Wet Muck
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, drainage improvements, 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
The reference site is a deciduous forest swamp on very poorly drained soils that have formed in alluvium overlying organic soil material. Organic soil portion is high to very high. Common species include bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), swamp cottonwood (Populus heterophylla), swamp red maple (Acer rubrum drummondii), black willow (Salix nigra), swamp rose (Rosa palustris), and common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). Microtopography, ponding, and subtle drainage differences will form a mosaic of wet-tolerant species throughout the site.
Submodel
Description
The Disturbed State is highly variable with regard to species composition and density depending on the type, length, and severity of disturbance. Hydrological modifications (tiling/ditching) will alter the natural hydrology and associated species. Sites that are cleared then abandoned or logged will have a successional community of saplings, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation. Diversity of species may also be reduced, especially if there has been an introduction of non-native species which is common.
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). Ditching and tiling may be installed to improve drainage.
Submodel
Description
Hydrological modifications such as ditching and tiling are used on these sites to increase drainage and improve 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. Sites that have been transitioned to agriculture generally stay in production.
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. Hydrological modifications may be installed to improve drainage.
Mechanism
Site is transitioned to an agricultural site focused on row crop production. Management inputs would include clearing, site preparation, installation of hydrological modifications (ditching/tiling), planting, and weed control.
Mechanism
Restoration would require long-term management inputs including planting of desired species, weed control, brush control, timber stand improvement, and restoration of natural hydrology.
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. Hydrological modification such as ditching and tiling are installed. Other management inputs would include tree/shrub removal, site preparation, 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. Tiling and ditching is usually installed to improve drainage.
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.