State 1
Loamy and Clayey Hardwood Forests

Figure 7. Loamy and Clayey Hardwood Forest characterized by oak and palms in the overstory with a variable to sparse understory. Slow moving water is present in these communities during the summer months.

This state describes the reference community of temperate broad-leaved evergreen hardwoods and palm forests. Epiphytes are vastly abundant growing on tree trunks and limbs. Existing understory plants consist of hydrophytic grasses, sedges, and ferns.

Community 1.1
Mature Hardwood Forest

Figure 8. Mature Hardwood Forest with a dense overstory of oaks and palms, variable midstory of shrubs and vines, and understory of herbs and downed woody debris.

Figure 9. Mature Hardwood Forest with a dense overstory of oaks and palms, variable midstory of shrubs and vines, and understory of herbs and downed woody debris.

Figure 10. Overstory canopy of broad-leaved evergreen hardwoods and palms forming a closed canopy, creating a shaded understory

Figure 11. Loblolly pine and cabbage palm on a microhigh.

This community consists of a mixed hardwood and/ or palm forest with a variable understory typically dominated by palms and ferns on moist surfaces. Vertical structure and species composition of the vegetation will vary considerably from one hammock to another but are all similar in species assemblage. Oak species (Quercus spp.) are often the most dominant overstory species, with cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) as a codominant. The understory and ground vegetation are more variable in composition and abundance than the overstory, depending on the flooding duration, frequency, timing, and depth of inundation for species composition.

Forest overstory. The overstory will often be dominated by one or more oak species, cabbage palms, or a combination of these. These species will often form a relatively low, closed canopy, 17 to 21 meters (56 to 68 feet, respectively) in height, with 75 to 90% canopy closure. Small inclusions of sweetgum, red maple, sweetbay, eastern red cedar, and American elm may be common. In micro-highs, sparsely spaced pine species, most common are loblolly pine but slash pine may be present, will form an emergent canopy above the oaks and palms 25 to 35 meters (85 to 115 feet, respectively) in height. Vines and epiphytes are often abundant growing into the overstory.

Forest understory. Young canopy trees are often frequent in the understory, making it difficult to distinguish changes in strata. Dwarf palmetto, vines, or a mixture of shrubs and saplings will often be present in the understory. These shrubs will often be extremely variable in density, and is often sparse, allowing for good visibility. Common shrub species include yaupon, wax myrtle, and dahoon. The ground layer is often sparse to absent and consists of a dense cover of ferns, sedges, grasses, and vines. Much of the understory will be open and covered in downed woody debris and leaf litter, often retaining a high moisture content.

Community 1.2
Shrub - Scrub Forest

This community consists of native shrubs and shrubby trees often found in the reference state. This state is the result of a disturbance to a mature forest, including windthrows, clearcutting, biological influences (insects, fungi), or extensive fires, which may cause overstory mortality creating canopy gaps. The removal of overstory species will allow for light to penetrate the forest floor causing species growth. Recovery time back to a mature hardwood hammock will be dependent on the intensity of the overstory mortality event as well as influence on natural ecological stressors such as flooding frequency, timing, depth, and duration. With available light in these areas, fast growing species and prolific seeders such as loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraiflua) will often be the first emergent species, transitioning back to a mature hardwood hammock over time (~100 yrs).

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

This transition is driven by the mortality of overstory species creating open space for light to reach the forest floor. Mortality may be natural from biological influence (insects, fungal diseases) or mechanical (fire, windthrow, etc.), or may be the result of anthropogenic logging. Selective logging may be minimally invasive and not influence community structure greatly, but clearcutting of a forest and leaving it fallow will create this community.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

This transition is driven by time. Time will allow for hardwood species to grow back into the overstory of same structure and similar composition as a mature hardwood hammock. This is under the assumption natural ecological stressors such as fire and hydroperiods have not been influenced enough to alter the community structure and composition.

