Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site NX118A01Y004
Clayey Flood Plain
Last updated: 9/22/2023
Accessed: 10/29/2026
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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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 118A–Arkansas Valley and Ridges, Eastern Part
Major Land Resource Area 118A, Arkansas Valley and Ridges Eastern Part, is in Arkansas and Oklahoma. This MLRA is about 6,755 square miles (17,495 square kilometers). The Ozark National Forest and the northern portion of the Ouachita National Forest occur in this MLRA.
This area is mostly in the Arkansas Valley Section of the Ouachita Province of the Interior Highlands. Small areas in the southeast corner and the south-central part of the MLRA are in the Ouachita Mountains. This MLRA consists of long, narrow ridges and high flat-topped mountains capped with sandstone that trend northeastward. Crests are narrow and rolling on ridges, while broad and flat on mountaintops. The intervening valleys are broad and smooth. Elevations generally range from 310 feet (90 meters) to 760 feet (230 meters) with higher and lower elevations on the valleys and ridgetops.
The ridgetops and valleys in this MLRA are underlain by slightly folded to level beds of sandstone and shale of the Pennsylvanian age. The terrace deposits along the Arkansas River include a complex sequence of unconsolidated gravel, sandy gravel, sands, silty sands, silts, clayey silts, and clays. The individual deposits are commonly lenticular and discontinuous. At least three terrace levels are recognized with the lowest being the youngest.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Ultisols. The soils in the area have a thermic soil temperature regime, a udic soil moisture regime, and mixed or siliceous mineralogy.Ecological site concept
The Clayey Flood Plain ecological site is in river valleys along flood plains. This site has slopes between 0 and 1 percent with elevations ranging from 22 to 1,200 feet (7 to 365 meters). The soils associated with this site are very deep, and formed in alluvium derived from sandstone and shale. Important abiotic characteristics associated with this site are a greater than 35 percent clay in the particle size control section, a Bt horizon within 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil surface, and redox reactions throughout the soil profile. Occasional to frequent flooding events occur for brief to long durations on this site.
Associated sites
NX118A01Y007 Seasonally Wet Terraces and Footslopes
This ecological site is differentiated from the Clayey Flood Plain Ecological Site by a a root restriction layer within 20 inches of the soil surface and redox reactions below 20 inches.
Similar sites
NX118A01Y008 Fluventic Flood Plain
This ecological site is differentiated from the Clayey Flood Plain Ecological Site by a clay content less than 35 percent in the particle size control section.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Quercus
(2) PlatanusShrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Schizachyrium scoparium
(2) Panicum virgatumLegacy ID
R118AY004AR
Physiographic features
This ecological site is on river valleys along flood plains. This site has slopes between 0 and 1 percent. Elevations range from 22 to 1,200 feet (7 to 365 meters). Runoff class varies from medium to high, with no ponding, and rare to occasional flooding frequency for brief to long durations.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) River valley > Flood plain
Runoff class Medium to high Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days) Flooding frequency Rare to occasional Ponding frequency None Elevation 22 – 1200 ft Slope 0 – 1 % Water table depth 0 – 18 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
This ecological site is characterized by hot summers, cool winters, and mild spring and fall temperatures. Mean annual precipitation is 49 inches. The average frost-free period is 193 days, and the average freeze-free period is 212 days. The highest precipitation occurs in May (6 inches), and the lowest occurs in January (2.8 inches). The warmest month of the year is August (94°F average high), and the coolest is January (26°F average low).
Thunderstorms and heat waves are common and occur frequently during summer months. Catastrophic storm events, such as tornados, ice-storms, floods, and hail-storms are also known to occasionally occur within this ecological site. According to the Oklahoma Water Resource Board, drought occurs on 5 to 10 year cycles. The EPA predicts that droughts will become more severe throughout Arkansas due to longer periods without rain and an increase in very hot days (EPA, 2016).
