Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F133BY017TX
Loamy Bottomland
Last updated: 9/21/2023
Accessed: 12/03/2024
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): 133B–Western Coastal Plain
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 133B, Western Coastal Plain is in eastern Texas, western Louisiana, and the southwest corner of Arkansas. The area is dominated by coniferous forest covering 45,450 square miles (29,088,000 acres). The region is a hugely diverse transition zone between the eastern deciduous forests and the central grasslands to the west.
Classification relationships
NatureServe, 2002
- CEGL007370 – Temporarily flooded cold-deciduous forest
Soil Survey Staff, 2011
- Woodland Suitability Group – 1w9 Bottomlands
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2006.
-Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 133B
Van Kley et. al., 2007
- 23xxx.4.2.20 Overcup Oak/Justicia Clayey/Loamy Seasonally to Nearly Regularly Flooded Low River Floodplains Landtype Phase
Ecological site concept
The ecological site has very deep, somewhat poorly drained soils that are frequently flooded. The site is typically flooded for brief to long periods during normal rainfall years. They will stay flooded starting in November and ending in May. The loamy-textured soils combined with the flooding frequency form the plant community.
Associated sites
| F133BY012TX |
Wet Terrace Sites are on higher terrace position and do not flood as frequent or for as long. |
|---|---|
| F133BY013TX |
Terrace Sites are on higher terrace position and do not flood as frequent or for as long. |
| F133BY018TX |
Clayey Bottomland Sites are similar in position, but clayey textured. |
Similar sites
| F133BY016TX |
Sandy Bottomland Sites are similar in position, but sandy textured. |
|---|---|
| F133BY015TX |
Swamp Sites are semi-permanently ponded. |
| F133BY018TX |
Clayey Bottomland Sites are similar in position, but clayey textured. |
| F133BY001TX |
Depression Sites are located on depressions of uplands and terraces. |
| F133BY014TX |
Creek Bottomland Sites are narrow and do not flood as frequently or for as long of a duration. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
(1) Quercus phellos |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Justicia ovata |
Physiographic features
The ecological sites consist of very deep, somewhat poorly drained, moderately permeable soils. These are on nearly level flood plains with slopes ranging from 0 to 1 percent. Flooding can be as short as a few days or long as three months. Flooding generally occurs between November and May.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Coastal plain
> Flood plain
|
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Low to high |
| Flooding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days) |
| Flooding frequency | Occasional to frequent |
| Elevation | 49 – 449 ft |
| Slope | 1% |
| Water table depth | 24 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate of the Western Coastal Plain (MLRA 133B) is humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters. Canadian air masses that move southward across Texas and Louisiana over the Gulf of Mexico in winter produce cool, cloudy, rainy weather with only rare cold waves that moderate in one or two days. Precipitation is distributed fairly even throughout the year and is most often in the form of slow and gentle rains.
Spring weather can be variable. March is relatively dry while thunderstorm activities increase in April and May. Occasional slow-moving thunderstorms or other weather disturbances may dump excessive amounts of precipitation on the area. Fall has moderate temperatures. Fall experiences an increase of precipitation and frequently has periods of mild, dry, sunny weather. Heavy rain may occur early in the fall because of tropical disturbances, which move westward from the gulf. Tropical storms are a threat to the area in the summer and fall but severe storms are rare. Prolonged droughts and snowfall are rare.
The total annual precipitation ranges from 39 inches in the western part of the region to 60 inches in the eastern part of the region. Approximately 50 percent of the rainfall occurs between April and September, which includes the growing season for most crops. Thunderstorms occur on about 50 days each year and most occur during the summer.
The average relative humidity in mid-afternoon is about 60 percent. Humidity is higher at night and the average at dawn is about 90 percent. The sun shines 70 percent of the time in summer and 50 percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from the south-southeast. Average wind-speed is highest at 11 miles per hour in spring.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 219 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 252 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 55 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 4. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 5. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) SHERIDAN [USC00036562], Sheridan, AR
-
(2) GILMER 4 WNW [USC00413546], Gilmer, TX
-
(3) CALHOUN RSCH STN [USC00161411], Calhoun, LA
-
(4) MINDEN [USC00166244], Minden, LA
-
(5) CARTHAGE [USC00411500], Carthage, TX
-
(6) RUSK [USC00417841], Rusk, TX
-
(7) TOLEDO BEND DAM [USC00419068], Anacoco, TX
-
(8) CALION L&D [USC00031140], El Dorado, AR
-
(9) MAGNOLIA [USC00034548], Magnolia, AR
-
(10) DEKALB [USC00412352], Simms, TX
-
(11) JENA 4 WSW [USC00164696], Trout, LA
-
(12) HUNTSVILLE [USC00414382], Huntsville, TX
Influencing water features
The site floods regularly and when not flooded typically has a high water table.
