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Ecological site PX138X00Y170

Dry Sandy Over Loamy Upland Pine

Last updated: 6/09/2025
Accessed: 12/05/2025

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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.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 138X–North-Central Florida Ridge

The MLRA notes section provides a brief description of the entire MLRA. This description is intended to provide some context about the MLRA within which this ecological site is associated. A more complete description of the MLRA can be found in Ag Handbook 296 (USDA-NRCS, 2022).

This MLRA is on a limestone upland that is mantled with sandy marine deposits and has an irregular, gently rolling topography. Because of the underlying karst topography, there are a moderate number of limestone sinkholes, some filled with water. Production of cash crops, hay, and pasture is the primary land use. This area comprises about 2,196 square miles (5,688 square kilometers) and is entirely within Florida.

This area is underlain by sediments of the Quaternary Period (present to 2.58 million years ago) that overlie the Neogene (2.53 to 23.03 million years ago) and Paleogene (23.03 to 66 million years ago) formations of the Hawthorn Group (Green et al., 2006). The rocks are progressively older to the south. The Quaternary sediments are largely undifferentiated marine deposits consisting of fine to coarse sands that are poorly to moderately sorted with variable mixtures of clay and organic material. The formations of the Hawthorn Group are, from youngest to oldest, the Statesville Formation, Coosawhatchie Formation, Suwannee Limestone, and Ocala Limestone. The Statesville Formation consists of thinly interbedded, and commonly cross-bedded, dolostone and clay alternating with beds of sand. Phosphate grains are common to abundant. The Coosawhatchie Formation is made up of poorly to moderately sorted sandy clay or clayey sand with phosphate grains, limestone, and dolostone. The Suwannee Limestone is a cream colored to tan, crystalline, vuggy and muddy, fossiliferous, variably dolomitic carbonate. It has chert nodules in some areas. The Ocala Limestone was deposited in the Eocene (33.9 to 56 million years ago) and is the oldest rock formation exposed in Florida. It is a white to cream-colored, fossiliferous limestone and has chert nodules in some areas.

This area borders MLRA 133A to the north, which has only slight differences in use and management due to the underlying karst topography. Its boundaries with MLRA 152A to the west and MLRA 153A to the east are distinguishable by an abrupt scarp on a lower, younger marine terrace. Its boundary with MLRA 154 is a gradual transition to slightly younger marine sediments to the south.

Elevation of the MLRA ranges from 26 to 197 feet (8 to 60 meters). Local relief is generally 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) but can be as much as 35 feet (10 meters).

The dominant soil orders are Ultisols, Entisols, and Alfisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a thermic temperature regime, a udic moisture regime, and siliceous mineralogy.

This area supports open pine and oak vegetation. Major wildlife species include white-tailed deer, raccoon, skunk, opossum, rabbit, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, turkey, bobwhite quail, and mourning dove.

The abundant rainfall and the Floridan aquifer are the principal sources of water in the area. The many lakes and ponds are used for recreation. Most of the river water is suitable for almost all uses. Shallow and deep wells in the Floridan aquifer provide water for public supply, domestic use, industry, mining, livestock, and irrigation. This aquifer is one of the most productive sources of ground water in the United States. Its water is hard but of good quality. Wells yield large quantities of the calciumbicarbonate type of water. The Floridan aquifer is a thick sequence of Tertiary limestone and dolomite. The Eocene Avon Park Formation and Ocala Limestone are the thickest and most productive units in the aquifer system.

A significant portion of this MLRA along riparian areas remains wooded with some larger holdings used exclusively for forestry. Pulpwood and lumber are the principal forest products. Hay and pasture are of great extent throughout this MLRA. The cropland in the area is used mainly for corn, peanuts, tobacco, soybeans, vegetables, and melons.

The major resource concerns are maintenance of organic matter and productivity of the soils, management of soil moisture, and management of animal waste. Conservation practices on cropland generally include crop rotations, cover crops, nutrient management, pest management, and irrigation water management.

(USDA, NRCS, 2022)

Classification relationships

Most of this area is in the East Gulf Coastal Plain section of the Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain. The southern one-quarter is in the Floridian section of the same province and division. (McNab et al., 2007; USDA, NRCS, 2022)

MLRA 138 is relatively small and comprises the eastern half of EPA level IV ecoregion 65o, Tallahassee Hills and Valdosta Limesink, which is part of level III ecoregion 65, Southeastern Plains. (U.S. EPA, 2013)

The reference community of this site corresponds approximately with the Upland Pine community (FNAI, 2010).