Data was provided by the Blue Mountain Dam, Clarksville, Greers Ferry Dam, Poteau, Sallisaw, and Subiaco climate stations. Site specific data should be obtained by accessing the database provided by the National Centers for Environmental Information (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/search).Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 180-190 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 200-220 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (actual range) 170-190 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 190-220 days Precipitation total (actual range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (average) 180 days Freeze-free period (average) 210 days Precipitation total (average) 50 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) CABOT [USC00031102], Cabot, AR
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(2) CONWAY [USC00031596], Conway, AR
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(3) WOOSTER [USC00038010], Greenbrier, AR
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(4) GREENBRIER [USC00032962], Greenbrier, AR
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(5) SEARCY [USC00036506], Judsonia, AR
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(6) MORRILTON [USC00034938], Morrilton, AR
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(7) FT SMITH RGNL AP [USW00013964], Fort Smith, AR
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(8) OZARK [USC00035508], Ozark, AR
">Influencing water features
This ecological site experiences flooding events rare to occasional (1 to 5 times in 100 years to more than 5 to 50 times in 100 years) for brief to long durations (2 to 7 days to 7 to 30 days).
Wetland description
This ecological site is not significantly influenced by wetlands.
Soil features
The soils associated with this ecological site are formed in alluvium derived from sandstone and shale. These soils are very deep, poorly drained, and have a very slow to slow permeability class. A clay and silty clay surface texture is common. Important abiotic characteristics associated with this site are a greater than 35 percent clay in the particle size control section, a Bt horizon within 12 inches (30 cm) of the soil surface, and redox reactions throughout the soil profile.
The soil series associated with this site are Roellen, Pocola, and Iberia.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – sandstone and shale
Surface texture (1) Clay
(2) Silty clay loam
Drainage class Moderately well drained to well drained Permeability class Very slow to moderate Soil depth 60 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(Depth not specified)4.7 – 8.1 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(Depth not specified)5.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 2 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
The Clayey Flood Plains reference state consists of a bottomland hardwood forest that is periodically flooded throughout the year. The common trees species for this state are hickory, oak, hackberry, elm, and loblolly pine (Eldredge, 1937).
Flooding is a major ecosystem disturbance on this ecological site. Ecosystems are affected differently by flooding depending on the duration, time of year, and water stagnation. Species diversity has been shown to decrease with increased flooding duration. Nutrients and seeds are transported and distributed throughout the landscape during flooding events (Smith and Callahan, 1983). Flooding during the dormant season does not have negative effects on species diversity and growth (Bedinger, 1979).
Fire has some influence on this ecological site during dry years. High precipitation throughout the year will decrease fire behavior due to proximity with riparian areas. The historical average fire return interval was likely between 3 and 25 years (Guyette and Spetich, 2003; Hallgren, DeSantic, and Burton, 2012). These fires would occur naturally through lightning strikes, but the majority were probably ignited by anthropogenic sources (DeSantis, Hallgren, and Stahle, 2010).
Climate related events, such as hail-storms, tornados, thunderstorms, and extreme precipitation, occur on these sites. Hail-storms can reduce canopy size, increase litter deposition, and increase tree bark removal. When paired with other disturbances, such as fire, the effects on tree species were much greater than in areas not affected by hail-storms (Gower et al., 2015). Tornados have been shown to change plant community compositions in savanna ecosystems, favoring hardwoods and eliminating softwoods (Liu et al., 1997). Thunderstorms greatly effect ecosystem dynamics. Thunderstorms generally occur during summer months but can occur during every season. If a fire is started by a lightning strike, there will be different effects in the ecosystem depending on the season (Hiers, Wyatt, and Mitchell, 2000).
Grazing and farming can occur on this ecological site. Changes to the ecological dynamics are proportional to the intensity of livestock grazing and can be accelerated by overgrazing (Angerer, Fox, and Wolfe, 2013; Kohl, 2016). For example, desirable grasses and forbs are repeatedly grazed by livestock, weakening, and potentially killing or replacing these species with less desirable species (Smith, 1940).
