Ecological dynamics

The information in this Ecological Site Description, including the state-and-transition model (STM), was developed based on historical data, current field data, professional experience, and a review of the scientific literature. As a result, all possible scenarios or plant species may not be included. Key indicator plant species, disturbances, and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.


The MLRA lies within the transition zone between the eastern deciduous forests and the tallgrass prairies. The heterogeneous topography of the area results in variable microclimates and fuel matrices that in turn support prairies, savannas, woodlands, and forests. Loamy Upland Woodlands form an aspect of this vegetative continuum. This ecological site occurs on uplands on somewhat poorly to well-drained soils. Species characteristic of this ecological site consist of an open oak canopy with a continuous understory of herbaceous vegetation.

Fire is a critical factor that maintains Loamy Upland Woodlands. Fire typically consisted of low- to moderate-severity surface fires every 15 to 25 years (LANDFIRE 2009). Ignition sources included summertime lightning strikes from convective storms and bimodal, human ignitions during the spring and fall seasons. Native Americans regularly set fires to improve sight lines for hunting, drive large game, improve grazing and browsing habitat, agricultural clearing, and enhance vital ethnobotanical plants (Barrett 1980; LANDFIRE 2009).

Drought, grazing, and windthrow have also played a role in shaping this ecological site. The periodic episodes of reduced soil moisture in conjunction with the moderately well to well-drained soils have favored the proliferation of plant species tolerant of such conditions. Drought can also slow the growth of plants and result in dieback of certain species. Damage to trees from storms can vary from minor, patchy effects of individual trees to stand effects that temporarily affect community structure and species richness and diversity (Irland 2000; Peterson 2000). When coupled with fire, periods of drought, herbivory, and high wind events can greatly delay the establishment and maturation of woody vegetation (Pyne et al. 1996).

Today, Loamy Upland Woodlands have been reduced from their pre-settlement extent. Low to moderate slopes have been converted to cropland, while steeper slopes have been converted to forage land. Remnants that do exist have had fire suppressed long enough to allow the site to convert to a closed canopy, mesophytic forest. A return to the historic plant community may not be possible following extensive land modification, but long-term conservation agriculture or woodland reconstruction efforts can help to restore some biotic diversity and ecological function. The state-and-transition model that follows provides a detailed description of each state, community phase, pathway, and transition. This model is based on available experimental research, field observations, literature reviews, professional consensus, and interpretations.

STATE 1 – REFERENCE STATE

The reference plant community is categorized as an open oak-hickory woodland community, dominated by deciduous trees and herbaceous vegetation. The two community phases within the reference state are dependent on recurring fire intervals. The severity and intensity of fire alters species composition, cover, and extent, while regular fire intervals keep the canopy from succeeding to mesophytic, fire-intolerant species. Drought, grazing, and windthrow have more localized impacts in the reference phases, but do contribute to overall species composition, diversity, cover, and productivity.

Community Phase 1.1 White Oak – Bur Oak/Hophornbeam/Big Bluestem – Sites in this reference community phase are an open canopy woodland. White oak and bur oak are the dominant tree species, but northern red oak and hickories are common canopy associates. Trees are large (21 to 33 inches DBH) and cover ranges from 21 to 60 percent (LANDFIRE 2009). Hophornbeam frequently occurs as a subcanopy component. The herbaceous layer is mostly a continuous mix of graminoids and forbs including big bluestem, Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica Lam.), pointedleaf ticktrefoil (Desmodium glutinosum (Muhl. ex Willd.) Alph. Wood), and spotted geranium (Geranium maculatum L.) (NatureServe 2018). Surface fires occurring approximately every 20 years will maintain this phase, but beyond 25 years the community will shift to phase 1.2 (LANDFIRE 2009).

Pathway 1.1A – Fire return interval greater than 25 years.

