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Ecological site F131AY504LA

Delta Plain - Natural Levees and Ridge Hardwoods

Last updated: 6/10/2025
Accessed: 08/19/2026

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General information

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): 131A–Southern Mississippi River Alluvium

The Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) is the largest of 4 MLRAs within Land Resource Region O, the Mississippi Delta Cotton and Feed Grains Region. It occurs in portions of 7 states including Louisiana (32 percent), Arkansas (26 percent), Mississippi (26 percent), Missouri (12 percent), Tennessee (3 percent), Kentucky (1 percent), and Illinois (less than 1 percent). The MLRA is comprised of 29,555 square miles and extends roughly 650 miles from an area near Cape Girardeau, Missouri in the north to the MLRA’s transition to the Gulf Coast Marsh (MLRA 151) in the south. Average elevations range from 330 feet in the north to sea level in the southern part of the area. For much of the north-south distance, the MLRA is bounded to the east by an abrupt rise in elevation of loess-capped bluffs and hills, the Southern Mississippi Valley Loess (MLRA 134). West of the Mississippi River, the boundary is less distinct except to the northwest where the MLRA abuts the Ozark Plateaus and Ouachita province (MLRAs 116A, 117, and 118A). South of the Ozark and Ouachita escarpment, the MLRA adjoins the Southern Mississippi River Terraces (MLRA 131D), which includes the fabled Grand Prairie and merges with the valleys of the Arkansas and Ouachita rivers (MLRA 131B) and the Red River (MLRA 131C). Occurring within or bordering the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium are three separate loess-capped, upland remnants: Crowley’s Ridge, Macon Ridge, and Lafayette Loess Plain, which are western units of MLRA 134 (USDA-NRCS, 2006a).

MLRA 131A is characterized by landscapes that were created and influenced by the current and earlier paths of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Waters transporting the materials that formed the area originate from as far west as the east slope of the Continental Divide to the western edge of the Appalachian Divide in the east. This comprises a drainage basin of roughly 1,245,000 square miles and includes all or parts of thirty-one U.S. states and two Canadian provinces (Elliott, 1932). The drainage basin of the Mississippi River roughly resembles a funnel which has its spout at the Gulf of America. Waters from as far east as New York and as far west as Montana contribute to flows in the lower extent of the river (USACE, 2017). The soils of these alluvial landscapes are very deep, dominantly poorly and somewhat poorly drained, and have textures that are mostly loamy or clayey. Principal soil orders are Alfisols, Vertisols, Inceptisols, and Entisols (USDA-NRCS, 2006a).

The fluvial processes that shaped the area were highly dynamic, diverse, and complex. During the Pleistocene epoch, multiple continental glacial-interglacial cycles resulted in extreme fluctuations in river discharge and sediment loads. A braided river regime characterized the fluvial dynamics of the Mississippi River through much of the last glacial cycle (Autin et al., 1991; Rittenhour et al., 2007). Rapid aggradation of glacial outwash led to the development of prominent valley train features over a large portion of the area (Autin et al., 1991; Saucier, 1994; Aslan and Autin, 1999; Blum et al., 2000; Rittenour et al., 2007). A changing climate, meltwater withdrawal, and sea-level change induced a transition from a braided river regime to a predominantly single-channeled, laterally migrating river system during the Holocene epoch (Rittenhour et al., 2007; Shen et al., 2012) – characteristics that continue today. Fluvial dynamics of the migrating river resulted in the development of broad meander belts, backswamp environments, and extensive deltaic complexes (Saucier, 1994; Klimas et al., 2011).

Tremendous expanses of bottomland hardwood forests once covered much of the area. Today, the land base is largely in agriculture production, and soybeans, cotton, corn, and rice are the principal crops with sugarcane rising in importance in the southernmost portion of the MLRA (USDA-NRCS, 2022).

Due to its size and biophysical variability, the technical team advised subdividing the MLRA into six subregions: Western Lowlands, St. Francis Basin, Yazoo Basin, Tensas Basin, Delta Plain, and Batture.

LRU notes

The Deltaic Plain of MLRA 131A is located in Louisiana, south of the Old River Control Structure on the Mississippi River. This portion of the MLRA is greatly affected by changes in hydrology over time, by both natural and anthropogenic forces. The landscape was built by the flooding of the Mississippi River with influences of the entire drainage basin.

The Mississippi River built the Deltaic Plain landscape through its multiple meandering channel belts and sediment deposition. The geologic development of coastal Louisiana is closely related to shifting Mississippi River courses. The Mississippi River Deltaic Plain developed as the Mississippi River changed its course multiple times throughout the Holocene Age. The Deltaic Plain is composed of six major delta complexes, two of which are prograding and four are degrading. Recognition that the Deltaic Plain is formed by an orderly progression of events related to shifting Mississippi River courses led to the identification and characterization of the deltaic cycle. The delta cycle is a dynamic and episodic process alternating between periods of seaward progradation of deltas (regressive deposition) and the subsequent landward retreat of deltaic headlands as deltas are abandoned, reworked, and submerged by marine waters (transgressive deposition) (USACE 2004). Within these shifts in land building and subsiding, the complexity of the ecological sites are realized. The interacting relationship between the alluvial landscape of MLRA 131A and the marsh landscape of MLRA 151 provides a gradual transition that obscures the boundary of these two regions. For the purposes of describing ecological sites, MLRA 131A sites are confined to those that are regarded as historically containing forested conditions and MLRA 151 sites confined to areas historically dominated by herbaceous marsh species. In addition to the interaction with MLRA 151 marshes, transitions from the Deltaic Plain into the adjacent MLRA 134 Southern Mississippi Valley Loess are abrupt in most places and are marked by loess covered plains to the east and west of the Deltaic Plain.