The improved pasture community of the managed grassland state corresponds well with Forage Suitability Group G138XA221FL. (USDA, NRCS, 2013)

Ecological site concept

This site occurs on moderately well to well drained rises, knolls, and ridges of uplands. The land is nearly level to gentle sloping with slopes ranging from 0 to 8 percent, and a depth to seasonal high water table of 42 to 80 inches.

Soils are mostly sandy over loamy, and have an argillic horizon between 20 and 40 inches.

This site often supports Upland Mixed Hardwoods, Upland Hardwood Forest, Coniferous Plantation, and Improved Pasture communities.

Associated sites

PX138X00Y190	Shallow Sandy or Loamy Upland Pine These soils are in a similar landscape position but have different physical properties and productivity.
PX138X00Y160	Dry Sandy Upland Pine These soils are in a similar landscape position but have different physical properties and productivity.
PX138X00Y180	Dry Loamy and Clayey Upland Pine These soils are in a similar landscape position but have different physical properties and productivity.

PX138X00Y190

Shallow Sandy or Loamy Upland Pine

These soils are in a similar landscape position but have different physical properties and productivity.

PX138X00Y160

Dry Sandy Upland Pine

These soils are in a similar landscape position but have different physical properties and productivity.

PX138X00Y180

Dry Loamy and Clayey Upland Pine

These soils are in a similar landscape position but have different physical properties and productivity.

Similar sites

PX138X00Y050	Sandy or Sandy Over Loamy Upland Pine on Stream Terraces These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.
PX138X00Y130	Moist Sandy Upland Pine These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.
PX138X00Y140	Moist Sandy Over Loamy Upland Pine These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.
PX138X00Y150	Moist Loamy and Clayey Upland Pine These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.
PX138X00Y160	Dry Sandy Upland Pine These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.
PX138X00Y180	Dry Loamy and Clayey Upland Pine These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.
PX138X00Y190	Shallow Sandy or Loamy Upland Pine These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.
PX138X00Y200	Very Dry Sandy Over Loamy Upland Pine These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.
PX138X00Y210	Very Dry Loamy and Clayey Upland Pine These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Pinus palustris (2) Pinus elliottii
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	Not specified

Legacy ID

F138XY170AL

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on ridges, rises, and knolls of uplands that are nearly level or gently sloping with a seasonal high water table between 42 to 72 inches. Slope is typically 0 to 8 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Marine terrace > Ridge (2) Marine terrace > Knoll (3) Marine terrace > Rise
Runoff class	Very low
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	40 – 200 ft
Slope	5%
Water table depth	42 – 72 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)

Runoff class	Very low
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	25 – 200 ft
Slope	8%
Water table depth	39 – 72 in

Climatic features

The maximum precipitation occurs in summer, and the minimum occurs in winter and late autumn. Rainfall occurs during high-intensity, convective thunderstorms in summer. The average annual temperature is 68 to 69 degrees F (20 to 21 degrees C).

An additional hazard of concern during late summer through early fall are tropical cyclones. While most impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms are confined along the coastal zone, heavy rainfall, severe flooding, and high winds can occur well into Florida when such systems pass through the area. To the extreme, the region is susceptible to the effects of a strong Bermuda High during the summer, which can cause devastating drought conditions for weeks and even months in some years.

(USDA, NRCS, 2022)

Table 4. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	217-225 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	253-263 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	52-54 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	213-231 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	241-274 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	52-54 in
Frost-free period (average)	221 days
Freeze-free period (average)	258 days
Precipitation total (average)	53 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) JASPER [USC00084394], Jasper, FL
(2) LIVE OAK [USC00085099], Live Oak, FL
(3) MAYO [USC00085539], Live Oak, FL
(4) LAKE CITY 2 E [USC00084731], Lake City, FL
(5) HIGH SPRINGS [USC00083956], High Springs, FL
(6) BELL 4NW [USC00080598], Old Town, FL

Influencing water features

The Suwannee River, which originates in the Okefenokee Swamp to the northeast and is spring-fed, flows through this MLRA. The Alapaha and Withlacoochee Rivers join the Suwannee River in the area. Another Suwannee River tributary, the Santa Fe River, crosses the southern part of the area. (USDA, NRCS, 2022)

Wetland description

This site does not support wetlands.

