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Conservation Service

Ecological site F113XY906IL

Upland Woodland

Last updated: 5/17/2024
Accessed: 11/23/2024

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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): 113X–Central Claypan Areas

The eastern Illinois portion of the Central Claypan Areas MLRA is in the Till Plains Section of the Central Lowland Province of the Interior Plains (USDA-NRCS, 2006) and includes the Southern Till Plain Natural Division of the natural divisions of Illinois (Schwegman, 1973; 1997; IDNR, 2018) in south-central Illinois. South-central Illinois is a dissected Illinoisan till plain south of the terminal Wisconsin moraine. This region consists of nearly level to gently sloping, old till plains. Stream valleys are shallow and generally are narrow. Elevation is about 660 feet (200 meters), increasing gradually from south to north. Local relief is generally low on the broad, flat till plains and flood plains and high on the dissected hills bordering rivers or drainage systems. The Kaskaskia, Little Muddy, Little Wabash, Embarras, and Skillet Fork rivers are part of this area. This region is covered with loess, which overlies old glacial drift (Illinoisan till) that has a high content of clay. Fragipans are also present. Pennsylvanian limestone and shale bedrock underlay the glacial till. The dominant soil orders in this region are Alfisol and Mollisol. The soils in the area predominantly have a mesic soil temperature regime, an aquic or udic soil moisture regime, and mixed or smectitic mineralogy. They generally are very deep, well drained to poorly drained, and loamy or clayey. (USDA-NRCS, 2006).

Classification relationships

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) (USDA-NRCS, 2006):
113 – Central Claypan Areas, Eastern Part
U.S. Forest Service Ecoregions (Cleland et al. 2007):
Domain: Humid Temperate Domain
Division: Hot Continental Division
Province: Eastern Broadleaf Forest (Continental)
Province Code: 222
Section: Central Till Plains, Oak-Hickory Section
Section Code: 222G

Ecological site concept

The historic pre-European settlement vegetation or reference plant community was an oak-hickory forest with a shade-tolerant herbaceous understory. Upland Woodland ecological sites occurred on convex, gently sloping dissected till plains on soils that formed in loess over glacial till. This reference woodland ecological site had a somewhat open tree canopy dominated by white oak (Quercus alba L.) 1 and shagbark hickory (Carya ovata (Mill.) K. Koch) along with other oaks and hickories such as mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa (Lam.) Nutt.), pignut hickory (Carya ovalis (Mill.) Sweet), black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.) and post oak (Quercus stellata Wangenh.) (Anderson et. al. 2007; White, 1978; NatureServe 2018).

The tree canopy is moderately tall (60 to 75 feet), rather open-grown with somewhat spreading canopies. Canopy cover can range from 30 to 80 percent, and varies with fire regimes. The woody sapling layer is variable, typically absent or scattered, but increasing in the absence of fire. Shrubs and saplings may include stiff dogwood (Cornus foemina Mill.), American hazelnut (Corylus americana Walter), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), prairie crab apple (Malus ioensis (Alph. Wood) Britton), and fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica Aiton). In the absence of fire, common serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea (Michx. f.) Fernald), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.), hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch), and blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium L.) may increase. The ground layer is a mix of graminoids and forbs. Typical graminoid species may include big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica Lam.), Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus L.), nodding fescue (Festuca subverticillata (Pers.) Alexeev), eastern bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix L.), Heller's rosette grass (Dichanthelium oligosanthes (Schult.) Gould), Bosc's panicgrass (Dichanthelium boscii (Poir.) Gould & C.A. Clark), and Indian woodoats (Chasmanthium latifolium (Michx.) Yates). Common herbs include American hogpeanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata (L.) Fernald), purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens L.), Drummond's aster (Symphyotrichum drummondii (Lindl.) G.L. Nesom), eastern purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench), hairy sunflower (Helianthus hirsutus Raf.), paleleaf woodland sunflower (Helianthus strumosus L.), violet lespedeza (Lespedeza violacea (L.) Pers.), foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis Nutt. ex Sims), Canadian blacksnakeroot (Sanicula canadensis L.), clustered blacksnakeroot (Sanicula odorata (Raf.) K.M. Pryer & L.R. Phillippe), elm leaf goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia Muhl. ex Willd.), and others. Fires were an important influence on this community, maintaining its open character and preventing shrubby and mesophytic trees from invading. Other disturbances include windstorms, ice storms, and grazing. (Anderson et. al. 2007; Nelson 2010; NatureServe 2018)

1 All plant common and scientific names in this document were obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service National PLANTS Database (USDA NRCS, 2018).

