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Ecological site F116BY032MO
Chert Exposed Backslope Woodland
Last updated: 10/07/2020
Accessed: 06/06/2026
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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.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 116B–Springfield Plain
The Springfield Plain is in the western part of the Ozark Uplift. It is primarily a smooth plateau with some dissection along streams. Elevation is about 1,000 feet in the north to over 1,700 feet in the east along the Burlington Escarpment adjacent to the Ozark Highlands. The underlying bedrock is mainly Mississippian-aged limestone, with areas of shale on lower slopes and structural benches, and intermittent Pennsylvanian-aged sandstone deposits on the plateau surface.
Classification relationships
Terrestrial Natural Community Type in Missouri (Nelson, 2010):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Dry-Mesic Chert Woodland.
Missouri Department of Conservation Forest and Woodland Communities (Missouri Department of Conservation, 2006):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Mixed Oak Woodland.
National Vegetation Classification System Vegetation Association (NatureServe, 2010):
The reference state for this ecological site is most similar to a Quercus alba - Quercus stellata - Quercus velutina / Schizachyrium scoparium Woodland (CEGL002150).
Geographic relationship to the Missouri Ecological Classification System (Nigh & Schroeder, 2002):
This ecological site occurs primarily within the following Land Type Associations:
Spring River Prairie/Savanna Dissected Plain
Upper Sac River Oak Savanna/Woodland Low Hills
Little Sac River oak Savanna/Woodland Low Hills
James River Oak Savanna/Woodland Low Hills
Finley River Oak Savanna/Woodland Low HillsEcological site concept
NOTE: This is a “provisional” Ecological Site Description (ESD) that is under development. It contains basic ecological information that can be used for conservation planning, application and land management. After additional information is collected, analyzed and reviewed, this ESD will be refined and published as “Approved”.
Chert Exposed Backslope Woodlands occur on steep backslopes with southern and western aspects that are associated with the major stream valleys of the region, such as the Sac river valley and the upper reaches of the James River and Finley Creek. They also occur in valleys along the southern edge of the Springfield Plain, where soils are formed in the lower Mississippian limestones and into the Ordovician-aged Jefferson City Cotter formation. This site is mapped in complex with the Chert Protected Backslope Forest ecological site. Soils are typically very deep, with an abundance of chert fragments. The reference plant community is woodland with an overstory dominated by black oak and white oak and a ground flora of native grasses and forbs.Associated sites
F116BY003MO Chert Upland Woodland
Chert Upland Woodlands are upslope, on upper backslopes.
F116BY004MO Low-Base Chert Upland Woodland
Low-base Chert Upland Woodlands are upslope, on convex summit crests, and often contain a fragipan in the subsoil.
F116BY008MO Interbedded Sedimentary Upland Woodland
In areas where the Mississippian-aged Compton Formation occurs, Shale Upland Woodlands are downslope.
F116BY009MO Chert Protected Backslope Forest
Chert Protected Backslope Woodlands are mapped in complex with this ecological site, on steep northern and eastern aspects.
F116BY013MO Loamy Footslope Woodland
Loamy Footslope Woodlands are downslope.
F116BY017MO Gravelly/Loamy Upland Drainageway Woodland
Gravelly/Loamy Upland Drainageway Woodlands are downslope.
F116BY001MO Fragipan Upland Woodland
Fragipan Upland Woodlands are upslope on convex summits where a thin layer of loess is present over a fragipan in the subsoil.
R116BY024MO Shallow Limestone Upland Glade/Woodland
Shallow Limestone Upland Glade/Woodlands are often downslope.
Similar sites
F116BY003MO Chert Upland Woodland
Chert Upland Woodlands are less sloping and generally include summit and shoulder positions. These sites are more productive.
F116BY009MO Chert Protected Backslope Forest
Chert Protected Backslope Woodlands are mapped in complex with this ecological site, on similar slope positions but on northern and eastern aspects. These sites are more productive.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Quercus velutina
(2) Quercus albaShrub (1) Rhus aromatica
Herbaceous (1) Carex
(2) Schizachyrium scopariumPhysiographic features
This site is on upland backslopes with slopes of 15 to 50 percent. It is on exposed aspects (south, southwest, and west), which receive significantly more solar radiation than the protected aspects. The site receives runoff from upslope summit and shoulder sites, and generates runoff to adjacent, downslope ecological sites. This site does not flood.