Community Phase 1.2 White Oak – Hickory/Hophornbeam – Gray Dogwood/Pennsylvania Sedge – American Hogpeanut – This community phase represents natural succession as a result of an extended fire return interval. The lack of disturbance allows the hickory component to mature, co-dominating with the oaks. Hophornbeam is still present in the subcanopy. Tree size class remains steady, but canopy coverage ranges from 61 to 80 percent shifting the site to a closed canopy woodland (LANDFIRE 2009). The shrub layer becomes more prominent during this phase with species such as gray dogwood, American hazelnut, and Missouri gooseberry (Ribes missouriense Nutt.) (NatureServe 2018). Pennsylvania sedge, American hogpeanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata (L.) Fernald), woodbine (Parthenocissus vitacea (Knerr.) Hitchc.), and other shade-tolerant species become more common in the herbaceous layer. Periodic surface fires will maintain this phase, but replacement fires occurring approximately every 20 years will shift the community back to phase 1.1 (LANDFIRE 2009).

Pathway 1.2A – Replacement fire every 20 years

Transition 1A – Long-term fire suppression in excess of 50 years transitions the site to the fire-suppressed state (2).

Transition 1B – Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transitions the site to the forage state (3).

Transition 1C – Tillage, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition this site to the cropland state (4).

STATE 2 – FIRE-SUPPRESSED STATE
Long-term fire suppression can transition the reference plant community from an open woodland to a closed canopy forest. As the natural fire regime is removed from the landscape, encroachment and dominance by shade-tolerant, fire-intolerant species ensues. This results in a positive feedback loop of mesophication whereby plant community succession continuously creates cool, damp shaded conditions that perpetuate a closed canopy ecosystem (Nowacki and Abrams 2008). Succession to this forested state can occur in as little as 50 years from the last fire (LANDFIRE 2009).

Community Phase 2.1 Northern Red Oak – Sugar Maple/Black Cherry/Jack in the pulpit – Mayapple – This community phase represents the early stages of long-term fire suppression. White oak, bur oak, and hickory can still be present but more mesic species – e.g., northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall), and American basswood (Tilia americana L.) – begin to dominate (MDNR 2005). The tree canopy increases to 81 to 100 percent cover and basal area increases (LANDFIRE 2009). The subcanopy and shrub layer shifts to fire-intolerant species including black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.). The herbaceous layer is increasingly dominated by spring ephemerals under the closed canopy mesophytic forest. Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott), mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum L.), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L.), and largeflower bellflower (Uvularia grandiflora Sm.) are common forbs noted in the spring.

Pathway 2.1A – Continued fire suppression.

Community Phase 2.2 Sugar Maple – American Basswood/Black Cherry/Jack in the pulpit – Mayapple – Sites falling into this community phase have a well-established, fire-intolerant sugar maple-basswood closed canopy, with hophornbeam and black cherry being common subcanopy species. Without recurring fire, downed woody debris and herbaceous and leaf litter are frequently encountered on the forest floor.

Pathway 2.2A – Severe disturbance event such as a replacement fire, severe drought, or
windstorm.

Transition 2A – Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transitions the site to the forage state (3).

Transition 2B – Tillage, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition this site to the cropland state (4).

Restoration 2A – Site preparation, tree planting, invasive species control, and seeding native species transition this site to the reconstructed oak woodland state (5).

STATE 3 – FORAGE STATE
The forage state occurs when the site is converted to a farming system that emphasizes domestic livestock production known as grassland agriculture. Fire suppression, periodic cultural treatments (e.g., clipping, drainage, soil amendment applications, planting new species and/or cultivars, mechanical harvesting) and grazing by domesticated livestock transition and maintain this state (USDA-NRCS 2003). Early settlers seeded non-native species, such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), to help extend the grazing season (Smith 1998). Over time, as lands were continuously harvested or grazed by herds of cattle, the non-native species were able to spread and expand across the landscape, reducing the native species diversity and ecological function. This state is most common on the steeply sloping sites.

Community Phase 3.1 Hayfield – Sites in this community phase consist of forage plants that are planted and mechanically harvested. Mechanical harvesting removes much of the aboveground biomass and nutrients that feed the soil microorganisms (Franzluebbers et al. 2000; USDA-NRCS 2003). As a result, soil biology is reduced leading to decreases in nutrient uptake by plants, soil organic matter, and soil aggregation. Frequent biomass removal can also reduce the site’s carbon sequestration capacity (Skinner 2008).

Pathway 3.1A – Mechanical harvesting is replaced with domestic livestock utilizing continuous
grazing.

Pathway 3.1B – Mechanical harvesting is replaced with domestic livestock utilizing rotational grazing.

