Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F116AY007MO
Low-Base Loamy Upland Woodland
Last updated: 9/24/2020
Accessed: 11/24/2024
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.
Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 116A–Ozark Highland
The Ozark Highland constitutes the Salem Plateau of the Ozark Uplift. Elevation ranges from about 300 feet on the southeast edge of the Ozark escarpment, to about 1,600 feet in the west, adjacent to the Burlington Escarpment of the Springfield Plateau. The underlying bedrock is mainly horizontally bedded Ordovician-aged dolomites and sandstones that dip gently away from the uplift apex in southeast Missouri. Cambrian dolomites are exposed on deeply dissected hillslopes. In some places, Pennsylvanian and Mississipian sediments overlie the plateau. Relief varies, from the gently rolling central plateau areas to deeply dissected hillslopes associated with drainageways such as the Buffalo, Current, Eleven Point and White Rivers.
Classification relationships
Terrestrial Natural Community Type in Missouri (Nelson, 2010):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Dry Chert Woodland.
Missouri Department of Conservation Forest and Woodland Communities (MDC, 2006):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Mixed Oak Woodland, or a Pine Oak Woodland in the historic pine range.
National Vegetation Classification System Vegetation Association (NatureServe, 2010):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to Quercus stellata - Quercus marilandica - Quercus velutina - Carya texana / Schizachyrium scoparium Woodland (CEGL002149).
Geographic relationship to the Missouri Ecological Classification System (Nigh & Schroeder, 2002):
This ecological site occurs primarily within several Subsections in the central portion of the Ozark Highlands Section.
Ecological site concept
NOTE: This is a “provisional” Ecological Site Description (ESD) that is under development. It contains basic ecological information that can be used for conservation planning, application and land management. After additional information is collected, analyzed and reviewed, this ESD will be refined and published as “Approved”.
Low-Base Loamy Upland Woodlands occur on high, rolling, weakly dissected portions of the Ozark Highland, particularly in Howell and Texas counties, Missouri. This ecological site occurs on high, flat uplands between the rivers of the region. Low-Base Loamy Upland Woodlands also occur in the inter-knob basins of the St. Francis Mountains. These ecological sites are often part of a complex with Loess Fragipan Upland Flatwoods and Chert Woodlands. They are similar, although slightly more productive than Loess Fragipan Upland Flatwoods. Soils are typically very deep, acidic, and low in bases such as calcium, with an abundance of chert fragments. Soil acidity is an important factor affecting the distribution of both tree and ground flora species and their growth. As a soil profile approaches or arrives at lower levels of pH, exchangeable aluminum comes into solution and can directly impact plant growth and composition. The reference state for this ecological site was old growth oak woodland or oak-pine woodland.
Associated sites
| F116AY002MO |
Chert Protected Backslope Forest Chert Protected Backslope Forests are downslope in areas where the underlying dolomite bedrock is relatively near the surface, on steep backslopes with northern to eastern aspects. |
|---|---|
| F116AY004MO |
Fragipan Upland Woodland Fragipan Upland Woodlands are adjacent on summits where a fragipan is present in the subsoil. |
| F116AY011MO |
Chert Upland Woodland Chert Upland Woodlands are typically downslope in areas where the underlying dolomite bedrock is relatively near the surface, on gently sloping summit crests, shoulders, and upper backslopes. |
| F116AY012MO |
Low-Base Chert Upland Woodland Low-base Chert Upland Woodlands are often downslope in areas where the underlying dolomite bedrock is very deep, on gently sloping summit crests, shoulders, and upper backslopes. |
| F116AY013MO |
Low-Base Chert Protected Backslope Woodland Low-base Chert Exposed Backslope Woodlands are downslope in areas where the underlying dolomite bedrock is very deep, on steep backslopes with southern to western aspects. |
| F116AY049MO |
Low-Base Chert Exposed Backslope Woodland Low-base Chert Protected Backslope Forests are downslope in areas where the underlying dolomite bedrock is very deep, on steep backslopes with northern to eastern aspects. |
| F116AY062MO |
Chert Exposed Backslope Woodland Chert Exposed Backslope Woodlands are downslope in areas where the underlying dolomite bedrock is relatively near the surface, on steep backslopes with southern to western aspects. |
Similar sites
| F116AY012MO |
Low-Base Chert Upland Woodland Low-base Chert Upland Woodlands are often on gently sloping summit crests, shoulders, and upper backslopes. These sites are less productive. Species composition is often similar. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
(1) Quercus stellata |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Ceanothus americanus |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Schizachyrium scoparium |
Physiographic features
This site is on upland summit crests, shoulders, and upper backslopes, with slopes of 1 to 15 percent. The site generates runoff to adjacent, downslope ecological sites. This site does not flood.
The following figure (adapted from Vander Veen and Preston, 2006) shows the typical landscape position of this ecological site, and landscape relationships with other ecological sites. The site is within the area labeled “1”, on broadly convex upland summits. A variety of ecological sites may occur downslope, such as the Chert Upland Woodland sites within the area labeled “2”, and the Chert Backslope sites on steep lower backslopes, labeled “3”. In many areas, Low-base Chert Upland Woodland sites and Low-base Chert Backslope Woodland sites are downslope.
Figure 2. Landscape relationships for this ecological site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Ridge
(2) Interfluve (3) Hill |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Slope | 1 – 15% |
| Water table depth | 46 – 152 cm |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The Ozark Highland has a continental type of climate marked by strong seasonality. In winter, dry-cold air masses, unchallenged by any topographic barriers, periodically swing south from the northern plains and Canada. If they invade reasonably humid air, snowfall and rainfall result. In summer, moist, warm air masses, equally unchallenged by topographic barriers, swing north from the Gulf of Mexico and can produce abundant amounts of rain, either by fronts or by convectional processes. In some summers, high pressure stagnates over the region, creating extended droughty periods. Spring and fall are transitional seasons when abrupt changes in temperature and precipitation may occur due to successive, fast-moving fronts separating contrasting air masses.