A state and transition model has been created to explain this Ecological Site. However, sparse data availability only allowed basic principles to be explored and a small number of species to be recorded. More data will be collected to provide a greater understanding of the ecological dynamics, as well as the resources consumption and distribution.State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
T1C - Absence of fire or alternative brush management, woody species encroachment. T1B - Tree removal, mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, tillage, introduce annual or perennial forage species. T1A - Tree removal, brush management, plantation tree establishment and management. T2A - Tree removal, mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, tillage, introduce annual or perennial forage species. T2B - Woody species removal, plantation tree planting, prescribed fire. T3B - Lack of management or abandonment. T3A - Forage species suppression, brush management, plantation tree establishment and management. T4B - Lack of management or abandonment. T4A - Woody species removal, prescribed fire, seeding, and grazing. State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Less water, decreased flooding 1.2B - More water, increased flooding 1.2A - Less water, decreased flooding 1.3A - More water, increased flooding 1.3B - More water, increased flooding State 1
ReferenceThe Reference State is representative of the natural range of variability without major anthropogenic influences.
Drivers- Flooding duration and frequency, climate (decadal scale), insect and disease presence or establishment, wildlife grazing or browsing, and fire frequency.
Feedbacks- Water tolerant tree species dominate this ecological site. Flooding events limit what species can grow and survive inundation.
Characteristics and indicators. The reference state consists of a bottomland hardwood forest that is periodically flooded throughout the year.
Dominant plant species
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oak (Quercus), tree
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hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
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hackberry (Celtis), tree
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sycamore (Platanus), tree
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pine (Pinus), tree
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sweetgum (Liquidambar), tree
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switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
Community 1.1
Water Hickory-Overcup OakWater Hickory and Overcup Oak.
Community 1.2
Nuttall Oak- Southern Hackberry- SweetgumNuttall Oak, Southern Hackberry, and Sweetgum.
Community 1.3
Shagbark Hickory- Southern Red OakShagbark Hickory and Southern Red Oak.
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2This pathway is characterized by periods of lower precipitation and decreased flooding.
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.1This pathway is characterized by periods of higher precipitation and increased flooding.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.3This pathway is characterized by periods of lower precipitation and decreased flooding.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1This pathway is characterized by periods of higher precipitation and increased flooding.
Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.2This pathway is characterized by periods of higher precipitation and increased flooding.
State 2
EncroachedThe encroached state is dominated by woody species.
Driver: Absence of fire, seed dispersal by wildlife, climate (decadal scale), and canopy density.
Feedbacks: Woody species dominate the ecological site, shading herbaceous species. As herbaceous species are outcompeted for resources, fire frequency decreases. Nutrient and water cycling are controlled by woody species.
Characteristics and indicators. The Encroached State consists of many woody species, especially eastern redcedar, where there is significant canopy closure. Time and fire frequency determine the community phases and species abundance and variation. As the woody canopy increases the hydrology of the site is altered. The increased canopy intercepts most of the precipitation. Understory species have less available water for growth and must compete with an extensive overstory root system.
Dominant plant species
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eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
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oak (Quercus), tree
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hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
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beech (Fagus), tree
State 3
PastureThe Pasture State is characterized by the dominance of improved forage species. The quality and quantity of forb, grass, and legume species within this state will depend on the level of management inputs including seeding, weed management, and land uses. Species of both warm-season and cool-season grasses are feasible for these sites.
Drivers: Mechanical soil disturbance and seed planting, climate (decadal scale), seed dispersal, and wildlife or livestock grazing or browsing.
Feedbacks: Land managers use mechanical and chemical equipment to increase forage. Inputs of fertilizer and brush management are required to maintain high productivity. Wildlife and livestock grazing and browsing decrease the amount of available forage.
