Marsh
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
More details -
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
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Description
Historically these sites were a dense and graminoid dominated meadow with many species of grasses, sedges and forbs. Common species included sedges (Carex spp.), prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Native herbaceous species included meadowsweet (Spirea alba), spotted joe-pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum), queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra), swamp lousewort (Pedicularis lanceolata), purple meadowrue (Thalictrum dasycarpum), and fringed loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata). Shrubs were scattered and included dogwoods (Cornus spp.), willow (Salix spp.) and common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).
Fire, during summer months or during periods of drought, maintained these sites. Other natural influencers included long-term flooding from beaver activity and grazing of large mammals. Reoccurring fire was a key influencer that helped to maintain these sites as a grass dominated plant community. Sites without a natural fire regime are often a mixed deciduous woodland.
Submodel
Description
Today, sites that are not in agricultural production have still been altered due to a long-term absence of fire, eradication of beavers, hydrological modifications, and other anthropogenic disturbances. Trees on site, will depending on the type, length and severity of disturbances and the current hydrology. Common species include red maple, silver maple, elm, and green ash. Sites that have had a long-term absence of fire will display the following characteristics: an increase in tree and shrub density, an increase in leaf-litter buildup, and an increase in shade-tolerant understory species. Diversity of species may also be reduced, especially if there has been an introduction of non-native species.
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 and long-term overgrazing on some sites has caused soil erosion and compaction.
Submodel
Description
Common crops include corn (Zea mays), soybeans (Glycine max), and occasionally common 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
Long-term fire suppression and hydrological changes will transition this state to a more mixed deciduous forest community.
Mechanism
Site is transitioned to an agricultural site focused on forage production. Management inputs would include clearing, site preparation, seeding and weed/brush control. Sites may be ditched or tiled to improve drainage.
Landowners should insure compliance with any applicable wetland regulations.
Mechanism
Site is transitioned to an agricultural site focused on row crop production. Management inputs would include clearing, site preparation, seeding and weed control. Sites are usually ditched or tiled to improve drainage.
Landowners should insure compliance with any applicable wetland regulations.
Mechanism
Restoration would require long-term management inputs including hydrological restoration, 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. Sites may be ditched or tiled to improve drainage.
Landowners should insure compliance with any applicable wetland regulations.
Mechanism
Site is cleared and row crop production is initiated. Management inputs would include tree/shrub removal, site preparation, tillage, seeding, and weed control. Sites are usually ditched or tiled to improve drainage.
Landowners should insure compliance with any applicable wetland regulations.
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. Sites are usually ditched or tiled to improve drainage.
Landowners should insure compliance with any applicable wetland regulations.
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.