Soil features

Please note that the soils listed in this section of the description may not be all inclusive. There may be additional soils that fit the site’s concepts. Additionally, the soils that provisionally form the concepts of this site may occur elsewhere, either within or outside of the MLRA and may or may not have the same geomorphic characteristics or support similar vegetation. Some soil map units and soil series included in this “provisional” ecological site were used as a “best fit” for a particular soil – landform catena during a specific era of soil mapping, regardless of the origin of parent material or the location of MLRA boundaries. Therefore, the listed soils may not be typical for MLRA 138 or a specific location, and the associated soil map units may warrant further investigation in a joint ecological site inventory – soil survey project. When utilizing this provisional description, the user is encouraged to verify that the area of interest meets the appropriate ecological site concepts by reviewing the soils, landform, vegetation, and physical location. If the site concepts do not match the attributes of the area of interest, please review the Similar or Associated Sites listed in the General Information section of this description to determine if another site may be a better fit for your area of interest.

This site is comprised of soils in the Blanton, Bonneau, Foxworth and Ortega series. These soils are moderately well to well drained, sandy over loamy, and they typically have an argillic horizon between 20 and 40 inches.
.

Table 5. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Marine deposits (2) Eolian deposits
Surface texture	(1) Fine sand (2) Sand (3) Loamy sand
Drainage class	Moderately well drained to well drained
Permeability class	Moderately rapid to rapid
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	1.2 – 4 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-10in)	4.5 – 6
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	Not specified
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	Not specified

Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)

Drainage class	Moderately well drained to well drained
Permeability class	Moderately rapid to rapid
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	1.2 – 4.5 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-10in)	4.5 – 6.5
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	6%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	Not specified

Ecological dynamics

The information presented in this ecological site description (ESD) and state-and-transition model (STM) were developed using archaeological and historical information, published and unpublished scientific reports, professional experience, consultation with technical experts, and NRCS inventories and studies. The information presented represents a complex set of plant community dynamics and environmental variables. Not all scenarios or plants are represented and included. Key indicator plants, animals, and ecological processes are described to help guide land management decisions and actions.

Fire is the dominant factor in the ecology of upland pine. Frequent low-intensity ground fires during the growing season reduce hardwood competition and facilitate pine and wiregrass reproduction. The abundance of woody understory species increases with increasing time between fires. The historic fire frequency ranged from one to three years. Without relatively frequent fires water oak (Q. nigra), live oak (Q. virginiana), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), common persimmon, laurel oak, and other fire-sensitive, fast growing trees invade and shade the otherwise diverse ground layer. (FNAI, 2010)

Vast differences in vegetation composition exist between natural upland pine and pinelands that have a history of land clearing, agriculture, or heavy disturbance (often referred to as “old-field pinelands”). In the latter, longleaf pine is often replaced by loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) or shortleaf pine, and the wiregrass-dominated groundcover is replaced with old-field species such as broomsedges (Andropogon spp.), dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), and blackberries (Rubus spp.). Seventeen species of herbs can be used as indicators of natural upland pine including goat’s rue, oblongleaf twinflower, hairawn muhly, bracken fern, and rice button aster. A similar suite of herbaceous species was found to be sensitive to disturbance and have low re-colonization rates in a disturbed upland pine. Absence of wiregrass is the clearest indicator that an upland pine has a disturbance history. Additionally, land-use history plays an important role in the effect fire has on community structure; natural pinelands have higher fine fuels and generally higher fire intensity, thus having a greater effect on reduction of cover of woody species than do old-field pinelands with a history of agriculture. (FNAI, 2010)

Following this narrative, a “provisional” state and transition model is provided that includes the “perceived” reference state and several alternative (or altered) vegetation states that have been observed and/or projected for this ecological site. This model is based on limited inventories, literature, expert knowledge, and interpretations. Plant communities may differ from one location to the next depending on the severity of local land use activities and rates of deposition. Depending on objectives, the reference plant community may not necessarily be the management goal.