Classification relationships

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) and Land Resource Unit (LRU) (USDA-NRCS, 2006) MLRA 131A Southern Mississippi River Alluvium

The Natural Communities of Louisiana - (Louisiana Natural Heritage Program - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries)

EPA Level IV Ecoregion (73n - Inland Swamps, Portions of 73k - Southern Holocene Meander Belts & 73m Southern Backswamps)

Ecological site concept

This site is alluvial plain forests that are rarely to occasionally flooded generally outside of the growing season. These very deep, well to moderately well drained, moderately permeable soils formed in silty and loamy alluvium and occur on natural levees, loamy splays, crevasse ridges, or meander scroll ridges in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain. This site concept is the highest elevation on the local landscape and prior to levee construction it would flood at times providing additional coarse-textured sediment.

This site is on flood plains in Level IV EPA Ecoregion 73n Inland Swamps, 73K Southern Holocene Meander Belts, and portions of 73m Southern Backswamps, of the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium Major Land Resource Area. Within the southernmost reach of the MLRA is the Deltaic Plain which extends from approximately where the Red River influence begins within the MLRA and to the south.

Of note, this site occurs on the protected side of the extensive Mississippi River levee system and is distinguished from similar landforms within the batture lands (i.e., the alluvial land between the river channel and the constructed levee system). Some locations of this site will receive Mississippi River flood waters at times within the Atchafalaya Floodway system and is similar to the flooding that would have occurred historically however the frequency and magnitude will be altered due to control structures and management.

Associated sites

F131AY503LA	Delta Plain - Somewhat Poorly Drained Bottomland Hardwoods The Somewhat poorly drained bottomland hardwood site will fit on the landscape at the next lower elevation of the local landscape and there will be a transition between these sites that is gradual in some locations.

F131AY503LA

Delta Plain - Somewhat Poorly Drained Bottomland Hardwoods

The Somewhat poorly drained bottomland hardwood site will fit on the landscape at the next lower elevation of the local landscape and there will be a transition between these sites that is gradual in some locations.

Similar sites

F131AY406LA	Tensas Basin - Natural Levees and Ridge Hardwoods The Tensas Basin - Natural Levee and Ridge site will occupy the same position on the landscape however it will be found further north in the MLRA above where the Red River enters the MLRA.

F131AY406LA

Tensas Basin - Natural Levees and Ridge Hardwoods

The Tensas Basin - Natural Levee and Ridge site will occupy the same position on the landscape however it will be found further north in the MLRA above where the Red River enters the MLRA.

Figure 1. 131AY504 ES Extent Map

Table 2. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	Not specified

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Physiographic features

This Site occurs on natural levee and ridge positions.

Table 3. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Natural levee (2) Ridge
Runoff class	Negligible to low
Flooding duration	Long (7 to 30 days)
Flooding frequency	None to occasional
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	20 – 200 ft
Slope	0 – 5 %
Ponding depth	0 in
Water table depth	60 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

South Louisiana has a warm, humid climate, with fairly long summers and relatively short winters. The result is a long growing season and abundant plant growth. Water is a definitive part of the southern Louisiana landscape, largely due to the combination of low elevation and fairly abundant rainfall in most years. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 51 to 67 inches over this region and is fairly well distributed throughout the year. There have been very few years when less than 50 inches of precipitation has fallen. Snow is a rarity, and little more than 1 inch typically falls every few years. Growing seasons are long, typically from late February to late November. Along the gulf coast, it is not unusual for the lowest winter temperature to be above 30 degrees. Inland, there have been occasional blasts of cold air that have dropped temperatures into the teens and 20s, but these are rare. Hurricanes and tropical storms are an important part of the climate of southern Louisiana, with some impact occurring nearly every year in some part of the region. However, devastating storms do not occur too often, and heavy rain and storm surge are usually the biggest concerns, compared to wind damage. The following climatic data are averages from the weather stations listed below. Temperature and precipitation may vary considerably from that listed for each month. Site specific weather data should be used for land management decisions. For site specific weather conditions, obtain data from a weather station close to the site.
Information can be accessed from specific weather stations at http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/coopmap/ or http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmla.html.

