Natural Resources
Conservation Service

Ecological site PX138X00Y240

Sandhill or Scrub on Steep Slopes of Uplands

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

Home / Esd catalog / MLRA 138X / Ecological site PX138X00Y240

USC

Metric

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 Sandhill community (FNAI, 2010).

The improved pasture community of the managed grassland state corresponds well with Forage Suitability Group G138XA113FL. (USDA, NRCS, 2013)

Ecological site concept

This site is on well to excessively drained xeric uplands. The land is steep with slopes greater than 5 percent.

The soils are mostly sandy.

This site often supports Sandhill, Upland Mixed Woodland, Xeric Hammock, Conifer Plantation, Improved Pasture, and Cropland communities.

Associated sites

PX138X00Y230	Sandhill or Scrub on Gentle Slopes of Uplands These soils are in a similar landscape position but have different physical properties and productivity.

PX138X00Y230

Sandhill or Scrub on Gentle Slopes of Uplands

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

Similar sites

PX138X00Y040	Sandhill or Scrub on Stream Terraces These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.
PX138X00Y220	Sandy Upland Mixed Forests on Steep Slopes These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.
PX138X00Y230	Sandhill or Scrub on Gentle Slopes of Uplands These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.

PX138X00Y040

Sandhill or Scrub on Stream Terraces

These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.

PX138X00Y220

Sandy Upland Mixed Forests on Steep Slopes

These sites support similar native vegetation communities, but production is somewhat different, especially regarding grazing forage production.

PX138X00Y230

Sandhill or Scrub on Gentle Slopes of Uplands

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) Quercus laevis
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	Not specified

Legacy ID

F138XY240AL

Download full description

Physiographic features

This site occurs on xeric uplands that are strongly to very steeply sloping. Slope is typically greater than 5 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Marine terrace > Ridge (2) Marine terrace > Knoll
Runoff class	Low
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	50 – 200 ft
Slope	5 – 12%
Water table depth	84 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)

Runoff class	Low
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	40 – 200 ft
Slope	5 – 12%
Water table depth	84 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

Bar

Line

Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

Bar

Line

Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

Bar

Line

Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

Bar

Line

Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) LAKE CITY 2 E [USC00084731], Lake City, FL
(2) HIGH SPRINGS [USC00083956], High Springs, FL
(3) BELL 4NW [USC00080598], Old Town, FL
(4) JASPER [USC00084394], Jasper, FL
(5) LIVE OAK [USC00085099], Live Oak, FL
(6) MAYO [USC00085539], Live Oak, 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 Alpin, Lakeland, and Wadley series. These soils are well to excessively drained and sandy.

Table 5. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Marine deposits (2) Eolian deposits
Surface texture	(1) Fine sand (2) Sand
Drainage class	Excessively drained
Permeability class	Rapid
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	1.3 – 3.6 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-10in)	4.5 – 6.5
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	8%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	Not specified

Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)

Drainage class	Well drained to excessively drained
Permeability class	Rapid
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	0.8 – 3.6 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-10in)	4.5 – 6.5
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	8%
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 a dominant environmental factor in sandhill ecology. Frequency, intensity, and season are important fire characteristics that influence community structure and species composition. Frequent low-intensity ground fires in the growing season reduce hardwood competition and perpetuate pines and grasses. Herbaceous and faunal species diversity in sandhill increases with application of prescribed fires in areas where fire had long been excluded. The natural or historic frequency of fire in sandhill is every 1-3 years. In the absence of regular fire, the abundance and density of sandhill shrubs and small trees such as turkey oak increases, and sand live oak, laurel oak (Q. hemisphaerica) or sand pine (P. clausa) can invade. Lack of fire may ultimately lead to the development of a xeric hammock, turkey oak barrens, or sand pine-dominated sandhill. The resulting dense woody vegetation reduces the herbaceous groundcover and, consequently, the fine fuels needed to carry low-intensity ground fires. (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: Sandhill

