Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F116AY048MO
Chert Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodland
Last updated: 9/24/2020
Accessed: 04/20/2024
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 Post Oak Woodland.
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.
Geographic relationship to the Missouri Ecological Classification System (Nigh & Schroeder, 2002):
This ecological site is widespread across 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”.
The Chert Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodlands occupy the southerly and westerly aspects of steep, dissected slopes, and are mapped in complex with the Chert Dolomite Protected Backslope Forest ecological site. These ecological sites are extensive, particularly in the northern and western Ozark Highland over the Ordovician-aged Jefferson City formation. Soils are typically moderately deep over dolomite bedrock, with gravelly surfaces. The reference plant community is woodland with an overstory dominated by post oak and blackjack oak and a ground flora of native grasses and forbs.
Associated sites
| F116AY011MO |
Chert Upland Woodland Chert Upland Woodlands are upslope where dolomite bedrock is below 40 inches, on upper backslopes. |
|---|---|
| F116AY012MO |
Low-Base Chert Upland Woodland Low-base Chert Upland Woodlands are upslope where dolomite bedrock is very deep, on shoulders and upper backslopes. |
| F116AY016MO |
Chert Dolomite Protected Backslope Forest Chert Dolomite Protected Backslope Forests are mapped in complex with this ecological site, on steep lower backslopes with northern to eastern aspects. |
| F116AY044MO |
Chert Dolomite Upland Woodland Chert Dolomite Upland Woodlands are upslope, on upper backslopes. |
| R116AY020MO |
Shallow Dolomite Upland Glade/Woodland Shallow Dolomite Upland Glade/Woodlands are adjacent, often downslope. |
Similar sites
| F116AY016MO |
Chert Dolomite Protected Backslope Forest Chert Dolomite Protected Backslope Forests are mapped in complex with this ecological site, on steep lower backslopes with northern to eastern aspects. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
(1) Quercus stellata |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Rhus aromatica |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Schizachyrium scoparium |
Physiographic features
This site is on backslopes with slopes of 15 to 70 percent. It is on exposed aspects (south, southwest, and west), which receive significantly more solar radiation than the protected aspects. The site receives runoff from upslope summit and shoulder sites, and generates runoff to adjacent, downslope ecological sites. This site does not flood.
The following figure (adapted from Wolf, 1994) shows the typical landscape position of this ecological site, and landscape relationships with other ecological sites. It is within the area labeled “3” on the figure, on lower backslopes with southerly to westerly exposures. Chert Dolomite Protected Backslope Forest sites are on the corresponding northerly to easterly exposures. Chert Dolomite Upland Woodland sites, labeled “2”, are typically upslope on crests and shoulders. Small dolomite outcroppings are common in this ecological site. Low-base Chert Upland Woodland sites, labeled “1”, are often upslope on broader crests and summits where depth to dolomite bedrock is greater.
Figure 2. Landscape relationships for this ecological site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Hill
(2) Hillslope |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Slope | 15 – 70% |
| Water table depth | 24 – 60 in |
| Aspect | W, SE, S, SW |
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) | 142-162 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 179-192 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 43-47 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 140-164 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 175-193 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 43-48 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 152 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 186 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 45 in |
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) LICKING 4N [USC00234919], Licking, MO
-
(2) ANDERSON [USC00230164], Anderson, MO
-
(3) TRUMAN DAM & RSVR [USC00238466], Warsaw, MO
-
(4) CALICO ROCK 2 WSW [USC00031132], Calico Rock, AR
-
(5) FESTUS [USC00232850], Crystal City, 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 are underlain with dolomite bedrock at 20 to 40 inches deep. The soils were formed under woodland vegetation, and have thin, light-colored surface horizons. Parent material is slope alluvium over residuum weathered from dolomite, overlying dolomite bedrock. They have gravelly to very gravelly and cobbly silt loam surface layers, with clayey subsoils that have moderate to high amounts of chert gravel and cobbles. These soils are not affected by seasonal wetness. Soil series associated with this site include Bardley, Gatewood, and Sonsac.
The accompanying picture of the Gatewood series shows abundant chert fragments in the upper part of the soil, over a reddish clay subsoil. Cherty dolomite bedrock limits rooting depth. Picture courtesy of John Preston, NRCS.
Figure 10. Gatewood series
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Slope alluvium
–
dolomite
(2) Residuum – dolomite |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Very gravelly silt loam (2) Gravelly silt loam (3) Very gravelly loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Clayey |
| Drainage class | Moderately well drained to well drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow |
| Soil depth | 20 – 40 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 20 – 60% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 15% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
1 – 5 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
4.5 – 7.3 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
35 – 60% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
50% |
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.