Table 4 Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	230-270 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	270-370 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	60-60 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	220-300 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	260-370 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	60-60 in
Frost-free period (average)	260 days
Freeze-free period (average)	340 days
Precipitation total (average)	60 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6 Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) JEANERETTE 5 NW [USC00164674], Jeanerette, LA
(2) ST MARTINVILLE 3 SW [USC00168181], Saint Martinville, LA
(3) HOUMA [USC00164407], Houma, LA
(4) LSU CITRUS RSCH STN [USC00165624], Port Sulphur, LA
(5) MORGAN CITY [USC00166394], Berwick, LA
(6) NEW ROADS 5 NE [USC00166686], Ventress, LA
(7) CARVILLE 2 SW [USC00161565], Carville, LA
(8) LSU BEN-HUR FARM [USC00165620], Baton Rouge, LA
(9) RESERVE [USC00167767], Reserve, LA
(10) NEW ORLEANS AUDUBON [USW00012930], Marrero, LA
(11) BRUSLY 2 W [USC00161246], Brusly, LA
(12) DONALDSONVILLE 4 SW [USC00162534], Donaldsonville, LA
(13) FRANKLIN 3 NW [USC00163313], Baldwin, LA
(14) ST BERNARD [USC00168108], Saint Bernard, LA
(15) BOOTHVILLE ASOS [USW00012884], Buras, LA

Influencing water features

This is a Ridge site on the Alluvial plain and is the highest on the local landscape. The site is subject to overflow during large flooding events, however, it is not influenced by wetland or riparian water features. This site is generally described as a runoff site, where rainfall flows off of the site. This site has areas of minor relief with slow runoff and in places will allow some accumulation of water. Water table depths will fluctuate according to the season of the year and will be highest during the winter and early spring when warm season vegetation is not drawing moisture from the soil.

Soil features

Please note that the soils listed in this section of the description may not be all inclusive. There may be additional soils that fit the site’s concepts. Additionally, the soils that provisionally form the concepts of this site may occur elsewhere, either within or outside of the MLRA and may or may not have the same geomorphic characteristics or support similar vegetation. Some soil map units and soil series included in this “provisional” ecological site were used as a “best fit” for a particular soil – landform catena during a specific era of soil mapping, regardless of the origin of parent material or the location of MLRA boundaries. Therefore, the listed soils may not be typical for MLRA 131A or a specific location, and the associated soil map units may warrant further investigation in a joint ecological site inventory – soil survey project. When utilizing this provisional description, the user is encouraged to verify that the area of interest meets the appropriate ecological site concepts by reviewing the soils, landform, vegetation, and physical location. If the site concepts do not match the attributes of the area of interest, please review the Similar or Associated Sites listed in the Supporting Information section of this description to determine if another site may be a better fit for your area of interest.

The principal (or modal) soils of this site are very deep, well to moderately well drained soils that formed in silty and loamy alluvium on natural levees and meander scroll ridges in recent Mississippi River and Red River meander belts. Dominant slope gradient is between 1 and 3 percent with the many undulating meander scroll ridges. Permeability is moderate to moderately rapid and runoff is slow. The soils of the sites within this sub-region of MLRA 131A are influenced by the tributaries of the Mississippi River as well as direct influence from the Red River which enters the alluvial plain at the Northern extent of this sub-region. This influence warrants the inclusion of Red River parent material soils within this Ecological Site concept.

Principal soils of this site formed in silty and loamy alluvium and include Bruin (Coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, thermic Oxyaquic Eutrudepts), Gallion (Fine-silty, mixed, superactive, thermic Typic Hapludalfs), and Robinsonville (Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, nonacid, thermic Typic Udifluvents) soil series. Bruin soils have a water table below 2.5 to 4 feet in the winter and spring, while Robinsonville soils have a water table between 4 to 6 feet deep, and Gallion soils do not have a water table within 6 feet. Reaction in the Bruin soils in the surface ranges from strongly acid through slightly alkaline, with the subsoil ranging from slightly acid through moderately alkaline. Reaction in the Gallion and Robinsonville soils in the surface ranges from moderately through slightly acid, with the subsoil ranging from slightly acid through moderately alkaline. Gallion soils occur mainly on Red River meander belts and where the Red and Mississippi River may have shared recent meander belts. Bruin and Robinsonville soils occur only on the most recent Mississippi River meander belt. Gallion soils have more than 18 percent clay in the particle size control section, while Bruin and Robinsonville soils have less than 18 percent clay in the particle size control section. Other soils include the Sterlington series (Coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, thermic Typic Hapludalfs), which occupy older channels of the Red and Arkansas Rivers. Reaction in the Sterlington soils in the surface ranges from very strongly acid to moderately acid, with the subsoil ranging from very strongly acid through neutral.

Table 5. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium
Surface texture	(1) Very fine sandy loam (2) Silt loam (3) Loam (4) Silty clay loam
Family particle size	(1) Loamy
Drainage class	Moderately well drained to well drained
Permeability class	Moderate to moderately rapid
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	Not specified
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	Not specified
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	Not specified
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	Not specified
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	5.6 – 8.4
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	Not specified
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	Not specified

Ecological dynamics

Information contained in this section was adapted from several sources. 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 hydrology. 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.

This site is found in the Delta Basin of MLRA 131A which is in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain Section of the EPA Ecoregions in sub-sections 73n - Inland Swamps, portions of 73k - Southern Holocene Meander Belts & portions of 73m Southern Backswamps. The dissected plains in this portion of the MLRA have mixed soil minerology with influences from the majority of the Drainage Area of the Mississippi River.