Wetland description
The site supports hydrophytic vegetation and the soils are hydric as long as natural flooding has not been manipulated. Onsite delineations are required as some mapped areas and locations on the peripheries may not fall within the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) definition of a wetland.
Soil features
Mattex and Manco are two of the representative soils of the Loamy Bottomlands. This ecological site formed from loamy alluvium and is associated with very deep, somewhat poorly drained, slowly permeable loamy entisols on bottomlands. The first gleyed-subsurface horizon usually appears within 8 to 11 inches. The gleying and other redoximorphic features continue through the profile usually past 80 inches. Gleying and redoximorphic features are caused by prolonged inundation. Other soils correlated to this site include: Amy, Angelina, Bibb, Bleakwood, Dreka, Groom, Guyton, Kanebreak, Mathiston, Mattex, Nahatche, Pophers, Sardis, Marietta, Mooreville, Ochlockonee, and Socagee.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
–
sandstone and siltstone
|
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Loam (2) Clay loam (3) Silt loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Somewhat poorly drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate |
| Soil depth | 80 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 2% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
3 – 4 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
2 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
4.5 – 5.5 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-40in) |
4% |
Ecological dynamics
The information in this ecological site description (ESD), including the state-and-transition model (STM), was developed using archeological and historical data, professional experience, and scientific studies. The information is representative of a complex set of plant communities. Not all scenarios or plants are included. Key indicator plants, animals, and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.
Introduction – Southern Arkansas, western Louisiana, and eastern Texas have been deemed the Pineywoods because of the vast expanse of pine trees. The region represents the western edge of the southern coniferous belt. Historically, the area was covered by pines with mixed hardwoods, sparse shrubs, and a diverse understory of grasses and forbs. Fire played a significant role in reducing the woody competition that generally out-competes the herbaceous understory layer. Fire suppression and land conversion have reduced the amount of historical communities in existence today.
Background – Prior to settlement by the Europeans, the reference state for the Loamy Bottomlands was a Willow Oak/Looseleaf Water-willow (Quercus phellos/Justicia ovata) Forest. Remnants of this presumed historic plant community still exist where natural conditions are still in place. Evidence of the reference state is found in accounts of early historic explorers to the area, historic forest and biological survey teams, as well as recent ecological studies in the last 30 years.
Settlement Management – As human settlement increased throughout the area, so did the increase in logging and grazing by domestic livestock. Oftentimes, an early settler would make camp by logging pines in the area for lodging. The accompanying livestock would graze the upland woodlands filled with warm-season forage during the summer. As the summer grazing season would end, the livestock would naturally begin grazing in the bottoms to forage on large cane breaks and other cool-season plants found in the area. The bottomlands also provided plentiful hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and squirrel that utilize the acorn crop.
Eventually, the logging became so extensive that by the 1930’s most of the region had been cut-over. Replanting trees to historic communities was not common and early foresters began planting loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) for its quick growth. The loblolly pines were commonly grown plantation style (site preparation, planting, long-term weed control, etc). This, coupled with the advent of heavy site preparation machinery made the conversion from low-grade hardwood possible.
Current Management and State – Today much of the remnant forest is gone, replaced by tree plantations, crops, and pastures. The largest bottomlands of disappearance are areas converted to reservoirs, including Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend. The areas that have not been converted retain resemblance to pre-settlement conditions. Fire is not a large driver in the bottomlands, hence fire suppression does not play a large role in shaping the forested communities.
Fire Regimes – Fire was a natural and important disturbance throughout the Western Gulf Plain. Fire occurred naturally and was started by Native Americans for game movement, insect control, travel, and many other reasons. Contrary to most of the region, the bottomland communities developed with a very infrequent fire regime. The bottomlands are estimated to have burned one in every 50 years. Bottomlands naturally retard fire in a number of ways. Frequent flooding inundates the sites for sometimes months, and fire cannot travel. Another reason for reduced fire intervals is the understory vegetation is somewhat sparse of fine-fuel materials compared to those in the uplands. Coupled with the thicker, fire-resistant leaves adorning much of the vegetation, the bottomlands do not burn very often.
Disturbance Regimes – Extreme weather events occur occasionally throughout the region. Tornados uproot trees and open canopies in the spring months. In the late summer and early fall, hurricanes or tropical depressions often make landfall, dumping excessive amounts of rain and toppling trees with high winds. Flooding events occur most years in which rainfall is normal or higher. Prolonged flooding due to excessive precipitation can cause mortality in vegetative species that are unable to handle the continuous water, especially during the growing season (March through September). Reservoirs affect the natural flooding regimes. Upstream areas remain flooded longer and the frequency and duration of flooding on downstream areas are also impacted.
