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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): 114X–Southern Illinois and Indiana Thin Loess and Till Plain
MLRA 114A makes up about 4,550 square miles (11,795 square kilometers). The three parts of this MRLA are mostly in the Till Plains Section of the Central Lowland Province of the Interior Plains. The western third of the western part is in the Highland Rim Section of the Interior Low Plateaus Province of the Interior Plains. The eastern half of the eastern part is in the Kanawha Section of the Appalachian Plateaus Province of the Appalachian Highlands. Both large and small tributaries of the Ohio River dissect the nearly level to very steep glaciated uplands in this area. The major streams and rivers have well defined valleys with broad flood plains and numerous stream terraces. The flood plains along the smaller streams are narrow. Broad summits are nearly level to gently sloping. Elevation ranges from 320 feet (100 meters) on the southernmost flood plain along the Ohio River to 1,250 feet (380 meters) on the highest ridges. Local relief is mainly 10 to 50 feet (3 to 15 meters), but it can be 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 meters) along drainageways and streams. Also, the Ohio River bluffs are as much as 300 feet (90 meters) above the river valley floor.
Classification relationships
USFS: 222 Eastern Broadleaf Forest (Continental) Province
Homoya's Natural Regions of Indiana: Bluegrass Region
The following NatureServe Explorer Ecological System has a high level of probability to match the ecological site found on these soils.
North-Central Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest and Woodland-CES202.046.
Southern Interior Low Plateau Dry-Mesic Oak Forest - CES202.898.Ecological site concept
Till Upland Forest sites were historically a diverse and complex mosiac of forest species. High-quality, old-growth forest on wetter micro-sites exhibited wet oak forest species such as pin oak, swamp white oak, swamp chestnut oak, and sweetgum. However, most of these sites are characterized by more mesic forest species such as northern red oak, sugar maple, white ash, mockernut hickory, bitternut hickory, tulip poplar, and hickory. Overall, the soils in this group will present a wet-mesic to mesic upland deciduous forest complex dictated by soil drainage and restrictive layer depth.
The majority of sites today have a history of disturbance. Ruderal versions of this community are common. Sugar maple, tulip poplar, and beech have gained prominence on many sites.Associated sites
F114XA504IN Sloping Till Upland Forest
Soils in the Sloping Till Upland Forest group are located higher on steeper slopes.
Similar sites
F114XA504IN Sloping Till Upland Forest
The Sloping Till Upland Forest soils will share vegetative similarities including many species of trees.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Quercus rubra
(2) Acer saccharumShrub (1) Lindera benzoin
Herbaceous (1) Parthenocissus quinquefolia
(2) ClaytoniaPhysiographic features
These sites are located on upland till plains.
Figure 1. Physiographic Image - Block diagram with Cincinnati and Rossmoyne soils on the landscape.
Figure 2. Physiographic Image -Block diagram with Cincinnati and Rossmoyne soils on the landscape.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Upland > Till plain
Runoff class Low to medium Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 351 – 1300 ft Slope 0 – 15 % Water table depth 15 – 60 in Aspect W, NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW Climatic features
About 60 percent of the precipitation falls during the freeze-free period. Most of the rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during summer. Snowfall is common in winter. The freeze-free period averages about 180 days.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 150-160 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 180-180 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (actual range) 150-160 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 180-190 days Precipitation total (actual range) 40-50 in Frost-free period (average) 160 days Freeze-free period (average) 180 days Precipitation total (average) 50 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 8 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) HILLSBORO [USC00333758], Hillsboro, OH
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(2) MILFORD [USC00335268], Milford, OH
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(3) NORTH VERNON 2 ESE [USC00126435], North Vernon, IN
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(4) SEYMOUR 2 N [USC00127935], Seymour, IN
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(5) SCOTTSBURG [USC00127875], Scottsburg, IN
">Influencing water features
These sites are not influenced by riparian or wetland features.
Soil features
Soils for this group include moderately well drained and well drained soils formed on till plains. They have seasonally high water tables and some series have a fragipan.