State 2
Managed Grassland / Pasture

Pasture is a land use type having vegetation cover comprised primarily of introduced or enhanced native forage species that is used for livestock grazing. Pasture vegetation can consist of grasses, legumes, other forbs, shrubs or a mixture. The majority of these forages are introduced, having originally come from areas in other states or continents. Most are now naturalized and are vital components of pasture based grazing systems. Pasture lands provide many benefits other than forage for livestock. Wildlife use pasture as shelter and for food sources. Well managed pasture captures rainwater that is slowly infiltrated into the soil which helps recharge groundwater. Many small pasture livestock operations are near urban areas providing vistas for everyone to enjoy. It is especially important as livestock managers continues to experience extraordinarily high fuel and other input costs. Overgrazed pastures can lead to soil compaction and numerous bare spots, which may then become focal points of accelerated erosion and colonization sites of undesirable plants or weeds. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Resource Conservationist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations or prescribed grazing practices. This grassland / pastureland state correlates with the 2013 Florida Forage Suitability Group G155XY341FL (Loamy and Clayey Soils on Flats on Mesic and Hydric Lowlands).

Community 2.1
Bahiagrass – Bermudagrass – Bluestem (FSG341)

This community phase represents commonly planted forage species on pasturelands, haylands, and open grasslands found in drained areas of this natural community. The suite of plants established on any given site may vary considerably depending upon purpose, management goals, and usage (e.g., horses vs. cattle). Most systems include a mixture of grasses and legumes that provide forage throughout the growing season. Warm season perennial forage species often include bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis), limpograss (Hemarthria altissima), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), purple bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis), yellow indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), lopsided indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), rhizoma perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata), and carpon desmodium (Desmodium heterocarpon). Warm season annual forage species often include browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), hairy indigo (Indigofera hirsuta), and aeschynomene (Aeschynomene americana). Cool season annual forage species often include annual ryegrass (Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum), oat (Avena sativa), rye (Secale cereale), wheat (Triticum aestivum), white clover (Trifolium repens), ball clover (Trifolium nigrescens), berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), and Triticale (x Triticosecale rimpaui). Several additional plants and/or species combinations maybe present depending on the objectives and management approaches of the land manager/owner.

Resilience management. Surface and subsurface texture ranges predominantly from sand to clay and depth to fine textured material is less than 20 inches. Spring production should be better than other ecological site concepts often found in similar landscape positions with different soils due to better water holding capacity, particularly in the southern half of the MLRA where temperatures should not be limiting to warm season grass growth. Use of cool season forages such as annual ryegrass, oats, and wheat planted in a prepared seedbed should be equal to or better than other sites found in similar landscape positions but different soil textures due to the better water holding capacity of the subsoil. Limited and sporadic rainfall during fall and winter months, particularly in the southern half of this MLRA, will still limit use of cool season annuals. Additionally in the southern portion of the MLRA, warm temperatures persisting into the fall and returning quickly in the spring greatly shorten the production period for cool season forages. Thus, in the southern portion of the MLRA, cool season forages generally will still only produce sufficient winter grazing in years with average rainfall for specialized management uses such as creep grazing, early weaning, or purebred operations. While in more northerly locations in the MLRA, planting winter annual forages for use as a winter feed supply for the whole cow herd should be practical most years. In years of above average winter rainfall (El Niño winters), cool season forage growth may be limited on this site throughout the MLRA due to saturated soil conditions. Overseeding annual ryegrass on a bahiagrass pasture should be practical in this state throughout the MLRA. For similar reasons, winter legumes should be more productive, particularly in the northern portion of the MLRA during years of normal winter rainfall. White clover, ball clover, and berseem clover should be considered on this site, particularly in the northern half of the MLRA. Although in years with above normal winter rainfall (El Niño winters), high water table may reduce clover yield. Grazing management and fertilization need to favor the legume component for persistence, productivity, and seed production when natural reseeding of annual clovers is desired. Grazing management for seed production also is important for white clover normally considered a perennial species, but functions more as an annual in Florida and thus is heavily dependent upon reseeding to persist. Due to bloat issue, clovers should be used only in mixtures with cool season grasses, over seeded on bahiagrass pastures when grazed, or when bloat preventative supplements are fed. Initial growth of perennial warm season grasses and legumes or establishment of warm season annual grasses may be delayed in the spring due to low rainfall. Better water holding capacity of the subsoil should mitigate the effects of the typical April/May dry period. Once normal summer rainfall begins, plant production should resume. Warm season legumes such as aeschynomene and carpon desmodium can also be oversown onto warm season grasses in this site, although fertilization (no N fertilizer) and grazing management needs to favor legume establishment and persistence. Additional lime may be needed to maintain a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. Improved grass varieties such as stargrass and limpograss may also be grown on these soils although stargrass is generally limited to the part of the MLRA south of the US I-4 corridor. Limpograss should be limited to soils where drainage has not been altered. Only bermudagrass cultivars known to be tolerant of saturated soil conditions should be used in this state.

