Loamy Flood Plain
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Transition T2A 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
The overall state has a high overstory cover of bottomland hardwood species. The dominant overstory species are water oak and willow oak (Quercus phellos). Flooding is common, varying from brief durations to long durations depending on micro-relief, size of precipitation events, and current saturation of the soil. This microrelief has significant impact on the plant communities as well. Sites receiving more water will have more hydrophytic vegetation than sites that are higher, or near the peripheries. The most common disturbance is treefall due to windthrow. The rooting systems in the bottoms are oftentimes shallow. In combination with some mortality due to prolonged flooding, downed trees and upright snags are common. A canopy-clearing disturbance, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, can be inhabited by light-seeded species. If advanced oak reproduction is present at time of disturbance the stand will retain its oak dominance. Oaks will sprout, grow, die-back, and regrow for many years. Otherwise, green ash and sweetgum will colonize the canopy due to their rapid growth and ability to grow into the crown early.
Submodel
Description
Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) is an undesired, invasive species brought to the United States in 1776 (Randall & Marinelli, 1996). Rapid expansion along the gulf coastal states has allowed the species to invade many ecosystems and consequently reduce diversity. Tallow trees are known to cause gastrointestinal upset, contact dermatitis, and toxicity in livestock and humans. Mechanical and chemicals options exist as a means to control the trees.
Submodel
Mechanism
The transition from State 1 to State 2 is a result of occupancy by invasive species or other noxious weeds. Invasive plants outcompete, and eventually choke out, all other native species.
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
The driver for restoration is control of Chinese tallow. Although an option, mechanical removal of the trees is difficult because they readily regrow from roots and seeds. Several chemicals methods are available, including glyphosate for cut-stump treatments, triclopyr for cut-stump and foliar treatments, imazamox for broad spectrum application, and imazapyr as a foliar spray. Many aquatic herbicides have water use restrictions and can potentially kill hardwoods, so labels and restrictions should be read carefully prior to application.
Mechanism
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing agricultural production. Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to either a tame grass or row crop.
Mechanism
This restoration pathway may be accomplished by restoring bottomland hardwoods. Restoration efforts for bottomland hardwood forests have proven difficult and much research has been done on these ecosystems. Many times restoring the function of the ecosystem is the most difficult obstacle. Evapotranspiration and hyrdoperiod are closely linked and may never fully be restored until a forested condition exists again (Stanturf et al., 2001).
Local tree availability may limit the possibilities of species composition. Careful planning of available species, site design, and further management actions should be conversed with a knowledgeable restoration source. With this in mind, oftentimes late summer and early fall are the best times to begin due to possibly wet conditions during the late fall to early spring. Many detailed guides have been written to assist with restoration, and suggested readings include, “A Guide to Bottomland Hardwood Restoration” (Allen et al., 2001).
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.