Series currently include Blocher, Cincinnati, Homewood, Jonesboro, Nabb, Nicely, Rossmoyne, Ryker, and Titusville. ESD development may result in further refinement of this group.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Till
Surface texture (1) Clay loam
(2) Silt loam
(3) Silty clay loam
Drainage class Somewhat poorly drained to moderately well drained Permeability class Slow to moderate Depth to restrictive layer 15 – 35 in Soil depth 60 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 5 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 1 % Available water capacity
(Depth not specified)4.6 – 7.2 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(Depth not specified)4.6 – 6.3 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 12 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 2 % Ecological dynamics
These sites are a mature, hardwood forest with a dense canopy and a diverse understory layer. Dominants include northern red oak (Quercus rubra), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), basswood (Tilia Americana), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), and white oak (Quercus alba). Associates include hickory (Carya spp.), American elm (Ulmus americana), white ash (Fraxinus americana), black cherry (Prunus serotina), and hickory (Carya spp.).
The subcanopy and sapling layers often contain hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), cherry (Prunus spp.), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and spicebush (Lindera benzoin). The understory of these sites will contain dozens of forbs and herb species typical of a mesic deciduous forest. The understory of these sites will contain dozens of forbs and herb species typical of a mesic deciduous forest.
This type may occur where, historically, fires were more prevalent; current stands may represent both mesic and somewhat more dry-mesic stands protected from fire that are shifting from oak dominance to maple, basswood and elm dominance.
Most sites have been cleared and are utilized for agricultural production. Remaining wooded sites have usually been disturbed (oak removal) with little or no post-management activities. These disturbed sites revert to sugar maple, basswood, red maple, tulip poplar, and/or white ash. Invasive species are impacting the ecology of many sites.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textT1A - Disturbance; invasion of non-native plants T1B - Clearing, brush removal, site prep, planting; and weed/brush control. R2A - Brush control; weed control; planting of desired species T2A - Tree and brush clearing; site preparation; tillage; seeding; weed control; agricultural management T3A - Abandonment; no management inputs State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1.A - Site preparation; seeding; weed control and brush control; grassland management 3.2.A - Tillage; seeding; weed control State 1
Reference StateThe reference state for these sites is a mature deciduous forest with a substantial oak component. Species include northern red oak, American beech, sugar maple, white oak, black cherry, white ash, American elm, mockernut hickory, bitternut hickory, tulip poplar, and shagbark hickory. Disturbances such as absence of natural fire regime, selective harvest, clearcutting, grazing, and hydrological modifications will alter the composition of forested sites. Many sites are now predominately sugar maple, tulip poplar, red maple, and ash.
Dominant plant species
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northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree
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sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
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American basswood (Tilia americana), tree
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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American beech (Fagus grandifolia), tree
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northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin), shrub
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dogwood (Cornus), shrub
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viburnum (Viburnum), shrub
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Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), other herbaceous
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springbeauty (Claytonia), other herbaceous
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dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), other herbaceous
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trillium (Trillium), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
ForestlandA mixed hardwood forest with oak and hickory components. Multiple species may be co-dominant. Numerous native understory species may be found on these sites including spring empherals.
Dominant plant species
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northern red oak (Quercus rubra), tree
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sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
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American basswood (Tilia americana), tree
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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American beech (Fagus grandifolia), tree
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northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin), shrub
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dogwood (Cornus), shrub
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viburnum (Viburnum), shrub
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Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), other herbaceous
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trillium (Trillium), other herbaceous
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dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), other herbaceous
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springbeauty (Claytonia), other herbaceous
State 2
Disturbed -Invaded StateThis state is characterized by non-native, invasive species that change the ecology and community composition of the site. Numerous species , both native and non-native, may be found. Species composition will depend upon the severity and length of disturbances and the available seed sources.
Dominant plant species
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sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
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tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), tree
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ash (Fraxinus), tree
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Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), shrub
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autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), shrub
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spindletree (Euonymus), shrub
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garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), other herbaceous
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Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), other herbaceous
Community 2.1
Disturbed -Invaded CommunityThis community is characterized by disturbance followed by an increase in non-native vegetation. Many species may be on site depending on seed sources. Common ivasives include garlic mustard, Japanese honeysuckle, burning bush, tree of heaven, and multiflora rose.
