Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F088XY012MN
Very Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest
Last updated: 8/12/2024
Accessed: 11/21/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 088X–Northern Minnesota Glacial Lake Basins
MLRA 88 consists of the lake beds of glacial Lakes Agassiz, Upham, and Aitkin. These vast glacial lake beds were formed by meltwaters associated with the last glaciation of the Wisconsin age. The large, flat, wet landscapes are filled with lacustrine lake sediments, wave-washed glacial till, and vast expanses of organic soils. This area is entirely in Minnesota and makes up about 11,590 square miles (30,019 square kilometers).
The western boundary of MLRA 88 with MLRA 56B is gradual. MLRA 56B is a portion of the Red River Valley that was formed by glacial Lake Agassiz and is dominantly prairie. The southern boundary of MLRA 88 with MLRA 57 consists of distinct moraines that formed from the glacial drift sediments of Late Wisconsin age. The eastern and southeastern boundaries are with portions of MLRAs 90A and 93A. These MLRAs are in a distinct glaciated region of sediments of the Rainy and Superior Lobes, and much of MLRA 93A is bedrock controlled (USDA-Ag Handbook 296, 2022).
Ecological site concept
This site is a very dry jack pine-red pine woodland and located on dunes, beach ridges, and outwash plains. Soils are course textured, well drained to excessively drained, and have a low available water capacity. The greater depth to water table differentiates this site from the Dry Sandy Upland Forest. Historically, fire was a common disturbance that influenced plant community composition.
Associated sites
F088XY012MN |
Very Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest The Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest ecological site is located on uplands with soils that are course textured and moderately well drained to somewhat excessively drained. Available water capacity ranges from 2-5 inches. The depth to water table is shallower in the Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest. |
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Similar sites
F088XY012MN |
Very Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest The Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest ecological site is located on uplands with soils that are course textured and moderately well drained to somewhat excessively drained. Available water capacity ranges from 2-5 inches. The depth to water table is shallower in the Dry Sandy Upland Coniferous Forest. |
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Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
(1) Pinus banksiana |
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Shrub |
(1) Vaccinium angustifolium |
Herbaceous |
(1) Maianthemum canadense |
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.
Ecosystem states
T1A | - | Site is logged |
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R2A | - | Restoration inputs; forest stand management |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A | - | Severe Disturbance |
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1.2A | - | Absence of disturbance (55-75 Years) |
1.3A | - | No severe disturbance > 75 Years |
1.3B | - | Severe site disturbance |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A | - | Invasive species established |
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2.2A | - | Eradication of invasive species |