The environmental and biological characteristics of this site are complex and dynamic. As such, the following diagram suggests pathways that the vegetation on this site might take, given that the modal concepts of climate and soils are met within an area of interest. Specific locations with unique soils and disturbance histories may have alternate pathways that are not represented in the model. This information is intended to show the possibilities within a given set of circumstances and represents the initial steps toward developing a defensible description and model. The model and associated information are subject to change as knowledge increases and new information is garnered. This is an iterative process. Most importantly, local and/or state professional guidance should always be sought before pursuing a treatment scenario.

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

1. Naturalized Vegetation: Upland Pine

2. Managed Grassland

3. Pine Plantation

4. Degraded

T1.2	-	Land clearing, introduction of grasses, and applied grassland management
T1.3	-	Land clearing, site preparation, and tree planting
T1.4	-	Introduction of non-native species
T2.4	-	Introduction of non-native species
T3.4	-	Introduction of non-native species
T4.1	-	Mechanical, chemical or biological control
T4.2	-	Mechanical, chemical or biological control
T4.3	-	Mechanical, chemical or biological control

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Reference Community: Upland Pine

1.2. High Stature Shrub / Mid-Story Encroachment, Fire Suppressed

1.3. Upland Mixed Woodland

1.4. Immature Even-Aged Pine Savanna

1.5. Open Grassland Prairie / Shrubland

1.6. Xeric Hammock

Communities 1, 5 and 2 (additional pathways)

1.1. Reference Community: Upland Pine

1.5. Open Grassland Prairie / Shrubland

1.2. High Stature Shrub / Mid-Story Encroachment, Fire Suppressed

P1.1.2	-	Absence of fire
P1.1.5	-	Overstory removal
P1.2.1	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.2.3	-	Absence of fire
P1.2.5	-	Overstory removal
P1.3.1	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.3.4	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.3.5	-	Overstory removal
P1.3.6	-	Absence of fire
P1.4.1	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.4.2	-	Absence of fire
P1.4.5	-	Overstory removal
P1.5.2	-	Absence of fire
P1.5.3	-	Infrequent mixed severity fire regime
P1.5.4	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.6.5	-	Overstory removal

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Improved Pasture (FSG_G138XA221FL)

2.2. Unimproved Pasture with Woody Encroachment

P2.1.2	-	Pasture abandonment
P2.2.1	-	Pasture restoration and applied grazing

State 1
Naturalized Vegetation: Upland Pine

Upland pine is upland with sand/clay substrate; mesic-xeric; frequent fire (1-3 years); savanna of widely spaced pines over primarily herbaceous understory; longleaf pine, slash pine, loblolly pine, and/or shortleaf pine, southern red oak, wiregrass. (FNAI, 2010). Upland pine is a woodland of widely spaced pines with a sparse to moderate shrub layer and a dense, species rich groundcover of grasses and herbs, occurring on gently rolling terrain. The canopy is dominated by longleaf pine (Pinus palustris); shortleaf pine (P. echinata) also may be present. There is an intermittent subcanopy layer of smaller pines, and hardwoods including southern red oak (Quercus falcata), blackjack oak (Q. marilandica), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), bluejack oak (Q. incana), post oak (Q. stellata), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), Darlington oak (Q. hemisphaerica), winged sumac (Rhus copallinum), common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), sand post oak (Q. margaretta), mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), and blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica). Though typically present as low shrubs and occasional midstory trees, these species can form a dense midstory (subcanopy and tall shrubs layers) in areas that have experienced a lack of fire for many years. Shrub cover can vary from sparse to dense. Shrub cover includes low-growing species such as dwarf huckleberry (Gaylussacia dumosa), running oak (Q. pumila), inkberry (aka gallberry) (Ilex glabra), and Darrow’s blueberry (Vaccinium darrowii). Herbaceous cover varies, from sparse to abundant, dependent upon the density and shading effects of the shrubs. Threeawn (aka wiregrass) (Aristida beyrichiana and/or Aristida stricta) is often dominant, but a high diversity of grasses and forbs may be present. In addition to wiregrass, other common grasses are little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus), hairawn muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris), and Indiangrass (Sorghastrum spp.). Typical forbs include oblongleaf snakeherb (Dyschoriste oblongifolia), narrowleaf silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia), pineland silkgrass (Pityopsis aspera), scaleleaf aster (Symphyotrichum adnatum), western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), pineland nerveray (Tetragonotheca helianthoides), soft greeneyes (Berlandiera pumila), evening trumpetflower (Gelsemium sempervirens), rice button aster (Symphyotrichum dumosum), and often a diverse suite of legumes including sensitive partridge pea (Chamaecrista nictitans), fourvalve mimosa (Mimosa quadrivalvis), sidebeak pencilflower (Stylosanthes biflora), and Virginia tephrosia (Tephrosia virginiana). Woody vines such as greenbrier (Smilax spp.) and summer grape (Vitis aestivalis) are occasionally present.