The droughty, cherty soils of Chert Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodlands and exposed aspects limit the growth of trees and support an abundance of native grasses and forbs in the understory. Fire also played an important role in the maintenance of these systems. It is likely that these sites, along with adjacent glades burned at least once every 3 to 10 years. These periodic fires kept woodlands open, removed the litter, and stimulated the growth and flowering of the grasses and forbs. Fire tolerant post oak and blackjack oak, dominated an open overstory. During fire free intervals, woody species, such as especially eastern redcedar and black hickory, would have increased and the herbaceous understory diminished. The return of fire would have opened the woodlands up again and stimulated the abundant ground flora.
Chert Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodlands were also subjected to occasional disturbances from wind and ice, as well as grazing by native large herbivores, such as bison, elk, and white-tailed deer. Wind and ice would have periodically opened the canopy up by knocking over trees or breaking substantial branches off canopy trees. Grazing by native herbivores would have effectively kept understory conditions more open, creating conditions more favorable to oak reproduction and sun-loving ground flora species.
In the long term absence of fire, woody species, especially eastern redcedar, hickory, black oak have encroached into these woodlands. This is especially true after grazing has reduced grass cover and exposed more surface to the dispersal of seeds by birds. 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 species that are tolerant of grazing, such as eastern redcedar, coralberry, gooseberry, and Virginia creeper. Grazed sites also have a more open understory. In addition, soil compaction and soil erosion due related to grazing can be a problem and lower site productivity.
Most occurrences today are dense, and shady with a greatly diminished ground flora. Removal of the younger understory and the application of prescribed fire have proven to be effective management tools. Timber harvest opportunities are very limited on these sites because of shorter tree stature and lower tree quality. Removal of the younger understory and the application of prescribed fire have proven to be effective restoration management practices. 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, and tree height growth.
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. 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.
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference
Historically, these woodlands occurred on exposed slopes in the valleys of most major rivers of the region. The restricted soil depth, drought conditions, and native grasses made them susceptible to frequent fires, once every 3 to 5 years. Consequently, fire-tolerant post oak and blackjack oak dominated the open-canopy overstory, and the understory consisted of a dense cover of native grasses and forbs (Community 1.1). Tree height was 40 to 50 feet, and canopy closure 40 to 80 percent. During fire-free intervals, eastern redcedar, along with hickory and oak sprouts, increased in abundance and competed with the herbaceous ground flora, creating a more brushy woodland (Community 1.2). However, the return of fire would re-open the woodland and promote the development of ground flora.
Community 1.1
Post Oak – Blackjack Oak/Fragrant Sumac /Little Bluestem
Figure 12. Example of a Chert Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodland; photo credit – Photo credit MDC.
Fire-tolerant post oak and blackjack oak dominated the open-canopy overstory, and the understory consisted of a dense cover of native grasses and forbs.
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
Post Oak - Blackjack Oak/Eastern Redcedar – Black Hickory Saplings/Little Bluestem
During fire-free intervals, eastern redcedar, along with hickory and oak sprouts, increased in abundance and competed with the herbaceous ground flora, creating a more brushy woodland.
Pathway P1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
This pathway is the result of fire-free interval 10 to 20 years.
Pathway P1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
This pathway is the result of a fire 3 to 10 year cycle being reestablished.
State 2
Fire Excluded/Logged Woodland
Fire suppression over the last 50 years has allowed these open woodlands to become dense with less fire-tolerant trees and saplings such as eastern redcedar, black oak, and hickory. The dense, shaded conditions and lack of fire has caused the ground flora to decrease in cover and diversity. Fragrant sumac often forms a dense shrub understory under these conditions. However, many of the original herbaceous species persist as small plants or in the seed bank. Consequently, thinning of the woody species and the re-introduction of fire has shown these communities to be exceptionally resilient, and a return to the reference condition is possible.
Community 2.1
Post Oak – Blackjack Oak – Black Hickory/ Eastern Redcedar – Hickory Saplings/Fragrant Sumac
State 3
Fire Excluded/Heavily Grazed Woodland
In addition to fire exclusion, many of these sites have been subjected to heavy grazing by domestic livestock. Like State 2, these areas are dense and shady with a diminished ground flora. In addition, grazed areas exhibit a lower diversity of native ground flora species and an increased abundance of eastern redcedar and other invasive natives such as coralberry. Like State 2, restoration using thinning and fire is possible, but will take longer and require more effort. Restricting livestock access will be necessary for successful restoration.