The historic forests of this region once consisted entirely of bottom-land hardwood deciduous forests, mixed hardwood, and cypress swamps. The major tree species in the native plant communities in the areas of bottom-land hardwoods formerly were and currently are water oak, Nuttall oak, cherrybark oak, native pecan, red maple, sweetgum, eastern cottonwood, and hickory. The major tree species in the native plant communities in the swamps formerly were and currently are cypress, water tupelo, water oak, green ash, red maple, and black willow. The important native understory species are palmetto, greenbrier, wild grape, and poison ivy in the areas of bottom-land hardwoods and buttonbush, lizardtail, waterlily, water hyacinth, sedges, and rushes in the swamps. Land cover in many portions are now in farms, which produce mainly cash crops. Cotton, soybeans, milo, and corn are the main crops, and sugarcane is a major crop in the southernmost part of the area. Transitions from the Alluvial Plain into the Adjacent Loess is abrupt in most places and is marked by Loess bluffs to the East and West of the MLRA.

The majority of the MLRA has been converted to agricultural production; minimal areas contain stands of historic plant communities, and many of these areas that have native vegetation has had significant hydrologic alteration. At the northern end of this Sub-region of the MLRA, where the Red River, Atchafalaya River and Mississippi River converge are the Old River Control structures. These Structures are operated to maintain the distribution of flow between the Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya River, and also prevent the Atchafalaya River from capturing the flow of the Mississippi River. The Lower Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System is located within the bounds of this sub-region of the MLRA and includes six requirements - water management, recreation, public access, environmental protection, flood control, and water circulation/canal closure. The flood control component provides safety and livelihood protection to the surrounding communities; it limits the natural reach of the Mississippi River during overbank flow.

As mentioned previously this sub-region's northern extent is found at the Old River Control Structures which regulate the flows of the Mississippi, Red and Atchafalaya Rivers. Additional components in the system are the River levee systems which further regulate the flows and flooding of these river systems. These manmade constraints to the system have substantially altered the hydrologic functions of the sites found within the whole of MLRA 131A. Areas within the confines of the levee systems, unprotected areas, have increased frequency, duration, depth and force of flooding and the area outside of the levee systems, protected areas, have reduced total flooding other than catastrophic events. These Hydrologic alterations have changed ecological sites within the MLRA to where attempts at describing historic communities are best scientific concepts, so most sites are described based on current regimes. The current Atchafalaya River was initiated in the 18th century and by 1765 was well established and in 1831 the Shreve cutoff, near the location of the Old River Control Structure, minimized the flow between the Mississippi river and the Atchafalaya. These natural and anthropogenic hydrologic impacts have occurred within the timeframe that is considered to define the Historic community of the site, so the transitions between Ecological States and other Ecological Sites are very dynamic.

This sub-region of the MLRA has its southernmost portion being positioned at the gulf and it is influenced by tidal forces. The Mississippi River built this landscape through its multiple meandering channel belts and sediment deposition. The geologic development of coastal Louisiana is closely related to shifting Mississippi River courses. The Mississippi River has changed its course several times during the last 7,000 years, leading to the development of the Mississippi River Deltaic and Chenier Plains. The Delta Plain is comprised of six major delta complexes, two of which are prograding and four are degrading. Recognition that the Delta Plain is formed by an orderly progression of events related to shifting Mississippi River courses led to the identification and characterization of the deltaic cycle. The delta cycle is a dynamic and episodic process alternating between periods of seaward progradation of deltas (regressive deposition) and the subsequent landward retreat of deltaic headlands as deltas are abandoned, reworked, and submerged by marine waters (transgressive deposition). Within these shifts in land building and subsiding the complexity of the ecological sites are realized, with transitions from the alluvial landscape of MLRA 131A to the Marshes of MLRA 151. These close relationships and transitions between the alluvial landscape and the marsh landscape provides a gradual transition found in the southern most portion of the MLRA which is almost obscured. For the purposes of describing Ecological Sites, MLRA 131A sites are confined to those that are regarded as historically containing Forested conditions and those that were historically dominated by herbaceous marsh species are considered MLRA 151 Ecological Sites.

This site is described as wetland forests occurring on Natural Levees and Ridge positions on the Alluvial Plain. It was formed by flood events that overtopped the banks of the river and deposited fresh sediment adjacent to the channel forming natural levees or ridges. The soils are rarely inundated or saturated however hydrology is a driver on this site providing internal moisture for forest production even during long dry cycles. The level (0 to 2 percent), to convex shaped slopes create water-shedding landform positions. These alluvial soils are deep to very deep, moderately well to well drained and have moderate to moderately rapid permeability.

Of note, this site occurs on the protected side of the Mississippi River levee system and is distinguished from similar landforms within the batture lands (i.e., the alluvial land between the river channel and the constructed levee system). Some locations of this site will receive Mississippi River flood waters at times within the Atchafalaya Floodway system. This is similar to the flooding that would have been received historically; however, the frequency will be altered due to control structures and management.