The Ozark Highland experiences regional differences in climates, but these differences do not have obvious geographic boundaries. Regional climates grade inconspicuously into each other. The basic gradient for most climatic characteristics is along a line crossing the MLRA from northwest to southeast.
The average annual precipitation in almost all of this area is 38 to 45 inches. Snow falls nearly every winter, but the snow cover lasts for only a few days. The average annual temperature is about 53 to 60 degrees F. The lower temperatures occur at the higher elevations in the western part of the MLRA. Mean January minimum temperature follows a stronger north-to-south gradient. However, mean July maximum temperature shows hardly any geographic variation in the MLRA. Mean July maximum temperatures have a range of only two or three degrees across the area.
Mean annual precipitation varies along a northwest to southeast gradient. Seasonal climatic variations are more complex. Seasonality in precipitation is very pronounced due to strong continental influences. June precipitation, for example, averages three to four times greater than January precipitation. Most of the rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms in summer.
During years when precipitation comes in a fairly normal manner, moisture is stored in the top layers of the soil during the winter and early spring, when evaporation and transpiration are low. During the summer months the loss of water by evaporation and transpiration is high, and if rainfall fails to occur at frequent intervals, drought will result. Drought directly affects plant and animal life by limiting water supplies, especially at times of high temperatures and high evaporation rates.
Superimposed upon the basic MLRA climatic patterns are local topographic influences that create topoclimatic, or microclimatic variations. In regions of appreciable relief, for example, air drainage at nighttime may produce temperatures several degrees lower in valley bottoms than on side slopes. At critical times during the year, this phenomenon may produce later spring or earlier fall freezes in valley bottoms. Deep sinkholes often have a microclimate significantly cooler, moister, and shadier than surrounding surfaces, a phenomenon that may result in a strikingly different ecology. Higher daytime temperatures of bare rock surfaces and higher reflectivity of these unvegetated surfaces may create distinctive environmental niches such as glades and cliffs.
Slope orientation is an important topographic influence on climate. Summits and south-and-west-facing slopes are regularly warmer and drier than adjacent north- and-east-facing slopes. Finally, the climate within a canopied forest is measurably different from the climate of a more open grassland or savanna areas.
Source: University of Missouri Climate Center - http://climate.missouri.edu/climate.php; Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin, United States Department of Agriculture Handbook 296 - http://soils.usda.gov/survey/geography/mlra/
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 139-153 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 166-177 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 1,168-1,219 mm |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 136-156 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 165-182 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 1,143-1,219 mm |
| Frost-free period (average) | 146 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 172 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 1,194 mm |
Figure 3. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 8. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) DORA 1N [USC00232302], Dora, MO
-
(2) SALEM [USC00237506], Salem, MO
-
(3) GREENVILLE 6 N [USC00233451], Silva, MO
Influencing water features
Water features associated with this upland ecological site are influenced by karst landscapes throughout the area (see diagram). Rainfall enters the groundwater system through the soil or by flowing into sinkholes and streams. Springs form where land drops low enough to meet underground water tables. Dissolution of carbonate rocks along fractures and faults has produced cave systems, sinkholes (closed and open), springs, and natural tunnels in the region. These sinkholes and losing streams can rapidly transfer water from upland recharge areas to spring outlets. The most common mechanism for groundwater recharge occurs by the relatively slow downward movement of water through soil and carbonate bedrock over a large area known as diffuse recharge, which maintains a high storage volume providing a consistent supply of water to springs. In addition to diffuse recharge, aquifers in karst terrain receive the relatively rapid transfer of water through sinkholes or losing streams connected by subsurface conduits. Surface water entering the aquifer in this fashion has very little contact with soil or rock and consequently the chemical nature of the water changes little in route. Discharge variability does not seem to be controlled by drainage area, but rather the conduit capacity of losing stream sections that can transport the entire volume of base-flow during dry periods in the year. High variability in base flow shows the impact of karst in the form of losing and gaining stream sections (Owen and Pavlowsky 2010).
The accompanying map depicts the distribution of these karst-related features in the state of Missouri. Relative cave density per USGS 7.5" quadrangle is depicted by shades of red, deeper red signifying a larger number of caves in the quadrangle. Stretches of losing streams are shown in yellow. Known springs are shown as blue dots. Image from Wikimedia Commons developed from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Land Survey.
Figure 9. Distribution of karst-related features in Missouri. Image from Wikimedia Commons developed from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Land Survey.
Soil features
These soils have acidic subsoils that are low in bases. Soils having low concentrations of calcium and containing few calcium bearing minerals along with increased levels of aluminum may also be vulnerable to base depletion by timber harvesting, plant uptake, and leaching. The soils were formed under woodland vegetation, and have thin, light-colored surface horizons. Parent material is loess over slope alluvium over residuum weathered from limestone and dolomite. The soils have silt loam surface horizons. Subsoils are silty clay loam in the upper part, and are very gravelly and cobbly silty clay loam in the underlying slope alluvium and residuum. A few of these soils are slightly affected by seasonal wetness. Soil series associated with this site include Fanchon, Firebaugh, Horneybuck, Macedonia, and Viburnum.
