Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 156B–Southern Florida Lowlands
This area is in the Floridian section of the Coastal Plain province of the Atlantic Plain. It is on nearly level lowlands. A few hummocks rise 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) above the general level of the landscape. Elevation ranges from near sea level to 26 feet (8 meters).This area is a dominantly wetland ecosystem that has been heavily influenced by human activity. It supports hummock and slough wetland vegetation. Remaining native savanna and scrub areas consist of native grasses, forbs, sedges, and a few scattered pines. Slash pine and cabbage palm are the dominant overstory species. Saw palmetto, cordgrasses, and bluestems make up the understory. Major wildlife species include white-tailed deer, feral hog, gray fox, raccoon, opossum, armadillo, rabbit, tree squirrel, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, Florida mallard, and woodpecker.
Classification relationships
All portions of the geographical range of this site falls under the following ecological / land classifications including:
-Environmental Protection Agency's Level 3 and 4 Ecoregions of Florida: 75 Southern Coastal Plain; 75d Eastern Florida Flatwoods (Griffith, G. E., Omernik, J. M., & Pierson, S. M., 2013)
-Florida Natural Area Inventory, 2010 Edition: Pine Flatwoods and Dry Prairies, Scrubby Flatwoods, Xeric Hammocks (FNAI, 2010)
-Soil Conservation Service, 26 Ecological Communities of Florida: 6- South Florida Flatwoods (Florida Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society, 1989)
Ecological site concept
The Sandy Scrubby Flatwoods on Rises and Knolls ecological sites are characterized by slight rises or knolls within low flatwoods with somewhat poorly to moderately well drained soils that support an open canopy of pine with a dense shrub layer of oaks. Fire frequency is the main driver in this community, with fire entering this community every 5 to 15 years to promote proper habitat growth. This site is infrequently ponded, except for extreme storm events for a very brief period of time. Much of this native community has undergone anthropogenic alteration for human use and much of the land today is used as rangeland or agriculture.
The High Sandy Pine and Scrub on Knolls and Ridges ecosite will occur in the highest landscape position on well to excessively well drained sandy soils.
The Sandy Flatwoods and Hammocks may be confused with the Sandy Scrubby Flatwoods and Hammocks ecosite if found in an altered, fire-suppressed state. The Sandy Flatwoods and Hammocks will be found on poorly drained soils and will have a difference in shrub species.
The Sandy over Loamy Flatwoods and Hammocks may be confused with the Sandy Scrubby Flatwoods and Hammocks ecosite if found in an altered, fire-suppressed state. The Sandy Flatwoods and Hammocks will be found on poorly drained soils and will have a difference in shrub species.
The High Sandy Pine and Scrub on Knolls and Ridges may be confused with the Sandy Scrubby Flatwoods and Hammocks ecosite if found in an altered, fire-suppressed state. The High Sandy Pine and Scrub on Knolls and Ridges will be found on well to excessively drained soils.
This ecological site is dominated by linear convex flatwoods that occur on backslopes, summits, and shoulders of marine terraces. These higher positions support more xeric speciation compared to the lower positioned flatwood ecosites that support hydric and mesic speciation.
Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)
Runoff class
Low to medium
Flooding frequency
None
Ponding duration
Very brief (4 to 48 hours)
Ponding frequency
None to rare
Elevation
10–70 ft
Slope
5%
Ponding depth
6 in
Water table depth
18–58 in
Climatic features
The climate of east central Florida is warm and temperate getting an average annual precipitation amount of 40 to 62 inches (1,015 to 1,575 millimeters). About 60 percent of the precipitation occurs from June through September. The center of the area is the driest part. Most of the rainfall occurs as moderate-intensity, tropical storms that produce large amounts of rain from late spring through early autumn. Late autumn and winter are relatively dry. The average annual temperature is 73 to 78 degrees F (23 to 25 degrees C). The freeze-free period averages 365 days.