State and transition model

Custom diagram

Standard diagram

Figure 7. 131AY504 STM - 6-2020

Figure 8. 131AY504 STM Legend - 6-2020

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 text

Ecosystem states

1. Historic Community Hardwood - Pecan, Cow Oak, Cherrybark Oak, Water Oak

SWAPAEH

2. Disaster cleared - Wind or Water Throws of Trees, Canopy Gap (Food Plot)

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3. Converted State - Cropland

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4. Converted State - Pasture or Grassland

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5. Woody Encroached

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6. Restored Hardwoods

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7. Urban Development

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States 2, 5 and 7 (additional transitions)

2. Disaster cleared - Wind or Water Throws of Trees, Canopy Gap (Food Plot)

SWAPAEH

5. Woody Encroached

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7. Urban Development

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States 3, 7 and 4 (additional transitions)

3. Converted State - Cropland

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7. Urban Development

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4. Converted State - Pasture or Grassland

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T1A	-	Wind or water Force causing canopy gaps.
T2A	-	Regeneration of Hardwood species.
T1B	-	Clear and established the desired Community
T1B	-	Clear and established the desired Community
T1B	-	Clear and established the desired Community
T1B	-	Clear and established the desired Community
T*4	-	Establish desired forage species and manage for grazing.
T*7	-	Construct and maintain urban infrastructure.
T*3	-	Establish and manage crop rotation.
T*5	-	Plant or natural regeneration of woody species.
T*7	-	Construct and maintain urban infrastructure.
T5A	-	Heavy Brush mgmt.
T5B	-	Manage succession for historic community.
T*7	-	Construct and maintain urban infrastructure.

SWAPAEH

3.2. Transitional Conservation Management

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3.3. Conventional Management

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3.1A	-	Soil disturbance (Tillage) which reduces Soil Health.
3.1B	-	Conventional tillage, seeding, and fertility Management for crops.
3.2A	-	No-till, Cover crops, Reduced Till - Soil Health Improvements
3.2B	-	Conventional tillage, seeding, and fertility Management for crops.
3.3A	-	No-till, Cover crops, Reduced Till with Soil Health Improvements as a goal.

State 4 submodel, plant communities

4.1. Managed monoculture grassland

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4.2. Mixed Species Managed System

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4.3. Mixed Species, Non-seeded

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4.4. Early Woody Succession

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4.1A	-	Seeding and/or Management for desired species composition.
4.1B	-	Species Management without overseeding.
4.2A	-	Seeding and/or Management for desired species composition.
4.2B	-	Seeding and/or Management for desired species composition.
4.3A	-	Seeding, fertilizing, management/ removal of unwanted species.
4.3B	-	Seeding and/or Management for desired species composition.
4.3C	-	Lack of disturbance: No or minimal Mowing, burning, herbivory or Brush Mgmt. and/or Plant or natural regeneration of woody species.
4.4A	-	Brush management / removal of unwanted plants.

State 5 submodel, plant communities

5.1. Old field or planted hardwoods

SWAPAEH

State 6 submodel, plant communities

6.1. Restored Hardwood Community

SWAPAEH

State 7 submodel, plant communities

7.1. Homes, buildings, and infrastructure

SWAPAEH

State 1
Historic Community Hardwood - Pecan, Cow Oak, Cherrybark Oak, Water Oak

The historic community of the site would contain an overstory of Pecan (Carya illinoinensis), Cow Oak (Quercus michauxii), Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda), Water Oak (Quercus nigra).

Dominant plant species

pecan (Carya illinoinensis), tree
swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii), tree
cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda), tree
water oak (Quercus nigra), tree

Dominant resource concerns

Ephemeral gully erosion
Classic gully erosion
Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
Wildfire hazard from biomass accumulation

Community 1.1
Mixed Hardwood

Pecan, Cow Oak, Cherry bark Oak, Water Oak

State 2
Disaster cleared - Wind or Water Throws of Trees, Canopy Gap (Food Plot)

Forest Canopy opening created by potentially several ways that allows the understory community to receive adequate sunlight. This State will have a continuum from sparse herbaceous due to recent opening occurring to regeneration of Woody species with dense herbaceous species to the stage where the woody regeneration overtops the herbaceous and begins to shade them out. This continuum of colonization can be delineated as multiple phases depending on needs, and succession can be set back along the continuum.

Dominant resource concerns

Sheet and rill erosion
Ephemeral gully erosion
Classic gully erosion
Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
Compaction
Plant productivity and health
Plant structure and composition
Plant pest pressure
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates

Community 2.1
Wind or Water Throws of Trees (Food Plot)

Some of the potential mechanisms to create Canopy Gaps in a forest community are water and/or wind from a storm or catastrophic event. The furthest southern reach of the site near the gulf can be affected by both forces simultaneously during a Tropical Storm or Hurricane. The northern extent of the site may be affected by similar forces as well as by River flood events. Anthropogenic forces that could cause similar state conditions may be from the creation of food plots in managed hunting locations or clear-cut forest harvest. Food plots may function similarly to Cropland or Pasture states depending on how they are managed, but when initially created they may be similar to this state. The transition back to woodlands or food plots may not transition similarly to agricultural production fields due to size and proximity to the natural community to provide a seed source. If an opening is large enough or adjacent seed sources are not present, they will progress through succession similar to agriculture fields.

State 3
Converted State - Cropland

This state represents a crop production field. Annual plantings for forage production would also be included in this phase, which may include cool season annual grasses and legumes and warm season forage species. Vegetable crops are grown on this site and are generally on a small scale. Sugarcane, Corn and Soybeans are dominant crops and can be planted on fields with adequate management. Wheat may be included in the rotation or as a standalone crop. Other row crop species have been produced on these sites. Often two or more crops will be grown in a multiyear rotation, this breaks pest cycles and some crops produce higher amounts of residue, which is left on the soil to improve soil health. Maintenance of monoculture crop stands also requires the control of unwanted species, which will require Pest Management and Nutrient Management to maintain the needed fertility for production of the desired species. Refer to E-Field Office Technical Guide and the local NRCS Field Office for management assistance.

