Semi-Acidic Peat Wetland Complex
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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Transition T1A
Lowering of soil surface below permanent water surface (trampling, etc.)
More details -
Transition T1B
Decrease in long term hydroperiod, shrub or tree dominance
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Transition T2A
Organic matter accumulation over time, colonization of native graminoids, mosses, and shrubs (decadal)
More details -
No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
These are open peatlands dominated by tall rhizomatous sedges, a variable cover sphagnum and other diverse mosses, and a moderate cover of relatively short shrubs. Tall hammocks may be occasional and provide habitat for various floral and faunal species. Low hummocks and wet hollows will also be present, each with their own microhabitats present. Changes in dominant community type will often be the result of site enrichment, which can be seen through richness indicator species.
Submodel
Description
This phase describes the impact of increased hydroperiods the results in a permanently inundated condition. These sites are slow to recovery when physically altered and can persist for extended periods of time.
Submodel
Description
This state describes an open peat wetland that has been subject to long-term decreases in localized hydrology. More study is needed to assess the impact of decreased hydrology on these sites but is hypothesized that drainage of these sites will shift the soils and species composition to another ecological site complex.
Submodel
Mechanism
This can be the result of physical alterations to the soil surface, such as physical trampling or excavation, that can compress the low-density peat lower than the surrounding water table, reflecting an area of open water. This can also be the result of anthropogenic or natural damming of a surrounding system, in which water inflow is increased.
Mechanism
Decreases in long-term hydroperiods, whether through anthropogenic or natural drainage, may convert this site into several other community types. A lowered water table will allow decomposition of peat to occur, turning the soil surface into muck (through oxidation and disintegration of the original peat fibers) and allowing for various grasses, forbs, shrubs, and possibly trees to become dominant (depending on the level of alteration).
Mechanism
This can be the result of organic matter accumulation over time, which can occur on the decadal scale. Colonization of native mosses, graminoids, and shrubs will attribute to the buildup of the peatland soil surface and can reflect the native community types over time. As Sphagnum mosses establish themselves and become dominant, through the release of organic acids it will acidify the surrounding environment and create conditions less favorable to other plats and promote its own growth. Timing of natural succession of these peatlands will vary across many environmental factors including pH, localized and climatic hydrologic inputs, nutrient status, and remaining vegetative cover.
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.