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

P1.1.2	-	Absence of fire
P1.1.4	-	Overstory removal
P1.1.7	-	Pine removal
P1.2.1	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.2.3	-	Absence of fire
P1.2.4	-	Overstory removal
P1.2.7	-	Pine removal
P1.3.1	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.3.4	-	Overstory removal
P1.3.6	-	Absence of fire
P1.4.2	-	Absence of fire
P1.4.3	-	Irregular infrequent fire
P1.4.5	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.5.1	-	Pine maturation
P1.5.2	-	Absence of fire
P1.5.4	-	Pine removal
P1.6.4	-	Overstory removal
P1.6.7	-	Oak removal
P1.7.3	-	Pine regeneration
P1.7.4	-	Overstory removal

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Improved Pasture (FSG_G138XA113FL)

2.2. Unimproved Pasture with Woody Encroachment

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

State 1
Naturalized Vegetation: Sandhill

Sandhill is upland with a deep sand substrate; xeric; frequent fire (1-3 years); savanna of widely spaced longleaf pine and/or turkey oak with wiregrass understory (FNAI, 2010). Sandhill is characterized by widely spaced pine trees with a sparse midstory of deciduous oaks and a moderate to dense groundcover of grasses, herbs, and low shrubs. Sandhill occurs on the rolling topography and deep sands of the Southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain. Typical associations or indicator species are longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), turkey oak (Quercus laevis), and wiregrass (Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana). The midstory trees and low shrubs can be sparse to dense, depending on fire history, and may include turkey oak, bluejack oak (Q. incana), sand live oak (Q. geminata), sand post oak (Q. margaretta), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), dwarf huckleberry (Gaylussacia dumosa), pricklypear (Opuntia humifusa), and gopher apple (Licania michauxii). Earleaf greenbrier (Smilax auriculata) is the most common woody vine that occurs in sandhill. The greatest plant diversity within sandhill is in the herbaceous groundcover. (FNAI, 2010).

Dominant plant species

longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), tree
turkey oak (Quercus laevis), tree
turkey oak (Quercus laevis), shrub
Beyrich threeawn (Aristida beyrichiana), grass

Community 1.1
Reference Community: Sandhill

10 to 20 percent tree canopy cover and 20 to greater than 50% 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 grass relative to the reference community.

Community 1.3
Uneven-Aged Pine-Oak Woodland

Greater than 25 to 60 percent tree canopy cover with less than 50 percent cover of hardwood species.

Community 1.4
Open Grassland Prairie / Shrubland

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

Community 1.5
Immature Even-Aged Pine Savanna

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

Community 1.6
Xeric Hammock

Greater than 60 percent tree canopy cover with greater than 50 percent cover from hardwoods. Relict pines my occur.

Community 1.7
Turkey Oak Barrens

Greater than 25 to 60 percent tree canopy cover with greater than 50 percent cover of hardwood species. Relict pines are scarce or absent.

Pathway P1.1.2
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Absence of fire for greater than 5 years

Pathway P1.1.4
Community 1.1 to 1.4

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

Pathway P1.1.7
Community 1.1 to 1.7

Pine removal: selective logging of pine, insect, or disease, and irregular infrequent fire

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 3 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 P1.2.4
Community 1.2 to 1.4

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

Pathway P1.2.7
Community 1.2 to 1.7

Pine removal: selective logging of pine, insect, or disease, and irregular infrequent fire

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 4 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

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

Pathway P1.4.2
Community 1.4 to 1.2

Absence of fire for greater than 5 to 10 years

Pathway P1.4.3
Community 1.4 to 1.3

Irregular infrequent fire

Pathway P1.4.5
Community 1.4 to 1.5

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 pine establishment.

Pathway P1.5.1
Community 1.5 to 1.1

Undisturbed pine maturation, and natural understory fire regime with a fire return interval of between 1 to 3 years. Burning should occur late spring to early summer.

