Deep Somewhat Poorly Drained Clay Alkaline Broad Flats

Description

This ecological state can be broadly defined as any mixed species grassland (potentially with a few trees) on calcareous uplands that have not been modified for pasture, hay production, or cropland. Evidence suggests that this ecological state initially occurred as a result of rotational burning done by the Native American Tribes in the region. Native grasslands were described by many of the early explorers of this region; however, they are seldom, if ever, seen in pristine condition in modern times. Most remnants of the native grasslands occur in small patches between 1-10 acres, and almost all of these remnants now contain non-native and invasive species. Anthropogenic effects, such as changes in land management, introduction of non-native species, and soil erosion, have all led to the degradation and diminishing representation of this ecological state.

Characteristics and indicators

This state is characterized by a mixture of grasses, forbs, sedges, and other herbaceous plants with relatively few trees.

Resilience management

This ecological state requires regular disturbance to be maintained. This disturbance predominantly occurs as burning or mowing. If an area growing as a native grassland is not being managed it will initially transition into a redcedar forest and then a hardwood forest over time.

Submodel

Description

This ecological state is commonly seen adjacent to cropland and pasture, and it frequently occurs on steeper areas and along property lines, areas that are less likely to be disturbed by agricultural processes. Depending on the plant community, this site can be dominated by eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), white ash (Fraxinus americana), sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), post oak ( Quercus stellata), and Osage orange ( Maclura pomifera ).

Submodel

Description

Pasture is a grassland that occurs as a result of heavy land management changes (clearcutting, herbicide, grazing, planting etc.) in order to produce livestock or hay. Pasture differs from native grassland as the plant species in the pasture are typically selected and planted specifically for forage quality as opposed to allowing livestock to graze on the existing native plant community. Livestock can greatly alter the plant community if proper grazing practices are not followed.

Submodel

Description

Cropland occurs as a result of heavy land management changes (clearcutting, herbicide, tilling, etc.) in order to produce crops. Common crops for this ecological site are cotton, soybeans, corn, sorghum, and small grains. There are different management styles used for cropland communities including conventional till, no till, cover crop, double crop, and others. Some of these practices are mutually exclusive, but others can be combined.

Submodel

Description

Aquaculture in this region is predominantly used for the production of catfish. Most producers in this region will excavate ponds at a uniform depth in flat heavy clay areas.

Description

Conservation areas are sites set aside to try and recapture the historical plant and animal communities of the reference state. These states will never be a perfect replication because of anthropogenic and natural changes to the ecological system. Some of these changes include fire suppression, changes in hydrology (channeling waterways...), extinction of species, introduced species, invasive species, altering landscapes (farming practices and urbanization) and probable changes to the soil microbial communities. These sites are meant to be the best representation possible for these historical communities given the changes that have occurred. For this ecological site, a restoration area would be a native grassland that experiences regular disturbance.

Resilience management

This will require managing for specific native prairie species and incorporating a regular burning or mowing regiment.