State 1
Mature Maritime Forest

Closed canopy mature maritime forests are the reference state on these soils along the Atlantic coast. Classic succession is generally accepted as long-term stabilized dune ridges which with periods of glacial formation and recession, led to a shifting Florida coastline and allowed for a maritime forest to develop. (Caption continued - The understory is generally open with sparse to absent herbaceous species and high amounts of moist leaf litter and woody debris.)

Community 1.1
Maritime Forest

Figure 8. Characteristic interior of a maritime forest dominated by oaks and palms forming a dense canopy of uneven aged species.

Figure 9. Characteristic interior of a maritime forest dominated by oaks and palms forming a dense canopy of uneven aged species.

Figure 10. Pleopeltis polypodiodes and mosses growing on the limbs of Quercus virginiana.

Figure 11. Downed woody debris and moist leaf litter characteristic of the understory.

Mature maritime forests are evergreen hardwood forests. These will often be found along the Atlantic coastline. Species composition changes slightly from north to south with temperate and tropical species and will often consist of both temperate and tropical species. This community correlates with the Florida Natural Area Inventory community - Maritime Hammock (FNAI, 2010).

Resilience management. Captions Extended Cocoa 6 - These species will often grow into the canopy with the dominant tree species. Park 4 - Spare herbaceous species are present.

Forest overstory. The forest overstory often forms a dense canopy of live oak (Quercus virginiana), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), and red bay (Persea borbonia). Other overstory canopy species may include pignut hickory (Carya glabra), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba), false mastic (Sideroxylon foetidissimum), inkwood (Exothea paniculata), strangler fig (Ficus aurea), and seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera). These will often be low in height (60 to 80 feet). Arboreal epiphytes such as airplants (Tillandsia spp.) and resurrection fern (Pleopeltis polypodiodes) are abundant on overstory species. Resurrection ferns will often go dormant during the winter months when there is little rainfall and can be found on the limbs primarily of Quercus spp. Airplants are abundant on all overstory species and can be found draped over limbs or attached to trunks.

Forest understory. The forest understory is often highly shaded due to the dense overstory. This will often limit growth of species to slow growing shade tolerant species. Subshrubs will often grow into the subcanopy and include red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and American holly (Ilex opaca), as well as early developed overstory species such as cabbage palm and pignut hickory. Sparse shrubs may include Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria), tough bully (Sideroxylon tenax), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), stopper (Eugenia spp.) and wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa). The herbaceous layer is sparse to absent. There is abundant leaf litter dominantly from the overstory oaks which is often moist due to the highly shaded conditions. Downed woody debris is common from previous disturbance events.

Community 1.2
Maritime Thicket

Maritime thickets are evergreen shrub communities. These will often consist of similar species with maritime forests but will often be in a stunted shrub structure. These thickets are often very dense stands and similar to the canopies of maritime forests will have low, even, sea spray pruned tops increasing in height away from the coast.

Forest understory. Common species include with dense saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and scattered dwarfed cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) closer to the ocean, which are gradually joined inland by taller shrubs, including tough bully (Sideroxylon tenax), yaupon (Ilex vomitoria), Hercules’ club (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), and shrubby forms of red bay (Persea borbonia), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and live oak (Quercus virginiana). These thickets will typically not reach a great enough height and will often be stunted and less than 6 feet.

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

This transition is driven by gap disturbances in which the overstory is opened and natural reseeding occurs. This can be a result of of natural mortality or anthropogenic influences such as selective logging.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Over time a maritime thicket will succeed into a maritime forest. As the shrub and dwarf tree species begin to grow into the canopy, it will begin to form a low closed canopy maritime forest. As this thicket matures into a forest, a sheared, pruned canopy will form along with forest growth. Time to full restoration will be dependent on localized environmental factors.

State 2
Standing Dead Forests

This state represents a standing dead maritime forest in which a storm event has deposited excessive sand and salt through storm surges and extreme winds. While these species of maritime forests are tolerant of the influence of sea spray, prolonged salt exposure may kill the root system, leaving behind the standing dead tree, often giving the appearance of a standing dead forest. This may also be seen along the edge of fragmented areas (i.e. road cutting through the maritime forest) as sea spray from onshore winds may kill the exposed edge, creating a standing dead forest of the canopy species until shearing and regrowth form a early successional maritime thicket. These areas are characterized by standing dead trees with little to no living vegetation. Arboreal epiphytes such as airplants (Tillandsia spp.) may be present on the limbs.

State 3
Managed Grassland / Pastureland

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 slowly infiltrates 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 G155XB521FL (Shallow or Moderately Deep, Sandy or Loamy soils on Rises and Ridges of Mesic Uplands).

Resilience management. Due to the effect from wind-borne sea spray, saline tolerant grass species may be utilized to get maximum production out of these areas.

Community 3.1
Bahiagrass - Bermudagrass - Bluestem (FSG521)

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), chalky bluestem (Andropogon virginicus), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), yellow indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), rhizoma perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Warm season annual forage species often include browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), hairy indigo (Indigofera hirsuta), alyceclover (Alysicarpus vaginalis), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Several additional plants and/or species combinations may be present depending on the objectives and management approaches of the land manager/owner.