Community 2.2
Dogfennel – Bunchgrass– Wax Myrtle (Unmanaged)

This phase represents the succession of pastureland and/or open grassland to unmanaged conditions. The stage of this phase is the transitional period between a predominaely open, herbaceous field and the shrub thicket phase. Duration of this phase is dependent on former and future management, use, and impacts. The early pioneer shrub thicket phase will be dependent on the available seedbank present. This unmanaged phase will most often consist of the shrub wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) and dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), an aggressive native perennial that is characteristic of unimproved, unmanaged, or overgrazed pastures, where it adds the decline of forage yield and quality. Pasture grass present will enter a reproductive phase and have woody stems that are undesirable forage species. Other undesirable species may be present in this community that have not been mentioned,

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

This pathway occurs when pasture management activities include overgrazing, overstocking, etc., natural succession of the once managed site leads to this stage.

Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1

This pathway represents renovation of the unmanaged condition back to managed rangeland in excellent condition. Management activities likely include mechanical removal of the larger, woody vegetation followed by herbicide treatment and establishment of desired seeding mixtures, and correcting grazing management plans.

State 3
Agricultural Commodities

The agriculture industry includes cultivated crops, aquaculture, and apiculture. Cultivated cropland includes areas used for the production of adapted crops for harvest. These areas comprise of land in row crops or close-grown crops that are in a rotation with row or close-grown crops. Primary exports from Florida consist of fruits, greenhouse and nursery products, sugar cane, and the signature export of citrus. Aquaculture includes the cultivation and maintenance of aquatic plants, aquatic reptiles, crustaceans, food/ ornamental fish, shellfish, and other miscellaneous species for harvesting. Apiculture includes the maintenance of honeybees and hives to provide beeswax, honey/ other edible bee products, crop pollination services, and sales of bees to other beekeepers. These areas have been modified resulting in land clearing practices and hydrologic management to fit the growers needs. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Resilience management. Major natural resource concerns facing cropland include: (1) erosion by wind and water, (2) maintaining and enhancing soil quality, (3) water quality from nutrient and pesticides runoff and leaching, and (4) managing the quantity of water available for irrigation. For more specific information regarding cropland please contact your local NRCS office.

Community 3.1
Vegetables

This phase describes the growth and harvest of vegetables. Land conversion may be necessary to create fields suitable for crop growth. Common vegetables grown in these soils include Cabbage, Cucumbers, Peppers, Irish Potatoes, Summer Squash, and Tomatoes. Due to the year-round warm climate Florida has, vegetables can often be harvested in both winter and summer seasons.

Resilience management. Selection of species and varieties is critical for vegetable production, as plants that are not adapted to local conditions will generally fail to produce regardless of how much care and attention they receive. Weather is perhaps the single most important factor that determines where crops can be grown. Winters may be too cold for some vegetables or too short for others. Still other crops may suffer from summer's heat and humidity. Consequently, species and varieties should be chosen on the basis of historical weather patterns. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Community 3.2
Non-Citrus Fruits and Nuts

This phase describes the growth and harvest of fruits. Land conversion may be necessary to create fields suitable for crop growth. Common fruits grown in these soils include Strawberries and Watermelons. Due to the year-round warm climate Florida has, fruits can often be harvested in both winter and summer seasons.