Dominant resource concerns

Sheet and rill erosion
Ephemeral gully erosion
Classic gully erosion
Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
Compaction
Organic matter depletion
Aggregate instability
Nutrients transported to surface water
Nutrients transported to ground water
Pesticides transported to surface water
Pesticides transported to ground water
Plant productivity and health
Plant pest pressure
Energy efficiency of farming/ranching practices and field operations

Community 3.1
Conservation Management

This cropland phase utilizes long term continuous conservation management systems including reduced till and cover crops, no-till with cover crops, and perennial cropping systems. Indicators of these systems take place in the soil and impacts how it functions, the state change can only be quantified using soil health indicator tests. The above-ground Crop growth is not the best tracking mechanism for this phase. Implementation of tillage even after long term no-till will reset the system back to conventional cropping systems, however returning to a conservation management system is achievable. There are instances where due to climatic conditions in a given crop year, tillage may be considered and/or needed to repair previous damage. These instances should be considered critically prior to implementing tillage if the desired outcome is aesthetics opposed to production.

Critical conservation practices associated with this phase include Cover Crops, No-Till, and Reduced Till as the bedrock practices. There could also be associated supporting and site-specific practices that are needed to address specific conservation needs in a given management unit.

Dominant plant species

sugarcane (Saccharum), other herbaceous
corn (Zea mays), other herbaceous
soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
cotton (Gossypium), other herbaceous

Community 3.2
Transitional Conservation Management

This cropland phase is a common scenario and could be in a continuous ‘transitional’ phase of conservation management state forever. Getting past years 1-2 will reduce the need to apply pesticides that call for bare soil for activation. Sugarcane is the most common perennial crop that would be a continuous transitional phase where intense tillage is implemented at the time of planting and then reduced tillage during the rotation. Planted forage crops could also be included in this phase when part of a crop rotation, as well as when part of a rotation where reduced tillage is implemented for one crop and then tillage is utilized for another crop in the rotation.

Conservation Practices are included with this phase and include Nutrient Management, Pest Management, Reduced Till, Strip Till and the inclusion of Cover Crops. There could also be associated supporting and site-specific practices that are needed to address specific conservation needs in a given management unit.

Dominant plant species

sugarcane (Saccharum), other herbaceous
cotton (Gossypium), other herbaceous
corn (Zea mays), other herbaceous
soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous

Dominant resource concerns

Sheet and rill erosion
Ephemeral gully erosion
Classic gully erosion
Compaction
Organic matter depletion

Community 3.3
Conventional Management

This Cropland phase is typical conventional cropland where tillage is implemented as an annual part of the production system. When conventional annual tillage is part of the production system Sugarcane is placed with conventional annual cropping. This system is productive and will require the utilization of conservation practices such as Nutrient and Pest Management to address fertility needs and pest concerns within the crop production cycle. This phase may occur when tillage is implemented to address damage due to climatic conditions during a previous crop cycle in a conservation management system and the intention is to return to the conservation management system.

There could also be associated, supporting, and site-specific practices that are needed to address specific conservation needs in a given management unit. Specific needs may include grade stabilization structures to control gully erosion, grassed waterways to trap sediment from sheet and rill erosion, or Reduced Till.

Dominant plant species

sugarcane (Saccharum), other herbaceous
corn (Zea mays), other herbaceous
cotton (Gossypium), other herbaceous
soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous

Dominant resource concerns

Sheet and rill erosion
Ephemeral gully erosion
Classic gully erosion
Compaction
Organic matter depletion
Sediment transported to surface water

Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2

Soil disturbance (Tillage) which reduces Soil Health.

Conservation practices

Conservation Cover
Conservation Crop Rotation
Residue Management, Mulch Till
Residue Management, Ridge Till
Residue Management, Seasonal
Grade Stabilization Structure
Row Arrangement
Nutrient Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Record Keeping

Key drivers

Precipitation (monthly scale)
Precipitation event
Mechanical soil disturbance

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Fuel
Soil formation
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 3.1B
Community 3.1 to 3.3

Conventional tillage, seeding, and fertility Management for crops.

Conservation practices

Deep Tillage
Conservation Crop Rotation
Residue Management, Mulch Till
Residue Management, Ridge Till
Residue Management, Seasonal
Grade Stabilization Structure
Precision Land Forming
Land Smoothing
Row Arrangement
Nutrient Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
Land Grading
Record Keeping

Key drivers

Precipitation (monthly scale)
Precipitation event
Mechanical soil disturbance

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Fuel
Soil formation
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1

Soil Health Improvements - No-till, Cover crops, Reduced Tillage. This transition will require Soil Heath testing to determine reaching the Conservation Management phase and achieving this level of continuous soil health improvements.

Conservation practices

Conservation Crop Rotation
Residue Management, No-Till/Strip Till
Residue Management, Mulch Till
Residue Management, Ridge Till
Cover Crop
Grade Stabilization Structure
Nutrient Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
Record Keeping
Long Term No. Till

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Fuel
Soil formation
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 3.2B
Community 3.2 to 3.3

Conventional tillage, seeding, and fertility Management for crops.

