Loamy Till Bottom
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
- Restoration pathway R3B 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 site typically occurs on relatively-flat areas (1-2 percent slopes) where water saturates glacial till deposits for much of the growing season. Often it is found in valley bottoms, near open wetlands and drainageways, or in surface water discharge areas such as slope breaks. Northern white cedar is the dominant overstory plant on this site, often with small diameter hardwoods and softwoods such as brown ash, balsam fir, and yellow birch present but not dominant. Soils formed in mineral glacial till deposits, and consist of poorly-drained hummocks and very-poorly-drained depressions. (Gawler and Cutko, 2010)
Characteristics and indicators
Sites are basin wetlands with >60% tree canopy cover and northern white cedar as the dominant tree. Peat mosses are the dominant bryophytes. The substrate is organic peat or muck. (Gawler and Cutko, 2010)
Resilience management
In some areas, this site may be disturbed by ponding associated with beaver activity or road and other structures that impede runoff from the site. When ponded, cedar and other trees typically die, and only return following the removal of beaver dams or structures impeding runoff. Once ponding is removed, this site may transition through various open wetland phases and/or early seral forest communities prior to cedar re-establishment and dominance.
Logging and wind may open patches of tree canopy which result in increased herb production. In areas where this site is cleared, drained, and cultivated, it is used for mostly hay and pasture, or rarely as cropland.
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). More research is needed to determine the extent of the cultural state associated with this ecological site.
Submodel
Mechanism
wind erosion, climate change, hydrological alteration (beaver activity), significant increase in flooding events and annual precipitation, introduction of invasive species, pests, and pathogens
Mechanism
hydrologic alteration (anthropogenic), timber harvesting, mechanical soil disturbance
Mechanism
remediation of hydrologic alteration, management of invasive species, pests, and pathogens
Relevant conservation practices
| Practice | External resources |
|---|---|
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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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Invasive Plant Species Control |
Mechanism
remediation of hydrologic alteration, significant flooding events and increase in annual precipitation, compacted soil
Mechanism
remediation of hydrologic alteration, seeding, planting, significant flooding events and increase in annual precipitation, compacted soil
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.