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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): 119X–Ouachita Mountains
Major Land Resource Area 119, the Ouachita Mountains, is in Arkansas and Oklahoma. This MLRA is about 11,885 square miles (30,800 square kilometers). Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita National Forest reside in this MLRA.
This MLRA is located in the Ouachita Mountains section of the Ouachita Province of the Interior Highlands. The steep mountains are underlain by folded and faulted sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Most of the valleys are narrow and have steep gradients while wide terraces and flood plains border the Ouachita River. Elevation ranges from 130 feet (40 meters) in the bottomlands to 2,670 feet (810 meters) on the mountain peaks.
These steep mountains are underlain by folded and faulted formations, dominantly of shale and sandstone. Ordovician-age shale and sandstone are included in the Collier Shale, Crystal Mountain Sandstone, and Womble Shale. Mississippian-age shale, sandstone, novaculite, and chert are included in the Arkansas Novaculite and the Stanley Shale. Pennsylvanian-age shale, slate, quartzite, and sandstone are included in the Jackfork Sandstone, Johns Valley Shale, and upper Atoka Formations. Alluvial deposits of silt, sand, and gravel are on the wide terraces and flood plains that border the Ouachita River.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Ultisols and Inceptisols. The soils in this MLRA have a thermic soil temperature regime, a udic soil moisture regime, and mixed or siliceous mineralogy.Ecological site concept
The Shallow Upland ecological site is on hills and mountains along hillslopes and mountainsides. The soils associated with this site are shallow and formed in residuum derived from sandstone and shale. This site has slopes between 3 and 40 percent with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,800 feet (150 to 590 meters). Important abiotic characteristics associated with this site are less than 20 inches (50 cm) to a restriction layer, 18 to 35 percent clay in the particle size control section, and a shallow rooting depth.
Associated sites
NX119X01Y006 Clayey Upland
This ecological site is differentiated from the Shallow Upland Ecological Site by a clay content of greater than 35 percent in the particle size control section and a Bt horizon within 10 inches.
Similar sites
NX119X01Y007 Loamy Upland
This ecological site is differentiated from the Shallow Upland Ecological Site by a soil depth greater than 20 inches.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Quercus alba
(2) Pinus taedaShrub (1) Rhus
(2) CornusHerbaceous (1) Schizachyrium scoparium
(2) Sorghastrum nutansLegacy ID
F119XY003AR
Physiographic features
This ecological site is on hills and mountains along hillslopes and mountainsides. This site has slopes between 3 and 40 percent. Elevations range from 500 to 1,800 feet (150 to 590 meters). Runoff class varies from medium to high, with no ponding or flooding.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hills > Hillslope
(2) Mountains > Mountainside
Runoff class Medium to high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 500 – 1800 ft Slope 3 – 40 % 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 54 inches. The average frost-free period is 182 days, and the average freeze-free period is 207 days. The highest precipitation occurs in May (6.4 inches), and the lowest occurs in August (3.4 inches). Precipitation varies greatly across this ecological site, with increasing precipitation from west to east. The warmest month of the year is August (93°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 Environmental Protection Agency (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 Alum Fork, Battiest, Wilburton, Murfreesboro, Waldron, and Hot Springs 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) 170-190 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 200-210 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 50-60 in Frost-free period (actual range) 160-200 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 200-230 days Precipitation total (actual range) 50-60 in Frost-free period (average) 180 days Freeze-free period (average) 210 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) ALUM FORK [USC00030130], Paron, AR
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(2) BATTIEST [USC00340567], Bethel, OK
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(3) WILBURTON 9 ENE [USC00349634], Red Oak, OK
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(4) MURFREESBORO 1W [USC00035079], Murfreesboro, AR
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(5) WALDRON [USC00037488], Waldron, AR
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(6) HOT SPRINGS 1 NNE [USC00033466], Hot Springs National Park, AR
">Influencing water features
This ecological site is not significantly influenced by water features.
Wetland description
This ecological site is not significantly influenced by wetlands.
Soil features
The soils associated with this ecological site are formed in residuum derived from sandstone and shale. These soils are shallow, well to excessively drained, and have a moderate to moderately rapid permeability class. A gravelly or stony fine sandy loam or silt surface texture is common. Important abiotic characteristics associated with this site are less than 20 inches (50 cm) to a restriction layer, 18 to 35 percent clay in the particle size control section, and a shallow rooting depth.