Pathway P1.5.2
Community 1.5 to 1.2

Absence of fire for greater than 5 to 10 years

Pathway P1.5.4
Community 1.5 to 1.4

Pine removal: selective logging of pine, insect, or disease

Pathway P1.6.4
Community 1.6 to 1.4

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

Pathway P1.6.7
Community 1.6 to 1.7

Selective logging of oak, and 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 P1.7.3
Community 1.7 to 1.3

Introduction of pine

Pathway P1.7.4
Community 1.7 to 1.4

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

Pathway P1.7.6
Community 1.7 to 1.6

Absence of fire for greater than 35 years

State 2
Managed Grassland

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

Community 2.1
Improved Pasture (FSG_G138XA113FL)

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) • 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: Annual species are not recommended due to erosion hazard associated with steep slope. (USDA, NRCS, 2013b)

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

Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0002, Bahiagrass (Pensacola). Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Introduced Warm Season Perennial Grass: Bahiagrass (Pensacola) (Paspalum notatum, pH 5.0 – 6.5).

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	1	3	14	14	17	19	17	14	3	0	0

Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0003, Bahiagrass (Argentine). Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Introduced Warm Season Perennial Grass: Bahiagrass (Argentine) (Paspalum notatum, pH 5.0 – 6.5).

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	1	4	8	9	18	25	22	11	2	0	0

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0004, Bermudagrass (Tifton 85). Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Introduced Warm Season Perennial Grass: Bermudagrass (Tifton 85) (Cynodon dactylon).

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	2	2	13	15	13	21	22	8	3	1	0

Figure 11. 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

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			1900–15000
	Bermudagrass	CYDA	Cynodon dactylon	10500–15000	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	4500–6000	–
	bahiagrass	PANO2	Paspalum notatum	1900–2600	–

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

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:

Download reference sheet

Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.

Ecosystem states

1. Naturalized Vegetation: Sandhill

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

Communities 1, 5 and 7 (additional pathways)

1.1. Reference Community: Sandhill

1.5. Immature Even-Aged Pine Savanna

1.7. Turkey Oak Barrens

Communities 2, 5 and 7 (additional pathways)

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

1.5. Immature Even-Aged Pine Savanna

1.7. Turkey Oak Barrens

Communities 3, 7 and 4 (additional pathways)

1.3. Uneven-Aged Pine-Oak Woodland

1.7. Turkey Oak Barrens

1.4. Open Grassland Prairie / Shrubland

P1.1.2	-	Absence of fire
P1.1.4	-	Overstory removal
P1.1.7	-	Pine removal
P1.2.1	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.2.3	-	Absence of fire
P1.2.4	-	Overstory removal
P1.2.7	-	Pine removal
P1.3.1	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.3.4	-	Overstory removal
P1.3.6	-	Absence of fire
P1.4.2	-	Absence of fire
P1.4.3	-	Irregular infrequent fire
P1.4.5	-	Reintroduction of fire
P1.5.1	-	Pine maturation
P1.5.2	-	Absence of fire
P1.5.4	-	Pine removal
P1.6.4	-	Overstory removal
P1.6.7	-	Oak removal
P1.7.3	-	Pine regeneration
P1.7.4	-	Overstory removal

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Improved Pasture (FSG_G138XA113FL)

2.2. Unimproved Pasture with Woody Encroachment

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

Search

Natural ResourcesConservation Service

Ecological site PX138X00Y240

Sandhill or Scrub on Steep Slopes of Uplands

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

General information

MLRA notes

Classification relationships

Ecological site concept

Associated sites

Similar sites

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Legacy ID

Ecosystem states

State 1 submodel, plant communities

Communities 1, 5 and 7 (additional pathways)

Communities 2, 5 and 7 (additional pathways)

Communities 3, 7 and 4 (additional pathways)

State 2 submodel, plant communities

Natural Resources
Conservation Service

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