Table 4. Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range)
365 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)
365 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)
53-61 in
Frost-free period (actual range)
365 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)
365 days
Precipitation total (actual range)
52-62 in
Frost-free period (average)
365 days
Freeze-free period (average)
365 days
Precipitation total (average)
57 in
Characteristic range
Actual range
Bar
Line
Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic range
Actual range
Bar
Line
Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic range
Actual range
Bar
Line
Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
Bar
Line
Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
(1) WEST PALM BEACH INTL AP [USW00012844], West Palm Beach, FL
(3) CANAL POINT USDA [USC00081276], Belle Glade, FL
(4) PORT SALERNO 5W [USC00087304], Stuart, FL
(5) FT PIERCE ST LUCIE CO INTL AP [USW00012895], Fort Pierce, FL
(6) VERO BEACH 4SE [USC00089219], Vero Beach, FL
(7) MELBOURNE INTL AP [USW00012838], Melbourne, FL
(8) TITUSVILLE [USC00088942], Titusville, FL
Influencing water features
The occurrence of these sites on rises and knolls creates sloping gradients, resulting in percolation of water into the soil, saturating during the summer rains (June-Oct), but not enough to develop hydric conditions. These are very deep soils with a subsurface hardpan (Spodic, argillic, mollic, or umbric horizon) which slows vertical movement of water relative to horizontal movement above and below the hardpan layer. Most of the water that is not absorbed flows as runoff to the lower landscape position in which this community may be found, typically in lower pine flatwoods communities. This ecosite may be very briefly very shallowly ponded after intense storm events such as hurricanes or tropical storms.
Wetland description
NA
Soil features
Dominantly very deep, nearly level to sloping, somewhat poorly drained or moderately well drained soils formed in sandy marine deposits. These soils occur on flats, summits, and shoulders of marine terraces. These soils have 40 inches to greater than 80 inches of fine sand or sand. Diagnostic subsurface horizon is either an argillic or spodic horizon below 40 inches or is absent. A few members have either a mollic or umbric horizon. The organic matter content of the surface layer is dominantly very low to medium. Unless limed, the reaction in the surface layer ranges from extremely acid to slightly acid. Representative soils include Pomello and Pendarvis.
Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material
(1) Marine deposits
Surface texture
(1) Sand
(2) Fine sand
Drainage class
Somewhat poorly drained to moderately well drained
Permeability class
Rapid to very rapid
Depth to restrictive layer
40–80 in
Soil depth
48–80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"
Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"
Not specified
Available water capacity (0-80in)
1.2–3.1 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-80in)
Not specified
Electrical conductivity (0-80in)
1 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-80in)
1
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-80in)
4.6–5.7
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-80in)
Not specified
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-80in)
Not specified
Ecological dynamics
The information presented in this ecological site description (ESD) and state-and-transition model (STM) were developed using archaeological and historical information, published and unpublished scientific reports, professional experience, consultation with technical experts, and NRCS inventories and studies. The information presented represents a complex set of plant community dynamic and environmental variables. Not all scenarios or plants are represented and included. Key indicator plants, animals, and ecological processes are described to help guide land management decisions and actions.
The natural vegetation of this ecological site is mainly dominated by slash pine or longleaf pine over a low shrubby understory dominated by scrub oaks and saw palmetto, often with interspersed areas of barren white sand. The overstory pine canopy typically covers 10-20%, with the shrub layer of oaks and saw palmetto more densely covered. Grasses and forbs may be present in areas under the shrub layer, or along the fringes of bare sand openings. Fire is the main driver in this community, and in its absence will allow for the oak shrub layer to grow into a xeric hammock. Estimated fire intervals are between 5 and 15 years. This range is determined by the growth characteristics of oaks, becoming reproductive at 3 years and reach peak production at 5 years. Fire at intervals less than 5 years consistently may diminish acorn production and reduce food availability for wildlife. Due to the available fuel load within scrubby flatwoods, post fire observations show a spike in N availability in the soil, promoting new growth of scrubby species. Frequent fires may exhaust the available nutrients in the system, and lower productivity of the system.
This habitat is not widespread within this MLRA, but exists in little extent along ancient ridgelines that have been highly altered. Much of this native habitat has been has been cleared and managed as improved pasture, agricultural fields, or has been turned into urban land. Areas that do remain in their native state are primarily managed for Florida Scrub Jay habitat. Fire intervals 5 to 15 years would allow for maximal acorn production while preventing the oaks from attaining heights unfavorable to scrub jays. This community is typically allowed to burn in patches, which proves most favorable habitat and maintaining the highest biotic diversity.
State and transition model
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These are open canopy flatwoods with widely spaced longleaf or slash pines in the canopy and a low shrubby understory dominated by scrub oaks and saw palmetto, often interspersed with areas of barren white sand. The shrub layer is not made entirely up of oaks, with grasses and dwarf shrubs making up a substantial portion of the cover. A variety of forbs may be present as well.