Resilience management. Selection of species and varieties is critical for fruit production, as plants that are not adapted to local conditions will generally fail to produce regardless of how much care and attention they receive. Weather is perhaps the single most important factor that determines where fruit crops can be grown. Winters may be too cold for some fruit or too short for others. Still other fruit may suffer from summer's heat and humidity. Consequently, species and varieties of fruits should be chosen on the basis of historical weather patterns. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers besought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Community 3.3
Grasses / Grain Crops

This phase describes the growth and harvest of grass-like agricultural products and grain crops used for silage. Land conversion may be necessary to create fields suitable for crop growth. Common species grown in these soils include Corn, Sweet Corn, Grain Sorghum, Improved Bermudagrass Hay, Sorghum Silage, and Sugarcane. Due to the year-round warm climate Florida has, these species can often be grown and harvested in both winter and summer seasons.

Resilience management. Selection of species and varieties is critical for grass and grain production, as plants that are not adapted to local conditions will generally fail to produce regardless of how much care and attention they receive. Weather is perhaps the single most important factor that determines where fruit crops can be grown. Winters may be too cold for some crops or too short for others. Still other crops may suffer from summer's heat and humidity. Consequently, species and varieties of crop should be chosen on the basis of historical weather patterns. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Community 3.4
Citrus Fruits

This phase describes the growth of citrus crops, dominantly identified as oranges and grapefruit within this ecological site area. This phase differs from other fruits and tree crops due to the intensive management and care needed for citrus groves. Citrus is one of the highest commercial agriculture products in the state of Florida.

Resilience management. Management should be based off individual groves, as different areas will require different management. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Community 3.5
Abandoned Agriculture Fields/ Groves

This phase describes the absence of management from agriculture fields, often resulting in overgrowth of woody shrubs and vines as well as invasive weeds. This community may occur when producers abandon a field due to any number of reasons. Many fields in the first seasons of abandonment will remain fallow until weedy and shrubby species become dominant. With proper management this community has the potential to support agricultural commodities.

Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2

The conversion from vegetable crops to non-citrus fruit and nut crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.1B
Community 3.1 to 3.3

The conversion from vegetable crops to grasses/ grain crop would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.1C
Community 3.1 to 3.4

The conversion from vegetable crops to citrus crop would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.1D
Community 3.1 to 3.5

Many fields become abandoned when a producer doesn't maintain and harvest crops against pests, diseases, rising costs of labor, or any other reason that will lead to field abandonment.

Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1

The conversion from non-citrus fruit and nut crops to vegetable crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.2B
Community 3.2 to 3.3

The conversion from non-citrus fruit and nut crops to grasses / grain crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.2C
Community 3.2 to 3.4

The conversion from non-citrus fruit and nut crops to citrus crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.2D
Community 3.2 to 3.5

Many fields become abandoned when a producer doesn't maintain and harvest crops against pests, diseases, rising costs of labor, or any other reason that will lead to field abandonment.

Pathway 3.3A
Community 3.3 to 3.1

The conversion from grasses and grain crops to vegetable crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.3B
Community 3.3 to 3.2

The conversion from grasses and grain crops to non-citrus fruit and nut crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.3C
Community 3.3 to 3.4

The conversion from grasses and grain crops to citrus crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.3D
Community 3.3 to 3.5

Many fields become abandoned when a producer doesn't maintain and harvest crops against pests, diseases, rising costs of labor, or any other reason that will lead to field abandonment.

Pathway 3.4A
Community 3.4 to 3.1

The conversion from citrus crops to vegetable crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.4B
Community 3.4 to 3.2

The conversion from citrus crops to non-citrus fruit and nut crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.4C
Community 3.4 to 3.3

The conversion from citrus crops to grasses / grain crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 3.4D
Community 3.4 to 3.5

Many fields become abandoned when a producer doesn't maintain and harvest crops against pests, diseases, rising costs of labor, or any other reason that will lead to field abandonment. Major diseases affecting citrus groves include citrus canker, an infection that causes lesions on the leaves, stems and fruits of citrus crops, as well as citrus greening, often spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, a sap-sucking hemipteran bug that causes trees to produce fruits that are green, misshapen and bitter, and unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or juice.

Pathway 3.5A
Community 3.5 to 3.1

The restoration of an abandoned field or grove to an active agriculture field often includes removal of the abandoned crop and weeds, converting the land if necessary, and replanting of desired species. Abandoned citrus groves that get converted to agriculture fields will often need complete removal of the citrus tree and the land to be flattened from furrows present in citrus groves. Once removal of undesirable species is complete and the land is converted to a flat field (if necessary), and new seedlings are planted, maintenance is required to keep the crop healthy until harvest.