Resilience management. Soils in this ecological site are limited by their relatively shallow rooting depth (less than 40 inches to bedrock) and a water table during the rainy season that can be below 6 foot. Combined, these factors suggest that these soils will have relatively low forage production. Additionally, establishment and growth of all bahiagrass cultivars will be marginal for those soils in these areas with pH greater than 5.5. Bermudagrass is the better choice for an introduced perennial grass on those high pH soils. Total annual production is driven largely by rainfall; yields can increase by greater than 1,000 lbs/acre in years with above average rainfall. However greatly reduced production and even stand loss associated with over grazing can occur in years with below average rainfall. Irrigation is not recommended for these soils due to poor water holding capacity and restricted rooting zone. Establishment of both annual and perennial warm season forages may be delayed due to limited rainfall in the spring and short-term drought periods in the summer months. Total production of all forage species is expected to be considerably less, with a general growth curve weighted more towards the later part of the growing season. As a consequence of the restricted rooting depth, cool season forages are not recommended.

Community 3.2
Dogfennel – Bunchgrass– Wax Myrtle (Unmanaged)

This phase represents the succession of pastureland and/or open grassland to unmanaged conditions. 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 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2

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

Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1

This pathway represents renovation of the unmanaged condition back to managed pastureland, forage production, or open grassland. Management activities likely include mechanical removal of the larger, woody vegetation followed by herbicide treatment / prescribed burning and establishment of desired seeding mixtures.

State 4
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 4.1
Non-Citrus Fruits and Nuts

This phase describes the growth and harvest of non-citrus fruits. Land conversion is necessary to create fields suitable for crop growth. Common fruits grown in these soils include watermelons. Due to the year-round warm climate Florida has, fruits can often be harvested in both winter and summer seasons. Dependent on the distance to saline influence, specific management and timing of planting and harvesting need to be studied.

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 4.2
Vegetables

This phase describes the growth and harvest of vegetables. Land conversion is necessary to create fields suitable for crop growth. Common vegetables grown in these soils include cabbage, corn, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. Due to the year-round warm climate Florida has, vegetables can often be harvested in both winter and summer seasons. Dependent on the distance to saline influence, specific management and timing of planting and harvesting need to be studied.

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 vegetable 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 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 be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Community 4.3
Citrus Crops

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. Dependent on the distance to saline influence, specific management and timing of planting and harvesting need to be studied.

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 4.4
Abandoned Agriculture Fields

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 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2

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 4.1B
Community 4.1 to 4.3

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 4.1C
Community 4.1 to 4.4

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 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1

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 4.2B
Community 4.2 to 4.3

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 4.2C
Community 4.2 to 4.4

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 4.3A
Community 4.3 to 4.1

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 4.3B
Community 4.3 to 4.2

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 4.3C
Community 4.3 to 4.4

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 4.4A
Community 4.4 to 4.1

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 4.4B
Community 4.4 to 4.2

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 4.4C
Community 4.4 to 4.3

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 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
Australian Pine - Brazilian Peppertree

This phase describes the introduction and establishment of common invasive species to this ecological site; Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) and Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) are the two most common species. In many areas, these species will be found along the edge habitat due to higher soil disturbances because of urbanization. These species are adapted to droughty conditions and has high salt tolerance. These may typically become prevalent following storm disturbances and will often outcompete native vegetation. Australian pines and Brazilian Peppertree may kill or displace native vegetation by creating dense shade and litter in habitats which frequently have all day sun, as well as dropping leave which have allelopathic properties which suppress the growth of other plant life. These may also displace wildlife due to the shallow root system which may affect some animal's ability to nest in the sand and displace native habitats. Less dominant invasive species may also include Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), Century Plant (Agave neglecta), Lantana (Lantana camera), Cat's eye (Abrus precatorius), and Life Plant (Kalanchoe pinnata). 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. These species responds to herbicide application strategies such as frill/ girdle, basal bark, foliar, and soil herbicide application methods. Mechanical removal can be used with mulchers and stump grinders to eliminate and remove these species.

State 6
Human Altered and Human Transported Materials

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 a new 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, Cocoa 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 / Restored 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 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 hydroperiods, 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 hydroperiods, and replacement of displaced soil materials after urbanization of the land.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Intense saline intrusion may be sufficient to kill mature trees in a maritime forest. This most often happens in two ways: 1) Extreme storm events may create a breakthrough of the protecting dune system, flooding the communities protected behind it, allowing for the storm surge to deposit sand and salt-water to enter the maritime forest. This deposit of salt into the system can kill the roots of the mature trees, leaving behind standing dead trees. 2) Fragmentation of the maritime forest may expose the forest to a more intense wind-borne sea spray which causes a shearing effect on the canopy, giving it a pruned look. This newly exposed edge may die back and leave behind the standing dead trees.

Constraints to recovery. Precipitation will dilute the salt out of the system over time, allowing for the growth of early successional maritime species, often creating a thicket of low, pruned shrubby species.

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

Actions required to convert native habitat to pasture or 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 T1C
State 1 to 4

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 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 materials via anthropogenic means.

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

As salt is diluted out of the system via seasonal precipitation, more saline tolerant shrub species are able to grow and form a maritime thicket.

Transition T2A
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 T2B
State 2 to 6

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of 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 pasture management. 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 grasslands/ pastures. 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 4

Actions required to convert altered land use to agricultural land include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert 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 T3B
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 T3C
State 3 to 6

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of 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 pasture management. 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 grasslands/ pastures. 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 3

Actions required to convert altered land use to pasture or forage production include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert 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 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 T4C
State 4 to 6

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of 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 3

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 R5C
State 5 to 4

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.

Transition T5A
State 5 to 6

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