Loamy Backslope Terrace

Description

This State is characterized by a mature, diverse, deciduous forest with a substantial oak component. These sloping sites historically include numerous tree species including northern red oak (Quercus rubra), Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii), white ash (Fraxinus americana), basswood (Tilia americana), hickory (Carya spp.), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), white oak (Quercus alba), and black walnut (Juglans nigra). Higher slopes, especially those on south and southwestern aspects, will exhibit more white oak and shagbark hickory. The native shrub and herbaceous layers varied depending on slope and disturbances. Shrubs on these sites included hazelnut (Corylus americana) and northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin). The understory was a diverse mix of shade-tolerant native herbaceous species including a number of spring ephemerals.

Historically these sites were influenced by wildfires, wind damage, ice storms, and grazing by native mammals. A natural fire regime reduced the number and density of fire-intolerant species on site and encouraged oak regeneration. Maple, ash, and tulip poplar will increase with an absence of fire on these sites. These species will also become dominant if oaks are removed from the site through selective harvest.

Submodel

Description

Many of these ecological sites have been altered due to disturbances such as clearing, grazing, selective harvest (i.e. oak removal), and/or an invasion of non-native species. Trees on site, will depending on the type, length and severity of disturbances. Sites that have had a long-term absence of fire will display the following characteristics: an increase in fire -intolerant species, decrease in oak regeneration, an increase in shrub density, an increase in leaf-litter buildup, and an increase in shade-tolerant understory species. Diversity of species may also be reduced, especially if there has been an introduction of non-native species such as bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii).

Many of these sites are eventually transitioned to Pastureland (State 3) or cropland (State 4) on lower slope sites.

Submodel

Description

Most Loamy Backslope Terrace sites have been altered due to disturbances. Some sites have also been grazed or had intermittent selective harvest (i.e. oak removal). Trees on site, will depending on the type, length and severity of disturbances. Sites that have had a long-term absence of fire will display the following characteristics: an increase in fire -intolerant species, decrease in oak regeneration, an increase in shrub density, an increase in leaf-litter buildup, and an increase in shade-tolerant understory species. Diversity of species may also be reduced, especially if there has been an introduction of non-native species such as bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii).

Submodel