The soil series associated with this site are Pickens, Bismark, and Clebit.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Residuum – sandstone and shale
Surface texture (1) Gravelly fine sandy loam
(2) Stony silt
Drainage class Well drained to excessively drained Permeability class Moderate to moderately rapid Depth to restrictive layer 20 in Soil depth 0 – 20 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 10 – 34 % Surface fragment cover >3" 2 – 22 % Available water capacity
(Depth not specified)0.6 – 2.4 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(Depth not specified)4.5 – 6.5 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)19 – 32 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)4 – 15 % Ecological dynamics
The Shallow Upland reference state consists of a pine forest, characterized by a shortleaf pine overstory with a herbaceous forest floor. Loblolly pine and hardwood tree species can also be found on upland sites (Edlredge, 1937). Native grass species such as big bluestem, switchgrass, little bluestem, and Indiangrass are found in the herbaceous layer. (Arkansas Geological Survey, 2005).
Fire has a significant influence on this ecological site. The historical average fire-return interval was likely between 3 and 25 years (Guyette and Spetich, 2003; Hallgren, DeSantic, and Burton, 2012). These wildfires would occur naturally through lightning strikes, but the majority were probably ignited by anthropogenic sources (DeSantis, Hallgren, and Stahle, 2010). Native species evolved with and responded well to fires (Spetich and Hong He, 2008; Engle and Bidwell, 2001). Fires on upland ecological sites are likely moderate to low severity, due to forested conditions and lower amounts of ground vegetation (Carey, 1992).
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 the hail-storm (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).
Livestock grazing can occur on this ecological site. Changes to the ecological dynamics are proportional to the intensity of livestock grazing and can be altered by grazing management practices (Angerer, Fox, and Wolfe, 2013; Kohl, 2016). For example, desirable grasses and forbs are relentlessly grazed by livestock. This will weaken and potentially remove or replace desirable species with less productive 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
SWAPAEHSWAPAEHSWAPAEHT1B - 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. T2B - Tree removal, mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, tillage, introduce annual or perennial forage species. T2A - Tree removal, brush management, plantation tree establishment and management. T3B - Forage species suppression, brush management, native tree establishment and management. T3A - Forage species suppression, brush management, plantation tree establishment and management. T4A - Plantation species suppression, brush management, native tree establishment and management. T4B - Woody species removal, prescribed fire, seeding, and grazing. State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Longer fire return intervals 1.1B - Longer fire return intervals 1.1C - Major ecosystem disturbance 1.2B - Major ecosystem disturbance 1.3B - Major ecological disturbance 1.4A - Regular fire return interval, time 1.4B - Regular fire return interval, time 1.4C - Regular fire return interval, time State 2 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Longer fire return intervals 1.1B - Longer fire return intervals 1.1C - Major ecosystem disturbance 1.2B - Major ecosystem disturbance 1.3B - Major ecological disturbance 1.4A - Regular fire return interval, time 1.4B - Regular fire return interval, time 1.4C - Regular fire return interval, time State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1A - Fire Suppression, Grazing Pressure 3.2A - Tree Removal, Brush Management, Grazing Management 3.2B - Fire Suppression, Grazing Pressure 3.3A - Tree Removal, Brush Management 3.3B - Tree Removal, Brush Management State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceThe Reference State is representative of the natural range of variability without anthropogenic influences.
Drivers: Fire frequency between 3 and 25 years, climate (decadal scale), insect and disease presence or establishment, and wildlife grazing or browsing.
Feedbacks: Fire-tolerant species dominate the ecological site. Wildlife grazing or browsing decreases the amount of grass available, decreasing fire intensity and causing wildlife migration to a new grazing location. When wildlife migrate, grasses and small shrubs grow and become sufficient fuel to carry a low or medium intensity fire across the landscape within the fire return interval.
Characteristics and indicators. The reference state consists of a hardwood and pine forest, characterized by mixed hardwood and pine species. Gaps in the canopy allow sunlight to reach the herbaceous layer, allowing grass and forb species to grow.
Dominant plant species
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oak (Quercus), tree
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pine (Pinus), tree
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hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
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farkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), shrub
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American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), shrub
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bluestem (Andropogon), grass
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rosette grass (Dichanthelium), grass
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blueberry (Vaccinium), other herbaceous
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greenbrier (Smilax), other herbaceous
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eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Shortleaf Pine-White Oak/BluestemThis community phase is dominated by mature pine and oak trees, along with warm-season, perennial tallgrasses.
Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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bluestem (Andropogon), grass
Community 1.2
White Oak- Shortleaf PineThis community phase has a moderately closed canopy with an understory of tallgrasses and midgrasses. This community phases occurs on drier locations than community phase 1.3.
Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), tree
Community 1.3
White Oak-Southern Red Oak- Shortleaf PineTree species dominate this community phase. High foliar cover does not allow sunlight below the overstory. This community phase occurs on locations that receive and hold more moisture than community phase 1.2.
Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), tree
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southern red oak (Quercus falcata), tree
Community 1.4
Hickory- Elm- Red MapleThis community phase has fast growing trees and shrubs that cause a "crowded" appearance.
Dominant plant species
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hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
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elm (Ulmus), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Longer fire return intervals allow more trees to grow and become large. Large trees will remove resources from the herbaceous layer, reducing the amount of grasses and forbs.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3Longer fire return intervals allow more trees to grow and become large. Large trees will remove resources from the herbaceous layer, reducing the amount of grasses and forbs.
Pathway 1.1C
Community 1.1 to 1.4Major disturbance removes overstory vegetation. Hickory and elm species cover empty space, and grow rapidly.
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.4Major disturbance removes overstory vegetation. Hickory and elm species cover empty space, and grow rapidly.
Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.4Major disturbance removes overstory vegetation. Hickory and elm species cover empty space, and grow rapidly.
Pathway 1.4A
Community 1.4 to 1.1Time passes and large trees eventually shade out and kill smaller trees in the understory.
Pathway 1.4B
Community 1.4 to 1.2Time passes and large trees eventually shade out and kill smaller trees in the understory.
Pathway 1.4C
Community 1.4 to 1.3Time passes and large trees eventually shade out and kill smaller trees in the understory.
State 2
ForestThe Forest State is representative of the natural range of variability with minor anthropogenic influences.
Drivers: Fire frequency between 3 and 25 years, climate (decadal scale), insect and disease presence or establishment, non-native vegetation establishment, and wildlife or livestock grazing or browsing.
Feedbacks: Fire-tolerant species dominate the ecological site. Grazing and browsing species decreases the amount of grass available, decreasing fire intensity. Grazing and browsing species are removed from the area allowing grasses and small shrubs grow and become sufficient fuel to carry a low or medium intensity fire across the landscape within the fire return interval. Prescribed fire is the most common cause of fire on the current landscape.
Characteristics and indicators. The forest state consists of a hardwood and pine forest, characterized by mixed hardwood and pine species. Gaps in the canopy allow sunlight to reach the herbaceous layer, allowing grass and forb species to grow. The forest state is different than the reference state because non-native vegetation is present.
Dominant plant species
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oak (Quercus), tree
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pine (Pinus), tree
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hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
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blueberry (Vaccinium), shrub
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greenbrier (Smilax), shrub
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muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), shrub
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eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), shrub
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farkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), shrub
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blackberry (Rubus), shrub
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bluestem (Andropogon), grass
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rosette grass (Dichanthelium), grass
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longleaf woodoats (Chasmanthium sessiliflorum), grass
Community 2.1
Shortleaf Pine-White Oak/BluestemThis community phase is dominated by mature pine and oak trees, along with warm-season, perennial tallgrasses.
Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), tree
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bluestem (Andropogon), grass
Community 2.2
White Oak- Shortleaf PineThis community phase has a moderately closed canopy with an understory of tallgrasses and midgrasses. This community phases occurs on drier locations than community phase 1.3.
Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), tree
Community 2.3
White Oak-Southern Red Oak- Shortleaf PineTree species dominate this community phase. High foliar cover does not allow sunlight below the overstory. This community phase occurs on locations that receive and hold more moisture than community phase 1.2.
Dominant plant species
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white oak (Quercus alba), tree
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shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), tree
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southern red oak (Quercus falcata), tree
Community 2.4
Hickory- Elm- Red MapleThis community phase has fast growing trees and shrubs that cause a "crowded" appearance.
Dominant plant species
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hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
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elm (Ulmus), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
Pathway 1.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2Longer fire return intervals allow more trees to grow and become large. Large trees will remove resources from the herbaceous layer, reducing the amount of grasses and forbs.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 2.1 to 2.3Longer fire return intervals allow more trees to grow and become large. Large trees will remove resources from the herbaceous layer, reducing the amount of grasses and forbs.
Pathway 1.1C
Community 2.1 to 2.4Major disturbance removes overstory vegetation. Pioneer tree species cover empty space and grow rapidly.
Pathway 1.2B
Community 2.2 to 2.4Major disturbance removes overstory vegetation. Pioneer tree species cover empty space and grow rapidly.
Pathway 1.3B
Community 2.3 to 2.4Major disturbance removes overstory vegetation. Pioneer tree species cover empty space and grow rapidly.
Pathway 1.4A
Community 2.4 to 2.1Time passes and large trees eventually shade out and kill smaller trees in the understory.
Pathway 1.4B
Community 2.4 to 2.2Time passes and large trees eventually shade out and kill smaller trees in the understory.
