Shallow Limestone Backslope Glade/Woodland

Description

Glade/Woodland Reference sites harbor a wide diversity of plants and animals. Many, like little bluestem, Indian grass, and sideoats grama, are also found on upland prairies. The glade/woodland complexes range from wide open grassy areas with shallow soils and bare bedrock, to areas with widely scattered chinkapin and post oaks on locations with soil depths at the deeper extreme of the range for this soil component. On protected slopes, open woodlands with chinkapin and post oaks are more common. Here the deeper soil depth range for this soil component and protected aspects allow more woody components to dominate. As fire frequencies decrease invasion by woody species such as eastern redcedar will begin to increase and occupy more space on the site. Return to normal historical fire frequencies will reduce this woody increase and re-open up the site. While many glades have suffered from grazing and fire suppression, good examples can still be found.

Submodel

Description

This state is dominated by eastern redcedar with large increases of oak density due to extended periods of fire suppression. This State can form relatively even-age stands, dating to when fire suppression became the dominant management characteristic on the site. Canopy closures can approach 100% with little or no ground flora. Transition back to the Reference State may require a number of prescribed fire events and thinning out of excess woody species. This state also can transition to a grazed state (State 3) with the introduction of domestic livestock.

Submodel

Description

The Grazed Glade/Woodland State has reduced cover, diversity and vigor of native glade/woodland flora. Woody species encroachment, particularly by eastern redcedar, has also increased in this State. Potential physical site damage by uncontrolled livestock grazing may further degrade this State.

Submodel