Wet Silty Floodplain
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
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Transition T1A
Large scale disturbance
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Transition T1C
Clearing of site; agricultural production - forage
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Transition T1B
Clearing of site; agricultural production -row crops.
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Restoration pathway R2A
Restoration inputs such as planting, brush control, prescribed fire, and timber stand improvement.
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Transition T2B
Clearing; agricultural production - forage
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Transition T2C
Clearing; agricultural production - row crops
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Transition T3B
Abandonment of agricultural practices
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Transition T3A
Site preparation and tillage, seeding, weed control, cropland management
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Transition T4A
Transition site to forage production; seeding; weed/brush control; pasture management
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
Historically these sites were influenced by flooding, wind damage, ice storms, and grazing by native species. The historic reference state for this ecological site was an old-growth riverine deciduous forest. American elm (Ulmus americana) was a key species. Sites were disturbed periodically via flooding but the overall, these communities were stable, diverse, and long-lived.
The reference state is a mature floodplain deciduous mixed forest with multiple co-dominant species. Common trees include green ash, American elm, American sycamore, silver maple, sweetgum, pin oak and hackberry. Sites with only occasional flooding may include bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), shingle oak (Quercus imbricaria), and pecan (Carya illinoinensis). Vegetative community composition is dependent on flooding and microtopography.
Shrubs commonly include possumhaw (Ilex decidua), dogwood (Cornus spp.), and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). The herbaceous layer on these sites is diverse and often dense. Species include bedstraws (Galium spp.), violets (Viola spp.), sedges (Carex spp.), smallspike false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), Canadian woodnettle (Laportea canadensis), and touch-me-not (Impatiens spp.).
Submodel
Description
Most remaining Wet Silty Floodplain sites have been altered due to disturbances and hydrological modifications, either within the watershed, or upstream. Dams, ditching, tiling, levees, and urban, industrial and agricultural impacts are common and have modified the historic natural riparian processes. Trees on disturbed sites will depending on the type, length and severity of disturbances. Hydrological modifications may have altered drainage on these sites. Common species including ash, maple, poplar, sweetgum, and hackberry.
Disturbance may introduce non-native plant species to these sites and without management control, these invasive plants will fundamentally alter the plant community. Many of these sites are transitioned to Pastureland (State 3) or cropland (State 4).
Submodel
Description
A portion of these sites have been converted to pastureland or forage production. Species selection will depend upon the objectives and goals of the landowner; however, commonly planted grasses include tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), brome (Bromus spp.), white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense). Species health and productivity are determined by the management. Hydrological modifications such as ditching and/or tiling may be installed to improve drainage.
Submodel
Description
Hydrological modifications such as ditching and tiling are often used on these sites to increase crop production. Common crops include corn (Zea mays), soybeans (Glycine max), and occasionally winter wheat (Triticum aestivum). Some landowners choose to convert sites to cool season grasses for a period before resuming cropland production.
A return to the historical Reference State from State 4 is unlikely, if not impossible.
Submodel
Mechanism
Severe disturbances, such as clearing or selective harvesting (oak/hickory removal) , will transition this site to State 2.
Mechanism
Site is transitioned to an agricultural site focused on forage production. Management inputs would include clearing, site preparation, seeding and weed/brush control.
Mechanism
Site is transitioned to an agricultural site focused on row crop production. Management inputs would include clearing, site preparation, seeding and weed control. Hydrological modifications are often installed to aid in drainage.
Mechanism
Restoration would require long-term management inputs including planting of desired species, weed control, brush control, timber stand improvement, and prescribed fire.
Mechanism
Site is cleared and forage/pasture production is initiated. Management inputs would include tree/shrub removal, site preparation, seeding, and weed/brush control.
Mechanism
Site is cleared and row crop production is initiated. Management inputs would include tree/shrub removal, site preparation, tillage, seeding, and weed control.
Mechanism
Site is abandoned and slowly would transition to a wooded state dominated by deciduous trees. Species on site would depend on the severity and length of disturbance and available seed sources.
Mechanism
Management inputs that transition a site from pasture or forage production to a site that is utilized for row crop production.
Model keys
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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.