Plant Community Interactions – The dominant force in shaping the bottomlands is the close-proximity to a water source that floods the site throughout the year. Flooding for one to three months during the dormant season gives rise to plants that tolerate a wetter environment. Micro-relief within the broadly delineated bottomlands also affects the plant dispersion. Plants more adapted to water grow in the lower micro-elevations, and those that are more facultative (less water tolerant) occupy the higher micro-elevations. The difference between the upper and lower elevations could be as little as inches. The loamy surface of the ecological site has gleyed subsoils resulting from lack of oxygen during flooding. The communities are dominated by hardwood trees and an understory that can tolerate the varying conditions accompanying the floods.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
| T1A | - | Invasion by Chinese tallow |
|---|---|---|
| T1B | - | Clearcut, site preparation, tree planting |
| T1C | - | Clearcut, grass/crop planting |
| R2A | - | Removal of Chinese tallow, return over/understory to natives |
| T2A | - | Clearcut, site preparation, tree planting |
| T2B | - | Clearcut, grass/crop planting |
| R3A | - | Tree planting, return flooding intervals |
| T3A | - | Clearcut, no management, Chinese tallow invasion |
| T3B | - | Clearcut, grass/crop planting |
| R4A | - | Tree planting, return of flooding intervals |
| T4A | - | Oldfield abondonment, Chinese tallow invasion |
| T4B | - | Clearcut, site preparation, tree planting |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1A | - | Longer flood duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1B | - | Shorter flood duration |
| 1.2A | - | Shorter flood duration |
| 1.2B | - | Shorter flood duration |
| 1.3A | - | Longer flood duration |
| 1.3B | - | Longer flood duration |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Forest
Three communities exist in the Forest State: the Willow Oak Community (1.1), the Overcup Oak Community (1.2), and the Water Oak Community (1.3). The overall state has a high overstory cover (70 to 95 percent) of bottomland hardwood species. Basal areas range from 70 to 110 square feet per acre. The dominant overstory species are willow oak, overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), water oak (Quercus nigra), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii). Flooding in the reference state is common, varying from brief durations to long durations depending on micro-relief, size of precipitation events, and current saturation of the soil. Flooding typically occurs during the dormant season (November to May). Growing season flooding for prolonged periods will cause mortality to overstory trees. All communities can occur within feet of each other as relief changes ever so slightly. Floodwaters scour and deposit new soil throughout the landscape. The areas with lower relief may have a slightly higher clay content in the surface from settling as flood waters recede. As a general rule, more dense understories are found in the higher-elevation communities and transition to less vegetation as elevation decreases. The reduced-oxygen environment requires all three communities of plants to use adaptations to overcome the inundation by water. Another common feature is a heavy cover of hardwood leaf litter widespread throughout the reference state. Communities within State 1 affected by a canopy-clearing disturbance can be inhabited by light-seeded species. If advanced oak reproduction is present at time of disturbance the stand will retain its oak dominance. Oaks will sprout, grow, die-back, and regrow for many years. Otherwise, ash (Fraxinus sp.) and sweetgum will colonize the canopy due to their rapid growth and ability to grow into the crown early. If the advanced oak regeneration is not present, an ash, sweetgum, or ash/sweetgum dominated stand is possible. Fire plays a small role in the overall ecosystem. Prolonged drought and severe dry conditions could allow a fire to burn through the bottoms, but it was only estimated to occur once in every 50 years. More common is treefall due to windthrow. The rooting systems in the bottoms are oftentimes shallow. In combination with some mortality due to prolonged flooding, downed trees and upright snags in the Loamy Bottomlands are common.
Community 1.1
Willow Oak Forest
The Loamy Bottomland system communities are based highly on micro-relief throughout the landscape. A subtle rise or fall of mere inches can drastically alter the vegetative composition. The willow oak community (1.1) represents the middle-relief elevation in comparison to communities 1.2 and 1.3. Plant species occurring in the willow oak community are usually facultative wet according to the U.S. Army Corps’ Wetland Delineation Manual (2010). Understory indicators include blunt broom sedge (Carex tribuloides), smallspike false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrical), and American Buckwheat vine (Brunnichia ovata).
Table 5. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 5-15% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 0-10% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 5-10% |
| Forb foliar cover | 5-10% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 35-85% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0-75% |
| Bare ground | 0-5% |
Table 6. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | 0-1% | 0-1% | 0-5% | 5-10% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | 5-30% | 0-5% | 5-10% | 10-15% |
| >1 <= 2 | 0-15% | 0-15% | 5-10% | 5-40% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | 0-5% | 0-5% | 0-35% | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | 5-10% | 0-15% | 0-10% | – |
| >13 <= 40 | 5-25% | 0-15% | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | 50-85% | 0-5% | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | 10-35% | 0-1% | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Community 1.2
Overcup Oak Forest
Community 1.2, the overcup oak community, represents the lowest micro-relief in the reference state. The community commonly has the lowest understory canopy because it stays flooded the longest. The longer flooding duration causes the gives rise to vegetative species obligate to wetlands. The obligate species are able to handle anoxic conditions during prolonged submergence. Looseflower water-willow, cypress swamp sedge (Carex joorii), and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) are common indicators of community 1.2.