Pathway 1.4C
Community 2.4 to 2.3Time passes and large trees eventually shade out and kill smaller trees in the understory.
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, fertilization, herbicide application, livestock 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 bermudagrass, bahiagrass, dallas grass, little bluestem, broom sedge bluestem, annual ryegrass, and tall fescue. 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), grass
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bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), grass
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bluestem (Andropogon), grass
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ryegrass (Lolium), grass
Dominant resource concerns
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Sheet and rill erosion
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Wind erosion
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Ephemeral gully erosion
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Classic gully erosion
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Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
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Compaction
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Organic matter depletion
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Nutrients transported to surface water
Community 3.1
BermudagrassHerbaceous species have been planted to maximize forage production for grazing livestock.
Community 3.2
Bermudagrass/ Elm- Eastern RedcedarHerbaceous species have been planted to maximize forage production for grazing livestock. Management decisions allow the growth of woody species, such as elm and eastern redcedar.
Community 3.3
Eastern Redcedar- Elm/ BermudagrassHerbaceous species have been planted to maximize forage production for grazing livestock. Improper pasture management and time have allowed for the growth of woody species such as eastern redcedar, oaks, and American elm. Woody species encroach on the pasture and dominate resources that were previously utilized by forage species.
Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2This pathway consists of an absence of fire, intense grazing pressure, and natural regeneration.
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1This pathway consists of the removal or reduction of woody species and the increase of desirable forage species.
Pathway 3.2B
Community 3.2 to 3.3This pathway consists of an absence of fire, intense grazing pressure, and natural regeneration.
Pathway 3.3A
Community 3.3 to 3.1This pathway consists of the removal or reduction of woody species.
Pathway 3.3B
Community 3.3 to 3.2This pathway consists of the removal or reduction of woody species.
State 4
Timber PlantationThe timber plantation state is characterized by the planting of merchantable trees species. The most common species for plantations in the Ouachita Mountains is loblolly pine.
Drivers: 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. The timber 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. Timber management differs by tree type (softwood or hardwood), timber harvest method, and reforesting practices.
Dominant plant species
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loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), tree
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oak (Quercus), tree
Dominant resource concerns
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Sheet and rill erosion
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Ephemeral gully erosion
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Classic gully erosion
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Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
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Compaction
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Organic matter depletion
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Ponding and flooding
Community 4.1
Loblolly PineLoblolly pine is planted to maximize timber production.
Dominant plant species
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loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), tree
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Trigger: Mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, tillage, seeding, 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.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning Land Clearing Prescribed Grazing 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 T2B
State 2 to 3Trigger: Mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, tillage, seeding, 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 T2A
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 2Trigger: Forage species removal and suppression, mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, introduce and manage native tree species. Slow Variables: Increased production and management of native 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 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 T4A
State 4 to 2Trigger: Timber species removal and suppression, mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, introduce and manage native tree species. Slow Variables: Increased production and management of native 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 3Trigger: Tree removal, mechanical and chemical woody vegetation suppression, tillage, seeding, and 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 (%) Table 8. Community 1.4 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 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 2.4 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 15. Community 3.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 16. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Common wildlife species in this area include coyote, whitetail deer, bobcat, beaver, raccoon, otter, skunk, opossum, muskrat, mink, cottontail, armadillo, gray squirrel, and turkey. The species of fish in the area include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, spotted bass, white bass, crappie, flathead catfish, sucker, bullhead, bowfin, and gar.
Hydrological functions
Following are the estimated withdrawals of freshwater by use in this MLRA:
Public supply— surface-water, 26.5%; ground-water, 0.3%
Livestock— surface-water, 9.6%; ground-water, 0.3%
Irrigation— surface-water, 0.6%; ground-water, 0.0%
Other— surface-water, 62.6%; ground-water, 0.0%
The total withdrawals average 155 million gallons per day (585 million liters per day). About 1 percent is from ground-water sources, and 99 percent is from surface-water sources. The high precipitation, perennial streams, and reservoirs provide abundant water. Several large reservoirs are used for water storage, flood control, and recreation. In the valleys, small ponds and springs are the main sources of water for domestic use and for livestock. The surface-water is typically of very good quality in this mountainous area.
In the valleys, shallow wells in alluvium are the main sources of water for domestic use and for livestock. None of the bedrock aquifers in Arkansas or Oklahoma occur in this area. The quality of the shallow ground-water is very similar to the quality of the water in the streams and rivers. The ground-water 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 Ouachita National Forest is throughout this MLRA, encompassing nearly 1.8 million acres of public land.
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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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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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
Dean Stacy, 5/16/2025
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 08/08/2024 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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