The accompanying picture of the Viburnum series shows a thin, light-colored silt loam surface horizon and brown silty clay loam subsoil, over red very gravelly clay at about 30 inches. Scale is in inches. (Photo credit - NRCS)
Figure 10. Viburnum series
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Loess
(2) Slope alluvium (3) Residuum – limestone and dolomite |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Silt loam (2) Gravelly (3) Very gravelly |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Moderately well drained to well drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow to moderately slow |
| Soil depth | 183 cm |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 2 – 50% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 0% |
| Available water capacity (0-101.6cm) |
10.16 – 17.78 cm |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-101.6cm) |
0% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-101.6cm) |
0 – 2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-101.6cm) |
0 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-101.6cm) |
3.5 – 6.5 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
15 – 45% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
0 – 3% |
Ecological dynamics
Information contained in this section was developed using historical data, professional experience, field reviews, and scientific studies. The information presented is representative of very complex vegetation communities. Key indicator plants, animals and ecological processes are described to help inform land management decisions. Plant communities will differ across the MLRA because of the naturally occurring variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The Reference Plant Community is not necessarily the management goal. The species lists are representative and are not botanical descriptions of all species occurring, or potentially occurring, on this site. They are not intended to cover every situation or the full range of conditions, species, and responses for the site.
Historically, Low-Base Loamy Upland Woodlands were dominated by drought and fire-tolerant trees such as black oak, post oak and shortleaf pine. Species composition and structure of the reference plant community varied for this ecological site based on its relative location to the Ozark Highlands historic native shortleaf pine range. Fragmentary evidence from old records indicate that the original timber stands in the Ozark Highlands contained a large volume of shortleaf pine on relatively small, concentrated areas, (green area on following map) but a relatively smaller volume of shortleaf pine on extensive areas (cross-hatched area on map) (Fletcher and McDermott, 1957). Because of this situation, this ecological site is classified into two community phases. When the ecological site occurs outside of the historic native pine range, the community phase expressed is a well-developed Oak Woodland dominated by an overstory of black oak and post oak. Within the historic native pine range, the community phase is characterized as Oak-Pine Woodland, with shortleaf pine as a common overstory species. Extreme soil chert content, low soil bases, and intricate landscape complexes are unifying soil features of these rather divergent community phases. Woodlands are distinguished from forests by their relatively open understory and the presence of sun-loving ground flora species.
Fire played an important role in the maintenance of these community phases. Their high, flat landscape positions likely supported a high fire frequency of every 3 to 5 years on edge of central plateau to over 10 years on ridges in the river breaks. These periodic fires would have kept woodlands open, removed the litter, and stimulated the growth and flowering of the native grasses and forbs. During fire free intervals, woody species would have increased and the herbaceous understory diminished. But historically, the return of fire would have opened the woodlands up again and stimulated the abundant ground flora. Grazing by large native herbivores also influenced the understory, keeping it more open and structurally diverse. The high, droughty landscape position of Low-Base Loamy Upland Woodlands limited the growth of trees and supported an abundance of native grasses and forbs in the understory. These woodlands ranged from open park-like woodlands on the highest, most exposed landscape positions to more closed woodlands in more dissected topography.
The Oak Woodland phase of Low-base Loamy Upland Woodland has a moderately tall canopy (60 to 70 feet) but is less dense (65 to 85 percent canopy) than protected slopes and Chert Upland Woodlands. Increased light from the more open canopy causes a diversity of ground flora species to flourish. Within the historical native pine range this ecological site was dominated by drought and fire-tolerant shortleaf pine, with occasional to frequent black oak and post oak. These oak-pine woodlands ranged from open park-like woodlands to more closed woodlands. Canopy closure likely varied from 40 to 80 percent and tree height from 70 to 100 feet. Native prairie grasses dominated the open understory, along with a diverse mix of native legumes, asters, sunflowers and other forbs. Most of this oak-pine community was cleared by extensive logging around 1890 to 1920. Consequently, persistent sprouting of oak species, especially black and scarlet oak, replaced the pine.
Today, dense, even age stands of oak have replaced much of this community. Most occurrences today exhibit canopy closure of 80 to 100 percent with a greatly diminished ground flora. In the long term absence of fire, woody species, especially eastern red cedar, hickory, and black oak have increased in these woodlands. Once established, these woodies can quickly fill the woodland system.
Uncontrolled domestic grazing has also impacted these communities, further diminishing the diversity of native plants and introducing invasive species that are tolerant of grazing, such as coralberry, gooseberry, Virginia creeper. Grazed sites also have a more open understory. In addition, soil compaction and soil loss from grazing can lower site productivity.
These sites are moderately productive. Some areas have been cleared for non-native pasture, but many areas have been repeatedly logged and high graded. However, in the absence of fire and continual management treatments, oak sprouting will be prevalent again shading out the sun-loving ground flora. Removal of the younger understory and the application of prescribed fire have proven to be effective management applications.
These managed areas show an exceptional resiliency. This type of management may provide timber products, wildlife habitat, and potential native forage. Characteristic plants in the ground flora can be used to gauge the restoration potential of a stand along with remnant open-grown old-age trees. Managed areas show exceptional resiliency. In the Oak-Pine Woodland community phase in particular, these practices encourage recruitment of shortleaf pine when mature pines are nearby to provide a seed source. Despite the widespread removal of pine from this system, there are many areas with some pine present on this ecological site. Where present, selective cutting and prescribed fire can help recruit pine, restore the more open structure, and increase the diversity of ground flora species.
A State and Transition Diagram follows. 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 is likely to change as knowledge increases.
State and transition model
Figure 11. Range map with cross-hatching showing the historic distribution of shortleaf pine in the Midwest. Green shading show areas where shortleaf pine was a dominate overstory species.
Figure 12. State and Transition Model for this ecological site.
More interactive model formats are also available.