Pathway 3.5B
Community 3.5 to 3.2

The restoration of an abandoned field or grove to an active agriculture field often includes removal of the abandoned crop and weeds, converting the land if necessary, and replanting of desired species. Abandoned citrus groves that get converted to agriculture fields will often need complete removal of the citrus tree and the land to be flattened from furrows present in citrus groves. Once removal of undesirable species is complete and the land is converted to a flat field (if necessary), and new seedlings are planted, maintenance is required to keep the crop healthy until harvest.

Pathway 3.5C
Community 3.5 to 3.3

The restoration of an abandoned field or grove to an active agriculture field often includes removal of the abandoned crop and weeds, converting the land if necessary, and replanting of desired species. Abandoned citrus groves that get converted to agriculture fields will often need complete removal of the citrus tree and the land to be flattened from furrows present in citrus groves. Once removal of undesirable species is complete and the land is converted to a flat field (if necessary), and new seedlings are planted, maintenance is required to keep the crop healthy until harvest.

Pathway 3.5D
Community 3.5 to 3.4

The restoration of an abandoned field or grove to an active citrus grove often includes removal of the abandoned crop and weeds and replanting of desired species. In citrus groves removal of abandoned citrus trees are often either completely pulled out of the ground or cut to the stump and new seedlings are planted next to the cut stumps. Once removal of undesirable species is complete and new resets are planted, maintenance is required to keep the crop healthy until harvest.

State 4
Silviculture

This state is important and used by silviculturists, landowners, land managers, and the public/private industry. Silviculture is land used in controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society such as wildlife habitat, timber, water resources, restoration, and recreation on a sustainable basis. These are forestry practices that include thinning, harvesting, planting, pruning, prescribed burning and site preparation, for managed goals such as wildlife habitat creation or harvesting. Many managed silvicultural lands in Florida include tree plantations for growth of tropical ornamental species such as palms; and lumber, pulp, and paper species such as loblolly pine, longleaf pine, oak, and sweetgum.

Resilience management. This state is managed by silviculture prescriptions that will vary based on individual forest stand and management goals.

Community 4.1
Natural Community Selective Logging

This community consists of utilizing the natural community for selective logging practices that are minimally invasive to the reference community. This was common in the early and mid-1800s when live oak was highly valued for ship building. The most logged species from these communities often include live oak, eastern red cedar, and sweetgum. Palms are not typically harvested. This type of logging is minimally invasive due to the selective cuts made and maintenance of the natural hydroperiod of the system and community structure.

Community 4.2
High Graded Planted Pine Plantation

This community consists of converting a mature hardwood hammock or a selective logging area into a pine plantation. Soil damage caused by site preparation and logging is detrimental to the natural community, creating ruts and canals that increase surface runoff water and soil erosion. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is best suited to the loamy and clayey soils present on these sites but may support slash pine (P. densa) or longleaf pine (P. palustris) in better drained areas. Loblolly is often harvested at 15 years for pulpwood or greater than 20 years for timber. Propagation of these species are by seed. Some of these tree’s pests are pine bark beetles, borers, pine tip moths, and sawflies, and are susceptible to fusiform rust and heart rot.

Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2

This transition is driven by the silviculture preparation of clearing the natural community in its entirety of its vegetation and altering the land for a highly graded pine plantation. This may include drawdown of the water table via irrigation ditches or bedding to prepare a system for pine planting.

State 5
Invaded State

This state represents the dominance of one or multiple non-native or exotic species which outcompetes the native natural community and may significantly alter the composition and structure of the invaded stand by overshading the canopy and understory components and preventing regeneration of native species.

Community 5.1
Melaleuca – Brazilian Peppertree

This phase describes the introduction and establishment of invasive species common to this ecological site; Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) and melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia). These are fire tolerant shrubs (Brazilian peppertree) and trees (Melaleuca) that will outcompete native plants of this ecological site. These species are adapted to the stressors common in hardwood hammock systems, including the seasonal high-water tables and infrequent fire. Other undesirable species may be present in this community that have not been mentioned,

Resilience management.  Restoring native habitat may be very difficult with these species. Specific management plans may be required to identify and manage these species. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Resource Conservationist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations or invasive control practices.