Associated sites

F113XY911IL	Loamy Till Backslope Forest Loamy Till Backslope Forests have a similar species composition but are found below Upland Woodlands on steeper slopes.
F113XY905IL	Wet Upland Woodland Wet Upland Woodlands are found on similar landscapes but have a wetter soil profile.
F113XY919IL	Wet Silty Floodplain Forest Wet Silty Floodplain Woodlands are downslope in valley floodplains.

F113XY911IL

Loamy Till Backslope Forest

Loamy Till Backslope Forests have a similar species composition but are found below Upland Woodlands on steeper slopes.

F113XY905IL

Wet Upland Woodland

Wet Upland Woodlands are found on similar landscapes but have a wetter soil profile.

F113XY919IL

Wet Silty Floodplain Forest

Wet Silty Floodplain Woodlands are downslope in valley floodplains.

Similar sites

F113XY911IL	Loamy Till Backslope Forest Loamy Till Backslope Forests have a similar species composition but occur below Upland Woodlands on steeper slopes.

F113XY911IL

Loamy Till Backslope Forest

Loamy Till Backslope Forests have a similar species composition but occur below Upland Woodlands on steeper slopes.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Quercus alba (2) Carya ovata
Shrub	(1) Corylus americana
Herbaceous	(1) Elymus virginicus (2) Echinacea purpurea

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Physiographic features

These ecological sites area occur on gentle upper slopes of hills, ridges and plains. The parent material is primarily loess or other silty material over the underlying paleosol in loamy outwash. Slopes range from 2 to 5 percent. The site generates runoff to adjacent, downslope ecological sites. This site does not flood.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Slope shape across	(1) Convex
Landforms	(1) Upland > Ground moraine (2) Hills > Esker (3) Plains > Till plain (4) Outwash terrace
Runoff class	Low to high
Elevation	110 – 255 m
Slope	2 – 5%
Water table depth	0 – 76 cm
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The soil temperature regime of MLRA 113 is classified as mesic, where the mean annual soil temperature is between 47 and 59°F. Temperature and precipitation occur along a north-south gradient, where temperature and precipitation increase the further south you travel (USDA-NRCS 2006). The majority of the precipitation occurs as rainfall in the form of convective thunderstorms during the growing season.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	163-170 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	188-200 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	1,118-1,168 mm
Frost-free period (actual range)	162-173 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	185-202 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	1,118-1,168 mm
Frost-free period (average)	167 days
Freeze-free period (average)	194 days
Precipitation total (average)	1,143 mm

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) BENTON 2 N [USC00110608], Benton, IL
(2) DU QUOIN 4 SE [USC00112483], Du Quoin, IL
(3) MT VERNON 3 NE [USC00115943], Mount Vernon, IL

Influencing water features

Upland Woodlands are not influenced by wetland or riparian water features. Precipitation is the main source of water for this ecological site. Infiltration is moderately slow to slow and surface runoff is medium to high. Some sites have an intermittent apparent seasonal high water table is present at a depth of 2 to 3 feet below the surface. Surface runoff contributes water to downslope ecological sites. (SSS NRCS OSD, 2018; SSS NRCS WSS, 2018).

Soil features

These soils are very deep, moderately well and well drained, with moderately slow to very slow permeability. They generally formed in loess or other silty material over the underlying paleosol in loamy outwash. (NCSS, 2018; SSS NRCS OSD, 2018).

Soil series associated with this site (Table 5) include Pike, Parke, and Rend. Rend soils have an intermittent apparent seasonal high water table within 3 feet below the surface. Soils of this ecological site are in the Alfisol order, further classified as fine-silty, mixed, active, mesic Ultic Hapludalfs or fine-silty, mixed, active, mesic Fragic Oxyaquic Hapludalfs (NCSS, 2018; SSS NRCS OSD, 2018).

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Loess (2) Till (3) Outwash
Surface texture	(1) Silt loam
Drainage class	Moderately well drained to well drained
Permeability class	Moderately slow to slow
Soil depth	183 cm
Surface fragment cover <=3"	0%
Surface fragment cover >3"	0%
Available water capacity (Depth not specified)	15.24 – 20.32 cm
Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified)	0 – 5%
Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified)	0 – 4
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified)	4.5 – 7.3
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	0 – 9%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	0 – 2%

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. Upland Woodlands form an aspect of this vegetative continuum. This ecological site occurs on convex shoulders of hills, ridges and plains. Species characteristic of this ecological site consist of a somewhat open oak-hickory overstory with an open mid-story.