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More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
States 1, 5, 6 and 8 (additional transitions)
States 2, 7, 6 and 9 (additional transitions)
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 6 submodel, plant communities
State 7 submodel, plant communities
State 8 submodel, plant communities
State 9 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The reference state for this ecological site was old growth oak woodland or oak-pine woodland. The reference state was dominated by black oak, post oak and scarlet oak or with shortleaf pine, as an overstory component within the Ozark historic pine range. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice maintained the woodland structure and diverse ground flora species. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in both the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species. Two community phases are recognized in the reference state, with shifts between phases based on geographic location. The reference state for this ecological site can fluctuate between phases. Within the native pine range phase 1.2 was dominant.
Community 1.1
Post Oak – Black Oak/New Jersey Tea – Fragrant Sumac /Little Bluestem
Figure 13. Reference state at Montauk State Park, Dent County, Missouri. Photo credit MDC.
Figure 14. Range map with cross-hatching showing the historic distribution of shortleaf pine in the Midwest. Green shading show areas where shortleaf pine was a dominate overstory species.
Forest overstory. The Overstory Species list is based on field reconnaissance as well as commonly occurring species listed in Nelson 2010; names and symbols are from USDA PLANTS database.
Forest understory. The Understory Species list is based on field reconnaissance as well as commonly occurring species listed in Nelson 2010; names and symbols are from USDA PLANTS database.
Community 1.2
Shortleaf Pine – Black Oak/New Jersey Tea – Fragrant Sumac /Little Bluestem
Forest overstory. The Overstory Species list is based on commonly occurring species listed in Nelson (2010).
Forest understory. The Understory Species list is based on commonly occurring species listed in Nelson (2010).
Pathway P1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
This pathway is the result of being within native shortleaf pine range.
State 2
Even-Age Managed Oak Woodland
Where all of the shortleaf pine was removed, this system became dominated by oaks. This state starts with a sequence of early seral mixed oak woodlands, which mature over time. These woodlands tend to be rather dense, with a sparse understory and ground flora. Thinning can increase overall tree vigor and improve understory diversity. However, in the absence of fire, the diversity and cover of the ground flora is still diminished. Prescribed fire without extensive timber harvest will, over time, cause a transition to Fire Managed Oak Woodland (State 4).
Dominant resource concerns
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Wildfire hazard from biomass accumulation
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Community 2.1
Post Oak – Black Oak /Hickory Saplings / Goldenrod
State 3
Uneven Age Managed Oak Woodland
Where pine was removed from the system, but uneven-age management was applied, this system became dominated by oaks. Uneven-Age Managed Woodlands can resemble the non-pine Reference State. The biggest differences are tree age, most being only 50 to 90 years old and denser understories. Composition is also likely altered from the reference state depending on tree selection during harvest. Scarlet oak is often more abundant than historically. In addition, without a regular 15 to 20 year harvest re-entry into these stands, they will slowly increase in more shade tolerant species and white oak will become less dominant. Without periodic disturbance, stem density and fire intolerant species, like hickory, increase in abundance.
Dominant resource concerns
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Wildfire hazard from biomass accumulation
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Community 3.1
Black Oak – Scarlet Oak/Hickory Saplings
State 4
Fire Managed Oak Woodland
Where pine was removed from the system, the Fire Managed Oak Woodland State will result from managing woodland communities from States 2 or 3 with prescribed fire. This state can resemble phase 1.1 of the reference state, but with younger maximum tree ages and lower ground flora diversity.
Dominant resource concerns
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Community 4.1
Post Oak – Black Oak/Little Bluestem
State 5
Fire Managed Oak - Pine Woodland
Where some shortleaf pine remained after initial harvest, this state may occur. The Fire Managed Oak-Pine Woodland State results from managing State 6 with selective thinning and prescribed fire. A more open structure with abundant ground flora can be restored. But without planting or seeding of pine, they will not return to the reference state. In addition, it will take time to recover older maximum tree ages and ground flora diversity and cover.
Community 5.1
Oak – Shortleaf Pine/Little Bluestem – Indiangrass
State 6
Managed Oak - Pine Woodland
Where some shortleaf pine remained after initial harvest, the Managed Oak-Pine Woodland state may occur. While mature pines let more light to the ground than oak, these even-aged woodlands tend to be rather dense, with a depauperate understory and ground flora due to an increase in oak and hickory densities. Thinning can increase overall tree vigor and improve understory diversity. However, in the absence of fire, the diversity and cover of the ground flora is still diminished. A return to the phase 1.2 of the reference state will require prescribed fire along with no harvest or long rotations to restore uneven-age structure and pine densities and increase maximum tree age.
Community 6.1
Oak – Shortleaf Pine /Hickory Saplings /Lespedeza – Ticktrefoil
State 7
Grassland
Conversion of woodlands to non-native cool season grassland species such as tall fescue has been common. Low available water, abundant surface fragments, low organic matter contents and soil acidity make non-native grasslands difficult to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site. Occasionally, these pastures will have scattered patches of tall, mature pine. If grazing and pasture management is discontinued, oak sprouts will occur and the site will eventually transition to State 2. Forest Stand Improvement and Tree Planting practices can hasten this process.
Community 7.1
Tall Fescue – Broomsedge
State 8
High-Graded/Grazed Woodland
Ecological sites subjected to repeated, high-grading timber harvests and uncontrolled domestic grazing transition to this state. This state exhibits an over-abundance of hickory and other less desirable tree species, and weedy understory species such as coralberry, gooseberry, poison ivy and Virginia creeper. The vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff. This state can be transitioned to a grassland state through clearing and grassland planting or to a pine plantation through clearing, tree planting and fire control.