Community 1.3
Water Oak Forest
The Water Oak Community (1.3) has the highest relief compared to communities 1.1 and 1.2. Community 1.3 can be found on pseudo-islands positioned amidst the other two communities or on the outskirts of the ecological site transitioning into the surrounding uplands or terraces. The vegetative species occupying Community 1.3 are facultative in nature, equally occurring in wetlands or uplands. Common species include common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), Indian woodoats (Chasmanthium latifolium), trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), and peppervine (Ampelopsis arborea).
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
The driver for the community shift is longer flood duration. As Communities 1.1 (Willow Oak) and 1.3 (Water Oak) stay flooded longer, their vegetative species are occupied by those in Community 1.2 (Overcup Oak). Species found in the Overcup Oak Community are able to withstand anoxic conditions for longer periods of time.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3
The driver for the community shift is shorter flood duration. As Communities 1.1 (Willow Oak) and 1.2 (Overcup Oak) stay dry for longer, their vegetative species are occupied by those in Community 1.3 (Water Oak). Species found in the Water Oak Community do not tolerate flooding as well as the other two communities, thus the drier soil conditions assist in the establishment of plants in Community 1.3.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
The driver for the community shift is shorter flood duration. As Communities 1.1 (Willow Oak) and 1.2 (Overcup Oak) stay dry for longer, their vegetative species are occupied by those in Community 1.3 (Water Oak). Species found in the Water Oak Community do not tolerate flooding as well as the other two communities, thus the drier soil conditions assist in the establishment of plants in Community 1.3.
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3
The driver for the community shift is shorter flood duration. As Communities 1.1 (Willow Oak) and 1.2 (Overcup Oak) stay dry for longer, their vegetative species are occupied by those in Community 1.3 (Water Oak). Species found in the Water Oak Community do not tolerate flooding as well as the other two communities, thus the drier soil conditions assist in the establishment of plants in Community 1.3.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1
The driver for the community shift is longer flood duration. As Communities 1.1 (Willow Oak) and 1.3 (Water Oak) stay flooded longer, their vegetative species are occupied by those in Community 1.2 (Overcup Oak). Species found in the Overcup Oak Community are able to withstand anoxic conditions for longer periods of time.
Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.2
The driver for the community shift is longer flood duration. As Communities 1.1 (Willow Oak) and 1.3 (Water Oak) stay flooded longer, their vegetative species are occupied by those in Community 1.2 (Overcup Oak). Species found in the Overcup Oak Community are able to withstand anoxic conditions for longer periods of time.
State 2
Invasion
Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) is an undesired, invasive species brought to the United States in 1776 (Randall & Marinelli, 1996). Rapid expansion along the gulf coastal states has allowed the species to invade many ecosystems and consequently reduce diversity. Tallow trees are known to cause gastrointestinal upset, contact dermatitis, and toxicity in livestock and humans. Mechanical and chemicals options exist as a means to control the trees.
Community 2.1
Invasion
Chinese tallow invade the ecological site via flooding events as nearby waterways transport seeds. Once settled, the seeds produce saplings viable to reproduce seeds in as little as three years. The rapid establishment immediately blocks sunlight to understory species and reduces diversity. Unabated growth quickly allows the saplings to grow into the overstory, thus changing the ecological state entirely. Reductions in size and number of all vegetative species are seen in all canopy tiers.
Table 7. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 10-25% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 0-5% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 0-5% |
| Forb foliar cover | 0-5% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 45-90% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0-5% |
State 3
Plantation
The Plantation State is a result of conversion activities. The landowner has maximized silviculture production by planting a monoculture of tree species.
Community 3.1
Pine/Hardwood Plantation
In the immediate years following the initial plantation tree planting, the understory community will resemble the State 1. During this early growth period, the landowner will typically remove unwanted hardwoods and herbaceous plants to reduce competition with the planted pine trees. As the overstory canopy closes, less understory management is required due to sunlight restrictions to the ground layer.
State 4
Pasture and Cropland
The Pasture and Crop state is a result of conversion activities. The landowner has maximized agriculture production by planting a monoculture of introduced grass species or agricultural row crops.