Community Phase 3.2 Continuous Pastured Grazing System – This community phase is characterized by continuous grazing where domestic livestock graze a pasture for the entire season. Depending on stocking density, this can result in lower forage quality and productivity, weed invasions, and uneven pasture use. Continuous grazing can also increase the amount of bare ground and erosion and reduce soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability and retention (Bharati et al. 2002; Leake et al. 2004; Teague et al. 2011). Smooth brome, Kentucky bluegrass, and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) are common pasture species used in this phase. Their tolerance to continuous grazing has allowed these species to dominate, sometimes completely excluding the native vegetation.

Pathway 3.2A – Domestic livestock are removed, and mechanical harvesting is implemented.

Pathway 3.2B – Rotational grazing replaces continuous grazing.

Community Phase 3.3 Rest-Rotation Pastured Grazing System – This community phase is characterized by rotational grazing where the pasture has been subdivided into several smaller paddocks. Through the development of a grazing plan, livestock utilize one or a few paddocks, while the remaining area is rested allowing plants to restore vigor and energy reserves, deepen root systems, develop seeds, as well as allow seedling establishment (Undersander et al. 2002; USDA-NRCS 2003). Rest-rotation pastured grazing systems include deferred rotation, rest rotation, high intensity – low frequency, and short duration methods. Vegetation is generally more diverse and can include orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), timothy (Phleum pretense L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The addition of native prairie species can further bolster plant diversity and, in turn, soil function. This community phase promotes numerous ecosystem benefits including increasing biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, maintaining and enhancing soil quality, sequestering atmospheric carbon, and improving water yield and quality (USDA-NRCS 2003).

Pathway 3.3A – Continuous grazing replaces rotational grazing.

Pathway 3.3B – Domestic livestock are removed, and mechanical harvesting is implemented.

Transition 3A – Land abandonment transitions the site to the fire-suppressed state (2).

Transition 3B – Tillage, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition this site to the cropland state (4).

Restoration 3A – Site preparation, tree planting, invasive species control, and seeding native species transition this site to the reconstructed oak woodland state (5).

STATE 4 – CROPLAND STATE
The low topographic relief across the MLRA has resulted in nearly the entire area being converted to agriculture (Eilers and Roosa 1994). The continuous use of tillage, row-crop planting, and chemicals (i.e., herbicides, fertilizers, etc.) has effectively eliminated the reference community and many of its natural ecological functions in favor of crop production. Corn and soybeans are the dominant crops for the site, and oats (Avena L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) may be rotated periodically. These areas are likely to remain in crop production for the foreseeable future. This state is most common on the gently sloping sites.

Community Phase 4.1 Conventional Tillage Field – Sites in this community phase typically consist of monoculture row-cropping maintained by conventional tillage practices. They are cropped in either continuous corn or corn-soybean rotations. The frequent use of deep tillage, low crop diversity, and bare soil conditions during the non-growing season negatively impacts soil health. Under these practices, soil aggregation is reduced or destroyed, soil organic matter is reduced, erosion and runoff are increased, and infiltration is decreased, which can ultimately lead to undesirable changes in the hydrology of the watershed (Tomer et al. 2005).

Pathway 4.1A – Tillage operations are greatly reduced, crop rotation occurs on a regular interval, and crop residue remains on the soil surface.

Pathway 4.1B – Tillage operations are greatly reduced or eliminated, crop rotation occurs on a regular interval, crop residue remains on the soil surface, and cover crops are planted following crop harvest.

Community Phase 4.2 Conservation Tillage Field – This community phase is characterized by rotational crop production that utilizes various conservation tillage methods to promote soil health and reduce erosion. Conservation tillage methods include strip-till, ridge-till, vertical-till, or no-till planting systems. Strip-till keeps seedbed preparation to narrow bands less than one-third the width of the row where crop residue and soil consolidation are left undisturbed in-between seedbed areas. Strip-till planting may be completed in the fall and nutrient application either occurs simultaneously or at the time of planting. Ridge-till uses specialized equipment to create ridges in the seedbed and vegetative residue is left on the surface in between the ridges. Weeds are controlled with herbicides and/or cultivation, seedbed ridges are rebuilt during cultivation, and soils are left undisturbed from harvest to planting. Vertical-till systems employ machinery that lightly tills the soil and cuts up crop residue, mixing some of the residue into the top few inches of the soil while leaving a large portion on the surface. No-till management is the most conservative, disturbing soils only at the time of planting and fertilizer application. Compared to conventional tillage systems, conservation tillage methods can improve soil ecosystem function by reducing soil erosion, increasing organic matter and water availability, improving water quality, and reducing soil compaction.

