This is the reference or diagnostic plant community for this site. In reference condition (mature), this site was dominated by sugar maple and swamp white oak trees. Other canopy tree species include black walnut, shagbark hickory, and elm. Prior to settlement, the dynamics of the site were largely controlled by flooding, channel meandering, sedimentation and erosion. These process still occur, at some level, yet to this day, but have been greatly altered from pre-settlement conditions by bank stabilization, dams, diversions, and channel straightening. Approximately 30% of this site is in agricultural production, most of which is used to grow corn and soybeans. Many of the areas that are relatively intact have been affected by invasive species and the disruption of the hydrologic and geomorphic processes listed above.
This state is characterized by the establishment and eventual dominance of invasive species in the understory. This greatly reduces the species richness and diversity of the site as a whole. Common invasives for this site include, but are not limited to, species of Asian bush honeysuckle, Callery pear, autumn olive and ailanthus.
This state is characterized by the conversion of the site to agricultural use. Most common practice is a corn and soybean rotation of various types. About 10% of the historic acres are use for forage and pasture.
Removal of the trees and, in some cases, the installation of a drainage system are the first steps in converting the site to the Agriculture State. Regular agricultural practices will maintain the site in that state.
Chemical and mechanical treatment of the invasive species. Planting of desired species may be needed if they are not enough left to recolonize the site.
Removal off trees and other wood species. Install drainage system (if warranted), prepare the site for planting the agricultural crop, and regular agricultural practices.
Removal of drainage system (if warranted), site preparation, and tree planting.
Model keys
Briefcase
Add ecological sites and Major Land Resource Areas to your briefcase by clicking on the briefcase () icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
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.
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