Fires were an important influence on this community, maintaining its open character and preventing shrubby and mesophytic trees from invading maintain. Fire typically consisted of infrequent low-severity surface fires. Ignition sources included summertime lightning strikes from convective storms and human ignitions during the spring and/or fall seasons. Human ignitions by Native Americans regularly set fires to improve sight lines for hunting, drive large game, improve grazing and browsing habitat, develop agricultural clearings, and enhance vital ethnobotanical plants (Barrett 1980; LANDFIRE 2009). During fire free intervals, woody understory species increased and the herbaceous understory diminished. (Anderson, 1975; Brugam et.al., 2016). (Anderson, 1975; Brugam et.al., 2016; Coates, 1992; Edgin, 1996, 2002, 2003; Anderson et.al., 2007; Taft et.al., 1994; Edgin and Ebinger. 1997; White, 1978).

Drought, wind and ice storm damage, and grazing by native large herbivores also played a role in shaping this ecological site. The periodic episodes of reduced soil moisture 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 and catastrophic storm damage can greatly delay the establishment and maturation of woody vegetation (Pyne et al. 1996). Finally, grazing by large native herbivores such as bison (Bos bison), prairie elk (Cervus elaphus), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) would have effectively kept understory conditions more open, creating conditions more favorable to oak reproduction and ground flora species (Anderson, 1982).

Extensive conversion for agriculture has fragmented this system. Today, many of these ecological sites have been cleared and converted to pasture and cropland. The remaining forested ecological sites have a younger (50 to 80 years) canopy layer whose species composition and quality has been altered by timber harvesting practices and lack of fire. Uncontrolled domestic grazing has also impacted the existing forested communities, further diminishing the diversity of native plants and introducing species that are tolerant of grazing, such as coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus Moench), gooseberry (Ribes spp.), and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.). Heavily grazed sites have a more open understory along with increased soil compaction and soil erosion further lowering productivity.

In the long term absence of fire, woody species, especially hickory (Carya spp.), maple (Acer spp.) and ironwood encroach or increase into these ecological sites. Once established, these woody plants can quickly fill the existing understory increasing shade levels with a greatly diminished ground flora. Oak regeneration is typically problematic. Maintenance of the oak component will require disturbances that will encourage more sun adapted species and reduce shading effects. Removal of the younger understory and the application of prescribed fire have proven to be effective restoration means (Dey and Kabrick, 2015).

A provisional state and transition diagram is depicted. Detailed descriptions of each state, transition, plant community, and pathway follow the model. This model is based on available experimental research, field observations, professional consensus, and interpretations. It may change as knowledge increases.

State and transition model

Custom diagram

Standard diagram

Figure 7. STM Model

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Reference

2. Disturbed Woodland

3. Cool Season Grassland

4. Cropland

T1A	-	Fire suppression > 30 years; woody invasion; repeated timber harvests; domestic uncontrolled grazing.
T1B	-	Tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
T1C	-	Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
R2A	-	Forest stand improvement; access control; prescribed fire; long term stand rotation
T2A	-	Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
T2B	-	Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system
T3A	-	Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
T4A	-	Vegetative seeding ; grassland management

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. White oak-Shagbark Hickory/American Hazelnut/Virginia Wildrye-Eastern Purple Coneflower.

1.2. White oak-shagbark hickory-ironwood-Virginia wildrye-Indian woodoats

1.1A	-	Fire free interval >15 years
1.2A	-	Fire interval 5-15 years

State 1
Reference

These woodland communities were influenced by fire, drought, and wind. Herbivory by native (now expatriated) ungulates also played a role. There are two phases associated with this reference state. The overstory in the first phase was dominated by white oak and shagbark hickory, with scattered other oaks and hickories. Fire frequency was probably every 5 to 15 years. Fire, drought and natural native grazing would have maintained a more open canopy and abundant ground flora species. This second phase was also a woodland, but with a more closed canopy. It is characterized by an increase in understory saplings and shrubs. The herbaceous layer is diminished. Fire-free intervals probably exceeded 15 years.

Dominant plant species

white oak (Quercus alba), tree
shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tree
American hazelnut (Corylus americana), shrub
Virginia wildrye (Elymus submuticus), grass
eastern purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), other herbaceous

Community 1.1
White oak-Shagbark Hickory/American Hazelnut/Virginia Wildrye-Eastern Purple Coneflower.

