WET MEADOW 14+ P.Z.

Description

The this state is dominated by native perennial bunchgrasses, principally tufted hairgrass. There are a wide variety of other grasses and grass-like species that may occur in minor amounts. Some of these species may be dominant in small areas due to soil and water variations. Woody vegetation is sparse.

The Reference State has two plant communities one with a grass/sedge dominance and the other with sedge/rush dominance. The community phase transition can occur either from grazing or fire. Bunchgrasses, like tufted hairgrass, are susceptible to grazing and fire and can be temporarily reduced, which may increase rhizomatous sedges and
rushes in the community.

Vegetation is dependent on access to the water table throughout the growing season and is tolerant of short period of flooding or ponding.

Submodel

Description

The Degraded Meadow State develops after prolonged drop in water table, either through artificial drainage or downcutting of adjacent streams or drainageways. Site productivity has decreased and "course-fibered grass-like plants" increased.
Degraded Meadow State can be similar to drier meadow sites or the Loamy Bottom site. The Wet Meadow site has crossed the threshold. The Degraded Meadow State cannot be returned to State 1 without raising the water table. This might be done using structures or bio-engineering over time, but the plant community may take many years to approach the plant community in the Reference State.

This state requires additional documentation to describe the community phases, and to differentiate it from dry meadow sites.

Characteristics and indicators

This site is characterized by increased bare ground, an incised channel or surface gullies. Fire may also decrease soil organic matter and localized soil compaction associated with livestock may be present.

Submodel