State 6
Human Altered and Human Transported Areas

These areas include soils that were intentionally and substantially modified by humans for an intended purpose, commonly for terraced agriculture, building support, mining, transportation, and commerce. The alteration is of sufficient magnitude to result in the introduction of anew parent material (human-transported material) or a profound change in the previously existing parent material (human-altered material).They do not include soils modified through standard agricultural practices or farmed soils with unintended wind and water erosion. When a soil is on or above an anthropogenic landform or microfeature, it can be definitely be associated with human activity and is assigned to a unique taxa, usually found as an "Urban land complex" within that communities' natural soil properties (e.g, Tuscawilla fine sand-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes).

Characteristics and indicators. Evidence of these areas include soils with manufactured items (e.g. artifacts) present in the profile, human altered-materials (e.g., deeply excavated or deeply plowed soil) or human-transported material (e.g., fill), and position on or above anthropogenic landforms (e.g., flood-control levees) and microfeatures (e.g., drainage ditches). Detailed criteria regarding the identification of anthropogenic (artificial) landforms, human-altered materials, and human-transported material are in the "Keys to Soil Taxonomy" (Soil Survey Staff, 2014).

Community 6.1
Reclaimed Areas

Reclaimed areas are areas that have been modified through anthropogenic means that are restored to a natural or second-hand natural community. Areas that can be reclaimed are any intensity urban areas and may be required to be reclaimed after urban use (e.g., active mines must be reclaimed). These practices include the identification, removal, and stockpiling soil materials before altering the land, and revegetation and replacement of soil materials after altering the land. This also applies to nearby urban areas that have been adversely affected by the anthropogenic activities.

Community 6.2
Urban Areas

This urban community consists of development for human use. Urban areas include a variety of land uses, e.g., inner city or urban core, industrial and residential areas, cemeteries, parks, and other open spaces; the overall function which may benefit the quality of human life. These often form an urban soil mosaic, where the natural landscape has been fragmented into parcels with distinctive disturbance and management regimes and, as a result, distinctive characteristic soil properties.

Resilience management. Within this community there are three different levels of urbanization, based off population dynamics, residential density, and intensity of development. These are labeled as low-intensity, medium-intensity, and high-intensity urban areas, which can eventually be split apart into its own separate state. Low-intensity urban areas may consist of single dwelling homes with little impact on the surrounding community which still somewhat represents the natural community (e.g., represents natural landscape, hydrology, and vegetation) , other examples of this are urban parks, cemeteries, or campgrounds with little urban development. Medium-intensity urban areas consist of larger urban dwellings with some natural features but have been modified to meet urban needs (e.g., towns). High-intensity urban areas are areas of heavily modified areas with complete alterations of the natural landscape, hydrology, and vegetation to support a very large population, which once constructed is permanently altered (e.g., metropolis areas/ active mines).

Community 6.3
Non-Reclaimed Areas

Non-reclaimed areas are areas that have been modified through anthropogenic means that are unable to be restored to a natural or semi-natural community. Areas that cannot be reclaimed are areas under active mining status (phosphate, sand, or gravel mines)or mined areas before the Phosphate Land Reclamation Act in 1975, which leaves shut down operations alone. These areas also include fallow mines that have been flooded and are now permanent bodies of water.

Pathway 6.1A
Community 6.1 to 6.2

This transition is driven by clearing and developing the land for low-, medium-, or high-intensity urban areas.

Pathway 6.2A
Community 6.2 to 6.1

This transition is driven by the revegetation, reestablished hydrology, and replacement of displaced soil materials after urbanization of the land.

Pathway 6.2B
Community 6.2 to 6.3

This transition is driven by heavy industrial or urban development which causes the land to become non-reclaimable. This transition is rare due to the many environmental laws and regulations that must be followed when developing land.

