Sandy/Loamy Floodplain Forest
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1B More details
- Transition T More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2B More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
A tall, uneven canopy of 80 to 100 feet tall, with occasional gaps and a closure of 80 to 100 percent is the dominant feature of this ecological site. However, patches of younger, early successional trees and shrubs occur mainly along the flood-prone edges or interior high-water channels of the mature forest. Willows are common in the younger patches and persist along the edges of the mature forest where there is more light. Younger patches tend to occur on recently deposited coarser materials, and have a sparse understory. They are characterized by a sparse to abundant ground cover of grasses and forbs. Shrubs can create a 100 percent cover in places, and tree seedlings of cottonwood are common. Frequent, high-velocity flood events deposit fresh alluvium in places, often derived from stream bank erosion of upstream sites in States 2 or 3. Other places are scoured by these flood events. Mature forest phases have a more stable surface with a dense ground flora of wild rye, spike grass and nettles. Dense tangles of vines can also occur, especially associated with canopy gaps. Red elm, green ash and hackberry also succeed into the canopy gaps.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of reference states to cropland that is planted to corn, soybeans, or wheat has been common, especially on the more loamy areas. Frequent flooding and scouring can make this cropland state difficult to maintain in a healthy, productive state.
Submodel
Description
Conversion of reference states to planted, non-native pasture species such as tall fescue and clovers has been common. Frequent flooding and areas with lower available water capacity make non-native pastures difficult to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing, tillage and conservation cropping system.
Mechanism
This transition is the result of clearing, grassland planting, prescribed grazing, and grassland management.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway is the result of tree planting and long term succession (70-90 years).
Mechanism
This transition is the result of tillage, grassland planting, prescribed grazing, and grassland management.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway is the result of tree planting and long term succession (70-90 years).
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.