Resilience management. This habitat is maintained with fire return intervals of more than 5 but less than 15 years. This is to provide accurate habitat requirements for the Florida Scrub Jay, a species endemic to this habitat type. This interval would allow for maximum acorn production while preventing the oaks from attaining heights unfavorable to Florida Scrub Jays. This habitat should be allow to burn patchy, with homogeneous burns making the area unsuitable for the Scrub Jay. Patchy burns provide sufficient areas for nesting while also opening the subcanopy to allow the regrowth of oak species, which will eventually provide a new food source.
This state describes the shift of the natural scrubby flatwoods community to a xeric hammock. Xeric hammocks are similar to mesic hammocks characterized by low closed canopy forests dominated by oak species. This community may form when fire has been excluded from the reference community as well as a decrease in hydrology within the system. This allows for the establishment for more xeric species. This community usually forms as small pockets within mesic hammocks and other well drained communities (i.e. scrubby flatwoods vegetation). While more commonly found along ridgelines in the central peninsula, xeric hammocks may be found in this MLRA as a result of extensive drainage and urbanization. A layer of emergent pines may be present, representing the old canopy structure before fire exclusion.
Resilience management. This community is maintained by natural disturbances which maintain vegetative structure and composition. Common natural disturbances which help maintain community composition and structure include wind from storm events which open the canopy to successive growth, ground fires to control the growth of the sub canopy, or infrequently flooding which may kill less flood tolerant species.
That state describes the native scrubby flatwoods community after it has undergone habitat alteration. This state includes both a degraded and a restored scrubby flatwoods community. Restoration efforts can have been from a slightly mismanaged community such as one with few invasive species, to heavy restoration of reclaiming the natural area after urban development.
This community described a scrubby flatwood in the beginning process of being restored. Characteristic indicators include slight habitat degradation from a stand clearing event (i.e. clear cut, site preparation, stand replacing fire) including soil compaction, erosion and slight invasive species cover; and has sparse ground cover and little to no shrub regrowth.
Community 3.2 Restored Pine Woodland
This community describes a fully restored scrubby flatwoods with restored native ground cover and desirable conditions. This community has returned to the most natural state it could be in and share all of the community drivers needed to maintain this community.
Pathway 3.1A Community 3.1 to 3.2
This transition is driven by the restoration of a degraded community to a more natural state with desired habitat conditions. This may include mechanical / biological / chemical removal of unwanted species, native ground cover restoration including active seeding, and frequent interval prescribed fire.
Pathway 3.2A Community 3.2 to 3.1
This transition is driven by the degradation of the restored community, including impacts from overgrazing, soil degradation, and fire suppression.
State 4 Invasive Non-Native Community
This state consists of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Non-Native Category 1 Species list . More information on these species list can be found:
https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/63140/file/Florida%E2%80%99s_Pest_Plants.pdf
or by contacting the UF / IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/), the UF / IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas (https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/), or the FWC Invasive Plant Management Section (http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/invasive-plants/).
These species are common in areas where natural processes are interrupted via hydrology or fire regimes. The introduction of these species pose serious threats to endangered and threatened habitats and plants within Florida as they become outcompeted for habitats and nutrients.
Characteristics and indicators. Non-native species include species that exist outside of Florida's native range and introduced to the state by people, weather, or any other means.
Resilience management. This state can be found as a part of any other state and can completely destroy the native habitat if not properly managed. Restoration to natural communities after exotic invasion include practices such as mechanical and chemical removal.
State 5 Managed Resource Areas
The following communities comprise the major land uses in the United States and the land uses receiving the majority of the conservation treatment that address soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources within the USDA.
Characteristics and indicators. These land uses consist of areas that are not completely naturalized (i.e. native habitat) and have been anthropogenically altered for commodity production.
Community 5.1 Rangeland
Rangelands are described as lands on which the indigenous vegetation is predominately grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, and possibly shrubs or dispersed trees. Existing plant communities can include both native and introduced plants. Primary export from Florida ranges are cattle and have been present in the state since their first introduction by Spanish explorers in 1521. This is the reference community for this state because it requires very little alterations to the landscape for grazing species.
Rangelands provide a diversity of ecosystems and also provide a diverse and significant production of economic benefits and ecosystem goods and services. Livestock production along with sustainable wildlife populations provide for the major direct economic benefits, but also tourism, recreational uses, minerals/energy production, renewable energy, and other natural resource uses can be very significant. Vital ecosystem contributions include clean water, clean air, fish/wildlife habitat, as well as intangible considerations such as historical, cultural, aesthetic and spiritual values.