This community is dominated by white oak, shagbark hickory, American hazelnut, Virginia wildrye, and eastern purple coneflower.

Dominant plant species

white oak (Quercus alba), tree
shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tree
American hazelnut (Corylus americana), shrub
Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus), grass
eastern purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), other herbaceous

Community 1.2
White oak-shagbark hickory-ironwood-Virginia wildrye-Indian woodoats

This community exhibits an increase in ironwood and a shift in ground layer species.

Dominant plant species

white oak (Quercus alba), tree
shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tree
hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), shrub
Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus), grass
Indian woodoats (Chasmanthium latifolium), grass

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Fire free interval greater than 15 years.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Fire interval 5-15 years

State 2
Disturbed Woodland

Most existing current alternative areas of Upland Woodlands have experienced fire exclusion for decades along with periodic uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing. In the absence of fire, ongoing recruitment of trees into the canopy develops a closed canopy, shading out the herbaceous ground flora. Black oak, hickory and midstory species increase. Herbaceous cover and diversity greatly diminishes, leaf litter builds up, and more shade-tolerant species persist, such as elmleaf goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia Muhl. ex Willd.) panic grass (Dichanthelium dichotomum (L.) Gould) and late purple aster (Symphyotrichum patens (Aiton) G.L. Nesom). The understory also changes with ironwood, sassafras (Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees) and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) saplings. Many areas that have experienced long term uncontrolled grazing have significant soil erosion and compaction issues along with tree damage and introduction of invasive species. Transition to cool season grasslands (State 3) or intensive cropland (State 4) is common.

Dominant plant species

black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), shrub
cypress panicgrass (Dichanthelium dichotomum), grass
goldenrod (Solidago), other herbaceous

State 3
Cool Season Grassland

Conversion of other states to non-native cool season species such as tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) has been common in the Illinois Central Claypan area. Occasionally, these pastures may have scattered mature oaks. Long term uncontrolled grazing can cause significant soil erosion and compaction. A return to the reference state may be impossible, requiring a very long term series of management options.

Dominant plant species

tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
red clover (Trifolium pratense), other herbaceous

State 4
Cropland

This is a state that exists currently on slopes less than 10 percent with intensive cropping of corn (Zea mays L.), soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) occurring. Some conversion to cool season grassland occurs for a limited period of time before transitioning back to cropland.

Dominant plant species

corn (Zea mays), grass
wheat (Triticum), grass
soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Fire suppression > 30 years; woody invasion; repeated timber harvests; domestic uncontrolled grazing

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

Woody removal/ clearing of site, tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management

Transition T1C
State 1 to 4

Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

Forest stand improvement; access control; prescribed fire; long term stand rotation

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system

Transition T3A
State 3 to 4

Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management

Transition T4A
State 4 to 3

Vegetative seeding ; grassland management

Additional community tables

Supporting information

Inventory data references

No field plots were available for this site. A review of the scientific literature and professional experience were used to approximate the plant communities and ecological dynamics for this provisional ecological site. Information for the state-and-transition model was obtained from the same sources. All community phases are considered provisional based on the sources identified in ecological site description.