Dominant plant species

longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), tree
slash pine (Pinus elliottii), tree

Community 1.1
Reference Community: Upland Pine

Ten to 20 percent tree canopy cover and 20 to greater than 50 percent graminoid or shrub canopy cover.

Community 1.2
High Stature Shrub / Mid-Story Encroachment, Fire Suppressed

20 to 50 percent shrub canopy cover with decreasing grasses relative to the reference community.

Community 1.3
Upland Mixed Woodland

Greater than 25 to 60 percent tree canopy cover with less than 50 percent cover from hardwoods.

Community 1.4
Immature Even-Aged Pine Savanna

Ten to 20 percent tree canopy cover and 20 to greater than 50 percent graminoid or shrub canopy cover.

Community 1.5
Open Grassland Prairie / Shrubland

Less than 10 percent tree canopy cover and 20 to greater than 50 percent graminoid or shrub canopy cover.

Community 1.6
Xeric Hammock

Greater than 60 to 100 percent tree canopy cover with greater than 50 percent cover of hardwoods. Relict super-dominant emergent pine may persist.

Pathway P1.1.2
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Absence of fire for greater than 4 years

Pathway P1.1.5
Community 1.1 to 1.5

Overstory removal: catastrophic fire, clearcut, disease, insect, and/or hurricane.

Pathway P1.2.1
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Reintroduction of natural understory fire regime with a fire return interval of between 1 to 4 years. Burning should occur late spring to early summer.

Pathway P1.2.3
Community 1.2 to 1.3

Absence of fire for great than 10 to 35 years

Pathway P1.2.5
Community 1.2 to 1.5

Overstory removal: catastrophic fire, clearcut, disease, insect, and/or hurricane.

Pathway P1.3.1
Community 1.3 to 1.1

Reintroduction of natural understory fire regime with a fire return interval of between 1 to 3 years. Burning should occur late spring to early summer. Treatments should include selective thinning and/or oak removal.

Pathway P1.3.4
Community 1.3 to 1.4

Pathway P1.3.5
Community 1.3 to 1.5

Overstory removal: catastrophic fire, clearcut, disease, insect, and/or hurricane.

Pathway P1.3.6
Community 1.3 to 1.6

Absence of fire for greater than 35 years to 100 years

Pathway P1.4.1
Community 1.4 to 1.1

Reintroduction of natural understory fire regime with a fire return interval of between 1 to 3 years. Burning should occur late spring to early summer.

Pathway P1.4.2
Community 1.4 to 1.2

Absence of fire for greater than 4 years

Pathway P1.4.5
Community 1.4 to 1.5

Overstory removal: catastrophic fire, clearcut, disease, insect, and/or hurricane.

Pathway P1.5.2
Community 1.5 to 1.2

Absence of fire for greater than 4 years

Pathway P1.5.3
Community 1.5 to 1.3

Infrequent mixed severity fire regime

Pathway P1.5.4
Community 1.5 to 1.4

Reintroduction of natural understory fire regime with a fire return interval of between 1 to 3 years. Burning should occur late spring to early summer.

Pathway P1.6.5
Community 1.6 to 1.5

Overstory removal: catastrophic fire, selective logging of pine, disease, insect, and/or hurricane.

State 2
Managed Grassland

Managed grassland represents both improved and unimproved pasture including wooded pasture.