Resilience management. Grazing, by both domestic livestock and wildlife, is the most common ecological management process, with fire and weather extremes also being significant ecological factors. For information regarding specific cattle grazing techniques please contact your local NRCS office.
Community 5.2 Open Transitional Managed Communities
This is an area that is managed to maintain open land before shifting to another community. These communities are often used as transitional periods from one practice to another and could lead to an abandoned / fallow field.
Resilience management. .
Community 5.3 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 grazers continues to experience extraordinarily high fuel and other input costs. This community correlates with the 2013 Florida Forage Suitability Group G156BC131FL, Sandy Soils on Rises and Knolls of Mesic Uplands.
Resilience management. Pastures receive periodic renovation and cultural treatments such as tillage, fertilization, mowing, weed control, and may be irrigated. For more information regarding specific pasture management please contact your local NRCS office.
Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0004, Bermudagrass (Tifton 85). Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Introduced Warm Season Perennial Grass: Bermudagrass (Tifton 85) (Cynodon dactylon).
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Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0008, Stargrass. Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Introduced Warm Season Perennial Grass: Stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis).
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Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0006, Rhizoma Perennial Peanut. Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Legume or Legume/ Grass Combination: Rhizona Perrenial Peanut (Arachis glabrata, pH 5.8-7.0).
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Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0005, Native Warm Season Perennial Grasses. Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Native Warm Season Perennial Grasses.
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Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0009, Annual Ryegrass. Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Cool Season Annual Grass: Annual Ryegrass (Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum).
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Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0010, Small Grains. Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Cool Season Annual Grass: Small Grains (Oat [Avena sativa], Rye [Secale cerale], Wheat [Triticum aestivum], Triticale [x Triticosecale rimpaui].
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Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0011, Sorghum-Sudangrass. Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distrubtion for Warm Season Annual Grasses: Sorghum X Sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor; includes forage sorghum, sudangrass, and their hybrids).
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Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0012, Millet (Pearl and Browntop). Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Warm Season Annual Grasses: Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and Browntop Millet (Urochloa ramosa; =Panicum ramosum).
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Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0002, Bahiagrass (Pensacola). Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Introduced Warm Season Perennial Grass: Bahiagrass (Pensacola) (Paspalum notatum, pH 5.0 – 6.5).
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Figure 17. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). FL0003, Bahiagrass (Argentine). Growth Curves and Dry Matter Distribution for Introduced Warm Season Perennial Grass: Bahiagrass (Argentine) (Paspalum notatum, pH 5.0 – 6.5).
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Community 5.4 Agriculture
The agriculture industry includes cultivated crops, aquaculture, and apiculture. Cultivated cropland includes areas used for the production of adapted crops for harvest. These areas comprises 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 with land use conversion practices and hydrologic management to fit the growers needs.
Resilience management. Major natural resource concerns facing agricultural lands 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 5.5 Silviculture
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 slash pine, longleaf pine, cypress, and eucalyptus.
This community also include management practices of agroforestry, the intentional mixing of trees and shrubs into crop and/or animal production systems to create environmental, economic and social benefits. This is included in this community and not any other state because the primary management is for tree species. This may include practices such as riparian forest buffers, windbreaks, forest farming, silvopasture, and alley cropping.
Resilience management. Management of silvicultural lands require specific prescriptions based on the management goals for the stand, and may include thinning, harvesting, planting, pruning, prescribed burning and site preparation. For more information regarding specific management for silviculture practices please contact your local NRCS office.
Pathway 5.1A Community 5.1 to 5.2
This pathway is driven by land use conversion practices that prepare for modified land use. In some circumstances, conversion might include the removal of existing vegetation and habitat.
Pathway 5.2A Community 5.2 to 5.1
This pathway is driven by the restoration of the native habitat for the use of rangeland. This includes restoration of both the hydrology and landscape in advance of re-establishing native species. This is a time-consuming process and often results in slightly altered community structure and composition more susceptible to invasive or undesirable plant establishment. Once restored to a natural capacity the introduction of grazing species to the system creates a managed rangeland.
Pathway 5.2B Community 5.2 to 5.3
This pathway is driven by preparing the land for pasture. This includes the planting of vegetation consisting of grasses, legumes, other forbs, shrubs or a mixture that will provide preferred forage for managed grazing species.