The following figure (adapted from Hughes, 1982) shows the typical landscape position of this ecological site, and landscape relationships with other ecological sites. Chert Exposed Backslope Woodland sites are within the area labeled “3”, on lower backslopes with southerly to westerly exposures. Chert Protected Backslope Forest sites are on the corresponding northerly to easterly exposures. Upper slopes and shoulders within the area are in the Chert Upland Woodland ecological site. Low-base Chert upland Woodland sites, labeled “2”, are often upslope on crests and shoulders.
Figure 2. Landscape relationships for this ecological site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
(2) Hillslope
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Slope 15 – 50 % Water table depth 60 in Aspect W, SE, S, SW Climatic features
The Springfield Plain has a continental type of climate marked by strong seasonality. In winter, dry-cold air masses, unchallenged by any topographic barriers, periodically swing south from the northern plains and Canada. If they invade reasonably humid air, snowfall and rainfall result. In summer, moist, warm air masses, equally unchallenged by topographic barriers, swing north from the Gulf of Mexico and can produce abundant amounts of rain, either by fronts or by convectional processes. In some summers, high pressure stagnates over the region, creating extended droughty periods. Spring and fall are transitional seasons when abrupt changes in temperature and precipitation may occur due to successive, fast-moving fronts separating contrasting air masses.
The Springfield Plain experiences few regional differences in climates. The average annual precipitation in this area is 41 to 45 inches. Snow falls nearly every winter, but the snow cover lasts for only a few days. The average annual temperature is about 55 to 58 degrees F. The lower temperatures occur at the higher elevations. Mean July maximum temperatures have a range of only one or two degrees across the area.
Mean annual precipitation varies along a west to east gradient. Seasonal climatic variations are more complex. Seasonality in precipitation is very pronounced due to strong continental influences. June precipitation, for example, averages three to four times greater than January precipitation. Most of the rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms in summer.
During years when precipitation comes in a fairly normal manner, moisture is stored in the top layers of the soil during the winter and early spring, when evaporation and transpiration are low. During the summer months the loss of water by evaporation and transpiration is high, and if rainfall fails to occur at frequent intervals, drought will result. Drought directly affects plant and animal life by limiting water supplies, especially at times of high temperatures and high evaporation rates.
Superimposed upon the basic MLRA climatic patterns are local topographic influences that create topoclimatic, or microclimatic variations. In regions of appreciable relief, for example, air drainage at nighttime may produce temperatures several degrees lower in valley bottoms than on side slopes. At critical times during the year, this phenomenon may produce later spring or earlier fall freezes in valley bottoms. Deep sinkholes often have a microclimate significantly cooler, moister, and shadier than surrounding surfaces, a phenomenon that may result in a strikingly different ecology. Higher daytime temperatures of bare rock surfaces and higher reflectivity of these unvegetated surfaces may create distinctive environmental niches such as glades and cliffs. Slope orientation is an important topographic influence on climate. Summits and south-and-west-facing slopes are regularly warmer and drier than adjacent north- and-east-facing slopes. Finally, the climate within a canopied forest is measurably different from the climate of a more open grassland or savanna areas.
Source: University of Missouri Climate Center - http://climate.missouri.edu/climate.php; Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin, United States Department of Agriculture Handbook 296 - http://soils.usda.gov/survey/geography/mlra/Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 150-160 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 190-200 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (actual range) 150-160 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 180-200 days Precipitation total (actual range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (average) 160 days Freeze-free period (average) 190 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) CARTHAGE [USC00231356], Carthage, MO
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(2) MT VERNON M U SW CTR [USC00235862], Mount Vernon, MO
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(3) SPRINGFIELD [USW00013995], Springfield, MO
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(4) STOCKTON DAM [USC00238082], Stockton, MO
">Influencing water features
This ecological site is not influenced by wetland or riparian water features. This site generates runoff to adjacent, downslope ecological sites. This site does not flood.<br />
The water features of this upland ecological site include evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and drainage. Each water balance component fluctuates to varying extents from year-to-year. Evapotranspiration remains the most constant. Precipitation and drainage are highly variable between years. Seasonal variability differs for each water component. Precipitation generally occurs as single day events. Evapotranspiration is lowest in the winter and peaks in the summer. Water stored as ice and snow decreases drainage and surface runoff rates throughout the winter and increases these fluxes in the spring. The surface runoff pulse is greatly influenced by extreme events. Conversion to cropland or other high intensities land uses tends to increase runoff, but also decreases evapotranspiration. Depending on the situation, this might increase groundwater discharge, and decrease baseflow in receiving streams.Soil features
These soils have no rooting restriction, and subsoils are not low in bases. The soils were formed under woodland vegetation, and have thin, light-colored surface horizons. Parent material is slope alluvium over residuum weathered primarily from limestone. They have very gravelly or very cobbly silt loam surface horizons, and skeletal subsoils with high amounts of chert gravel and cobbles. They are not affected by seasonal wetness. Soil series associated with this site include Goss and Rueter.
