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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 114 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. Field verification is needed prior to using this information for conservation planning and/or restoration initiatives: North-Central Interior Dry Oak Forest and Woodland-Unique Identifier: CES202.047Ecological site concept
Eolian Forest reference sites are a dry mixed oak woodland. Common trees include black oak, white oak, scarlet oak, sassafras, and multiple hickory species. These sandy sites have a variable water table depth depending on their landscape location. Shrub and understory plants will vary depending on fire regime and disturbance history. Few sites exist in MLRA 114A as most have been converted to agriculture or urban uses.
Associated sites
F114XA404IN Outwash Upland Forest
These soils are generally well drained and are found on outwash upland forest sites.
Similar sites
F114XA404IN Outwash Upland Forest
Dry outwash upland forest sites will have many of the same oak and hickory species.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Quercus velutina
(2) Quercus albaShrub (1) Vaccinium
Herbaceous (1) Prenanthes altissima
(2) Danthonia spicataPhysiographic features
These sites are on backslopes, shoulders, and summits of dunes and loess hills.
Figure 1. Physiographic image - Block diagram showing Bloomfield and Bobtown soils on the landscape.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hills > Loess hill
(2) Dune field > Dune
Runoff class Negligible to medium Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None to rare Elevation 340 – 1360 ft Slope 0 – 15 % Water table depth 20 – 48 in Aspect W, NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)
Runoff class Not specified Flooding frequency Not specified Ponding frequency Not specified Elevation 0 ft Slope 0 – 45 % Water table depth 0 in 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 4 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 150-160 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 180-190 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 2. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) NORTH VERNON 2 ESE [USC00126435], North Vernon, IN
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(2) SEYMOUR 2 N [USC00127935], Seymour, IN
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(3) SCOTTSBURG [USC00127875], Scottsburg, IN
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(4) HILLSBORO [USC00333758], Hillsboro, OH
">Influencing water features
These sites are not influenced by riparian or wetland features. Sites may have a seasonal high water table.
Soil features
Soils in this initial PES grouping are very deep, moderately well drained to somewhat excessively drained and formed in eolian deposits or sands. Series include Ayrshire, Bloomfield, Bobtown, and Priceton.
Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Eolian sands
(2) Eolian deposits
Surface texture (1) Fine sand
(2) Fine sandy loam
(3) Loamy fine sand
(4) Sandy loam
Drainage class Moderately well drained to somewhat excessively drained Permeability class Moderate to rapid Soil depth 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(Depth not specified)4 – 6 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(Depth not specified)5 – 6.5 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)
Drainage class Not specified Permeability class Not specified Soil depth 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 % Available water capacity
(Depth not specified)3.8 – 6.5 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(Depth not specified)0 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 % Ecological dynamics
These sites exhibit a dry oak forest alliance with a tree canopy that is moderately closed, often shrubby, and generally shades 60-80% of the forest floor. Black oak (Quercus velutina) is a common dominant along with white oak (Q. alba), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), pignut hickory (Carya glabra) and scarlet oak (Q. coccinea). Other trees on site include sassafras (Sassafras albidum), hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), and red maple (Acer rubrum). Understory species are variable depending on seasonal depth to water table, available water capacity, canopy cover, site disturbances, fire regime, and available seed sources.
Grazing or frequent fires have the potential to temporarily modify the ecology by decreasing tree reproduction, decreasing canopy cover, and increasing shade-intolerant grass and herbaceous understory species. Fire dynamics on these sites are complex and need to be carefully evaluated prior to initiating a prescribed fire regime.
The majority of these sites in MLRA 114A have incurred repeated historic disturbances and most are now utilized as farmland or have been developed.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 textEcosystem states
T1A - Disturbance; invasion of non-native species T1B - Clearing; site preparation; tillage; seeding; weed control; agricultural management R2A - Brush/weed control; planting of desired species; long-term timber stand management T2A - Clearing; site preparation; tillage; seeding; weed control; agricultural management T3A - Abandonment State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1.A - Site preparation; seeding; weed control; grassland management 3.2.A - Site preparation; tillage; seeding; weed control; row crop management State 1
Reference StateTree species on these dry oak sites may include black oak, white oak, scarlet oak, pignut hickory, shagbark hickory, blackgum, sassafras, dogwoods sassafras, and hophornbeam. Post oak and blackjack oak may be present on the drier sites. The shrub and understory layers are variable on these sites based on fire regime, anthropogenic disturbances, water table depth, and landscape position. With a natural fire regime, the understory was relatively dense since the wide tree spacing allowed for sunlight to support a variety of understory species.