Pathway 5.2C Community 5.2 to 5.4
This pathway is driven by the preparation of land for agricultural uses. This change is dependent on the type of agricultural community being created, but often depends on the growing, maintenance, and cultivation of an agricultural product for consumers. This community may require modification to the land to fit the hydrologic requirement of the growing crop.
Pathway 5.2D Community 5.2 to 5.5
This pathway is driven by the preparation of the land for silvicultural purposes. This change is dependent on the type of silvicultural product being cultivated, as many different practices require different growth requirement.
Pathway 5.3A Community 5.3 to 5.2
This pathway is driven by land use conversion practices that prepare for modified land use. In some circumstances, conversion might include the removal of existing vegetation and habitat.
Pathway 5.4A Community 5.4 to 5.2
This pathway is driven by land use conversion practices that prepare for modified land use. In some circumstances, conversion might include the removal of existing vegetation and habitat.
Pathway 5.5A Community 5.5 to 5.2
This pathway is driven by land use conversion practices that prepare for modified land use. In some circumstances, conversion might include the removal of existing vegetation and habitat.
State 6 Human Altered & 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 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 formed 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., Immokalee 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 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 community. Areas that can be reclaimed are any intensely urbanized areas, and may be required to be reclaimed after urban use (e.g., active mines must be reclaimed). Examples of reclaimed lands may be shut down phosphate mining operations, superfund sites, or brownfields. 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
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.
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).
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 second-hand natural community. Areas that cannot be reclaimed are areas under active mining status 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.
Community 6.4 Landfills
This is an anthropogenic site for the disposal of waste material. It includes manufactured layers (artificial, root limiting layer below the soil surface) that are representative of human altered and human transported sites. These layers are often alternative between natural fill material and geotextile liners, asphalt, concrete, rubber or plastic that are built up and can rise above the surrounding landscape by 30 meters or more often impeding water, gas, or roots from moving through the profile.
Pathway 6.1A Community 6.1 to 6.2
This shift in communities is driven by clearing and developing the land for the desired community.
Pathway 6.1B Community 6.1 to 6.4
This transition is driven by the deposition of manufactured layers along with anthropogenic waste which is consistently built upon.
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 altering the land.
Pathway 6.2B Community 6.2 to 6.3
This transition is driven from 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.
Pathway 6.2C Community 6.2 to 6.4
This transition is driven by the deposition of manufactured layers along with anthropogenic waste which is consistently built upon.
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 altering the land.
Transition T1A State 1 to 2
This is driven by fire suppression within this community (>100 years), or very infrequent non-catastrophic fire which allows for the growth and development of shrubby oaks to established a closed canopy forested system.
Transition T1B State 1 to 3
This shift is caused by habitat degradation of the natural state. This includes management from clear cutting, site preparation for urbanization or commercial products, stand replacing catastrophic fires, or anything which might degrade the natural community and create habitat restoration / natural regrowth efforts possible.
Transition T1C State 1 to 4
The invasion of non-native or exotic species can be driven by a multitude of different environmental factors such as hydrology or changes in fire regimes. Typically once a change in one of the two factors mentioned above occurs, non-native or exotic invasive species become established and begin to compete with native species for habitat and nutrients.
Constraints to recovery. Recovery from non-native or exotic invasive species may be difficult due to many adaptations which allow them to outcompete and survive in intolerable conditions. Localized knowledge for each species must be known for best removal of it without harming the native environment, and often different treatments must be applied over one given area.
Context dependence. Growth of non-native and exotic invasive species can be rapid following a change in a natural stressor such as fire or hydrology which might have once kept the invasive specie at bay.
Transition T1D State 1 to 5
Modify the land for the desired land use. This may include the establishment of grazing species or the modification of land for the cultivation of crops of other desired products.
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
This restoration is creating by a number of drivers. Overstory oak removal is first required to create suitable community structure (sparse to open overstory of pines) before other restoration efforts should be implemented. This removal of oaks can come from many efforts such as clear cuts and selective harvesting of oaks, and habitat restoration.
Transition T2A State 2 to 3
This transition is driven by a complete destruction of this community which would support the growth of shade intolerant pines as a pioneer scrubby flatwoods community. This would be a very patchy community with sparse ground cover and little to no shrub regrowth, and may require vegetative replanting if the native seed stock had been destroyed in the fire.
