Natural Resources
Conservation Service
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
- Transition T1C More details
- Restoration pathway R2A More details
- Restoration pathway R3A More details
- Restoration pathway R4A 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 conditions, this site was dominated by tall prairie grasses specifically big bluestem and eastern gammagrass. Sedge species were also a large component of this site, especially upright sedge and hairy sedge.
Dominant plant species
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), grass
sedge (Carex), grass
Submodel
Description
This state is characterized by a longer than normal fire return interval or the absence of fire as a disturbance agent. Absence of fire allows for a thick layer of leaf litter to accumulate which suppresses the production of the herbaceous species and allows the woody species to establish and flourish. Similarly, the woody species that colonize this site are generally intolerant of fire. The seasonal flooding and fire work in concert to help prevent woody species establishment. Continued lack of fire allows the site to transition from a shrub/herbaceous site, to a woodland, and eventually to a forest.
Submodel
Description
This site has largely been converted to agricultural use. Most of the historic acres are now in row crop agricultural use. Most common is a corn and soybean rotation of various types. A smaller portion of the site is used to grow hay or cool season forage and used for grazing. The conversion of the site to agricultural use begins with the installation of a drainage system which most often employs either or both ditching and field tile.
Submodel
Description
This site is characterized by the establishment of invasive species. Without management to control them, the invasive species come to be the dominant species to the exclusion of nearly all other species.
Dominant plant species
reed (Phragmites), grass
reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), grass
Submodel
Mechanism
No fire or woody species management will transition this site towards the fire suppressed state. This will result in a loss of herbaceous species production and richness.
Mechanism
The installation of drainage either through ditches of field tile or both facilitates the start of the transition to the agriculture state. Planting and management of the selected crop complete the transition.
Mechanism
The establishment of invasive species without management, to include the use of fire, move the site towards the invaded state. This results in a loss in species richness of the site.
Mechanism
Removal of trees and other woody species then planting the site to the desired species. Following these actions with fire will help restore the site to the Mucky Prairie state.
Mechanism
Removal of drainage system, site preparation, planting of the desired species, and regular application of fire move the site back to the Mucky Prairie state.
Mechanism
Chemical and mechanical treatment of the invasive species is the first restoration step. At times biological treatment, to included grazing, can be helpful but is not common in this area. The reapplication of fire after seeding of the appropriate species helps maintain the species dominance in the Mucky Prairie state.
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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