Moist Sandy Pine-Hardwood Woodlands
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Description
The canopy of State 1 contains widely spaced mature longleaf pines (P. palustris) intermixed with patches of regenerating longleaf pine seedlings and saplings. State 1 Upland Pine Woodlands which are frequently burned are mosaics of even-aged longleaf pine “cohorts” with dense patches of pine seedlings distributed in canopy gaps. In State 1 woodlands on more fertile soils and/or less frequently burned sites, hardwoods are co-dominant in the canopy, and more abundant in sub-canopy strata. These hardwood species include oaks of mesic conditions (Southern Red oak, live oak, post oak, sand post oak), hickories (mockernut and pignut hickories), and other species (dogwood, persimmon, sassafras). Many of these hardwood species are somewhat fire tolerant, at least as mature trees.
Groundcover vegetation of State 1 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 common, and often shares dominance with other bunch grasses, including lopsided indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium var. stoloniferum), and other bluestem species (Andropogon spp.). Frequently burned upland pine woodlands are notable for the diversity of groundcover species, particularly herbaceous species of the Aster and legume families.
Description
State 2 describes late successional vegetation of this concept, resulting from long term fire suppression of longleaf pine sandhill communities (FNAI, 2010). Selective pine removal or increased pine mortality, coupled with fire suppression can accelerate transition to State 2. State 2 Upland Hardwood forests are closed canopy forests of various oak and hickory species, which overtop mid- and under-story vegetation comprised of mainly 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 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).
With the attenuation of fine fuels in the ground cover, Upland hardwood forests are less likely to carry ground fires. Furthermore, hardwood litter retains ample moisture which deters fire spread.
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.
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 (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 Moist Sandy Pine-Hardwood Woodlands site. Commodity crops common to Central Florida xeric sands include a variety of annual and perennial crops. 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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