Transition T2B State 2 to 4
The invasion of non-native or exotic species can be driven by a multitude of different environmental factors such as hydrology or changes in fire regimes. Typically once a change in one of the two factors mentioned above occurs, non-native or exotic invasive species become established and begin to compete with native species for habitat and nutrients.
Constraints to recovery. Recovery from non-native or exotic invasive species may be difficult due to many adaptations which allow them to outcompete and survive in intolerable conditions. Localized knowledge for each species must be known for best removal of it without harming the native environment, and often different treatments must be applied over one given area.
Context dependence. Growth of non-native and exotic invasive species can be rapid following a change in a natural stressor such as fire or hydrology which might have once kept the invasive specie at bay.
Transition T2C State 2 to 5
Modify the land for the desired land use. This may include the establishment of grazing species or the modification of land for the cultivation of crops of other desired products.
Transition T2D State 2 to 6
This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of materials via anthropogenic means.
Transition T3A State 3 to 4
The invasion of non-native or exotic species can be driven by a multitude of different environmental factors such as hydrology or changes in fire regimes. Typically once a change in one of the two factors mentioned above occurs, non-native or exotic invasive species become established and begin to compete with native species for habitat and nutrients.
Constraints to recovery. Recovery from non-native or exotic invasive species may be difficult due to many adaptations which allow them to outcompete and survive in intolerable conditions. Localized knowledge for each species must be known for best removal of it without harming the native environment, and often different treatments must be applied over one given area.
Context dependence. Growth of non-native and exotic invasive species can be rapid following a change in a natural stressor such as fire or hydrology which might have once kept the invasive specie at bay.
Transition T3B State 3 to 5
Modify the land for the desired land use. This may include the establishment of grazing species or the modification of land for the cultivation of crops of other desired products.
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 3
Mechanical, biological and chemical removal strategies include removing the non-native and exotic invasive species through various mechanisms. Localized knowledge for individual non-native or exotic invasive species is needed for specific management. Sometimes introduction of fire regimes may prevent or stop the growth of non-native or exotic invasive species, but many species are fire tolerant. Mechanical removal might include roller chopping, harvesting, or cutting and removal of invasive species. Chemical removal may include aerial dispersal from planes, or basal bark injection treatments.
Context dependence. Mechanical, biological and chemical removal of non-native and exotic invasive species is a time dependent process, with removal types taking long time to become effective.
Transition T4A State 4 to 5
Modify the land for the desired land use. This may include the establishment of grazing species or the modification of land for the cultivation of crops of other desired products.
Transition T4B 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 2
These practices include the restoration of both the hydrology and landscape in advance of revegetating the area (if needed).
Restoration pathway R5B State 5 to 3
These practices include the restoration of both the hydrology and landscape in advance of revegetating the area (if needed).
Transition T5A State 5 to 6
This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of materials via anthropogenic means.
Restoration pathway R6A State 6 to 5
This transition is driven by the restoration of a reclaimed land towards a naturally managed resource such as agriculture, rangeland, silviculture, or improved pasture.
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 5.3 plant community composition
This community provides important habitat for many wildlife species, the understory shrubs and grasses are used for nesting, refuge, and forage, while overstory pines provide habitat for cavity nesting and tree nesting species. This community also provides refuge during the wet season for animals to move to drier ground. These species include:
Mammals: Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus), Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), raccoon (Procyon lotor), cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), wild hogs (Sus scrofa), and armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). Several small rodents are also found in these habitats, including cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) and cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus), least shrew (Cryptotis parva), short-tailed shrew (Blarina carolinensis), black rat (Rattus rattus), and house mouse (Podomys floridanus).
Birds: Among the most common resident species are pine warblers (Setophaga pinus), Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) brown-headed nuthatch (Sitta pusilla), Bachman's sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis), great-horned owl (Bubo virginianus), American kestrel ( Falco sparverius), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) , wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), and bob-white quail (Colinus virginianus). Red-cockaded woodpeckers (Leuconotopicus borealis), an endangered species, use certain types of older, flatwoods pines for nesting.
Amphibians: striped newt (Notophthlamus perstriatus), pinewoods tree frog (Hyla femoralis), oak toad (Anaxyrus quercicus), eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina Carolina) and greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris).
Hydrological functions
This area receives high amounts of rainfall, with topography and substrate keeping the rainwater from flowing quickly out of the watershed. Water percolates rapidly into these soils and once it hits the subsurface horizon will flow laterally until the water makes its way into depressions and dips. Extensive man- made diversions such as canals, ditches, dams, and levees are present throughout this MLRA and have locally changed the flow of water and lowered the water table to make these areas more productive for agronomic crops and livestock.