Dominant resource concerns
-
Ephemeral gully erosion
-
Nutrients transported to surface water
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Plant pest pressure
-
Wildfire hazard from biomass accumulation
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
-
Feed and forage imbalance
Community 8.1
Oak – Hickory/Slippery Elm/ Coralberry
State 9
Pine Plantation
Many areas were planted to plantations of shortleaf pine from the 1940s to the early 1960s. They are now mature plantations that are usually a mono-culture of a dense shortleaf pine overstory with a brushy understory of oak and hickory and a dense carpet of pine needles on the ground. They lack the diversity and structure. Restoration to phase 1.2 of the reference state is a long-term prospect, requiring extensive thinning, long-term prescribed fire, and perhaps planting of native ground flora species.
Dominant resource concerns
-
Plant productivity and health
-
Plant structure and composition
-
Wildfire hazard from biomass accumulation
-
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Community 9.1
Shortleaf Pine
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
This transition typically results from even-age timber management practices, such as clear-cut, seed tree or shelterwood harvest.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
This transition typically results from uneven-age timber management practices, such as single tree or group selection harvest.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 5
This transition is the result of clearing the woodland community and planting pasture species. Soil erosion can be extensive in this process, along with loss of organic matter. Liming and fertilizing associated with pasture management typically raises the soil pH and increases the cation concentration (such as calcium and magnesium) of the upper soil horizons.
Transition T1D
State 1 to 6
This transition is the result of poorly planned timber harvest techniques such as high-grading, accompanied by unmanaged cattle grazing. Soil erosion and compaction often result from cattle grazing after the understory has been damaged.
Transition T1F
State 1 to 8
Ecological sites subjected to repeated, high-grading timber harvests and uncontrolled domestic grazing transition to this state.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
Restoration activities include prescribed fire, forest stand improvement, and extended rotations.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4
This transition is the result of the systematic application of prescribed fire. Mechanical thinning may also be used.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
Restoration activities include prescribed fire, forest stand improvement, and extended rotations.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4
This transition typically results from even-age timber management practices, such as clear-cut, seed tree or shelterwood harvest.
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 1
Restoration activities include forest stand improvement, extended rotations and prescribed fire.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 2
This transition typically results from even-age timber management practices, such as clear-cut, seed tree or shelterwood harvest.
Transition T4B
State 4 to 3
This transition typically results from uneven-age timber management practices, such as single tree or group selection harvest.
Restoration pathway R5A
State 5 to 1
Restoration activities include forest stand improvement, extended rotations and prescribed fire.
Transition T5A
State 5 to 6
Transition activities include fire suppression and managed harvests.
Restoration pathway R6A
State 6 to 1
Restoration activities include forest stand improvement, extended rotations and prescribed fire.
Transition T6A
State 6 to 5
This transition is the result of the systematic application of prescribed fire. Mechanical thinning may also be necessary along with extended rotations,
Transition T6B
State 6 to 9
This transition typically results from selective oak removal, maintaining existing pine, and pine planting.
Transition T7A
State 7 to 2
Transition activities include fire suppression, tree planting, long-term succession (+50-60 years)
Transition T8A
State 8 to 7
This state can be transitioned to a grassland state through clearing and grassland planting.
Transition T8C
State 8 to 9
This state can be transitioned to a pine plantation through clearing, tree planting and fire control.
Transition T9A
State 9 to 6
This state will trasnsition by thinning, allowing oak sprouting and fire suppression from a mature plantation that is usually a mono-culture of a dense pine overstory with a brush understory of oak and hickory.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (cm) | Basal area (square m/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| shortleaf pine | PIEC2 | Pinus echinata | Native | – | 0–70 | – | – |
| post oak | QUST | Quercus stellata | Native | – | 5–40 | – | – |
| black oak | QUVE | Quercus velutina | Native | – | 5–40 | – | – |
| scarlet oak | QUCO2 | Quercus coccinea | Native | – | 5–40 | – | – |
| black hickory | CATE9 | Carya texana | Native | – | 5–40 | – | – |
| white oak | QUAL | Quercus alba | Native | – | 5–10 | – | – |
Table 6. Community 1.1 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
|
||||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| Virginia wildrye | ELVI3 | Elymus virginicus | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| slimleaf panicgrass | DILI2 | Dichanthelium linearifolium | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| broomsedge bluestem | ANVI2 | Andropogon virginicus | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| eastern star sedge | CARA8 | Carex radiata | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| poverty oatgrass | DASP2 | Danthonia spicata | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| fuzzy wuzzy sedge | CAHI6 | Carex hirsutella | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| Muhlenberg's sedge | CAMU4 | Carex muehlenbergii | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| western panicgrass | DIACF | Dichanthelium acuminatum var. fasciculatum | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| whitetinge sedge | CAALA | Carex albicans var. albicans | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| blue sedge | CAGL6 | Carex glaucodea | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| Muhlenberg's sedge | CAMU4 | Carex muehlenbergii | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| black edge sedge | CANI3 | Carex nigromarginata | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| reflexed sedge | CARE9 | Carex retroflexa | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| roundseed panicgrass | DISPI | Dichanthelium sphaerocarpon var. isophyllum | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| bashful bulrush | TRPL6 | Trichophorum planifolium | Native | – | 5–20 | |
|
Forb/Herb
|
||||||