The accompanying picture of the Goss series shows a thin, light-colored surface horizon underlain by very cobbly reddish clay. Scale is in inches. Picture from Henderson (2004).
Figure 9. Goss series
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Residuum – cherty limestone
Surface texture (1) Very gravelly silt loam
(2) Very cobbly silt loam
(3) Extremely gravelly silt loam
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Well drained to somewhat excessively drained Permeability class Moderately slow Soil depth 72 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 20 – 75 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 25 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1 – 5 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)Not specified Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)4.5 – 7.3 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)30 – 70 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)16 – 30 % Ecological dynamics
Information contained in this section was developed using historical data, professional experience, field reviews, and scientific studies. The information presented is representative of very complex vegetation communities. Key indicator plants, animals and ecological processes are described to help inform land management decisions. Plant communities will differ across the MLRA because of the naturally occurring variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The Reference Plant Community is not necessarily the management goal. The species lists are representative and are not botanical descriptions of all species occurring, or potentially occurring, on this site. They are not intended to cover every situation or the full range of conditions, species, and responses for the site.
The reference plant community is well developed woodland dominated by an overstory of black oak and white oak. It is very similar to Chert Upland Woodlands, except that it may be slightly less dense with more afternoon sunlight cutting to the woodland floor. The canopy is moderately tall (60 to 75 feet) but more open (65 to 85 percent cover) than protected slopes and the understory is poorly developed with less structural diversity. Increased light from the open canopy causes a diversity of ground flora species to flourish. In addition, proximity to shallow soil glades and open woodlands provides additional opportunity for increased light and species diversity. Woodlands are distinguished from forest, by their relatively open understory, and the presence of sun-loving ground flora species. Characteristic plants in the ground flora can be used to gauge the restoration potential of a stand along with remnant open-grown old-age trees, and tree height growth.
Fire played an important role in the maintenance of these systems. While the upland prairies and savannas had an estimated fire frequency of 1 to 3 years, Chert Exposed Backslope Woodlands burned less frequently (estimated 5 to 20 years) and with lower intensity. These periodic fires kept woodlands open, removed the litter, and stimulated the growth and flowering of the grasses and forbs. During fire free intervals, woody understory species increased and the herbaceous understory diminished. The return of fire would open the woodlands up again and stimulate the abundant ground flora.
Chert Exposed Backslope Woodlands were also subjected to occasional disturbances from wind and ice, as well as grazing by native large herbivores, such as bison, elk, and white-tailed deer. Wind and ice would have periodically opened the canopy up by knocking over trees or breaking substantial branches off canopy trees. Grazing by native herbivores would have effectively kept understory conditions more open, creating conditions more favorable to oak reproduction and sun-loving ground flora species.
Today, these ecological sites have been cleared and converted to pasture or have undergone repeated timber harvest and domestic grazing. Most existing forested ecological sites have a younger (50 to 80 years) canopy layer whose species composition and quality has been altered by timber harvesting practices. In the long term absence of fire, woody species, especially hickory, encroach into these woodlands. Once established, these woody plants can quickly fill the existing understory increasing shade levels with a greatly diminished ground flora. Removal of the younger understory and the application of prescribed fire have proven to be effective restoration means.
Uncontrolled domestic grazing has also impacted these communities, further diminishing the diversity of native plants and introducing species that are tolerant of grazing, such as buckbrush, gooseberry, and Virginia creeper. Grazed sites also have a more open understory. In addition, soil compaction and soil erosion from grazing can be a problem and lower site productivity.