Community 3.1
Post Oak – Blackjack Oak – Black Hickory/ Eastern Redcedar – Hickory Saplings/Coralberry
State 4
Grassland
Conversion of woodlands to planted, non-native cool season grassland species such as tall fescue is common for this region. Steep slopes, surface fragments,and low organic matter contents make grasslands harder to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site. Three community phases are recognized in the Grassland State, with shifts between some phases based on types of management. Poor management will result in a shift to Community 4.2 that shows an increase in oak sprouting and increases in broomsedge densities. If grazing and active pasture management is discontinued, the site will eventually transition to State 2 from this phase. Conversion to native warm season grasses and forbs has increased in recent years due federal and state cost-share programs and has created a third community phase. On many sites the simple activity of removing most if not all of the canopy will allow existing native grasses and forbs to increase in abundance and create a natural native ground cover.
Community 4.1
Tall Fescue-Red Clover
Three community phases are recognized in the Grassland State, with shifts between some phases based on types of management.
Community 4.2
Tall Fescue-Broomsedge/Oak Sprouts
Poor management will result in a shift to Community 4.2 that shows an increase in oak sprouting and increases in broomsedge density.
Community 4.3
Little Bluestem – Indiangrass – Big Bluestem
Conversion to native warm season grasses and forbs has increased in recent years due federal and state cost-share programs and has created a third community phase.
Pathway P4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2
This pathway is the result of over grazing and lack of proper grassland management.
Pathway P4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1
This pathway is the result of brush management, grassland reseeding and proper grassland management.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
This is a gradual transition that results from extended, disturbance free periods of roughly 50 years or longer. Selective logging is also occurring.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
This transition is the result of high-grade logging, uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing and fire suppression.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
This restoration pathway is the result of the systematic application of prescribed fire. Mechanical thinning may also be used along with understory removal.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 3
This transition is the result of high-grade logging and uncontrolled domestic livestock grazing.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 4
This transition is the result of clearing and conversion to non-native cool season grassland.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 2
This transition results from the cessation of livestock grazing and forest stand improvement.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 2
This is a gradual transition that results from extended, disturbance free periods of roughly 50 years or longer, selective logging, tree planting and no grazing.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (ft) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (in) | Basal area (square ft/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| post oak | QUST | Quercus stellata | Native | – | – | – | – |
| blackjack oak | QUMA3 | Quercus marilandica | Native | – | – | – | – |
| black oak | QUVE | Quercus velutina | Native | – | – | – | – |
| black hickory | CATE9 | Carya texana | Native | – | – | – | – |
| scarlet oak | QUCO2 | Quercus coccinea | Native | – | – | – | – |
| eastern redcedar | JUVI | Juniperus virginiana | Native | – | – | – | – |
| common serviceberry | AMAR3 | Amelanchier arborea | Native | – | – | – | – |
Table 6. Community 1.1 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (ft) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
|
||||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | Native | – | – | |
| Muhlenberg's sedge | CAMU4 | Carex muehlenbergii | Native | – | – | |
| western panicgrass | DIACF | Dichanthelium acuminatum var. fasciculatum | Native | – | – | |
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | Native | – | – | |
| whitetinge sedge | CAALA | Carex albicans var. albicans | Native | – | – | |
| blue sedge | CAGL6 | Carex glaucodea | Native | – | – | |
| fuzzy wuzzy sedge | CAHI6 | Carex hirsutella | Native | – | – | |
| black edge sedge | CANI3 | Carex nigromarginata | Native | – | – | |
| reflexed sedge | CARE9 | Carex retroflexa | Native | – | – | |
| poverty oatgrass | DASP2 | Danthonia spicata | Native | – | – | |
| slimleaf panicgrass | DILI2 | Dichanthelium linearifolium | Native | – | – | |
| roundseed panicgrass | DISPI | Dichanthelium sphaerocarpon var. isophyllum | Native | – | – | |
|
Forb/Herb
|
||||||
| Virginia tephrosia | TEVI | Tephrosia virginiana | Native | – | – | |
| common dittany | CUOR | Cunila origanoides | Native | – | – | |
| stiff tickseed | COPA10 | Coreopsis palmata | Native | – | – | |
| downy ragged goldenrod | SOPE | Solidago petiolaris | Native | – | – | |
| elmleaf goldenrod | SOUL2 | Solidago ulmifolia | Native | – | – | |