| American ipecac | GIST5 | Gillenia stipulata | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| calico aster | SYLA4 | Symphyotrichum lateriflorum | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| late purple aster | SYPAP2 | Symphyotrichum patens var. patens | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| largeflower yellow false foxglove | AUGR | Aureolaria grandiflora | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| Parlin's pussytoes | ANPA9 | Antennaria parlinii | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| arrowleaf violet | VISA2 | Viola sagittata | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| hairy bedstraw | GAPI2 | Galium pilosum | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| Virginia tephrosia | TEVI | Tephrosia virginiana | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| queendevil | HIGR3 | Hieracium gronovii | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| hairy sunflower | HEHI2 | Helianthus hirsutus | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| elmleaf goldenrod | SOUL2 | Solidago ulmifolia | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| American hogpeanut | AMBR2 | Amphicarpaea bracteata | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| stiff tickseed | COPA10 | Coreopsis palmata | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| smooth small-leaf ticktrefoil | DEMA2 | Desmodium marilandicum | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| panicledleaf ticktrefoil | DEPA6 | Desmodium paniculatum | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| trailing lespedeza | LEPR | Lespedeza procumbens | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| creeping lespedeza | LERE2 | Lespedeza repens | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| slender lespedeza | LEVI7 | Lespedeza virginica | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| sidebeak pencilflower | STBI2 | Stylosanthes biflora | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| smooth violet prairie aster | SYTU2 | Symphyotrichum turbinellum | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| longbract wild indigo | BABR2 | Baptisia bracteata | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| white prairie clover | DACA7 | Dalea candida | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| Nuttall's sensitive-briar | MINU6 | Mimosa nuttallii | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| wild quinine | PAIN3 | Parthenium integrifolium | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| hairy goldenrod | SOHI | Solidago hispida | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| gray goldenrod | SONE | Solidago nemoralis | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| downy ragged goldenrod | SOPE | Solidago petiolaris | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| manyray aster | SYAN2 | Symphyotrichum anomalum | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| stiff ticktrefoil | DEOB5 | Desmodium obtusum | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| flaxleaf whitetop aster | IOLI2 | Ionactis linariifolius | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| hairy lespedeza | LEHI2 | Lespedeza hirta | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| violet lespedeza | LEVI6 | Lespedeza violacea | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| tall blazing star | LIAS | Liatris aspera | Native | – | 1–10 | |
| scaly blazing star | LISQ | Liatris squarrosa | Native | – | 1–10 | |
|
Shrub/Subshrub
|
||||||
| New Jersey tea | CEAM | Ceanothus americanus | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| fragrant sumac | RHAR4 | Rhus aromatica | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| St. Andrew's cross | HYHY | Hypericum hypericoides | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| American hazelnut | COAM3 | Corylus americana | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| American hazelnut | COAM3 | Corylus americana | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| common dittany | CUOR | Cunila origanoides | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| Virginia tephrosia | TEVI | Tephrosia virginiana | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| Blue Ridge blueberry | VAPA4 | Vaccinium pallidum | Native | – | 5–10 | |
|
Tree
|
||||||
| common serviceberry | AMAR3 | Amelanchier arborea | Native | – | 1–5 | |
| sassafras | SAAL5 | Sassafras albidum | Native | – | 1–5 | |
| farkleberry | VAAR | Vaccinium arboreum | Native | – | 1–5 | |
| rusty blackhaw | VIRU | Viburnum rufidulum | Native | – | 1–5 | |
Table 7. Community 1.2 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (cm) | Basal area (square m/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| shortleaf pine | PIEC2 | Pinus echinata | Native | – | 40–70 | – | – |
| scarlet oak | QUCO2 | Quercus coccinea | Native | – | 10–20 | – | – |
| white oak | QUAL | Quercus alba | Native | – | 5–10 | – | – |
| post oak | QUST | Quercus stellata | Native | – | 5–10 | – | – |
| black oak | QUVE | Quercus velutina | Native | – | 5–10 | – | – |
| black hickory | CATE9 | Carya texana | Native | – | 5–10 | – | – |
Table 8. Community 1.2 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
|
||||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | Native | – | 20–30 | |
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | Native | – | 10–20 | |
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | Native | – | 10–20 | |
| Virginia wildrye | ELVI3 | Elymus virginicus | Native | – | 10–20 | |
| slimleaf panicgrass | DILI2 | Dichanthelium linearifolium | Native | – | 10–20 | |
| broomsedge bluestem | ANVI2 | Andropogon virginicus | Native | – | 10–20 | |
| eastern star sedge | CARA8 | Carex radiata | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| poverty oatgrass | DASP2 | Danthonia spicata | Native | – | 10–20 | |
| fuzzy wuzzy sedge | CAHI6 | Carex hirsutella | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| Muhlenberg's sedge | CAMU4 | Carex muehlenbergii | Native | – | – | |
| western panicgrass | DIACF | Dichanthelium acuminatum var. fasciculatum | Native | – | – | |
| whitetinge sedge | CAALA | Carex albicans var. albicans | Native | – | – | |
| blue sedge | CAGL6 | Carex glaucodea | Native | – | – | |
| Muhlenberg's sedge | CAMU4 | Carex muehlenbergii | Native | – | – | |
| black edge sedge | CANI3 | Carex nigromarginata | Native | – | – | |
| reflexed sedge | CARE9 | Carex retroflexa | Native | – | – | |
| roundseed panicgrass | DISPI | Dichanthelium sphaerocarpon var. isophyllum | Native | – | – | |
| bashful bulrush | TRPL6 | Trichophorum planifolium | Native | – | – | |
|
Forb/Herb
|
||||||
