Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
Select a state
Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition T 1-2 More details
- Transition T 1-3 More details
- Restoration pathway R 2-1 More details
- Transition T 2-3 More details
- Restoration pathway R 3-1 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 is the reference or diagnostic plant community for this site. In reference condition (mature), this site was dominated by cottonwood and sycamore trees. Other canopy tree species include silver maple, swamp white oak, and black walnut. An earlier successional phase of this site is comprised largely of young cottonwoods, willows, dogwoods and pawpaw along with herbaceous species. Prior to settlement, the dynamics of the site were largely controlled by flooding, channel meandering, sedimentation and erosion. These process still occur, at some level, yet to this day, but have been greatly altered from pre-settlement conditions by bank stabilization, dams, diversions, and channel straightening. Nearly one-half of this site is in agricultural production, most of which is used to grow corn and soybeans. Many of the areas that are relatively intact have been affected by invasive species and the disruption of the hydrologic and geomorphic processes listed above.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the establishment and eventual dominance of invasive species in the understory. This greatly reduces the species richness and diversity of the site as a whole. Common invasives for this site include, but are not limited to, species of Asian bush honeysuckle, Callery pear, autumn olive and ailanthus.
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by the conversion of the site to agricultural use. Most common practice is a corn and soybean rotation of various types. About 10% of the historic acres are use for forage and pasture.
Submodel
Mechanism
The establishment of an invasive species without management to remove or control it will transition the site to the Invaded State (2).
Mechanism
Removal of the trees and the installation of a drainage system are the first steps in converting the site to the Agriculture State. Regular agricultural practices will maintain the site in that state.
Mechanism
Chemical and mechanical treatment of the invasive species. Planting of desired species may be needed if they are not enough left to recolonize the site.
Mechanism
Removal off trees and other wood species. Install drainage system, prepare the site for planting the agricultural crop, and regular agricultural practices.
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.
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