Characteristics and indicators. The Pasture State consists of species that are grown for specific management goals, mainly livestock grazing. Common pasture species include buffalograss, western wheatgrass, little bluestem, sideoats grama, Bermudagrass, and bahiagrass. Quality and quantity of forb, grass, and legume species within this state depend on the level of management inputs (seeding, weed management, and land uses). Species of both warm-season and cool-season grasses are feasible for these sites.
Dominant plant species
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Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), grass
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red clover (Trifolium pratense), grass
State 4
PlantationThe plantation state is characterized by the planting of merchantable trees species. The most common species for a plantation is loblolly pine. Community phases differ by tree type (softwood or hardwood) and the harvesting process.
Drivers: Prescribed fires, pest management, vegetation management, canopy density.
Feedbacks: Timber harvesting. Planted tree species dominate this ecological site, shading out other vegetation. Anthropogenic management decreases competition with other species and assists in growth.
Characteristics and indicators. A plantation state consists of tree species that are planted and managed to maximize the production of merchantable timber. The most common plantation species is loblolly pine, followed by hardwood trees. Community phases differ by tree type (softwood or hardwood), timber harvest method, management, and reforesting practices.
Dominant plant species
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loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), tree
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oak (Quercus), tree
Transition T1C
State 1 to 2Trigger: The absence of fire allows woody species to increase and outcompete herbaceous species for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Slow variables: Increased competition for sunlight, nutrients, and moisture resources. Increased overstory competition results in decreased vigor and reproductive capacity of herbaceous understory species. Thresholds: Nutrient cycles shift from grass-and-leaf dominance to leaf-and-needle dominance. Increased woody canopy cover alters hydrologic cycles, potentially increasing runoff, decreasing infiltration, and increasing precipitation interception to woody species.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Trigger: Mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, tillage, and annual forage species introduction. Slow Variables: Increase production and management of forage species. Thresholds: Changes in soil properties, such as structure, organic matter, and nutrient cycling, as well as changes in type and frequency of disturbance.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 4Trigger: Native tree removal, mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, introduce plantation tree species. Slow Variables: Increased production and management of plantation species. Thresholds: Changes in soil properties such as structure, organic matter, and nutrient cycling as well as changes in type and frequency of disturbance.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Trigger: Mechanical and chemical woody vegetation treatment, tillage, and forage species introduction. Slow Variables: Increase production and management of forage species. Thresholds: Changes in soil properties, such as structure, organic matter, and nutrient cycling, as well as changes in type and frequency of disturbance.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4Trigger: Native tree removal, mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, introduce plantation tree species. Slow Variables: Increased production and management of plantation species. Thresholds: Changes in soil properties such as structure, organic matter, and nutrient cycling as well as changes in type and frequency of disturbance.
Transition T3B
State 3 to 2Triggers: Lack of management or abandonment. Slow Variables: Increase in the establishment and size of woody species. Thresholds: Woody species dominate ecological processes. This reduces vigor and reproduction of understory species due to shading and increased competition for soil moisture, nutrients, and sunlight.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Trigger: Forage species removal and suppression, mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, introduce and manage plantation tree species. Slow Variables: Increased production and management of plantation species. Thresholds: Changes in soil properties such as structure, organic matter, and nutrient cycling as well as changes in kind and frequency of disturbance.
Transition T4B
State 4 to 2Triggers: Lack of management or abandonment. Slow Variables: Increase in the establishment and size of woody species. Thresholds: Woody species dominant ecological processes resulting in reduced vigor and reproduction of herbaceous species in the understory due to shading and increased competition for soil moisture, nutrients, and sunlight.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 3Trigger: Tree removal, mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, tillage, introduce annual or perennial forage species. Slow Variables: Increase production and management of forage species. Thresholds: Changes in soil properties such as structure, organic matter, and nutrient cycling as well as changes in type and frequency of disturbance.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Common wildlife species include whitetail deer, coyote, armadillo, beaver, raccoon, skunk, opossum, muskrat, cottontail, mourning dove, turkey, fox squirrel, and gray squirrel.
