Dry Yellow Sands Pine Woodland
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Description
The canopy of Phase 1.1 contains widely spaced mature longleaf pines (P. palustris) intermixed with patches of regenerating longleaf pine seedlings and saplings. Typical Phase 1.1 stands are mosaics of even-aged longleaf pine “cohorts”, with dense patches of pine seedlings distributed in canopy gaps.
Midstory vegetation of Phase 1.1 is generally sparse, consisting of patches of oaks, notably turkey oak (Quercus laevis), bluejack oak (Q. incana) and sand live oak (Q. geminata). Other small statured oaks are often present, although usually in low abundance under conditions of frequent fire.
Groundcover vegetation of Phase 1.1 Sandhills is dominated by perennial bunch grasses which form a matrix of mostly continuous cover. Numerous plant species are common in the interstitial spaces between grass tussocks. Wiregrass (Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana) is a ubiquitous dominant bunchgrass in Phase 1.1 groundcover. Other common bunchgrasses include lopsided indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium var. stoloniferum), pineywoods dropseed (Sporobolus junceus) and other bluestem species (Andropogon ternarius var. ternarius, A. gyrans var. gyrans).
Description
State 2 describes late successional vegetation of the site, resulting from long term fire suppression of longleaf pine sandhill communities (FNAI 2010). Unlike sandhills, State 2 Xeric Hammocks are closed canopy forests of sand live oak (Q. geminata), which overtop mid- and under-story vegetation comprised of other oaks and hardwood seedlings. These lower strata are overwhelmingly dominated by scrub oaks and palmetto (Serenoa repens). Other shrub species are variously present, including rusty staggerbush (Lyonia ferruginea), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), deerberry (V. stamineum), black cherry (Prunus serotina), American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana). Depending on length of fire suppression and geography, Xeric Hammock will often contain remnant species of former longleaf pine sandhills, including turkey oak, bluejack oak, sparkleberry, and remnant wiregrass.
Herbaceous ground cover in State 2 is very sparse or absent. The forest floor is covered with oak leaf litter which holds considerable moisture, creating mesic conditions at ground level and further depressing native herbaceous growth as well as pine germination (FNAI 2010).
The State 2 Xeric Hammock community is fire resistant. Fine fuels are absent, and hardwood litter retains ample moisture which deters fire spread. When fires do occur, they are severe and generally occur in extreme drought conditions. Unlike surface fires, these intense fires consume most standing biomass.
Description
State 3 variously describes a grasslands and pine woodlands consisting of seeded and planted native species, OR a mixture of native and non-native herbaceous species. Notably, this state describes conditions where native propagules have been extirpated following long term fire suppression and/or extensive soil disturbance associated with commodity land uses. Native plant populations are purposefully re-established in this state, for the purpose of ecological restoration.
The phases of State 3 include grasslands and, if native pines are planted, woodlands with herbaceous ground cover. These plant communities have restored ecological function and provide habitat for native wildlife species. Restoration of native bunchgrasses provides fine fuels for frequent ground fires and is necessary for restoration of ecological site dynamics. Once established, the bunch grass matrix provides habitat suitable for establishment of other native plant populations, either from artificial seeding or natural recruitment. State 3 grasslands and woodlands may provide suitable habitat for ground nesting birds and small mammals. Furthermore, the availability of native forage provides habitat for the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a terrestrial turtle listed as a threatened species in Florida.
Description
State 4 describes a condition where a single noxious non-native species has invaded and dominated the site. By far, the most common noxious invasive plant species of this site is cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica; (MacDonald 2004)). This highly clonal grass spreads rapidly by underground rhizomes and windblown seeds, forming dense circular patches which can become very large (on the order of 100’s of acres). Cogongrass grows vigorously in full sunlight and thrives on acidic, nutrient-poor soils and droughty conditions (MacDonald 2004). Furthermore, cogongrass is a prolific seed producer, and readily invades following soil disturbances. (Yager, Miller, and Jones 2010). Once clones are established, rapid cogongrass growth will extirpate native ground cover plant populations. In addition to its competitive advantage over native vegetation for space and resources, cogongrass may be allelopathic in some situations (Brook 1989, Bryson and Carter 1993).
Cogongrass is a fire adapted species which burns readily and intensely. Furthermore, it thrives in post-fire conditions where it colonizes rapidly clonally and from seed. Cogongrass fueled fires are up to 20% hotter than natural ground fires of native pinelands (MacDonald 2004). These hot fires may deter any pine or hardwood regeneration. In the Southeastern U.S., cogongrass does not have any natural herbivore enemies, nor any known pathogens.
Description
This state describes commodity land uses of the Dry Yellow Sands Pine Woodland concept. Commodity crops common to Central Florida xeric sands include a variety of annual and perennial crops, the most notable of which is citrus. Other crops include horticultural ornamentals, vineyards, and some row crops. Pine plantations which are managed for community production of pulpwood or saw timber are included in this state. Also included are improved pastures of bahiagrass (or other sod forming grass species).
All phases of State 5 describe conditions following ground penetrating soil disturbance, to the degree that native ground cover is mostly absent. Generally these phases are characterized by the complete extirpation of native ground cover populations, including seed banks and dormant propagules, although native weedy species may persist (mostly annual species). Depending on the severity and frequency of ground disturbance, soil profile characteristics in the upper part of the soil may be altered.
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