Community 4.1
Planted Pasture and Row Crop
Typical introduced pasture grass species include bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) and different varieties of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). The grasses are grown for livestock production through direct grazing or baling hay for later use. Agricultural row crops are grown for food and fiber production. Many farmers use herbicides to reduce unwanted plant competition which yields a plant community unrepresentative of State 1 or subsequent vegetative states.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
The transition from the State 1 to State 2 is a result of occupancy by Chinese tallow. Chinese tallow invades oftentimes from upstream as their seeds are carried by floodwaters. Tallow trees grow and spread quickly throughout infected sites.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing silviculture potential. Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to a monoculture of trees.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing agricultural production. Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to either a planted grass or row crops.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
The driver for restoration is control of Chinese tallow. Although an option, mechanical removal of the trees is difficult because they readily regrow from roots and seeds. Several chemicals methods are available including glyphosate for cut-stump treatments, triclopyr for cut-stump and foliar treatments, imazamox for broad spectrum application, and imazapyr as a foliar spray. Many aquatic herbicides have water use restrictions and can potentially kill hardwoods, so labels and restrictions should be read carefully prior to application.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing silviculture potential. Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to a monoculture of trees.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing agricultural production. Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to either a planted grass or row crops.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
This restoration pathway may be accomplished by removing planted trees (pine or other hardwood) and replanting bottomland hardwoods. Restoration efforts for bottomland hardwood forests have proven difficult and much research has been done on these ecosystems. Many times restoring the function of the ecosystem is the most difficult obstacle. Evapotranspiration and hyrdoperiod are closely linked and may never fully be restored until a forested condition exists again (Stanturf et al., 2001). Local tree availability may limit the possibilities of species composition. Careful planning of available species, site design, and further management actions should be conversed with a knowledgeable restoration source. With this in mind, oftentimes late summer and early fall are the best times to begin due to possibly wet conditions during the late fall to early spring. Many detailed guides have been written to assist with restoration, and suggested readings include, “A Guide to Bottomland Hardwood Restoration” (Allen et al., 2001).
Transition T3A
State 3 to 2
This community transition is caused by neglecting the plantation understory. Without control, the understory becomes a dense thicket and can be invaded by Chinese tallow.
Transition T3B
State 3 to 4
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing agricultural production. Merchantable timber is harvested by clearcut, then the site is prepared and planted to either an improved grass or row crops.
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 1
This restoration pathway may be accomplished by restoring bottomland hardwoods. Restoration efforts for bottomland hardwood forests have proven difficult and much research has been done on these ecosystems. Many times restoring the function of the ecosystem is the most difficult obstacle. Evapotranspiration and hyrdoperiod are closely linked and may never fully be restored until a forested condition exists again (Stanturf et al., 2001). Local tree availability may limit the possibilities of species composition. Careful planning of available species, site design, and further management actions should be conversed with a knowledgeable restoration source. With this in mind, oftentimes late summer and early fall are the best times to begin due to possibly wet conditions during the late fall to early spring. Many detailed guides have been written to assist with restoration, and suggested readings include, “A Guide to Bottomland Hardwood Restoration” (Allen et al., 2001).
Transition T4A
State 4 to 2
This community transition is caused by neglecting the pasture or not replanting crops. Without control, the understory becomes a dense thicket and can be invaded by Chinese tallow.
Transition T4B
State 4 to 3