Pathway 6.3A
Community 6.3 to 6.1

This transition is driven by the revegetation, reestablished hydrology, and replacement of displaced soil materials after urbanization of the land.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Actions required to convert native habitat to pasture for forage production include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert native land to pastureland on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This site is extremely susceptible to soil compaction and erosion. The decision to proceed with this action should be done so in close communication with and guidance from local NRCS Service Centers.

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

Actions required to convert native habitat to agricultural land include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert native land to agriculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. The decision to proceed with this action should be done so in close communication with and guidance from local NRCS Service Centers.

Transition T1C
State 1 to 4

This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. Decisions to convert native land to silviculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities.

Transition T1D
State 1 to 5

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Transition T1E
State 1 to 6

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

This mechanism is driven by restoring natural hydrologic flow to the area (dependent on level of alteration) to meet the natural hydroperiod once supported by these communities. This can be done via blocking or filling in previously made ditches used to drain and channelize water flow out of the system for agricultural purposes. Other management practices such as replanting native grasses, shrubs, and trees must be implemented to return the to the natural state. Local site conditions and disturbances may determine existing plant seed banks and community composition of managed fields. The decision to proceed with this action should be done so in close communication with and guidance from local NRCS Service Centers.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Actions required to convert a managed grassland/ pasture to agricultural land include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert a managed grassland/ pasture to agriculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. The decision to proceed with this action should be done so in close communication with and guidance from local NRCS Service Centers.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. Decisions to convert managed grassland/ pastures to silviculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities.

Transition T2C
State 2 to 5

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Transition T2D
State 2 to 6

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1

This mechanism is driven by restoring natural hydrologic flow to the area (dependent on level of alteration) to meet the natural hydroperiod once supported by these communities. This can be done via blocking or filling in previously made ditches used to drain and channelize water flow out of the system for agricultural purposes. Other management practices such as replanting native grasses, shrubs, and trees must be implemented to return the to the natural state. Local site conditions and disturbances may determine existing plant seed banks and community composition of managed fields. The decision to proceed with this action should be done so in close communication with and guidance from local NRCS Service Centers.

Transition T3A
State 3 to 2

Actions required to convert active agricultural fields to pasture for forage production include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert active agricultural fields to pastureland on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This site is extremely susceptible to soil compaction and erosion. The decision to proceed with this action should be done so in close communication with and guidance from local NRCS Service Centers.

Transition T3B
State 3 to 4

This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. Decisions to convert active agricultural fields to silviculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities.

Transition T3C
State 3 to 5

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Transition T3D
State 3 to 6

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 1

This mechanism is driven by restoring natural hydrologic flow to the area (dependent on level of alteration) to meet the natural hydroperiod once supported by these communities. This can be done via blocking or filling in previously made ditches used to drain and channelize water flow out of the system for agricultural purposes. Other management practices such as replanting native grasses, shrubs, and trees must be implemented to return the to the natural state. Local site conditions and disturbances may determine existing plant seed banks and community composition of managed stands. The decision to proceed with this action should be done so in close communication with and guidance from local NRCS Service Centers.

Transition T4A
State 4 to 2

Actions required to convert silvicultural stands to pasture for forage production include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants in the understory. Overstory managed trees may remain as long as there is enough light for grasses and herbaceous species to grow. Decisions to convert silvicultural stands to pastureland on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This site is extremely susceptible to soil compaction and erosion. The decision to proceed with this action should be done so in close communication with and guidance from local NRCS Service Centers.

Transition T4B
State 4 to 3

Actions required to convert a silvicultural stand to agricultural land include harvesting of silvicultural species, herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert a silvicultural stand to agriculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. The decision to proceed with this action should be done so in close communication with and guidance from local NRCS Service Centers.

Transition T4C
State 4 to 5

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Transition T4D
State 4 to 6

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Restoration pathway R5A
State 5 to 1

The establishment of, or a return to, natural habitat conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Restoration pathway R5B
State 5 to 2

The establishment of, or a return to, altered land use conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Restoration pathway R5C
State 5 to 3

The establishment of, or a return to, altered land use conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Restoration pathway R5D
State 5 to 4

The establishment of, or a return to, altered land use conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Transition T5A
State 5 to 6

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.