| American ipecac | GIST5 | Gillenia stipulata | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| calico aster | SYLA4 | Symphyotrichum lateriflorum | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| late purple aster | SYPAP2 | Symphyotrichum patens var. patens | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| largeflower yellow false foxglove | AUGR | Aureolaria grandiflora | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| Parlin's pussytoes | ANPA9 | Antennaria parlinii | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| arrowleaf violet | VISA2 | Viola sagittata | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| hairy bedstraw | GAPI2 | Galium pilosum | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| Virginia tephrosia | TEVI | Tephrosia virginiana | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| queendevil | HIGR3 | Hieracium gronovii | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| hairy sunflower | HEHI2 | Helianthus hirsutus | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| elmleaf goldenrod | SOUL2 | Solidago ulmifolia | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| American hogpeanut | AMBR2 | Amphicarpaea bracteata | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| stiff tickseed | COPA10 | Coreopsis palmata | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| smooth small-leaf ticktrefoil | DEMA2 | Desmodium marilandicum | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| panicledleaf ticktrefoil | DEPA6 | Desmodium paniculatum | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| trailing lespedeza | LEPR | Lespedeza procumbens | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| creeping lespedeza | LERE2 | Lespedeza repens | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| slender lespedeza | LEVI7 | Lespedeza virginica | – | – | 5–10 | |
| sidebeak pencilflower | STBI2 | Stylosanthes biflora | Native | – | 5–10 | |
| smooth violet prairie aster | SYTU2 | Symphyotrichum turbinellum | Native | – | – | |
| longbract wild indigo | BABR2 | Baptisia bracteata | Native | – | – | |
| white prairie clover | DACA7 | Dalea candida | Native | – | – | |
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | Native | – | – | |
| Nuttall's sensitive-briar | MINU6 | Mimosa nuttallii | Native | – | – | |
| wild quinine | PAIN3 | Parthenium integrifolium | Native | – | – | |
| hairy goldenrod | SOHI | Solidago hispida | Native | – | – | |
| gray goldenrod | SONE | Solidago nemoralis | Native | – | – | |
| downy ragged goldenrod | SOPE | Solidago petiolaris | Native | – | – | |
| manyray aster | SYAN2 | Symphyotrichum anomalum | Native | – | – | |
| stiff ticktrefoil | DEOB5 | Desmodium obtusum | Native | – | – | |
| flaxleaf whitetop aster | IOLI2 | Ionactis linariifolius | Native | – | – | |
| hairy lespedeza | LEHI2 | Lespedeza hirta | Native | – | – | |
| violet lespedeza | LEVI6 | Lespedeza violacea | Native | – | – | |
| tall blazing star | LIAS | Liatris aspera | Native | – | – | |
| scaly blazing star | LISQ | Liatris squarrosa | Native | – | – | |
|
Shrub/Subshrub
|
||||||
| New Jersey tea | CEAM | Ceanothus americanus | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| fragrant sumac | RHAR4 | Rhus aromatica | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| St. Andrew's cross | HYHY | Hypericum hypericoides | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| American hazelnut | COAM3 | Corylus americana | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| American hazelnut | COAM3 | Corylus americana | Native | – | 5–20 | |
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | Native | – | – | |
| common dittany | CUOR | Cunila origanoides | Native | – | – | |
| Virginia tephrosia | TEVI | Tephrosia virginiana | Native | – | – | |
| Blue Ridge blueberry | VAPA4 | Vaccinium pallidum | Native | – | – | |
|
Tree
|
||||||
| common serviceberry | AMAR3 | Amelanchier arborea | Native | – | – | |
| sassafras | SAAL5 | Sassafras albidum | Native | – | – | |
| farkleberry | VAAR | Vaccinium arboreum | Native | – | – | |
| rusty blackhaw | VIRU | Viburnum rufidulum | Native | – | – | |
|
Vine/Liana
|
||||||
| summer grape | VIAE | Vitis aestivalis | Native | – | – | |
Table 9. Community 2.1 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (cm) | Basal area (square m/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| post oak | QUST | Quercus stellata | Native | – | – | – | – |
| black oak | QUVE | Quercus velutina | Native | – | – | – | – |
| black hickory | CATE9 | Carya texana | Native | – | – | – | – |
Table 10. Community 2.1 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Forb/Herb
|
||||||
| Missouri goldenrod | SOMI2 | Solidago missouriensis | Native | – | – | |
Table 11. Community 3.1 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (cm) | Basal area (square m/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| black oak | QUVE | Quercus velutina | Native | – | – | – | – |
| scarlet oak | QUCO2 | Quercus coccinea | Native | – | – | – | – |
| black hickory | CATE9 | Carya texana | Native | – | – | – | – |
Table 12. Community 4.1 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (cm) | Basal area (square m/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| post oak | QUST | Quercus stellata | Native | – | – | – | – |
| black oak | QUVE | Quercus velutina | Native | – | – | – | – |
Table 13. Community 4.1 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
|
||||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | Native | – | – | |
Table 14. Community 5.1 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (cm) | Basal area (square m/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| post oak | QUST | Quercus stellata | Native | – | – | – | – |
| shortleaf pine | PIEC2 | Pinus echinata | Native | – | – | – | – |
Table 15. Community 5.1 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
|
||||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | Native | – | – | |
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | Native | – | – | |
Table 16. Community 6.1 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (cm) | Basal area (square m/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| post oak | QUST | Quercus stellata | Native | – | – | – | – |
| shortleaf pine | PIEC2 | Pinus echinata | Native | – | – | – | – |
| black hickory | CATE9 | Carya texana | Native | – | – | – | – |
Table 17. Community 6.1 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Forb/Herb
|
||||||
| trailing lespedeza | LEPR | Lespedeza procumbens | Native | – | – | |
| pointedleaf ticktrefoil | DEGL5 | Desmodium glutinosum | Native | – | – | |
Table 18. Community 7.1 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
|
||||||
| tall fescue | SCAR7 | Schedonorus arundinaceus | Introduced | – | – | |
| broomsedge bluestem | ANVI2 | Andropogon virginicus | Native | – | – | |
Table 19. Community 8.1 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (cm) | Basal area (square m/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| post oak | QUST | Quercus stellata | Native | – | – | – | – |
| black hickory | CATE9 | Carya texana | Native | – | – | – | – |
| slippery elm | ULRU | Ulmus rubra | Native | – | – | – | – |
Table 20. Community 8.1 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (m) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Subshrub
|
||||||
| coralberry | SYOR | Symphoricarpos orbiculatus | Native | – | – | |
Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife (MDC 2006):
Sedges and native cool-season grasses provide green browse.