The transition is due to the land manager maximizing silviculture potential. The site is prepared and planted to a monoculture of trees.
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (ft) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (in) | Basal area (square ft/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| willow oak | QUPH | Quercus phellos | – | – | 20–75 | – | – |
| water oak | QUNI | Quercus nigra | – | – | 20–60 | – | – |
| overcup oak | QULY | Quercus lyrata | – | – | 20–50 | – | – |
| laurel oak | QULA3 | Quercus laurifolia | – | – | 10–30 | – | – |
| swamp chestnut oak | QUMI | Quercus michauxii | – | – | 10–30 | – | – |
| sweetgum | LIST2 | Liquidambar styraciflua | – | – | 10–30 | – | – |
| blackgum | NYSY | Nyssa sylvatica | – | – | 5–20 | – | – |
| American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | – | – | 5–20 | – | – |
| red maple | ACRU | Acer rubrum | – | – | 5–20 | – | – |
Table 9. Community 1.1 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (ft) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
|
||||||
| giant cane | ARGI | Arundinaria gigantea | – | – | 5–35 | |
| blunt broom sedge | CATR7 | Carex tribuloides | – | – | 5–35 | |
| greater bladder sedge | CAIN12 | Carex intumescens | – | – | 0–10 | |
| slender woodoats | CHLA6 | Chasmanthium laxum | – | – | 1–5 | |
| marsh flatsedge | CYPS | Cyperus pseudovegetus | – | – | 0–3 | |
|
Forb/Herb
|
||||||
| smallspike false nettle | BOCY | Boehmeria cylindrica | – | – | 5–25 | |
| camphor pluchea | PLCA7 | Pluchea camphorata | – | – | 5–20 | |
| Virginia dayflower | COVI3 | Commelina virginica | – | – | 1–5 | |
| Canada germander | TECA3 | Teucrium canadense | – | – | 1–3 | |
| smallflower thoroughwort | EUSE | Eupatorium semiserratum | – | – | 0–3 | |
| smooth hedgenettle | STTE | Stachys tenuifolia | – | – | 0–3 | |
| sensitive fern | ONSE | Onoclea sensibilis | – | – | 0–1 | |
| false indigo bush | AMFR | Amorpha fruticosa | – | – | 0–1 | |
| St. Peterswort | HYCR3 | Hypericum crux-andreae | – | – | 0–1 | |
| sweetscent | PLOD | Pluchea odorata | – | – | 0–1 | |
|
Shrub/Subshrub
|
||||||
| American snowbell | STAM4 | Styrax americanus | – | – | 0–10 | |
| possumhaw | ILDE | Ilex decidua | – | – | 1–10 | |
| dwarf palmetto | SAMI8 | Sabal minor | – | – | 1–10 | |
|
Tree
|
||||||
| willow oak | QUPH | Quercus phellos | – | – | 5–25 | |
| laurel oak | QULA3 | Quercus laurifolia | – | – | 5–25 | |
| green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | – | – | 1–5 | |
| cherrybark oak | QUPA5 | Quercus pagoda | – | – | 1–5 | |
| sugarberry | CELA | Celtis laevigata | – | – | 0–5 | |
|
Vine/Liana
|
||||||
| American buckwheat vine | BROV4 | Brunnichia ovata | – | – | 0–15 | |
| climbing dogbane | TRDI | Trachelospermum difforme | – | – | 1–10 | |
| climbing hempvine | MISC | Mikania scandens | – | – | 0–5 | |
| catbird grape | VIPA7 | Vitis palmata | – | – | 0–5 | |
| American wisteria | WIFR | Wisteria frutescens | – | – | 1–5 | |
Table 10. Community 1.2 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (ft) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
|
||||||
| rice cutgrass | LEOR | Leersia oryzoides | – | – | 0–10 | |
| common rush | JUEF | Juncus effusus | – | – | 0–10 | |
| giant cutgrass | ZIMI | Zizaniopsis miliacea | – | – | 0–10 | |
| shortbristle horned beaksedge | RHCO2 | Rhynchospora corniculata | – | – | 0–10 | |
| cypress swamp sedge | CAJO2 | Carex joorii | – | – | 1–5 | |
| Louisiana sedge | CALO6 | Carex louisianica | – | – | 0–5 | |
| Frank's sedge | CAFR3 | Carex frankii | – | – | 0–3 | |
|
Forb/Herb
|
||||||
| looseflower water-willow | JUOV | Justicia ovata | – | – | 5–40 | |
| lizard's tail | SACE | Saururus cernuus | – | – | 1–10 | |
| dotted smartweed | POPU5 | Polygonum punctatum | – | – | 0–5 | |
| greater marsh St. Johnswort | TRWA | Triadenum walteri | – | – | 0–5 | |
| whorled marshpennywort | HYVE2 | Hydrocotyle verticillata | – | – | 0–5 | |
| trailing yellow loosestrife | LYRA3 | Lysimachia radicans | – | – | 0–3 | |
| royal fern | OSRE | Osmunda regalis | – | – | 0–3 | |
| taperleaf water horehound | LYRU | Lycopus rubellus | – | – | 0–3 | |
| halberdleaf rosemallow | HILA2 | Hibiscus laevis | – | – | 0–1 | |
| ditch stonecrop | PESE6 | Penthorum sedoides | – | – | 0–1 | |
| creeping burhead | ECCO3 | Echinodorus cordifolius | – | – | 0–1 | |
|
Shrub/Subshrub
|
||||||
| common buttonbush | CEOC2 | Cephalanthus occidentalis | – | – | 1–10 | |
| eastern swampprivet | FOAC | Forestiera acuminata | – | – | 0–5 | |
| western mayhaw | CROP | Crataegus opaca | – | – | 0–3 | |
|
Tree
|
||||||
| overcup oak | QULY | Quercus lyrata | – | – | 5–25 | |
| planertree | PLAQ | Planera aquatica | – | – | 1–5 | |
| swamp tupelo | NYBI | Nyssa biflora | – | – | 1–5 | |
| water locust | GLAQ | Gleditsia aquatica | – | – | 0–5 | |
| Carolina ash | FRCA3 | Fraxinus caroliniana | – | – | 0–3 | |
| water hickory | CAAQ2 | Carya aquatica | – | – | 0–3 | |