References

Edgin, B. 1996. Barrens of pre-settlement Lawrence County, Illinois.. Pages 59–65 in Proceedings of the 15th North American Prairie Conference.
Edgin, B., R. Beadles, and J.E. Ebinger. 2002. Woody Composition and Structure of Karcher's Post Oak Woods Nature Preserve, Hamilton County, Illinois.. Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science 95:251–259.
Edgin B., W. E. McClain, R. Gillespie, and J. E. Ebinger. 2003. Vegetation composition and structure of Eversgerd Post Oak Flatwoods, Clinton County, Illinois.. Northeast Naturalist 10:111–118.
Edgin, B. and J.E. Ebinger. 1997. Barrens and the pre-settlement prairie/forest interface in Crawford County, Illinois.. Castanea 62:260–267.
Dey, D.C. and J.M. Kabrick. 2015. Restoration of Midwestern oak woodlands and savannas.. Pages 401–428 in Restoration of Boreal and Temperate Forests, Second Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, USA..
Coates, D.T., K.J. Lyman, and J.E. Ebinger. 1992. Woody vegetation structure of a post oak flatwoods in Illinois.. Castanea 57:196–201.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). March 2018 (Date accessed). Natural Divisions - Southern Till Plain..
Taft, J.B., M.W. Schwartz, and L.R. Philippe. 1995. Vegetation ecology of flatwoods on the Illinoian till plain. Journal of Vegetation Science 6:647–666.
Schwegman, J.E., G.B. Fell, M.D. Hutchinson, G. Paulson, W.M. Shephard, and J. White. 1973. The natural divisions of Illinois. Comprehensive plan for the Illinois Nature Preserve system. Part 2. Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Rockford, IL 1–32.
Briggs, J.M., A.K. Knapp, and B.L. Brock. 2002. Expansion of woody plants in tallgrass prairie: a fifteen- year study of fire and fire-grazing interactions. The American Midland Naturalist 147:287–294.
Voigt J. W. and R. H. Mohlenbrock. 1964. Plant communities of southern Illinois. Plant communities of southern Illinois. Southern Illinois University Press, Carbondale 1–202.
White J. 1978. Natural Areas Inventory Technical Report. Natural Areas Inventory Technical Report: Volume I, Survey Methods and Results. Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign 1–426.
White, J. and M. Madany. 1978. Classification of natural communities in Illinois (Appendix 30). In J. White, Illinois Natural Areas Inventory Technical Report. Volume 1: Survey Methods and Results. Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. 310–405.
Irland, L.C. 2000. Ice storms and forest impacts.. The Science of the Total Environment 262:231–242.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deep water habitats of the United States.. U.S. Dept. of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services, Washington DC. FWS/OBS-79/31 1–142.
USGS. 2009 (Date accessed). Landfire National Vegetation Dynamics Models. http://www.LANDFIRE.gov/index.php.
Brinson, M.M. 1993. A hydrogeomorphic classification for wetlands.
SSS NRCS OSD and . 2018 (Date accessed). Official Soil Series Descriptions. https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/osdname.aspx.
United States Department of Agriculture, . 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin... USDA Handbook 296 1–682.
USDA, N. 2018 (Date accessed). The PLANTS Database. http://plants.usda.gov.

Other references

Relationship to other established ecological classifications:
Biophysical Setting (LANDFIRE, 2009); the reference community of this ecological site is most similar to: North-Central Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest and Woodland (CES202.046)

National Vegetation Classification System (NatureServe, 2018): the reference community of this ecological site is most similar to: Quercus alba - (Carya ovata)/Carex pensylvanica Glaciated Woodland (CEGL002134)

Illinois Natural Areas Survey (INAS) (White, 1978); the reference community of this ecological site is most similar to: INAS Community Class – Forest; Natural community –Dry-Mesic Upland Forest

Contributors

Douglas Wallace
Ralph Tucker
Zach Weber

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 5/17/2024

Acknowledgments

Contact information for primary authors: Ralph Tucker (ralph.tucker@mo.usda.gov), Soil Scientist, United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Union, MO; Zach Weber (zach.weber@il.usda.gov), Soil Scientist, USDA-NRCS, Olney, IL; Douglas Wallace (doug.wallace@mo.usda.gov), Ecologist, USDA-NRCS, Columbia, MO.

Rangeland health reference sheet

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.

Author(s)/participant(s)
Contact for lead author
Date	08/07/2018
Approved by	Suzanne Mayne-Kinney
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Presence of water flow patterns:
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):

Dominant:

Sub-dominant:

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Perennial plant reproductive capability:

Download reference sheet

Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.

Ecosystem states

1. Reference

2. Disturbed Woodland

3. Cool Season Grassland

4. Cropland

T1A	-	Fire suppression > 30 years; woody invasion; repeated timber harvests; domestic uncontrolled grazing.
T1B	-	Tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
T1C	-	Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
R2A	-	Forest stand improvement; access control; prescribed fire; long term stand rotation
T2A	-	Woody removal; tillage; vegetative seeding; grassland management
T2B	-	Woody removal; tillage; conservation cropping system
T3A	-	Tillage; conservation cropping system; water management
T4A	-	Vegetative seeding ; grassland management

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. White oak-Shagbark Hickory/American Hazelnut/Virginia Wildrye-Eastern Purple Coneflower.

1.2. White oak-shagbark hickory-ironwood-Virginia wildrye-Indian woodoats

1.1A	-	Fire free interval >15 years
1.2A	-	Fire interval 5-15 years

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Natural ResourcesConservation Service

Ecological site F113XY906IL

Upland Woodland

Last updated: 5/17/2024 Accessed: 11/23/2024

General information

MLRA notes

Classification relationships

Ecological site concept

Associated sites

Similar sites

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Ecosystem states

State 1 submodel, plant communities

Natural Resources
Conservation Service

Last updated: 5/17/2024
Accessed: 11/23/2024