These ecological sites are only moderately productive, especially when compared to adjacent protected slopes and deeper loess covered units. Oak regeneration is typically problematic. Sugar maple, red elm, and hickories are often dominant competitors in the understory. Maintenance of the oak component will require disturbances that will encourage more sun adapted species and reduce shading effects.
Single tree selection timber harvests are common in this region and often results in removal of the most productive trees (high grading) in the stand leading to poorer quality timber and a shift in species composition away from more valuable oak species. Better planned single tree selection or the creation of group openings can help regenerate and maintain more desirable oak species and increase vigor on the residual trees.
Clearcutting also occurs and results in dense, even-aged stands dominated by oak. This may be most beneficial for existing stands whose composition has been highly altered by past management practices. However, without some thinning of the dense stands, and periodic fires, the ground flora diversity can be shaded out and diversity of the stand may suffer.
A state-and-transition model diagram follows. Detailed descriptions of each state, transition, plant community, and pathway follow the model. This model is based on available experimental research, field observations, professional consensus, and interpretations. It is likely to change as knowledge increases.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 10. State and Transition Model for this ecological site.
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
States 1, 5 and 2 (additional transitions)
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceThe reference state for this ecological site was old growth oak woodland dominated by black oak, post oak, and white oak. Periodic disturbances from fire, wind or ice maintained the woodland structure and diverse ground flora species. Long disturbance-free periods allowed an increase in both the density of trees and the abundance of shade tolerant species. Two community phases are recognized in the reference state, with shifts between phases based on disturbance frequency.
This reference state is uncommon today. Some sites have been converted to grassland (State 4). Others have been subject to repeated, high-graded timber harvest coupled with domestic livestock grazing (State 5). Fire suppression has resulted in increased canopy density, which has affected the abundance and diversity of ground flora. Many reference sites have been managed for timber harvest, resulting in either even-age (State 2) or uneven-age (State 3) woodlands.Community 1.1
Black Oak – White Oak/Fragrant Sumac/Sedge - Little BluestemThe southern and western exposure limits tree density and provides enough light for abundant woodland ground flora species to persist. The tree canopy is dominated by a mixture of black oak, post oak and white oak, and the understory is relatively open with scattered oak and sassafras saplings. This woodland community has a two-tiered structure, with a canopy that is 60 to 80 feet tall with 60 to 80 percent closure. Historically, these exposed slopes likely burned every 5 to 20 years, so ground flora cover was greater than 75 percent. During long, fire-free intervals the density of trees and saplings increased, as did fire-intolerant tree species such as hickory. Over time, these gradual species changes and increased density result in a community phase transition. Unlike the forest communities on protected slopes, the persistence of oak as a dominant canopy species is not threatened on the exposed slopes.
Forest overstory.The Overstory Species list is based on field reconnaissance as well as commonly occurring species listed in Nelson 2010; names and symbols are from USDA PLANTS database.
Forest understory. The Understory Species list is based on field reconnaissance as well as commonly occurring species listed in Nelson 2010; names and symbols are from USDA PLANTS database.
Community 1.2
Black Oak – White Oak - Hickory/Fragrant Sumac/Sedge - Little BluestemThe southern and western exposure limits tree density and provides enough light for woodland ground flora species to persist. The understory is relatively dense, with scattered hickory, oak and sassafras saplings. This woodland community has a multi-tiered structure, and a canopy that is 60 to 80 feet tall with 80 to 100 percent closure.
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2This pathway is a gradual transition that results from extended, disturbance-free periods of roughly 50 years or longer.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1This pathway results from ecological disturbances such as fire, ice storms, or violent wind storms. Historically, native grazers such as bison provided disturbance events as well.
State 2
Even-Age Managed WoodlandThese forests tend to be rather dense, with an under developed understory and ground flora. Thinning can increase overall tree vigor and improve understory diversity. Continual timber management, depending on the practices used, will either maintain this state, or convert the site to uneven-age (State 3) woodlands.
Dominant resource concerns
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Plant productivity and health
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Plant structure and composition
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Wildfire hazard from biomass accumulation
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Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Community 2.1
Black Oak – White Oak – Post Oak/HazelnutThis woodland community has a simple, dense, single-tiered structure, with canopy height that varies with age, and 100% canopy closure. The understory and ground flora is depauperate. Thinning can increase overall tree vigor and improve understory diversity. However, in the absence of fire, the diversity and cover of the ground flora is still diminished.