Pathway 4.2A – Intensive tillage is utilized, and monoculture row-cropping is established.

Pathway 4.2B – Cover crops are implemented to minimize soil erosion.

Community Phase 4.3 Conservation Tillage with Cover Crop Field – This community phase applies conservation tillage methods as described above as well as adds cover crop practices. Cover crops typically include nitrogen-fixing species (e.g., legumes), small grains (e.g., rye, wheat, oats), or forage covers (e.g., turnips, radishes, rapeseed). The addition of cover crops not only adds plant diversity but also promotes soil health by reducing soil erosion, limiting nitrogen leaching, suppressing weeds, increasing soil organic matter, and improving the overall soil ecosystem. In the case of small grain cover crops, surface cover and water infiltration are increased, while forage covers can be used to graze livestock or support local wildlife. Of the three community phases for this state, this phase promotes the greatest soil sustainability and improves ecological functioning within a cropland system.

Pathway 4.3A – Cover crop practices are abandoned.

Pathway 4.3B – Intensive tillage is utilized, cover crops practices are abandoned, monoculture
row-cropping is established, and crop rotation is reduced or eliminated.

Transition 4A – Land abandonment transitions the site to the fire-suppressed state (2).

Transition 4B – Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transitions the site to the forage state (3).

Restoration 4A – Site preparation, tree planting, invasive species control, and seeding native species transition this site to the reconstructed oak woodland state (5).

STATE 5 – RECONSTRUCTED OAK WOODLAND STATE
The combination of natural and anthropogenic disturbances occurring today has resulted in numerous forest health issues, and restoration back to the historic reference condition may not be possible. Woodlands are being stressed by non-native diseases and pests, habitat fragmentation, permanent changes in soil hydrology, and overabundant deer populations on top of naturally-occurring disturbances (severe weather and native pests) (Flickinger 2010). However, these habitats provide multiple ecosystem services including carbon sequestration; clean air and water; soil conservation; biodiversity support; wildlife habitat; timber, fiber, and fuel products; as well as a variety of cultural activities (e.g., hiking, camping, hunting) (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005; Flickinger 2010). Therefore, conservation of forests and woodlands should still be pursued. Woodland reconstructions are an important tool for repairing natural ecological functioning and providing habitat protection for numerous species associated with Loamy Upland Woodlands. Therefore, ecological restoration should aim to aid the recovery of degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems. A successful restoration will have the ability to structurally and functionally sustain itself, demonstrate resilience to the ranges of stress and disturbance, and create and maintain positive biotic and abiotic interactions (SER 2002). The reconstructed woodland state is the result of a long-term commitment involving a multi-step, adaptive management process.

Community Phase 5.1 Early Successional Reconstructed Woodland – This community phase represents the early community assembly from woodland reconstruction. It is highly dependent on the current condition of the woodland based on past and current land management actions, invasive species, and proximity to land populated with non-native pests and diseases. Therefore, no two sites will have the same early successional composition. Technical forestry assistance should be sought to develop suitable conservation management plans.

Pathway 5.1A – Application of stand improvement practices in line with a developed management plan.

Community Phase 5.2 Late Successional Reconstructed Woodland – Appropriately timed management practices (e.g., prescribed fire, hazardous fuels management, forest stand improvement, continuing integrated pest management) applied to the early successional community phase can help increase the stand maturity, pushing the site into a late successional community phase over time. A late successional reconstructed woodland will have an uneven-aged canopy and a well-developed shrub layer and understory.

Pathway 5.2A – Reconstruction experiences a setback from extreme weather event or improper timing of management actions.

Transition 5A – Fire suppression and removal of active management transitions this site to the fire-suppressed state (2).

Transition 5B – Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transition the site to the forage state (3).

Transition 5C – Tillage, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition this site to the cropland state (4).