Mineral Muck
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T1C More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Restoration pathway R4A 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
This is the reference or diagnostic plant community for this site. In reference conditions, this site was dominated by tall prairie grasses specifically big bluestem and switchgrass. Sedge species were also a large component of this site. This state was maintained by nearly seasonal flooding and a fire frequency of 10 years. Absence of fire would transitions this state to the fire suppressed state, which is dominated by woody species. Shrub or tree removal and the application of fire would transition the site back to this state. Installation of drainage and agricultural practices would move this site to the agriculture state. Removal of the drainage system followed by planting of the appropriate species and the regular application of fire would move the site back to this state. Establishment of invasive, non-native species without management for their control could move the site to the invaded state. Chemical or mechanical treatment of the invasive, non-native species along with seeding, where needed, and then the regular application of fire could move the site back to this state.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by a longer than normal fire return interval or the absence of fire as a disturbance agent. Absence of fire allows for a thick layer of leaf litter to accumulate which suppresses the production of the herbaceous species and helps to allow the woody species to establish and flourish. Similarly, the woody species that colonize this site are generally intolerant of fire. The seasonal flooding and fire work in concert to help prevent woody species establishment.
Submodel
Description
This site has largely been converted to agricultural use. Most of the historic acres are now in row crop agricultural use. Most common is a corn and soybean rotation of various types. A small portion of the site is now used to grow hay or cool season forage and used for grazing. The conversion of the site to agricultural use begins with the installation of a drainage system which most often employs either or both ditching and field tile.
Submodel
Mechanism
No fire or woody species management will transition this site towards the fire suppressed state. This will result in a loss of herbaceous species production and richness.
Mechanism
The installation of drainage either through ditches, field tile, or both facilitates the start of the transition to the agriculture state. Planting and management of the selected crop complete the transition
Mechanism
The establishment of invasive species without management, to include the use of fire, move the site towards the invaded state. This results in a loss in species richness of the site.
Mechanism
Removal of trees and other woody species followed by planting the site to the desired species and the regular application of fire will help restore the site to state 1.
Mechanism
Removal of drainage system, site preparation, tree planting, and regular application of fire.
Mechanism
Chemical and mechanical treatment of the invasive species is the first restoration step. Sometimes biological treatment, to included grazing, can be helpful but is not common in this area. The reapplication of fire after seeding of the appropriate species.
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.