State 3
Uneven-Age Managed WoodlandUneven-Age Managed Woodlands resemble their reference state. The biggest differences are tree age, most being only 50 to 90 years old and denser understory. Composition is also likely altered from the reference state depending on tree selection during harvest. Scarlet oak is often more abundant than historically. In addition, without a regular 15 to 20 year harvest re-entry into these stands, they will slowly increase in more shade tolerant species and white oak will become less dominant. Without periodic disturbance, stem density and fire intolerant species, like hickory, increase in abundance.
Dominant resource concerns
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Plant productivity and health
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Plant structure and composition
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Wildfire hazard from biomass accumulation
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Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Community 3.1
Black Oak – Hickory/Common Serviceberry/Hairy Woodland BromeThis woodland community has a multi-tiered structure, and 60 to 90 percent canopy closure.
State 4
GrasslandType conversion of forests to planted, non-native pasture species such as tall fescue has been common in this MLRA. Steep slopes, abundant surface fragments, low organic matter contents and soil acidity make non-native pastures challenging to maintain in a healthy, productive state on this ecological site. If grazing and active pasture management is discontinued, the site will eventually transition to State 2 (Even-Age).
Community 4.1
Tall Fescue - Red CloverThis is an herbaceous community that is typically dominated by tall fescue. Various other grass and forb species are typically present, in various amounts.
Community 4.2
Tall Fescue - Broomsedge/Oak SproutsShrub and pioneer tree species such as eastern redcedar and oak and hickory sprouts typically invade sites that are not regularly managed.
Dominant resource concerns
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Ephemeral gully erosion
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Nutrients transported to surface water
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Plant productivity and health
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Plant structure and composition
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Plant pest pressure
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Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
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Feed and forage imbalance
State 5
High-Graded/Grazed WoodlandEcological sites subjected to repeated, high-graded timber harvests and uncontrolled domestic grazing transition to this State. This state exhibits an over-abundance of hickory and other less desirable tree species, and weedy understory species such as coralberry, gooseberry, poison ivy and Virginia creeper. The vegetation offers little nutritional value for cattle, and excessive stocking damages tree boles, degrades understory species composition and results in soil compaction and accelerated erosion and runoff. Exclusion of livestock from sites in this state coupled with uneven-age management techniques will cause a transition to State 3 (Uneven-Age).
Dominant resource concerns
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Ephemeral gully erosion
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Plant productivity and health
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Plant structure and composition
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Plant pest pressure
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Wildfire hazard from biomass accumulation
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Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Community 5.1
Black Oak-Hickory/Sassafras/BuckbrushTransition T1A
State 1 to 2This transition typically results from even-age forest management practices, such as clear-cut, seed tree or shelterwood harvest and fire suppression.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3This transition typically results from uneven-age forest management practices and fire suppression.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4Clearing; grassland planting; grassland management
Transition T1D
State 1 to 5Poorly planned harvests; uncontrolled grazing
Restoration pathway R1B
State 2 to 1Forest management; prescribed fire; extended rotations
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3This transition typically results from uneven-age forest management practices, such as single tree or group selection harvest.
Restoration pathway R1A
State 3 to 1Forest management; prescribed fire; extended rotations
Transition T3A
State 3 to 2This transition typically results from even-age forest management practices, such as clear-cut, seed tree or shelterwood harvest.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 2This transition typically results from tree planting; long-term succession; no grazing
Transition T5A
State 5 to 2This transition results from the cessation of cattle grazing and associated pasture management such as mowing and brush-hogging. Herbicide application, tree planting and timber stand improvement techniques can speed up this otherwise very lengthy transition.
