The Swamp ecological site is a Bald Cypress Forest, usually ranging from 75 to 95 percent canopy cover. The dominant force in shaping the Swamp is the semi-permanent inundation of water. The hydrology does not allow oxygen to flow through the soil, causing anoxic conditions. Some soil indicators include: gleyed (grey) colors with redoximorphic features (reds and yellow intermixed) and the smell of rotten eggs when disturbed (release of hydrogen-sulfide gases). Bald cypress have adapted to the conditions and are the dominant as the overstory tree with water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica). Cypress “knees” can usually be found emerging from the soil as an adaption to acquire more oxygen.
Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is a small free-floating plant native to South America. It is rapidly growing and able to double in size every 4 to 10 days under good conditions. Colonies that cover the surface cut off light to native plants and can cause oxygen depletions. The depletions are detrimental to an already low-oxygen environment. Further, decomposition of dead salvinia in the water column can further deplete oxygen levels, causing fish kills. Salvinia has no known direct food value to native wildlife.
The transition from the Reference (State 1) to the Invaded (2) is a result of occupancy by noxious weeds. Invasion can be enhanced by clearing of the overstory. Invasive plants outcompete, and eventually choke out, all other native species.
The driver for restoration is removal of the noxious invasives. Control of the many aquatic invasives is difficult, requiring great effort. Mechanical options include seining or raking, but the plants will reestablish from any remaining fragments.
Biological controls include using triploid grass carp. Permits are required before usage and may be purchased through certified dealers. Salvinia weevils (Cyrtobagous salvinae) have also been used for control. They are natural predators and feed only on salvinia. Biological controls will not completely eradicate invasives, but have proven beneficial in some circumstances.
Several chemicals methods are available, including diquat, fluridone, glyphosate, penoxsalum, and flumioxazin. Some aquatic herbicides have water use restrictions and can potentially affect non-target species, so labels and restrictions should be studied prior to application. Careful understanding of consequences is necessary before application of any control method.
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.
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