Conservation practices

Deep Tillage
Conservation Crop Rotation
Residue Management, Mulch Till
Residue Management, Ridge Till
Residue Management, Seasonal
Grade Stabilization Structure
Precision Land Forming
Land Smoothing
Row Arrangement
Nutrient Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
Land Grading
Record Keeping

Key drivers

Precipitation (monthly scale)
Precipitation event
Mechanical soil disturbance

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Fuel
Soil formation
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 3.3A
Community 3.3 to 3.2

Conservation practices

Conservation Crop Rotation
Residue Management, No-Till/Strip Till
Residue Management, Mulch Till
Residue Management, Ridge Till
Cover Crop
Grade Stabilization Structure
Nutrient Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
Record Keeping
Long Term No. Till

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Fuel
Soil formation
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

State 4
Converted State - Pasture or Grassland

Pasture or Grassland
This state is characterized by a monoculture or a mixture of forage species planted or allowed to establish from naturalized species managed for forage production or as herbaceous ground cover.

This Site fits into Pasture and Hayland Group: 2C
Of note: the soils of this ecological site fits the better drained soils of this Pasture and Hayland group.

2C - Deep bottomland soils with loamy surface layers and loamy subsoils. Somewhat poorly drained to well drained alkaline bottomland soils of high natural fertility. 0-8% slopes. Most slopes are 0-3%. Only a few soils occur on 3-5% slopes.

This site is suited for forage production, however, it may some wetness limitations. When the site hydrology has been altered with drainage systems forage species may be established and the site utilized for forage production. Maintenance of hydrologic control must be continued to maintain production and if control is abandoned or lost, wet conditions will reduce forage production and limit the ability of livestock to graze. When the site is utilized for forage production wetness and/or flooding must be monitored to prevent loss of livestock or forage crop. Additionally, adjacent higher elevation areas or protected areas may be needed for the storage of harvested forage or holding of livestock when wet or flooded conditions occur. Some forage operations on this site may not experience extreme wetness events in any year, however, preplanning and resources to meet the needs of the livestock should be part of the operational plan.

Most soils need nitrogen fertilization for higher levels of production when grasses are grown alone. It is not practical to apply high rates of fertilizer due to the wetness limitation potential of the site which normally occurs from December through June. To prevent extreme acidity in the subsoil when high rates of acidifying nitrogen is used, the surface soil should not be allowed to become more acid than 5.0 pH and lime should be applied at more frequent intervals.

Adapted Grasses and Legumes
Hybrid bermudagrass, common bermudagrass, dallisgrass, bahiagrass, and johnsongrass are the better adapted warm season perennials. Overflow hazards should be controlled to reduce the limitations of forage species. White clover, vetch, winter peas, and red clover are adapted cool season legumes. Periodic brush control is needed to prevent the area from reverting to woodland.

Dominant resource concerns

Classic gully erosion
Compaction
Organic matter depletion
Aggregate instability
Nutrients transported to surface water
Pesticides transported to surface water
Objectionable odors
Plant productivity and health
Plant structure and composition
Plant pest pressure
Feed and forage imbalance
Inadequate livestock shelter
Inadequate livestock water quantity, quality, and distribution

Community 4.1
Managed monoculture grassland

Typically, this phase is characterized by planting forage species for hay production. Forage plantings generally consist of a single grass species. Introduced native and/or non-native forage species can be seeded. Forage is usually harvested as hay or haylage, although grazing may occur periodically. These sites are highly productive for forage and can provide ecological benefits to control soil erosion. Allowing for adequate rest and regrowth of desired species is required to maintain productivity. Maintenance of monoculture stands also requires control of unwanted species which will require Pest Management and Nutrient Management to maintain the needed fertility for production of the species.

Generally, application of fertilizer and lime, is needed to establish and maintain improved desirable pastures. The exception to this is for bahiagrass and common bermudagrass can be sustained under natural fertility and pH levels. Introduced legumes require higher pH, phosphorus, and potassium levels than most grasses. Introduced grasses, such as hybrid bermudagrass, require a higher level of sustained fertility, maintain pH above 6.0, and good surface drainage, to persist. Implementation of prescribed grazing of grass species with a specific goal of growing roots deeper in the soil profile, in order to tap into the reservoir of available nutrients and moisture, to increase production and sustain desirable forages.

Conservation practices should include Prescribed Grazing, or Forage Harvest Management, Nutrient and Pest Management and other site-specific facilitating practices.

Dominant plant species

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), grass
bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), grass
dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum), grass

Dominant resource concerns

Plant productivity and health
Plant structure and composition
Feed and forage imbalance

Figure 9. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 6. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	6000	8000	10000
Total	6000	8000	10000

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). LA0016 , Dallisgrass. Dallisgrass.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	4	16	31	35	8	4	2	0	0

Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). LA0006 , Common Bermudagrass. Common Bermudagrass.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
			3	15	32	31	12	5	2

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). LA0012 , Bahia. Bahiagrass.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	5	15	24	27	17	10	2	0	0

Community 4.2
Mixed Species Managed System

This community is characterized by mixed species composition of grasses and legumes, which is planted or naturally establishes. Typically, perennial warm season grasses are the foundation of the stand which is periodically over seeded with adapted cool season forages to extend the grazing season. This community phase can be highly productive for grazing and haying operations and can provide beneficial habitat for some wildlife species.