| manyray aster | SYAN2 | Symphyotrichum anomalum | Native | – | – | |
| late purple aster | SYPAP2 | Symphyotrichum patens var. patens | Native | – | – | |
| smooth violet prairie aster | SYTU2 | Symphyotrichum turbinellum | Native | – | – | |
| tall blazing star | LIAS | Liatris aspera | Native | – | – | |
| scaly blazing star | LISQ | Liatris squarrosa | 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 | – | – | |
| prostrate ticktrefoil | DERO3 | Desmodium rotundifolium | Native | – | – | |
| hairy sunflower | HEHI2 | Helianthus hirsutus | Native | – | – | |
| flaxleaf whitetop aster | IOLI2 | Ionactis linariifolius | Native | – | – | |
| hairy lespedeza | LEHI2 | Lespedeza hirta | Native | – | – | |
| trailing lespedeza | LEPR | Lespedeza procumbens | Native | – | – | |
| violet lespedeza | LEVI6 | Lespedeza violacea | Native | – | – | |
| Parlin's pussytoes | ANPA9 | Antennaria parlinii | Native | – | – | |
| longbract wild indigo | BABR2 | Baptisia bracteata | Native | – | – | |
| white prairie clover | DACA7 | Dalea candida | Native | – | – | |
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | Native | – | – | |
| smooth small-leaf ticktrefoil | DEMA2 | Desmodium marilandicum | Native | – | – | |
| stiff ticktrefoil | DEOB5 | Desmodium obtusum | Native | – | – | |
|
Shrub/Subshrub
|
||||||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | Native | – | – | |
| New Jersey tea | CEAM | Ceanothus americanus | Native | – | – | |
| fragrant sumac | RHAR4 | Rhus aromatica | Native | – | – | |
| Carolina buckthorn | FRCA13 | Frangula caroliniana | Native | – | – | |
| St. Andrew's cross | HYHY | Hypericum hypericoides | Native | – | – | |
|
Tree
|
||||||
| rusty blackhaw | VIRU | Viburnum rufidulum | Native | – | – | |
Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife (MDC 2006):
Oaks provide hard mast for wildlife; scattered shrubs provide soft mast; frequent bedrock outcrops provide reptile habitat and a patchier ground flora.
Sedges and native grasses provide green browse; native grasses on dry sites 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.
Bird species associated with dolomite woodlands include Indigo Bunting, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Bobwhite, Summer Tanager, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Whip-poor-will, Chuck-will’s widow, and Red-eyed Vireo.
Reptiles and amphibians associated with mature dolomite woodlands include: ornate box turtle, northern fence lizard, five-lined skink, coal skink, broad-headed skink, six-lined racerunner, western slender glass lizard, prairie ring-necked snake, flat-headed snake, rough earth snake, red milk snake, western pygmy rattlesnake, and timber rattlesnake.
Other information
Forestry (NRCS 2002, 2014):
Management: Field measured site index value average 44 for oak. These site index values range from 30 to 58. Timber management opportunities are poor to fair. 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: Significant amounts of coarse fragments throughout profile; bedrock is within 40 inches. Surface stones and rocks are problems for efficient and safe equipment operation and will make equipment use somewhat difficult. 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. Mechanical tree planting will be limited. Erosion is a hazard when slopes exceed 15 percent. On steep slopes greater than 35%, traction problems increase and equipment use is not recommended.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Potential Reference Sites: Chert Dolomite Exposed Backslope Woodland
Plot HATOSP11 - Bardley soil
Located in HaHa Tonka State Park, Camden County, MO
Latitude: 37.964141
Longitude: -92.76271
Plot CAMOCA02 – Gatewood soil
Located in Caney Mountain CA, Ozark County, MO
Latitude: 36.678152
Longitude: -92.388947
Plot MERASP_KS01 - Bardley soil
Located in Meramec State Park, Crawford County, MO
Latitude: 38.203741
Longitude: -91.111838
Plot STJOSP_KS06 - Bardley soil
Located in St. Joe State Park, St. Francois County, MO
Latitude: 37.817137
Longitude: -90.529485
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.
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.
Missouri Department of Conservation. 2010. Missouri Forest and Woodland Community Profiles. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri.
Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2002. Woodland Suitability Groups. Missouri FOTG, Section II, Soil Interpretations and Reports. 30 pgs.
Natural Resources Conservation Service. Site Index Reports. Accessed May 2014. https://esi.sc.egov.usda.gov/ESI_Forestland/pgFSWelcome.aspx
NatureServe. 2010. International Ecological Classification Standard: Terrestrial Ecological Classifications. NatureServe 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.
Wolf, David W. 1989. Soil Survey of Pulaski County, Missouri. U.S. Dept. of Agric. Soil Conservation Service.
Contributors
Fred Young
Doug Wallace
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 in the development of this ecological site.
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 | 09/09/2022 |
| 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):
-
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:
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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.
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