Sandy/Loamy Floodplain Forest

Description

Maximum tree age, historically, was probably about 100 to 150 years. A tall, uneven canopy of 80 to 100 feet tall, with occasional gaps and a closure of 80 to 100 percent is the dominant feature of this ecological site. However, patches of younger, early successional trees and shrubs occur mainly along the flood-prone edges or interior high-water channels of the mature forest. Willows are common in the younger patches and persist along the edges of the mature forest where there is more light. Younger patches tend to occur on recently deposited coarser materials, and have a sparse understory. They are characterized by a sparse to abundant ground cover of grasses and forbs. Shrubs can create a 100 percent cover in places, and tree seedlings of cottonwood are common. Frequent, high-velocity flood events deposit fresh alluvium in places, often derived from stream bank erosion of upstream sites in States 2 or 3. Other places are scoured by these flood events. As the stream meanders farther away from these sites, flooding events decrease in frequency and intensity, and the state will gradually change back into 1.1 phase community. Mature forest phases have a more stable surface with a dense ground flora of wild rye, spike grass and nettles. Dense tangles of vines can also occur, especially associated with canopy gaps. Red elm, green ash and hackberry also succeed into the canopy gaps.

Submodel

Description

Conversion of reference states to cropland that is planted to corn, soybeans, or wheat has been common, especially on the more loamy areas. Frequent flooding and scouring can make this cropland state difficult to maintain in a healthy, productive state.

Submodel

Description

Conversion of reference states to planted, non-native pasture species such as tall fescue has been common. Frequent flooding and areas with lower available water capacity make non-native pastures difficult to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site.

Submodel