Transition T5B
State 5 to 3Uneven-age management; no grazing; forest stand improvement
Restoration pathway T5A
State 5 to 4Clearing; grassland planting; grassland management
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 1.1 forest overstory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height ft Canopy cover (%) Diameter in Basal area (square ft/acre) Treewhite oak QUAL Quercus alba Native – 20-40 – 0 black oak QUVE Quercus velutina Native – 20-40 – 0 post oak QUST Quercus stellata Native – 10-20 – 0 mockernut hickory CATO6 Carya tomentosa Native – 10-20 – 0 shagbark hickory CAOV2 Carya ovata Native – 10-20 – 0 sassafras SAAL5 Sassafras albidum Native – 10-20 – 0 common persimmon DIVI5 Diospyros virginiana Native – 10-20 – 0 Table 7. Community 1.1 forest understory composition
Common name Symbol Scientific name Nativity Height (ft) Canopy cover (%) Grass/grass-like (Graminoids)poverty oatgrass DASP2 Danthonia spicata Native – 5–20 slimleaf panicgrass DILI2 Dichanthelium linearifolium Native – 5–20 rock muhly MUSO Muhlenbergia sobolifera Native – 5–20 black edge sedge CANI3 Carex nigromarginata Native – 5–20 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium Native – 5–20 hairy woodland brome BRPU6 Bromus pubescens Native – 5–20 Bosc's panicgrass DIBO2 Dichanthelium boscii Native – 5–20 Pennsylvania sedge CAPE6 Carex pensylvanica Native – 5–20 whitetinge sedge CAAL25 Carex albicans Native – 5–20 eastern bottlebrush grass ELHY Elymus hystrix Native – 5–20 oval-leaf sedge CACE Carex cephalophora Native – 5–20 Muhlenberg's sedge CAMU4 Carex muehlenbergii Native – 5–20 Forb/Herbelmleaf goldenrod SOUL2 Solidago ulmifolia Native – 1–20 manyray aster SYAN2 Symphyotrichum anomalum Native – 1–20 rue anemone THTH2 Thalictrum thalictroides Native – 1–20 American ipecac GIST5 Gillenia stipulata Native – 1–20 hairy sunflower HEHI2 Helianthus hirsutus Native – 1–20 feathery false lily of the valley MARA7 Maianthemum racemosum Native – 1–20 eastern beebalm MOBR2 Monarda bradburiana Native – 1–20 bristly buttercup RAHI Ranunculus hispidus Native – 1–20 fire pink SIVI4 Silene virginica Native – 1–20 fourleaf milkweed ASQU Asclepias quadrifolia Native – 1–20 pointedleaf ticktrefoil DEGL5 Desmodium glutinosum Native – 1–20 creeping lespedeza LERE2 Lespedeza repens Native – 1–20 Parlin's pussytoes ANPA9 Antennaria parlinii Native – 1–20 Virginia tephrosia TEVI Tephrosia virginiana Native – 1–20 late purple aster SYPA11 Symphyotrichum patens Native – 1–20 calico aster SYLA4 Symphyotrichum lateriflorum Native – 1–20 smooth small-leaf ticktrefoil DEMA2 Desmodium marilandicum Native – 1–20 nakedflower ticktrefoil DENU4 Desmodium nudiflorum Native – 1–20 Arkansas bedstraw GAAR4 Galium arkansanum Native – 1–20 spotted geranium GEMA Geranium maculatum Native – 1–20 Shrub/Subshrubfragrant sumac RHAR4 Rhus aromatica Native – 5–20 Blue Ridge blueberry VAPA4 Vaccinium pallidum Native – 5–20 leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens Native – 5–20 American hazelnut COAM3 Corylus americana Native – 5–20 Treeflowering dogwood COFL2 Cornus florida Native – 5–20 farkleberry VAAR Vaccinium arboreum Native – 5–20 Table 8. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife (MDC 2006):
Oaks provide hard mast for wildlife; scattered shrubs provide soft mast; occasional bedrock outcrops provide reptile habitat and a patchier ground flora.
Sedges and native grasses provide green browse; native grasses on dry sites provide cover and nesting habitat and a diversity of forbs provides a diversity and abundance of insects.
Post-burn areas can provide temporary bare-ground – herbaceous cover habitat important for turkey poults and quail chicks.
Bird species associated with Chert Woodlands include Indigo Bunting, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Bobwhite, Summer Tanager, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Whip-poor-will, Chuck-will’s Widow, and Red-eyed Vireo.
