agricultural production, thereby significantly reducing these services (Zedler 2003). The extensive alterations of lands adjacent to Ponded Loess Sedge Meadows may not allow for restoration back to the historic reference condition. However, ecological reconstruction can aim to aid the recovery of degraded, damaged or destroyed functions. A successful reconstruction will have the ability to structurally and functionally sustain itself, demonstrate resilience to the natural ranges of stress and disturbance, and create and maintain positive biotic and abiotic interactions (SER 2002; Mitsch and Jørgensen 2004).
Submodel
Mechanism
Direct and indirect alterations to the landscape hydrology from human-induced land development transition the site to the hydrologically-altered state
Mechanism
Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transition the site to the forage state
Mechanism
Installation of drain tiles, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition the site to the cropland state
Mechanism
Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transition the site to the forage state
Mechanism
Installation of drain tiles, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition the site to the cropland state
Mechanism
Hydroperiod restoration, site preparation, non-native species control, and seeding native species transition the site to the reconstructed sedge meadow state
Mechanism
Land is abandoned and left fallow; natural succession by opportunistic species transition this site the hydrologically-altered state
Mechanism
Installation of drain tiles, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition the site to the cropland state
Mechanism
Hydroperiod restoration, site preparation, non-native species control, and seeding native species transition the site to the reconstructed sedge meadow state
Mechanism
Agricultural production abandoned and left fallow; natural succession by opportunistic species transition this site to the hydrologically-altered state
Mechanism
Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transition the site to the forage state
Mechanism
Hydroperiod restoration, site preparation, non-native species control and seeding native species transition this site to the reconstructed sedge meadow state
Mechanism
Land is abandoned and left fallow; natural succession by opportunistic species transition this site the hydrologically-altered state
Mechanism
Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transition the site to the forage state
Model keys
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