Community 2.1
Improved Pasture (FSG_G138XA221FL)

Dominated by planted non-native or domesticated native forage species and evidence of current or recent pasture activity and/or cultural treatments (mowing, grazing, burning, fertilizing; Agro-Ecology Grazing Issues Working Group 2009). Improved pastures have been cleared of their native vegetation. Weedy native species are often common in improved pastures in Florida and include dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), many species of flatsedge (Cyperus spp.), carpetgrasses (Axonopus spp.), crabgrasses (Digitaria spp.), and rustweed (Polypremum procumbens) among many others. (FNAI, 2010) The native forage species listed are considered adapted to grow on the soils in this group at their natural pH levels. All introduced grass and legume species will need the pH level raised to minimum 5.5 (unless noted) for best production. All forages listed are adapted to dryland conditions. Consult with state extension service for current cultivar or germplasm recommendations. Perennial Species: Grasses Warm season (Introduced) • Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum; pH 5.0-6.5) • Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) Warm season (Native) • Chalky Bluestem (Andropogon virginicus var. glaucus) • Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) • Splitbeard Bluestem (Andropogon ternarius) • Yellow Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) • Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) Legumes Warm season (Introduced) • Rhizoma Perennial Peanut (Arachis gla-brata; pH 5.8-7.0) Annual Species: Grasses Warm season (Introduced) • Browntop Millet (Urochloa ramosa; =Panicum ramosum) • Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) • Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor; includes forage sorghums, sudangrass, and their hybrids) Cool season • Oat (Avena sativa) • Rye (Secale cereale) • Wheat (Triticum aestivum) • Triticale (x Triticosecale) Legumes Warm season (Introduced) • Alyceclover (Alysicarpus vaginalis) • Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) • Hairy Indigo (Indigofera hirsuta) Cool season • White Clover (Trifolium repens, pH 6.0-7.5) • Red Clover (Trifolium pratense, pH 6.0 – 8.0) • Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum) • Arrowleaf Clover (Trifolium vesiculosum) • Austrian Winter Pea (Pisum sativum) • Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) • Medics (Medicago spp., pH 5.5-8.0) (USDA, NRCS, 2013k)

Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0005, Native Warm Season Perennial Grasses. Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Native Warm Season Perennial Grasses.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
1	2	3	5	10	20	27	19	7	3	2	1

Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0007, Introduced Warm Season Annual Grasses. Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Introduced Warm Season Annual Grasses.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	4	11	23	35	16	10	3	0	0

Community 2.2
Unimproved Pasture with Woody Encroachment

This community is characterized by a mixture of native and naturalized non-native species. Forage is usually grazed and/or harvested as stored forage, hay or haylage. Stands are generally productive, and forage and grazing management can maintain the community. Woody species grow quickly on this site and can be difficult and expensive to control. Maintenance of grass stands requires implementing pest management practices to control unwanted weedy and woody species.

Pathway P2.1.2
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Pasture abandonment

Pathway P2.2.1
Community 2.2 to 2.1

Pasture restoration and applied grazing

State 3
Pine Plantation

Pine plantations in Florida are often dominated by evenaged loblolly, sand, or slash pine (Pinus taeda, P. clausa, or P. elliottii, respectively). Dense pine plantations typically have sparse to absent herbaceous vegetation as a result of shading or a cover of deep pine needle duff. These plantations may be very shrubby or vine-dominated or open at ground level. The groundcover in most cases has been severely impacted by mechanical site preparation, such as roller chopping and bedding. However, while perennial grasses such as wiregrass (Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana) may be greatly reduced, many components of the native groundcover persist even though the relative abundance is altered. Groundcover can be partially restored by thinning and/or frequent burning, although some planting of perennial grasses such as wiregrass may be required. (FNAI, 2010)

Dominant plant species

loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), tree
slash pine (Pinus elliottii), tree
sand pine (Pinus clausa), tree

State 4
Degraded

The degraded State represents vegetation conditions that have been degraded by the introduction and spread of non-native species.

