Floodplain
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
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
- Restoration pathway R3B More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
Select a state
Description
The floodplains site is a riparian complex, consisting of several distinct soils and plant communities that predictably occur on fluvial surfaces found along major rivers. Stream banks, point bars, and other fluvial surfaces closest to the water are the most dynamic component in the complex as erosion and deposition regularly re-arranges the location and specific soil properties of these surfaces. The proportion of each component in the riparian ecological site complex varies with disturbance.
Characteristics and indicators
Frequently-disturbed stream banks are dominated by herbaceous and lesser disturbed floodplains and natural levees support more woody vegetation. Trees tend to dominate on floodplains where disturbances are less frequent and soils are more stable while upper terraces receive the least amount of flooding and disturbance tend to support more upland species.
Resilience management
The construction of dams and bank armoring structures tend to reduce the frequency of disturbance on floodplains, resulting in a greater proportion of forested communities following the construction of these structures. High intensity floods are likely to occur infrequently in these systems, however, their effects are not currently understood.
Submodel
Description
Shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics driven by natural disturbances, processes, and pressures (may have some anthropogenic influences). More research is needed to determine the extent of the Semi-natural state associated with this ecological site.
Submodel
Description
Shifts in ecological site composition, functionality, and dynamics that are primary driven by anthropogenic disturbances and pressures (may have some associated natural influences). Cultural state used for plantations, cultivated cropland, pastures, or hayland primarily formed by hydrological alteration. More research is needed to determine the extent of the cultural state associated with this ecological site.
Submodel
Mechanism
hydrologic alteration, increased annual precipitation or significant flooding event, timber management/harvesting, introduction of non-native species, pests, and/or pathogens; shifts in community composition to native species weediness
Mechanism
Hydrologically-altered. Management of sites can include the addition of dams, barriers, structures, or actions that temporarily or permanently alter watersheds or the fluvial geomorphology of rivers and streams. These actions strongly influence site functions, dynamics, and composition promoting an intended cultural state.
Mechanism
Hydrologically-altered. Management of sites can include the addition or removal of dams, barriers, structures, or actions that temporarily or permanently alter watersheds or the fluvial geomorphology of rivers and streams. These actions strongly influence site functions, dynamics, and composition restoring sites back to a reference state.
Management to control, remove, or alter invasive species, pathogens, and abnormal physiology to restore sites to a reference state. Native plantings and seedings.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Riparian Herbaceous Cover |
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Riparian Forest Buffer |
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Obstruction Removal |
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
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Tree/Shrub Establishment |
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Pathogen Management |
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Invasive Plant Species Control |
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Multi-species Native Perennials for Biomass/Wildlife Habitat |
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Herbaceous Weed Control |
Mechanism
Hydrologically-altered. Management of sites can include the addition of dams, barriers, structures, or actions that temporarily or permanently alter watersheds or the fluvial geomorphology of rivers and streams. These actions strongly influence site functions, dynamics, and composition promoting an intended cultural state.
Mechanism
Hydrologically-altered management of sites that can include the removal of dams, barriers, structures, or actions that temporarily or permanently alter watersheds or the fluvial geomorphology of rivers and streams. Coupled with native plant establishment through seeding and planting, these actions can strongly influence site functions, dynamics, and composition, restoring sites back to a reference state.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Tree/Shrub Site Preparation |
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Obstruction Removal |
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Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems |
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Native Plant Community Restoration and Management |
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Restoration of Compacted Soils |
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Restoration and Management of Rare or Declining Habitats |
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Multi-species Native Perennials for Biomass/Wildlife Habitat |
Mechanism
Hydrologically-altered management of sites that can include the removal of dams, barriers, structures, or actions that temporarily or permanently alter watersheds or the fluvial geomorphology of rivers and streams. Coupled with native plant establishment through seeding and planting, these actions can strongly influence site functions, dynamics, and composition, restoring sites back to a semi-natural state.
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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Tree/Shrub Site Preparation |
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Obstruction Removal |
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Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management |
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Wetland Restoration |
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Wetland Creation |
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Wetland Enhancement |
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Restoration and Management of Natural Ecosystems |
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Restoration of Compacted Soils |
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Enhancement - Plant Management |
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.