Loamy Floodplain

Description

The historic reference state for this ecological site was an old-growth riverine deciduous forest with maximum trees ages from 100-300 years old. Sites were disturbed periodically via flooding but the overall, these communities were stable and long-lived. Numerous species were co-dominant on these sites including American sycamore, black walnut, American elm, ash, basswood, maple, and boxelder. Swamp white oak, bur oak, Shumard oak, pin oak, northern red oak, white oak, shellbark hickory and bitternut hickory were also present on sites with less frequent or no flooding.

Historically these sites were influenced by flooding, wind damage, ice storms, and grazing by native undulates. Few undisturbed sites remain today as anthropogenic activities have altered site hydrology and ecology.

Submodel

Description

Most remaining Loamy Floodplain Forest sites have been altered due to disturbances including hydrological modification, clearing, logging, grazing, and development. Remaining wooded sites may be in various stages of succession with a variety of trees depending on seed sources and severity of disturbance. Common trees on site include American sycamore, hickory, white ash, green ash, boxelder, sugar maple, American elm, and maples. On many sites, the oak, walnut, and hickory have been cut and may be rare or absent.

Introduction of non-native plant species to these sites is not uncommon, and without management control, these invasive plants will fundamentally alter the plant community.

Many disturbed Loamy Floodplain sites get transitioned to Pastureland (State 3) or cropland (State 4).

Submodel

Description

A portion of these sites have been converted to pastureland or forage production. Species selection will depend upon the objectives and goals of the landowner; however, commonly planted grasses include tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), brome (Bromus spp.), white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense). Species health and productivity are determined by the management and long-term overgrazing on some sites has caused soil erosion and compaction.

Submodel

Description

Hydrological modifications such as ditching and tiling are often used on these sites to increase crop production. Common crops include corn (Zea mays), soybeans (Glycine max), and occasionally winter wheat (Triticum aestivum). Some landowners choose to convert sites to cool season grasses for a period before resuming cropland production.

A return to the historical Reference State from State 4 is unlikely, if not impossible.

Submodel