Transition T1.2
State 1 to 2

Land clearing, introduction of grasses, and applied grassland management

Transition T1.3
State 1 to 3

Land clearing, site preparation, and tree planting

Transition T1.4
State 1 to 4

Introduction of non-native species

Transition T2.4
State 2 to 4

Introduction of non-native species

Transition T3.4
State 3 to 4

Introduction of non-native species

Transition T4.1
State 4 to 1

Mechanical, chemical or biological control

Transition T4.2
State 4 to 2

Mechanical, chemical or biological control

Transition T4.3
State 4 to 3

Mechanical, chemical or biological control

Additional community tables

Table 7. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Graminoids			780–11750
	Bermudagrass	CYDA	Cynodon dactylon	3250–11750	–
	bahiagrass	PANO2	Paspalum notatum	3700–11500	–
	pearl millet	PEGL2	Pennisetum glaucum	7200–10000	–
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	780–1800	–
Forb
2	Legumes			1350–5400
	hairy indigo	INHI	Indigofera hirsuta	1800–5400	–
	alyce clover	ALOV	Alysicarpus ovalifolius	1350–3150	–

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Data collection and analysis of field data will be performed during the Verification Stage of ESD development.

Production data for pasture communities taken from the USDA, NRCS Florida Field Office Technical Guide, forage suitability groups (USDA, NRCS, 2013).

Other references

Carr, S. C., Robertson, K. M., & Peet, R. K. 2010. A vegetation classification of fire-dependent pinelands of Florida. Castanea, 75(2), 153-189.

Casey, W. P., & Ewel, K. C. 2006. Patterns of succession in forested depressional wetlands in north Florida, USA. Wetlands, 26(1), 147-160.

Dey, D. C., Brissette, J. C., Schweitzer, C. J., & Guldin, J. M. 2012. Silviculture of forests in the Eastern United States. Cumulative watershed effects of fuel management in the Eastern United States Gen Tech Rep SRS-161. Asheville, NC: US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 7-40.

Florida Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society. 1989. 26 Ecological Communities of Florida

Greenberg, C. H., & Simons, R. W. 1999. Age, composition, and stand structure of old-growth oak sites in the Florida high pine landscape: implications for ecosystem management and restoration. Natural Areas Journal. 19 (1): 30-40.

Grelen, H. E. 1962. Plant succession on cleared sandhills in northwest Florida. American Midland Naturalist, 36-44.

Haag, K. H., Lee, T. M., & Water, T. B. 2010. Hydrology and ecology of freshwater wetlands in central Florida: a primer. Reston, VA, USA: US Geological Survey.

Inventory, F. N. A. 2010. Guide to the natural communities of Florida: 2010 edition. Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee, FL.

Kellison, R. C., & Young, M. J. 1997. The bottomland hardwood forest of the southern United States. Forest Ecology and Management, 90(2-3), 101-115.

Landers, J. L., & Boyer, W. D. 1999. An old-growth definition for upland longleaf and south Florida slash pine forests, woodlands, and savannas (Vol. 29). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station.

LaPierre, G. D. J., Irizarry, N. M., & Andreu, M. G. 2022. Florida Soil Series and Natural Community Associations: FOR384/FR455, 5/2022. EDIS, 2022(3).

Light, H. M. 1993. Hydrology, vegetation, and soils of four North Florida river flood plains with an evaluation of state and federal wetland determinations (Vol. 93, No. 4033). US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey.

Martin, T. A., & Jokela, E. J. 2004. Stand development and production dynamics of loblolly pine under a range of cultural treatments in north-central Florida USA. Forest Ecology and Management, 192(1), 39-58.

Martin, T. A., Adams, D. C., Cohen, M. J., Crandall, R. M., Gonzalez-Benecke, C. A., Smith, J. A., & Vogel, J. G. 2017. Managing Florida's plantation forests in a changing climate. Florida's Climate: Changes, Variations, & Impacts.

McNab, W.H.; Cleland, D.T.; Freeouf, J.A.; Keys, Jr., J.E.; Nowacki, G.J.; Carpenter, C.A., comps. 2007. Description of ecological subregions: sections of the conterminous United States [CD-ROM]. Gen. Tech. Report WO-76B. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 80 p

Monk, C. D. 1968. Successional and environmental relationships of the forest vegetation of north central Florida. American Midland Naturalist, 441-457.

NatureServe. 2018. International Ecological Classification Standard: Terrestrial Ecological Classifications. NatureServe Central Databases. Arlington, VA. U.S.A. Data current as of 28 August 2018.

Schoeneberger, P.J., and Wysocki, D.A. 2017. Geomorphic Description System, Version 5.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.

Scott, T. M. 2001. Text to accompany the geologic map of Florida. Florida Geologic Survey, Tallahassee, Florida.

