Wet Clayplain Depression
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1A More details
- Transition T1B More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Transition T3A More details
- Transition T3B More details
- Restoration pathway R4A More details
- Transition T4A 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 characterized by a mature forest characterized by green ash and swamp white oak. Associated trees may include slippery elm, basswood, eastern hemlock, red maple, shagbark hickory, and white pine. Northern white cedar is sometimes present. The tree canopy is generally closed to partially open. Shrub and herb layers are of variable cover; American hornbeam and southern arrowwood form an open shrub layer. Common herbaceous species include sensitive fern, jack-in-the-pulpit, jewelweed, slender sedge, enchanter’s nightshade, and parasol whitetop aster.
Submodel
Description
This state bears no resemblance to the reference state or earlier successional states. All native vegetation is removed and soils are severely disturbed by tilling. Corn is a typical agricultural crop on this converted site.
Submodel
Description
This states exists after agricultural abandonment. Dominated by graminoids (sedges, rushes, and grasses), this state can persist indefinitely if actively managed.
Submodel
Description
The tree canopy is very open, characterized by young trees, and an absence of late-successional species such as swamp white oak, hickories, basswood, or eastern hemlock that otherwise characterize the reference state.
Submodel
Mechanism
Removal of all vegetation, soil disturbance, and planting of crops
Mechanism
Complete removal of all vegetation, soil disturbance, and planting of crops.
Mechanism
Restoration occurs following cessation of active agriculture, when natural succession or active planting allows establishment of early successional trees shrubs, and herbs.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Tree/Shrub Establishment |
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Native Plant Community Restoration and Management |
Mechanism
Natural replacement (succession), selective plantings
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Tree/Shrub Establishment |
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Native Plant Community Restoration and Management |
Mechanism
Removal of all vegetation, soil disturbance, planting of crops
Mechanism
This transition occurs when minor disturbance allow for the establishment of invasive plants.
Mechanism
Active management to removeinvasive plants and plant native plants.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
|
Brush Management |
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Native Plant Community Restoration and Management |
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Invasive Plant Species Control |
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.