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.
Ecological Dynamics
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 are able to support prairies, savannas, woodlands, and forests. Wet Loess Upland Flatwoods form an aspect of this vegetative continuum. This ecological site occurs on broad upland flats and high stream terraces on very poorly to somewhat poorly-drained soils, spanning the hydric/non-hydric boundary. As a result, species characteristic of this ecological site consist of both upland and hydrophytic woody and herbaceous vegetation.
Seasonal high-water tables, windthrow, and periodic fire are critical factors that maintain Wet Loess Upland Flatwoods. Saturated soil conditions play an important role in woody and herbaceous species diversity by limiting seed germination. 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). Fire typically consisted of high-intensity, low-frequency fires projected to occur every 700-1000 years and generally followed large wind events or extended periods of drought (LANDFIRE 2009).
Drought has also played a role in shaping this ecological site. The periodic episodes of reduced soil moisture in conjunction with the very poorly to somewhat poorly-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. When coupled with fire, periods of drought events can greatly delay the establishment and maturation of woody vegetation (Pyne et al. 1996).
Today, Wet Loess Upland Flatwoods have been greatly reduced, if not extirpated, as lands have been cleared and type-converted for agricultural production. The state-and-transition model that follows provides a detailed description of each state, community phase, pathway, and transition. 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. 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 upland flatwood community, dominated by both upland and hydrophytic woody and herbaceous vegetation. The two community phases within the reference state are dependent on seasonal high-water tables, fire, or storm damage. These disturbances alter species composition, cover, and extent. Drought has more localized impacts in the refence phases, but does contribute to overall species composition, diversity, and productivity.
Community 1.1
Pin Oak – Bur Oak/American Black Elderberry/Eastern Woodland Sedge – Fowl Mannagrass
Sites in this reference community phase are an open canopy woodland. Pin oak and bur oak are the dominant tree species, but swamp white oak, northern red oak, white oak, shagbark hickory, and American elm (Ulmus americana L.) are common canopy associates. Trees are very large (>33-inch DBH) and cover is over 60 percent. The herbaceous layer varies from sparse to patchy due to seasonal high saturation. Characteristic species include eastern woodland sedge, fowl mannagrass, Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott), and calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (L.) Á. Löve & D. Löve). Shrubs are infrequent to sparse. Frequent windthrow of single trees to small patches maintained this phase, but replacement fire or major windthrow event would shift the community to phase 1.2 (LANDFIRE 2009).
Community 1.2
Pin Oak – American Black Elderberry/Eastern Woodland Sedge – Fowl Mannagrass
This reference community phase represents the site following a replacement fire or a major wind event. Community structure has been significantly altered, with tree size class having been reduced to pole-sized (5 to 9-inch DBH) and canopy cover not exceeding 30 percent (LANDFIRE 2009). The shrub layer is most prominent during this phase, including American black elderberry, common pricklyash (Zanthoxylum americanum Mill.), and dogwoods (Cornus L.), taking advantage of the lack of tree cover (LANDFIRE 2009; NatureServe 2015). Lack of disturbances in excess of 30 years will allow the community to shift to phase 1.3 (LANDFIRE 2009).
Community 1.3
Pin Oak – Bur Oak/American Black Elderberry – Common Pricklyash/Eastern Woodland Sedge
Fowl Mannagrass – This community reference phase represents natural succession as a result of over 30 years of no disturbance events. The lack of disturbances allows the trees to mature. Tree size class increases to medium (9 to 21-inch DBH) and cover ranges from 31 to 60 percent. The open and patchy tree cover allows shrub diversity and cover to remain prominent during this phase. A replacement fire or major windstorm will shift the community back to phase 1.2, but lack of disturbances in excess of 50 years will allow the community to shift to phase 1.1 (LANDFIRE 2009).
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Stand replacing fire or major windstorm.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Natural succession following 30+ years of no disturbances.
Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.1
Natural successional following 50+ years of no disturbances.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Stand replacing fire or major windstorm.
State 2
Forage State
The forage state occurs when the site is converted to a farming operation 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.
Community 2.1
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).
Community 2.2
Continuous Pastured Grazing
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.
Community 2.3
Periodic-rest Pastured Grazing
This community phase is characterized by periodic-rest grazing where the pasture has been subdivided into several smaller paddocks. Subdividing the pasture in this way allows livestock to 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). Periodic-rest pastured grazing includes deferred periods, rest periods, and periods of 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 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Mechanical harvesting is replaced with domestic livestock utilizing continuous grazing.
Pathway 2.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3
Mechanical harvesting is replaced with domestic livestock utilizing periodic-rest grazing.
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Domestic livestock are removed, and mechanical harvesting is implemented.
Pathway 2.2B
Community 2.2 to 2.3
Periodic-rest grazing replaces continuous grazing.
Pathway 2.3B
Community 2.3 to 2.1
Domestic livestock are removed, and mechanical harvesting is implemented.
Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.2
Continuous grazing replaces periodic-rest grazing.
State 3
Cropland State
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.
Community 3.1
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 alternating periods of corn and soybean crops. 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).
Community 3.2
Conservation Tillage Field
This community phase is characterized by periodically alternating crops and utilizing 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 operations. 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 operations 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 operations, 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.
Community 3.3
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 row crop operation.
Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2
Tillage operations are greatly reduced, alternating crops occurs on a regular interval, and crop residue remains on the soil surface.
Pathway 3.1B
Community 3.1 to 3.3
Tillage operations are greatly reduced or eliminated, alternating crops occurs on a regular interval, crop residue remains on the soil surface, and cover crops are planted following crop harvest.
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1
Intensive tillage is utilized, and monoculture row-cropping is established.
Pathway 3.2B
Community 3.2 to 3.3
Cover crops are implemented to minimize soil erosion.
Pathway 3.3B
Community 3.3 to 3.1
Intensive tillage is utilized, cover crops practices are abandoned, monoculture row-cropping is established on a more-or-less continuous basis.
Pathway 3.3A
Community 3.3 to 3.2
Cover crop practices are abandoned.
State 4
Reconstructed Flatwood 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 Wet Loess Upland Flatwoods. 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 flatwood state is the result of a long-term commitment involving a multi-step, adaptive management process.
Community 4.1
Early Successional Reconstructed Flatwood
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.
Community 4.2
Late Successional Reconstructed Flatwood
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 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2
Application of stand improvement practices in line with a developed management plan.
Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1
Reconstruction experiences a setback from extreme weather event or improper timing of management actions.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transitions the site to the forage state (2).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Tillage, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition this site to the cropland state (3).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Tillage, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition this site to the cropland state (3).
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 4
Site preparation, tree planting, invasive species control, and seeding native species transition this site to the reconstructed flatwood state (4).
Transition T3A
State 3 to 2
Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transitions the site to the forage state (2).
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 4
Site preparation, tree planting, invasive species control, and seeding native species transition this site to the reconstructed flatwood state (4).
Transition T4A
State 4 to 2
Cultural treatments to enhance forage quality and yield transition the site to the forage state (2).
Transition T4B
State 4 to 3
Tillage, seeding of agricultural crops, and non-selective herbicide transition this site to the cropland state (3).