Hydrological functions
Following are the estimated withdrawals of freshwater by use in this MLRA:
Public supply—surface-water, 24.4%; ground-water, 5.1%
Livestock—surface-water, 8.1%; ground-water, 0.6%
Irrigation—surface-water, 0.0%; ground-water, 0.0%
Other—surface-water, 61.8%; ground-water, 0.0%
The total withdrawals average 95 million gallons per day (360 million liters per day). About 6 percent is from ground-water sources, and 94 percent is from surface-water sources. The moderately high precipitation is adequate for crops and pasture. Large reservoirs on a few of the major streams are sources of municipal water and provide flood control and opportunities for recreation. The surface water is generally of good quality and is suitable for most uses. Shallow wells are the principal sources of water for domestic use. Deep wells are needed to obtain moderate to large quantities of ground water. Water from the Ozark aquifer system in the northern half of this area is suitable for drinking.Recreational uses
Mountain biking, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, mineral prospecting, nature viewing, off-highway vehicle riding, and water activities can all be enjoyed throughout this MLRA on public land where permitted and on private land where allowed. The Ozark National Forest is throughout this MLRA.
Wood products
Public and private timberland comprise large areas throughout this MLRA. Loblolly pine is the most popular species to harvest and produces products such as lumber, pulpwood, posts, and poles. Hardwood species are also harvested and used to produce lumber, flooring, and pulpwood.
Other products
Poultry production is a major industry throughout the MLRA. Small grains, soybeans, and hay are major crops.
Supporting information
References
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Angerer, J., W. Fox, and J. Wolfe. 2016. Land Degradation in Rangeland Ecosystems. Biological and Environmental hazards, Risks, and Disasters. Academic Press.
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Bailey, R.G. 1995. Description of the ecoregions of the United States.
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Cannon, J.B. and J.S. Brewer. 2013. Effects of Tornado Damage, Prescribed Fire, and Salvage Logging on Natural Oak Regeneration in a Xeric Southern USA Coastal Plain Oak and Pine Forest.
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Carey, J. 1992. Quercus stellata, Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Fire Sciences Laboratory.
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Clark, J.A. and K.R. Covey. 2012. Tree species richness and the logging of natural forests: A meta analysis. Forest Ecology and Management. Elsevier, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. 146–153.
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DeSantis, R.D., S.W. Hallgreen, and D.W. Stahle. 2010. Historic Fire Regime of an Upland Oak Forest in South Central North America. Fire Ecology. USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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Eldredge, I. 1937. Forest Resources of Southern Arkansas. Southern Forest Experiment Station. US Forest Service.
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Engle, D. and T. Bidwell. 2001. The response of central North American prairies to seasonal fire. Range Management 54:2–10.
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Engle, D.M. 2017. Fire in North American Tallgrass Prairies. Weed Technology 5:247–248.
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Gower, K., J. Fontaine, C. Birnbaum, and N. Enright. 2015. Sequential Disturbance Effects of Hailstorms and Fire on Vegetation in a Mediterranean-Type Ecosystem. Ecosystems 18:1121–1134.
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Guldin, J.M. and M.W. Fitzpatrick. 1991. Comparison of Log Quality from Even-Aged and Uneven-Aged Loblolly Pine Stands in South Arkansas. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry 15:10–17.
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Guyette, R.P. and M. A. Spetich. 2003. Fire History of Oak-Pine Forests in the Lower Boston Mountains, Arkansas, USA. Forest Ecology and Management. Elsevier. 463–474.
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Guyette, R.P., M.A. Spetich, and M.C. Stambaugh. 2006. Historic fire regime dynamics and forcing factors in the Boston Mountains, Arkansas, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 234:293–304.
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Hallgren, S.W., DeSantis. R. D., and J.A. Burton. 2012. Fire and vegetation Dynamics in the Cross Timbers Forests of South-Central North America. Proceedings of the 4th Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference. USDA Forest Service General Techincal Report NRS-P-102, Springfield, Missouri. 52–66.