Extensive native warm-season grasses provide cover and nesting habitat; and a diversity of forbs provides a diversity and abundance of insects.
Post-burn areas can provide temporary bare-ground – herbaceous cover habitat important for turkey poults and quail chicks.
Reptile and amphibian species include ornate box turtle, northern fence lizard, five-lined skink, broad-headed skink, six-lined racerunner, rough earth snake, and timber rattlesnake.
Bird species associated with mid- to late successional oak woodlands are Indigo Bunting, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Bobwhite, Summer Tanager, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Whip-poor-will, Chuck-will’s widow, Red-eyed Vireo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Broad-winged Hawk.
Bird species associated with oak-pine woodland sites are Carolina Chickadee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Pine Warbler, White-breasted Nuthatch, Cooper’s Hawk, Yellow-throated Warbler, Summer Tanager, Black-and-white Warbler, and Northern Bobwhite.
Other information
Forestry (NRCS 2002, 2014):
Management: Field measured site index values range from 50 to 59 for oak and 48 to 70 for shortleaf pine. Timber management opportunities are generally good. Create group openings of at least 2 acres. Large clearcuts should be minimized if possible to reduce impacts on wildlife and aesthetics. Uneven-aged management using single tree selection or group selection cuttings of ½ to 1 acre are other options that can be used if clear cutting is not desired or warranted. Using prescribed fire is an effective management tool.
Limitations: Large amounts of coarse fragments in lower soil profile; Disturbing the surface excessively in harvesting operations and building roads increases soil losses, which leaves a greater amount of coarse fragments on the surface. Hand planting or direct seeding may be necessary. Seedling mortality due to low available water capacity may be high. Mulching or providing shade can improve seedling survival. Erosion is a hazard when slopes exceed 15 percent.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Potential Reference Sites: Low-Base Loamy Upland Woodland
Plot CASPFS01 – Fanchon soil
Located in Carman Springs Natural Area, USFS, Howell County, MO
Latitude: 36.935136
Longitude: -92.0837
Plot PIKNFS_KS01 – Viburnum soil
Located in Pine Knot, Mark Twain National Forest, Carter County, MO
Latitude: 36.891043
Longitude: -91.205505
Plot WHNUCA_KS02 – Viburnum soil
Located in White (George O) Nursery, Texas County, MO
Latitude: 37.548699
Longitude: -91.896824
Plot WHNUCA_KS04 – Viburnum soil
Located in White (George O) Nursery, Texas County, MO
Latitude: 37.561423
Longitude: -91.894599
Other references
Anderson, R.C. 1990. The historic role of fire in North American grasslands. Pp. 8-18 in S.L. Collins and L.L. Wallace (eds.). Fire in North American tallgrass prairies. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman.
Batek, M.J., A.J. Rebertus, W.A. Schroeder, T.L. Haithcoat, E. Compas, and R.P. Guyette. 1999. Reconstruction of early nineteenth-century vegetation and fire regimes in the Missouri Ozarks. Journal of Biogeography 26:397-412.
Fletcher, P.W. and R.E. McDermott. 1957. Influence of Geologic Parent Material and Climate on Distribution of Shortleaf Pine in Missouri. University of Missouri, Research Bulletin 625. 43p.
Harlan, J.D., T.A. Nigh and W.A. Schroeder. 2001. The Missouri original General Land Office survey notes project. University of Missouri, Columbia.
Ladd, D. 1991. Reexamination of the role of fire in Missouri oak woodlands. Pp. 67-80 in G.V. Brown, James K.; Smith, Jane Kapler, eds. 2000. Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on flora. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-vol. 2. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 257 p.
Little, E.L., Jr. 1971. Atlas of United States Trees, Volume 1, Conifers and Important Hardwoods: U.S. Department of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication 1146, 9 p., 200 maps
Missouri Department of Conservation, 2006. Missouri Forest and Woodland Community Profiles. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri.
NatureServe. 2005. International Ecological Classification Standard: Terrestrial Ecological Classifications. Rapid Assessment Reference Condition Model, R5BSOW Interior Highlands Dry Oak/Bluestem Woodland/Glade. NatrueServe Central Databases. Arlington, VA U.S.
Nelson, Paul W. 2010. The Terrestrial Natural Communities of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri. 550p.
Nigh, Timothy A., and Walter A. Schroeder. 2002. Atlas of Missouri Ecoregions. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri. 212p.
Owen, Marc R. and Robert T. Pavlowsky. 2010. Baseflow hydrology and water quality of an Ozarks spring and associated recharge area, southern Missouri, USA. Environ Earth Sci (2011) 64:169–183.
Schoolcraft, H.R. 1821. Journal of a tour into the interior of Missouri and Arkansas from Potosi, or Mine a Burton, in Missouri territory, in a southwest direction, toward the Rocky Mountains: performed in the years 1818 and 1819. Richard Phillips and Company, London.
United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. 682 pgs.
Vander Veen, Sidney A., and John D. Preston. 2006. Soil Survey of Howell County, Missouri. U.S. Dept. of Agric. Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Contributors
Doug Wallace
Fred Young
Approval
Nels Barrett, 9/24/2020
Acknowledgments
Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Department of Natural Resources personnel provided significant and helpful field and technical support during this project.
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 | 11/24/2024 |
| Approved by | Nels Barrett |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
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):
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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:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.