Tamang, B., Hedman, C., Haines, F., Stone, D., & Andreu, M. 2023. Upland forest community composition and structure by ecoregion in 73 Florida state parks–Insights for ongoing management. Forest Ecology and Management, 545, 121237.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013. Forage Suitability Groups, MLRA 138XA. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/state/FL/documents/section=2&folder=52895.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013a. Forage Suitability Group G138XA111, Sandy Soils on Ridges and Dunes of Xeric Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA111FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013b. Forage Suitability Group G138XA113, Sandy Soils on Strongly Sloping to Steep Side Slopes of Xeric Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA113FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013c. Forage Suitability Group G138XA114, Sandy Xeric Soils on Stream Terraces or Flood Plains. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA114FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013d. Forage Suitability Group G138XA121, Sandy Soils on Rises, Knolls, and Ridges of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA121FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013e. Forage Suitability Group G138XA123, Sandy Soils on Strongly Sloping to Steep Side Slopes of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA123FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013f. Forage Suitability Group G138XA124, Very Deep, Sandy Soils on Terraces and Floodplains. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA124FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013g. Forage Suitability Group G138XA131, Sandy Soils on Rises and Knolls of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA131FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013h. Forage Suitability Group G138XA134, Sandy or Sandy Over Loamy Soils on Stream Terraces or Flood Plains. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA134FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013i. Forage Suitability Group G138XA141, Sandy Soils, on Flats on Mesic and Hydric Lowlands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA141FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013j. Forage Suitability Group G138XA145, Sandy Soils on Stream Terraces, Flood Plains, or in Depressions. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA145FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013j’. Forage Suitability Group G138XA211, Sandy Over Loamy Soils on Knolls and Ridges of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA211FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013k. Forage Suitability Group G138XA221, Sandy Over Loamy Soils on Rises, Knolls, and Ridges of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA221FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013l. Forage Suitability Group G138XA231, Sandy Over Loamy Soils on Flats and Rises of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA231FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013m. Forage Suitability Group G138XA241, Sandy Over Loamy Soils on Flats of Hydric or Mesic Lowlands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA241FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013n. Forage Suitability Group G138XA245, Sandy Over Loamy Soils on Stream Terraces, Flood Plains or in Depressions. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA245FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013o. Forage Suitability Group G138XA311, Loamy and Clayey Soils on Knolls and Ridges of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA311FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013p. Forage Suitability Group G138XA312, Loamy and Clayey Soils on Ridges and Side Slopes of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA312FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013p’. Forage Suitability Group G138XA321, Loamy and Clayey Soils on Rises and Knolls of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA321FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013p’’. Forage Suitability Group G138XA322, Loamy and Clayey Sols on Rises, Knolls, and Ridges of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA322FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013q. Forage Suitability Group G138XA331, Loamy and Clayey Soils on Flats and Rises of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA331FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013r. Forage Suitability Group G138XA334, Loamy and Clayey Soils on Stream Terraces and Flood Plains. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA334FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013s. Forage Suitability Group G138XA341, Loamy and Clayey Soils on Flats of Hydric or Mesic Lowlands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA341FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013t. Forage Suitability Group G138XA345, Loamy and Clayey Soils on Stream Terraces, Flood Plains or in Depressions. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA345FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013u. Forage Suitability Group G138XA521, Shallow or Moderately Deep, Sandy or Loamy Soils on Rises and Ridges of Mesic Uplands. Retrieved from https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/FL/FSG_MLRA_138XA521FL.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2017. Geomorphic Description System, Version 5.0. Schoeneberger, P.J., and D.A. Wysocki (eds). USDA-NRCS, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2022. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agriculture Handbook 296.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2013. Level III and IV ecoregions of the continental United States: Corvallis, Oregon, U.S. EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, map scale 1:3,000,000, https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions-continental-united-states.

Contributors

Ferrara, Jack
Figueroa, Martin
Duvall, Matthew

Approval

Charles Stemmans, 6/09/2025

Acknowledgments

Sincere appreciation goes to the MLRA 138X ecological sites technical team, especially NRCS Florida State Soil Scientist, Isabelle Giuliani, and NRCS Florida State Forester, Conrad Wysocki, for their persistent collaboration in the development of these Provisional ESDs.

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	06/09/2025
Approved by	Charles Stemmans
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production