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Heikens, A. 2007. Glade Communities of the Ozark Plateaus Province. Pages 220–230 in Savannas, Barrens, and Rock Outcrop Plant Communities of North America.
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Hiers, K., R. Wyatt, and R. Mitchell. 2000. The effects of fire regime on legume reproduction in longleaf pine savannas: is a season selective?. Oecologia 125:521–530.
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Jenks, J.A., Leslie, R.L. Lochmiller, M.A. Melchiors, and McCollum. 1996. Competition in sympatric white-tailed deer and cattle populations in southern pine forests of Oklahoma and Arkansas, USA. Acta Theriologica 41:287–306.
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Klos, R.J. and G.G. Wang. 2009. Drought impact on forest growth and mortality in the southeast USA: an analysis using Forest Health and Monitoring data. Ecological Applications 19:699–708.
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Kohl, M., P. Krausman, K. Kunkel, and D. Williams. 2013. Bison Versus Cattle: Are They Ecologically Synonymous. Rangeland Ecology and Management 66:721–731.
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Linzon, S.N. 1962. Hail Damage to White Pine and Other Trees. The Forestry Chronicle. Canadian Institute of Forestry.
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Liu, C., J. Glitzenstein, P. Harcombe, and R. Knox. 1997. Tornado and fire effects on tree species composition in a savanna in the Big Thicket National Preserve, southeast Texas, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 91:279–289.
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Owens, D. 2005. First report of a geological reconnaissance of the northern counties of Arkansas, made during the years 1857 and 1858. Arkansas Geological Survey.
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Siemann, E., J.A. Carrillo, C.A. Gabler, R. Zipp, and W.E. Rogers. 2009. Experimental test of the impacts of feral hogs on forest dynamics and processes in the southeastern US. Forest Ecology and Management. Elsevier. 546–553.
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Smith, C. 1940. The Effects of Overgrazing and Erosion Upon the Biota of the Mixed-Grass Prairie of Oklahoma. Ecology. Wiley. 381–397.
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Spetich, M. and H. He. 2008. Oak decline in the Boston Mountains, Arkansas, USA: Spatial and temporal patterns under two fire regimes. Forest Ecology and Management 254:454–462.
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Varner, J.M., D.R. Gordon, F.E. Putz, and J.K. Hiers. 2005. Restoring Fire to Long-Unburned Pinus palustris Ecosystems: Novel Fire Effects and Consequences for Long-Unburned Ecosystems. Restoration Ecology 13:536–544.
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Warrillow, M. and P. Mou. 1999. Ice Storm Damage to Forest Tree Species in the Ridge and Valley Region of Southwestern Virginia. The Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society. Torrey Botanical Society. 147–158.
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Woods, A. and J. Omernik. 1996. Level IV Ecoregions of EPA Region 3, US Environmental Protection Agency National Health and Environmental Effects. Research Laboratory, Corvallis, Oregon.
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Zhang, H. 2017. Interpreting Soil Salinity Analysis. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet. Oklahoma State University.
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Zou, C., D. Twidwell, and C. Bielski. 2018. Impact of Eastern Redcedar Proliferation on Water Resources in the Great Plains USA- Current State of Knowledge.
Other references
Arkansas Soil Survey
Ouachita National Forest
Arkansas State Parks
The Nature Conservancy
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Encyclopedia of Arkansas
United States Forest Service Southern Research Station
NatureServe
Oklahoma Water Resource Board
National Centers For Environmental Information
University of Arkansas
Oklahoma State University
Arkansas Department of Forestry
Oklahoma Department of ForestryContributors
Trevor Crandall, Ecological Site Specialist
Approval
Bryan Christensen, 9/22/2023
Acknowledgments
Larry Gray Elizabeth Gray Erin Hourihan
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 10/29/2026 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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