Table 11. Community 1.3 forest understory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (ft) | Canopy cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)
|
||||||
| Indian woodoats | CHLA5 | Chasmanthium latifolium | – | – | 1–15 | |
| needleleaf rosette grass | DIAC | Dichanthelium aciculare | – | – | 1–10 | |
| beaked panicgrass | PAAN | Panicum anceps | – | – | 1–5 | |
| Ravenel's rosette grass | DIRA | Dichanthelium ravenelii | – | – | 0–3 | |
|
Forb/Herb
|
||||||
| eastern poison ivy | TORA2 | Toxicodendron radicans | – | – | 1–10 | |
| partridgeberry | MIRE | Mitchella repens | – | – | 0–5 | |
| dogfennel | EUCA5 | Eupatorium capillifolium | – | – | 0–5 | |
| blue mistflower | COCO13 | Conoclinium coelestinum | – | – | 0–3 | |
| St. Andrew's cross | HYHY | Hypericum hypericoides | – | – | 1–3 | |
| slender threeseed mercury | ACGR2 | Acalypha gracilens | – | – | 0–1 | |
| Missouri violet | VIMI3 | Viola missouriensis | – | – | 0–1 | |
| bursting-heart | EUAM9 | Euonymus americanus | – | – | 0–1 | |
| lateflowering thoroughwort | EUSE2 | Eupatorium serotinum | – | – | 0–1 | |
|
Fern/fern ally
|
||||||
| resurrection fern | PLPO2 | Pleopeltis polypodioides | – | – | 0–3 | |
|
Shrub/Subshrub
|
||||||
| Gulf Sebastian-bush | DIFR6 | Ditrysinia fruticosa | – | – | 0–3 | |
| sawtooth blackberry | RUAR2 | Rubus argutus | – | – | 0–3 | |
|
Tree
|
||||||
| water oak | QUNI | Quercus nigra | – | – | 5–25 | |
| sweetgum | LIST2 | Liquidambar styraciflua | – | – | 5–25 | |
| common persimmon | DIVI5 | Diospyros virginiana | – | – | 5–25 | |
| red maple | ACRU | Acer rubrum | – | – | 5–25 | |
| American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | – | – | 1–10 | |
| American hornbeam | CACA18 | Carpinus caroliniana | – | – | 1–5 | |
| blackgum | NYSY | Nyssa sylvatica | – | – | 0–3 | |
| bitternut hickory | CACO15 | Carya cordiformis | – | – | 0–3 | |
| loblolly pine | PITA | Pinus taeda | – | – | 0–3 | |
|
Vine/Liana
|
||||||
| roundleaf greenbrier | SMRO | Smilax rotundifolia | – | – | 1–10 | |
| Alabama supplejack | BESC | Berchemia scandens | – | – | 1–10 | |
| muscadine | VIRO3 | Vitis rotundifolia | – | – | 1–10 | |
| trumpet creeper | CARA2 | Campsis radicans | – | – | 1–10 | |
| crossvine | BICA | Bignonia capreolata | – | – | 0–5 | |
Table 12. Community 3.1 forest overstory composition
| Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Nativity | Height (ft) | Canopy cover (%) | Diameter (in) | Basal area (square ft/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tree
|
|||||||
| eastern cottonwood | PODE3 | Populus deltoides | – | – | – | – | – |
| green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | – | – | – | – | – |
| loblolly pine | PITA | Pinus taeda | – | – | – | – | – |
| sweetgum | LIST2 | Liquidambar styraciflua | – | – | – | – | – |
Interpretations
Animal community
The historic animal community is relatively similar to the current community in the reference state. One major missing component is the black bear. Black bears were highly prevalent across the Western Coastal Plain. Their reduced numbers are directly correlated with the westward expansion of the European settlers. Like other mobile animals in the area, bears would have used multiple ecological sites. The Loamy Bottomlands would have provided the bears with nutrition/food in the form of hard mast (acorns). Other apex predators like the mountain lion and wolf have disappeared in a similar manner.
Recreational uses
The most popular recreational use is hunting for white-tail deer, waterfowl and other game animals. Bird watching is also becoming increasingly popular.
Wood products
Pines are used for all types of wood products. Hardwoods are suitable for use as pulpwood, firewood, charcoal, lumber, furniture, railroad ties and pallet material. The wide range of wood products is attributed to the diverse tree species growing on this ecosite.
Other information
The Loamy Bottomlands contain a high diversity of animal species. Mature oaks drop acorns in the fall that are eaten by a myriad of species from bird to mammal. Woodpeckers are especially common throughout, as well as songbirds and wading birds (when flooded).
White-tailed deer are highly adaptable herbivores and use the bottomlands in combinations with other nearby ecological sites. They consume browse from shrubs and small trees, soft mast, hard mast, including the occasional forb. The hardwood ecosystem is typically denser than the surrounding uplands so deer, and other secretive species, use the bottomlands as a travel corridor.
Healthy bottomlands provide wild turkeys with almost all habitat needs from nesting to foraging. Adult and juvenile turkeys are opportunistic omnivores and use a variety of food items including animal matter, hard and soft mast, green forage, tubers, seeds, and grains, while poults require high protein foods such as insects and young vegetation.
