Ponded Sinkhole Wetland
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A More details
- Transition T2B 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
This state is typical of wet sinkhole wetlands that experience full horizon saturation (endosaturation) for extended periods during the growing season. Long duration ponding regimes are common during many years. Two phases can occur that will transition back and forth depending on ponding water levels. Shorter ponding intervals with periods of open water will increase woody species such willow, dogwoods and other woody species. When ponding and flooding intervals lengthen woody species will decrease.
This state may include wetter inclusions and associated communities, that are highly variable, ranging from pond marshes and shrub swamps with floating mats of vegetation, to swamps with an overstory of red maple and green ash and other wetland trees. There are numerous plants whose occurrence in Missouri is confined to these sinkhole ponds, and many others whose next nearest locality is in the wetlands of the Mississippi Lowlands
Submodel
Description
During extended dry periods or excessive silting in from upland sites, the reference state may become drier and may transition to a woody invaded wetland state. The drier site conditions allow woody seed germination to occur and over time allow a denser canopy to form. Many hydric species may also decrease. If wetter conditions return this state can be restored to a reference state by reducing woody cover. Sites that have transitioned to this state through excessive silting may be very difficult to restore to a reference state.
Submodel
Description
Many wet sinks have been cleared, drained or otherwise altered by humans. Some have had berms put up to make the water deeper and more permanent for livestock activity and use. Most have had some influence of livestock during some period of recent time.
Submodel
Description
Some wet sinkholes will transition to this state through excessive siltation and or removal of the sinkhole plug that drains the previously wet sinkhole. This transition to a woodland community can take many years (25 to 50 years) to complete.
Submodel
Mechanism
Woody reduction; restore natural hydrology and ponding
Model keys
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Ecological sites
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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.