Reptiles and amphibians associated with mature Chert Woodlands include: ornate box turtle, northern fence lizard, five-lined skink, coal skink, broad-headed skink, six-lined racerunner, western slender glass lizard, prairie ring-necked snake, flat-headed snake, rough earth snake, red milk snake, western pygmy rattlesnake, and timber rattlesnake.Other information
Forestry (NRCS 2002; 2014)
Management: Field measured site index values average 57 for shortleaf pine and 53 for black oak. Timber management opportunities are fair to good. Create group openings of at least 2 acres. Large clearcuts should be minimized if possible to reduce impacts on wildlife and aesthetics. Uneven-aged management using single tree selection or group selection cuttings of ½ to 1 acre are other options that can be used if clear cutting is not desired or warranted. Using prescribed fire as a management tool could have a negative impact on timber quality and should be used with caution on a site if timber management is the primary objective.
Limitations: Large amounts of coarse fragments throughout profile; Surface stones and rocks are problems for efficient and safe equipment operation and will make equipment use somewhat difficult. Disturbing the surface excessively in harvesting operations and building roads increases soil losses, which leaves a greater amount of coarse fragments on the surface. Hand planting or direct seeding may be necessary. Seedling mortality due to low available water capacity may be high. Mulching or providing shade can improve seedling survival. Mechanical tree planting will be limited. Erosion is a hazard when slopes exceed 15 percent. On steep slopes greater than 35 percent, traction problems increase and equipment use is not recommended.Supporting information
Inventory data references
Potential Reference Sites: Chert Exposed Backslope Woodland Plot BRCRCA02 – Rueter soil Located in Brush Creek CA, Polk County, MO Latitude: 37.809045 Longitude -93.625518 Plot TUCRPV02 – Rueter soil Located in Turkey Creek Forest PV, Newton County, MO Latitude: 37.114194 Longitude: -94.555916
Other references
Anderson, R.C. 1990. The historic role of fire in North American grasslands. Pp. 8-18 in S.L. Collins and L.L. Wallace (eds.). Fire in North American tallgrass prairies. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman.
Batek, M.J., A.J. Rebertus, W.A. Schroeder, T.L. Haithcoat, E. Compas, and R.P. Guyette. 1999. Reconstruction of early nineteenth-century vegetation and fire regimes in the Missouri Ozarks. Journal of Biogeography 26:397-412.
Fletcher, P.W. and R.E. McDermott. 1957. Influence of Geologic Parent Material and Climate on Distribution of Shortleaf Pine in Missouri. University of Missouri, Research Bulletin 625. 43p.
Harlan, J.D., T.A. Nigh and W.A. Schroeder. 2001. The Missouri original General Land Office survey notes project. University of Missouri, Columbia.
Henderson, Richard L. 2004. Soil Survey of Cedar County, Missouri. U.S. Dept. of Agric. Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Ladd, D. 1991. Reexamination of the role of fire in Missouri oak woodlands. Pp. 67-80 in G.V. Brown, James K.; Smith, Jane Kapler, eds. 2000. Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on flora. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-vol. 2. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 257 p.
Missouri Department of Conservation, 2006. Missouri Forest and Woodland Community Profiles. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri.
Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2002. Woodland Suitability Groups. Missouri FOTG, Section II, Soil Interpretations and Reports. 30 pgs.
Natural Resources Conservation Service. Site Index Reports. Accessed May 2014. https://esi.sc.egov.usda.gov/ESI_Forestland/pgFSWelcome.aspx
NatureServe. 2005. International Ecological Classification Standard: Terrestrial Ecological Classifications. Rapid Assessment Reference Condition Model, R5BSOW Interior Highlands Dry Oak/Bluestem Woodland/Glade. NatrueServe Central Databases. Arlington, VA U.S.
Nelson, Paul W. 2010. The Terrestrial Natural Communities of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri.
Nigh, Timothy A., and Walter A. Schroeder. 2002. Atlas of Missouri Ecoregions. Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri.
Schoolcraft, H.R. 1821. Journal of a tour into the interior of Missouri and Arkansas from Potosi, or Mine a Burton, in Missouri territory, in a southwest direction, toward the Rocky Mountains: performed in the years 1818 and 1819. Richard Phillips and Company, London.
United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. 682 pgs.Contributors
Doug Wallace
Fred YoungApproval
Nels Barrett, 10/07/2020
Acknowledgments
Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Department of Natural Resources personnel provided significant and helpful field and technical support in the development of this ecological site.
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 09/30/2020 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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PrintThe 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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