Due to flatwoods high evapotranspiration rates, land-to-water gradients as well as convective processes are reduced, helping control sea breeze intensity and the formation of convective thunderstorms. This effect is a natural feedback mechanism that results in a more even spatial distribution of seasonal rainfall (Bamberg 1980). Additionally, the wet flatwoods community becomes saturated and attains standing water in the middle to late wet season, corresponding with peak flowering periods for the understory components of the plant community, providing flowers and fruit for wildlife.
Recreational uses
This ecological site is used for eco-tourism and commonly has hiking, and off-road vehicle trails found throughout and is used frequently due to drier site conditions. The activities of ORVs and can alter the hydrology and encourage exotic plant invasion on the disturbed soils. Other recreation uses are hunting for animals such as deer and bobwhite quail.
Wood products
This area is suited for logging with subsequent forest regrowth typically harvested on 20 to 40-year rotations. Longleaf pine forests that have been harvested were historically replaced with slash pine due to problems with pine regeneration. Slash pine wood is used for construction purposes, and due to its high resin content, the wood is also used for railroad ties, poles, and pilings.
Other products
Cattle ranching in Florida flatwoods began immediately with the European settlement in the 16th century, this area can be highly productive under proper management. Drainage for rangeland was a common practice until the 1970s. This site is also highly used for urban and pasture lands. This site correlates with the 2013 Florida Forage Suitability Group G156BC131FL, Sandy Soils on Rises and Knolls of Mesic Uplands.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented was derived from NRCS clipping data, current and historical literature, field observations, and personals contacts with local, state and federal partners. This is a provisional level ESD and is subject to change as more information becomes available, for any questions please contact your local NRCS office.
Other references
Breininger, D. R., Duncan, B. W., & Dominy, N. J. 2002. Relationships between fire frequency and vegetation type in pine flatwoods of east-central Florida, USA. Natural Areas Journal, 22(3), 186-193.
Breininger, D. R., Larson, V. L., Duncan, B. W., Smith, R. B., Oddy, D. M., & Goodchild, M. F. 1995. Landscape patterns of Florida scrub jay habitat use and demographic success. Conservation Biology, 9(6), 1442-1453.
Dean, S. 2015. Fire effects on soil biogeochemistry in Florida scrubby flatwoods. The American Midland Naturalist, 174(1), 49-64.
Dee, J. R., & Menges, E. S. 2014. Gap ecology in the Florida scrubby flatwoods: effects of time‐since‐fire, gap area, gap aggregation and microhabitat on gap species diversity. Journal of Vegetation Science, 25(5), 1235-1246.
Ewel, J. J., & Myers, R. L. (Eds.). 1990. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press
Florida Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society. 1989. 26 Ecological Communities of Florida.
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). 2010. Guide to the natural communities of Florida: 2010 edition. Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee, FL
Laessle, A. M., & Monk, C. D. 1961. Some live oak forests of northeastern Florida. Quarterly Journal of the Florida Academy of Sciences, 24(1), 39-55.
Schafer, J. L., & Mack, M. C. 2013. Effects of time-since-fire on soil nutrient dynamics in Florida scrubby flatwoods. Florida Scientist, 417-435.
Scott, T. M. 2001. Text to accompany the geologic map of Florida. Florida Geologic Survey, Tallahassee, Florida.
Sievers, E. 1985. Burning and grazing Florida flatwoods. Rangelands Archives, 7(5), 208-209.
Silva-Lugo, J. L. 2014. Small mammal use of refugia, population recovery, and survival following prescribed burning in scrubby flatwoods ecosystem, Florida, USA. International journal of Ecosystem, 4(3), 135-149.
Contributors
Jack Ferrara Craig Prink Martin Figueroa Jamie Bean
Approval
Charles Stemmans, 2/07/2025
Acknowledgments
St. Johns River Water Management District
Florida State Parks
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to
determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or
more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment
location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant
community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s)
Contact for lead author
Date
02/07/2025
Approved by
Charles Stemmans
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on
Annual Production
Indicators
Number and extent of rills:
Presence of water flow patterns:
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are
not bare ground):
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range
of values):
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial
distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be
mistaken for compaction on this site):
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar
cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or
decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize
degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if
their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become
dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive
plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the
ecological site:
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.
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