Wet Lithic Flatwoods And Hammocks
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
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Description
The drier portions of this site support pine-oak woodlands and forests resembling the Mesic Hammock and Cabbage Palm Flatwoods natural community descriptions of FNAI, (2010). The drier variant of this site may be mosaic of closed canopy mesic hammock, dominated by live oak (Q. virginiana), and open pine dominated wet flatwoods with cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) as a major mid- and understory dominant. These mosaics of forests and woodlands occur in areas with shallow limestone substratum, mostly along the western coast of MLRA 154.
In addition to slash and longleaf pines, loblolly pine may be common in the State 1 condition of the drier regions of this site. Herbaceous vegetation is common in Cabbage Palm Flatwoods, and includes hairawn muhly (Muhlenbergia cappillipes), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), black bogrush (Schoenus nigricans), blue maidencane, and sand cordgrass (Spartina bakeri). Mesic hammocks have sparse mid- and understory vegetation. Cabbage palm is frequent as a subcanopy dominant. Other hardwoods include American elm (Ulmus americana), sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), red maple (Acer rubrum), sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and water oak (Q. nigra).
Fire is an important natural disturbance in State 1. The open pine woodlands of Cabbage Palm Flatwoods are maintained by frequent fire. Mesic hammock vegetation is generally inflammable, and fire may occur in these areas only in severe drought conditions.
Description
State 2 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 2 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 grasses provides fine fuels for frequent ground fires and is necessary for restoration of ecological site dynamics. State 2 woodlands may provide suitable habitat for ground nesting birds and small mammals.
Description
State 3 describes a condition where one or several noxious non-native species has invaded and dominated the site. In the drier portions of this site, cogongrass is the most pervasive noxious invader. Cogongrass is not common in frequently inundated areas.
Description
This state describes commodity land uses of the drier portions of this site, including cleared land, crop production and improved pastures.
All phases of State 4 describe conditions following clearing and 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.
Description
State 5 represents closed canopy forests of flood tolerant evergreen hardwoods and palms. Hydric Hammocks are limited to moist soils with limestone close to the surface. Ponding and inundation are frequent, and related to rainfall and poorly drained and frequently saturated soils. This site does not occur in floodplains with seasonal overwash flooding.
Forest composition is influenced by flooding frequency and depth of inundation. Cypress (Taxodium spp.) may be infrequently present where flooding is more pronounced. More commonly, canopy species include swamp laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), live oak (Q. virginiana), American elm (Ulmus americana), swamp blackgum (Nyssa biflora), sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), red maple (Acer rubrum), sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and water oak (Q. nigra). Cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) may be abundant in all forest strata.
The mid- and under-story vegetation of hydric hammocks is variable, and depend on small scale variations in hydrology and topography. Common species include many ferns and vines, as well as hardwood saplings.
Description
This state describes forested vegetation following long term permanent or semi-permanent flooding. Cypress and swamp blackgum may be dominant, along with other flood tolerant hardwood species. Alternatively, marshlands of perennial flood tolerant grasses and sedges may develop.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.