Sandy Floodplain Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Grazing; repeated timber harvests; no major natural disturbances.
More details -
Transition T1B
Woody removal; vegetative seeding; grassland management
More details -
Transition T1C
Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Forest stand improvement
More details -
Transition T2A
Woody removal; vegetative seeding; grassland management
More details -
Transition T2B
Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
More details -
Transition T3A
Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
More details -
Transition T4A
Vegetative seeding; grassland management
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The historical reference state for this ecological site was a riverine forest. This community phase is characterized by frequent flood events which impact on the canopy structure and species composition. The forest was dominated by cottonwoods and willows. Maximum tree age was likely 75 to 100 years. Periodic disturbances from occasional flooding, wind or ice affected the structure and ground flora species. Catastrophic floods will often partially or completely knock down the early successional species and regenerate this ecological system. Consequently, this ecological site is often made up of a mosaic of early to late successional floodplain forest. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in canopy cover, the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species.
Two community phases are recognized in the reference state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency. Altered drainage has resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora. Most reference states are currently altered because of timber harvesting, clearing and conversion to grassland or cropland.
Submodel
Description
Composition is altered from the reference state due to tree selection during harvest and lack of natural disturbances. Without periodic canopy disturbance, stem densities and more shade tolerant species will increase in abundance. Some periodic uncontrolled grazing may be occurring.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.), red top (Agrostis alba auct. non L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) has occurred. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction. A return to the reference state may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options and transitions.
Submodel
Description
This is a state that exists currently with intensive row cropping of soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Some conversion to cool season hay land occurs, but when commodity prices are high, that alternative state transitions back to cropland.
Submodel
Mechanism
Lack of natural disturbance events for 20 years or more. Repeated timber harvesting may have occurred.
Mechanism
Woody removal and tillage of the site. Conservation cropping system and water management often occurs.
Mechanism
Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
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.