Wet 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
Disturbance; no management inputs.
More details -
Transition T1B
Clearing; site prep; tillage; weed control; agricultural management
More details -
Restoration pathway R2A
Planting; timber stand improvement inputs
More details -
Transition T2A
Clearing; site prep; seeding; weed control; agricultural management
More details -
Transition T3A
Abandonment
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The historical reference state for this ecological site was old growth riverine forest. The forest was composed of silver maple, green ash, water-tolerant oaks, common hackberry, American elm, willow, cottonwood, and sycamore. Periodic disturbances from flooding, wind or ice maintained the open, uneven structure and ground flora species. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in both the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species. Reference states are extremely rare today as most sites have been disturbed through oak removal, clearing, hydrological modifications, agriculture and development.
Submodel
Description
These sites have had historic or current disturbances including selective harvest, clear cutting, grazing, development, and presence of invasive species. Species on site will depend on type and severity of disturbance, seed sources, and any previous management inputs.
Submodel
Description
The majority of these sites are currently intensively cropped. Species depend on landowner objectives. Common crops include a corn to soybean to corn rotation. A smaller percentage of acres are utilized as forage. Species will depend upon landowner's management goals.
Landowners should be aware of potential wetland issues on many of these sites. Sites in production have often been ditched and /or tiled.
Submodel
Mechanism
Large scale canopy disturbance such as clearing or selective harvest. Little or no post-harvest timber stand management. No control of non-native species.
Mechanism
Clearing of mature high-quality forest for conversion to agricultural production. Landowners should be aware of potential wetland issues on these sites prior to clearing.
Mechanism
Restoration of site would include planting of desired species and timber stand improvement activities. Restoration of natural hydrology may be required depending on previous disturbances.
Mechanism
Transition from disturbed forest to agricultural state. Activities would be determined by the landowner’s production objectives. Landowners should be aware of any potential wetland issues on these sites.
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.