Sandy Flood Plain
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Restoration pathway R2A 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
The Sandy Floodplain is a rapidly-changing state due to its proximity to rivers and streams. Sands and silts are dumped each time the area floods, as evidenced in the soil's weakly formed horizons. The Forest State has two communities, the 1.1 Willow/Cottonwood Forest Community and the 1.2 Hardwood Forest Community.
Submodel
Mechanism
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing agricultural production. If present, merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to either a tame grass or row crop.
Mechanism
This restoration path can be accomplished by planting a mix of native species to their natural frequencies. Management will be required to control unwanted species by burning, mowing, and/or herbicides. Controlling introduced pasture grasses is difficult, with complete control likely not attainable. The herbaceous understory will take time to develop, but this process can be expedited if adapted plant material seed is available.
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.