Dominant plant species
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black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tree
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pignut hickory (Carya glabra), tree
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blueberry (Vaccinium), shrub
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poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata), grass
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tall rattlesnakeroot (Prenanthes altissima), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Dry Oak WoodlandHistorically, numerous oak and hickory species may be found on these sites. Common dominants were black oak, shagbark hickory, pignut hickory, red oaks, and white oak. Shrub and understory species composition and density was dependent upon the natural fire frequency which was a principal driver for these sites.
Dominant plant species
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black oak (Quercus velutina), tree
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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pignut hickory (Carya glabra), tree
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shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), tree
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blueberry (Vaccinium), shrub
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rose (Rosa), shrub
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blackberry (Rubus), shrub
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poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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tall rattlesnakeroot (Prenanthes altissima), other herbaceous
State 2
Disturbed-Invaded StateNumerous disturbances can impact these sites including lack of natural fire regime, agricultural conversion, and woodland harvest. Large scale disturbance are often the precursor to an invasion of non-native plants. Species will depend upon available seed sources. Dense non-native shrub layers will negatively impact native plant and tree regeneration.
Dominant plant species
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maple (Acer), tree
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cottonwood (Populus), tree
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locust (Gleditsia), tree
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locust (Robinia), tree
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autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), shrub
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honeysuckle (Lonicera), shrub
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garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), other herbaceous
Community 2.1
Disturbed- Invaded CommunityNumerous disturbance have impacted many of the remaining wooded sites. Lack of natural fires, clearing/selective harvest, adjacent ditching/tiling and unmanaged grazing alter the ecological community. Shade tolerant species such as sugar maple and the invasive Asian honeysuckles are often established after disturbances. An increase in the fire return interval leads to a higher tree density and the resulting increase in shade impacts tree regeneration and understory composition.
Dominant plant species
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maple (Acer), tree
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cottonwood (Populus), tree
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locust (Gleditsia), tree
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locust (Robinia), tree
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honeysuckle (Lonicera), shrub
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autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), shrub
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poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), other herbaceous
State 3
Agriculture StateMany of these sites are now used for crop production, hay production, or forage. Species planted and management activities will depend on the owner goals and 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
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corn (Zea mays), other herbaceous
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soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
Community 3.1
CroplandCrops grown will depend on landowner goals. Many crops can be grown on these sites.
Dominant plant species
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corn (Zea mays), other herbaceous
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soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
Community 3.2
PasturelandNumerous cool and warm season grasses can be produced on these sites. Fescue is a common crop mixed with clover.
Dominant plant species
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tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), 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 3.2Transitioning a crop field to a pasture would require multiple management inputs including seeding desired species and weed control.
Pathway 3.2.A
Community 3.2 to 3.1Transitioning a pasture to crop production will require multiple management inputs including site preparation, seeding, and weed control.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Large scale disturbance such as clearing, selective harvest, unmanaged grazing, etc will alter the species composition and allow for invasive species to increase in dominance.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Transitioning an oak woodland to a agricultural state would require multiple management inputs including clearing, brush removal, site preparation, seeding, and weed control.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Transitioning this State to a reference community would require long-term management inputs including planting of desired species, timber stand management activities, and brush/weed control.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Transitioning an oak woodland to a agricultural state would require multiple management inputs including clearing, brush removal, site preparation, seeding, and weed control.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 2When agriculture sites are abandoned, they move through a series of successional plant communities. Species will depend on previous uses; on-going disturbances; available seed sources; and natural disturbances such as fire. Eventually, tree species will gain dominance but often is a mix of fast growing species such as maples, poplars, locusts, and cedars.
Additional community tables
Table 7. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. 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. 200tional References:1. 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.
USDA-NRCS. 2008. Hydrogeomorphic Wetland Classification System: An Overview and Modification to Better Meet the Needs of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Technical Note No. 190–8–76. Washington D.C.
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 MLRAs often split counties and/or shared similar soil series with MLRA 114A. USDA-NRCS county soil surveys for the counties within MLRA 114A where a valuable reference including tree species observed on site by NRCS staff. 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 08/30/2026 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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