Waterfowl use of the Loamy Bottomlands varies by year depending on flood conditions. When the system is flooded waterfowl take advantage of acorns as a high energy food source. Waterfowl can also be seen feeding on the numerous aquatic invertebrates found in flooded areas. Contrary to migrating waterfowl, wood ducks and hooded mergansers are present year round, so large-natural cavities, and those created by pileated woodpeckers, in dead trees are important.
Other common species that utilize the ecosystem include squirrels and woodcock. Squirrels utilize the hard mast species present, while woodcock probe the moist soil for invertebrates.
Table 13. Representative site productivity
Supporting information
Inventory data references
These site descriptions were developed as part a Provisional Ecological Site project using historic soil survey manuscripts, available site descriptions, and low intensity field traverse sampling. Future work to validate the information is needed. This will include field activities to collect low, medium, and high-intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance review of the will be needed to produce the final document.
Other references
Ajilvsgi, G. 2003. Wildflowers of Texas. Revised edition. Shearer Publishing, Fredericksburg, TX.
Ajilvsgi, G. 1979. Wildflowers of the Big Thicket. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, TX.
Allen, J. A., B. D. Keeland, J. A. Stanturf, and A. F. Kennedy Jr. 2001. A guide to bottomland hardwood restoration. Technical report, USGS/BRD/ITR-2000-0011.
Bray, W. L. 1904. Forest resources of Texas. Bureau of Forestry Bulletin 47, Government Printing Office, Washington D.C.
Diggs, G. M., B. L. Lipscomb, M. D. Reed, and R. J. O’Kennon. 2006. Illustrated flora of East Texas. Second edition. Botanical Research Institute of Texas & Austin College, Fort Worth, TX.
Jones, S. D., J. K. Wipff, and P. M. Montgomery. 1997. Vascular plants of Texas: a comprehensive checklist including synonymy, bibliography, and index. University of Texas Press, Austin.
NatureServe. 2002. International classification of ecological communities: Terrestrial vegetation of the United States. National forests in Texas final report. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
Nixon, E. S. 2000. Trees, shrubs & woody vines of East Texas. Second edition. Bruce Lyndon Cunningham Productions, Nacogdoches, TX.
Picket, S. T. and P. S. White. 1985. The ecology of natural disturbance and patch dynamics. Academic Press, Orlando, FL.
Randall, J. M., and J. Marinelli. 1996. Invasive plants: weeds of the global garden. Volume 149. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY.
Roberts, O. M. 1881. A description of Texas, its advantages and resources with some account of their development past, present and future. Gilbert Book Company, Saint Louis, MO.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database.
Stanturf, J. A., S. H. Schoenholtz, C. J. Schweitzer, and J. P. Shepard. 2001. Achieving restoration success: Myths in bottomland hardwood forests. Restoration Ecology, 9:189-200.
Stringham, T. K., W. C. Krueger, and P. L. Shaver. 2003. State and transition modeling: An ecological process approach. Journal of Range Management 56:106-113.
Truett, J. C. 1984. Land of bears and honey: A natural history of East Texas. The University of Texas Press, Austin, TX.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region (Version 2.0). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory ERDC/EL TR-10-20.
USDA-NRCS Ag Handbook 296 (2006).
Van Kley, J. E., R. L. Turner, L. S. Smith, and R. E. Evans. 2007. Ecological classification system for the national forests and adjacent areas of the West Gulf Coastal Plain. Second approximation. Stephen F. Austin University and The Nature Conservancy, Nacogdoches, TX.
Vines, R. A. 1960. Trees, shrubs, and woody vines of the Southwest. University of Texas Press, Austin, TX.
Watson, G. E. 2006. Big Thicket Plant Ecology. Third Edition. University of North Texas Press, Denton, TX.
Contributors
Tyson Hart
Approval
Bryan Christensen, 9/21/2023
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 | 09/03/2021 |
| Approved by | Bryan Christensen |
| 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.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.
Ecosystem states
| T1A | - | Invasion by Chinese tallow |
|---|---|---|
| T1B | - | Clearcut, site preparation, tree planting |
| T1C | - | Clearcut, grass/crop planting |
| R2A | - | Removal of Chinese tallow, return over/understory to natives |
| T2A | - | Clearcut, site preparation, tree planting |
| T2B | - | Clearcut, grass/crop planting |
| R3A | - | Tree planting, return flooding intervals |
| T3A | - | Clearcut, no management, Chinese tallow invasion |
| T3B | - | Clearcut, grass/crop planting |
| R4A | - | Tree planting, return of flooding intervals |
| T4A | - | Oldfield abondonment, Chinese tallow invasion |
| T4B | - | Clearcut, site preparation, tree planting |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1A | - | Longer flood duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1B | - | Shorter flood duration |
| 1.2A | - | Shorter flood duration |
| 1.2B | - | Shorter flood duration |
| 1.3A | - | Longer flood duration |
| 1.3B | - | Longer flood duration |