Dominant plant species
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sugar maple (Acer saccharum), tree
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ash (Fraxinus), tree
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tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
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honeysuckle (Lonicera), shrub
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autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), shrub
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garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), other herbaceous
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Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), other herbaceous
State 3
Agricultural StateThis state is characterized by agricultural uses including row crops, pastureland, and forage production.
Dominant plant species
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tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
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brome (Bromus), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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corn (Zea mays), other herbaceous
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soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
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red clover (Trifolium pratense), other herbaceous
Community 3.1
CroplandAgricultural use. Common management is corn-bean rotation. Many crops can be successfully planted on these sites. Use and species selected depend on management goals and objectives.
Dominant plant species
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soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
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corn (Zea mays), other herbaceous
Community 3.2
PasturelandCommon species include tall fescue with a mix of forbs such as white and red clover. Many cool and warm season grasses can be used on these sites depending on management objectives.
Dominant plant species
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tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
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brome (Bromus), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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red clover (Trifolium pratense), other herbaceous
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white clover (Trifolium repens), other herbaceous
Pathway 3.1.A
Community 3.1 to 3.2Pastureland establishment from a cropland use.
Pathway 3.2.A
Community 3.2 to 3.1Transitioning a pasture to a cropland will require management inputs such as site preparation, seeding, and weed control.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Substantial disturbances and subsequent invasion of non native plants. Multiple species may be involved. Often disturbances such as selective harvest, grazing, and recreational uses introduce invasive species to a site.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Transitioning a site from woodland to agricultural use will require multiple management activities such as tree clearing, brush removal, site prep, planting desired species, and weed/brush control.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Restoration of these sites requires long-term restoration inputs including planting of desired species, timber stand improvement projects, weed control, and brush control.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Transitioning a site from woodland to agricultural use will require multiple management activities such as tree clearing, brush removal, site prep, planting desired species, and weed/brush control.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 2Abandoned agricultural lands will move through various stages of plant succession starting with herbaceous annuals and perennials. Shrubs and tree saplings will increase. Eventually a ruderal woodland will occur with fast growing species such as maple, ash, poplar and cedar. Non-native plant species may be dominant.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Supporting information
Inventory data references
No field monitoring was conducted as part of this PES development. Future ESD development may result in plant community edits, soil mapunits being added or removed from this grouping, and/or additions or modifications to the narratives, tables, vegetation descriptions and state and transition model.
Other references
Braun, E. Lucy. 2001. Deciduous forests of eastern North America. Caldwell, N.J.: Blackburn Press.
Homoya, M. A., Abrell, D. B., Aldrich, J. R., & Post, T. W. (1985). The Natural Regions of Indiana. Indiana Academy of Science , 94, 245-269.
Kartesz, J. T. (2011). Density Gradient Map Samples Produced From BONAP's Floristic Synthesis. Retrieved 12 12, 2011, from Biota of North America Program: http://bonap.org/diversity/diversity/diversity.html
NatureServe. (2011). An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, VA, USA [Online: www. NatureServe. org/explorer] .
Jackson, Marion T. 1997. The Natural heritage of Indiana. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, published in association with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Academy of Science.
USDA. (2007). Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections for the Conterminous United States. Washington, DC: USDA - Forest Service.
USDA. (2006). Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. U. S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296.
USGS. (2010). LANDFIRE Biophysical Settings. Retrieved from http://www.landfire.gov
Whitaker, John O., Charles J. Amlaner, Marion T. Jackson, George R. Parker, and Peter Evans Scott. 2012. Habitats and ecological communities of Indiana presettlement to present. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.Approval
Greg Schmidt, 9/26/2024
Acknowledgments
PES documents developed for adjacent MLRAs in Indiana and Ohio served as a source of information as these regions often shared similar soil series with MLRA 114A. NRCS county soil surveys where a valuable reference including tree species observed on site by NRCS staff. Soil Survey and NRCS Indiana resource soil scientists contributed field observation, field notes, and extensive soil mapping expertise. In accordance with Federal Civil Rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Civil Rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior credible activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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) A. Arends, ESI Specialist Contact for lead author Date 09/17/2026 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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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:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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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:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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