Maintenance of grass stands also requires a collection of management practices such as Prescribed Grazing, Brush Management, Pest Management, and Nutrient Management to maintain production of the desired species. Prescribed Grazing includes maintaining proper grazing heights, timing, and stocking rates. Supporting or Facilitating practices including fences, water lines and watering facilities could be part of the system that maintains this phase.

Dominant resource concerns

Compaction
Inadequate livestock water quantity, quality, and distribution

Community 4.3
Mixed Species, Non-seeded

This community is characterized by a stand where mixtures of native and naturalized non-native species occur, this could also include abandonment of cropping i.e., idle cropland that is not being utilized for forage production. This state represents low inputs after cropping, no initial seeding of pasture species or periodic over seeding of adapted forage species. Forage is usually grazed and/or harvested as stored forage, hay or haylage. Common established species may include Bermudagrass, Bahia grass, Vasey grass, and carpet grass. This state is productive, forage and grazing management can maintain forage stands and protect soils from excessive runoff and erosion. A common peril associated with this phase is overgrazing which favors less productive and less palatable weedy species, especially in areas where livestock congregate. Proper stocking rates and/or grazing systems that allow for adequate rest and plant regrowth are required to maintain productivity.

When forage species are afforded adequate recovery time between grazing intervals, they will develop deeper root systems and greater leaf area allowing for the capture of greater solar energy, where photosynthesis fixes carbohydrates for plant growth. Conversely when plants are not allowed to recover adequately, root development will be restricted, forage and biomass production will be reduced. Maintenance of grass stands also requires Pest Management for control of unwanted weedy and woody species.

Dominant resource concerns

Sheet and rill erosion
Compaction
Plant productivity and health
Plant structure and composition
Feed and forage imbalance

Community 4.4
Early Woody Succession

This community is characterized by a diverse species composition of grasses and forbs with an increasing composition of woody species (native and non-native) that are immature and low stature. If this community phase is not managed, and no brush management measures are taken, the plant community will transition to the Woodland encroached State (5). Control of woody species will require input of extensive resources to return to a Grassland or Cropland state. This phase is generally limited in woody species composition and size to the point where normal agricultural equipment is no longer able to return the site to a cropland phase, mowing or disking. When the threshold is crossed to where the stem diameter exceeds 2 - 3 inches and the percent cover exceeds 100 - 300 stems per acre, the site has transitioned to the Woody Encroached State.

If the restored hardwood community is desired, proper management is required. This phase can be beneficial habitat for some wildlife species. Woody invasive species grow quickly and can be difficult and expensive to control. Some Invasive woody species, such as tallow trees (Triadica sebifera), will invade and grow to produce seeds in as few as 3 years.

Dominant resource concerns

Sheet and rill erosion
Compaction
Plant productivity and health
Feed and forage imbalance

Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2

Seeding and/or Management for desired species composition.

Conservation practices

Fence
Grade Stabilization Structure
Forage Harvest Management
Forage and Biomass Planting
Livestock Pipeline
Prescribed Grazing
Heavy Use Area Protection
Watering Facility
Water Well
Livestock Shade Structure

Key drivers

Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Seeding
Management

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Pollination
Aesthetic values
Nutrient cycling
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Wildlife forage
Wildlife habitat
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 4.1B
Community 4.1 to 4.3

Species Management without overseeding.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Fence
Grade Stabilization Structure
Forage Harvest Management
Livestock Pipeline
Prescribed Grazing
Heavy Use Area Protection
Watering Facility
Water Well
Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
Livestock Shade Structure

Key drivers

Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Seeding
Management

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Pollination
Aesthetic values
Nutrient cycling
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Wildlife forage
Wildlife habitat
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1

Seeding and/or Management for desired species composition.

Conservation practices

Fence
Grade Stabilization Structure
Forage Harvest Management
Forage and Biomass Planting
Livestock Pipeline
Prescribed Grazing
Heavy Use Area Protection
Watering Facility
Water Well
Livestock Shade Structure

Key drivers

Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding
Management

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Pollination
Aesthetic values
Nutrient cycling
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Wildlife forage
Wildlife habitat
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 4.2B
Community 4.2 to 4.3

Mixed Species Managed System

Mixed Species, Non-seeded

Seeding and/or Management for desired species composition.

Conservation practices

Fence
Grade Stabilization Structure
Forage Harvest Management
Forage and Biomass Planting
Livestock Pipeline
Prescribed Grazing
Heavy Use Area Protection
Watering Facility
Water Well
Livestock Shade Structure

Key drivers

Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Management

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Pollination
Aesthetic values
Nutrient cycling
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Wildlife forage
Wildlife habitat
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 4.3A
Community 4.3 to 4.1

Seeding, fertilizing, management/ removal of unwanted species.

Conservation practices

Fence
Grade Stabilization Structure
Forage Harvest Management
Forage and Biomass Planting
Livestock Pipeline
Prescribed Grazing
Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment
Heavy Use Area Protection
Watering Facility
Water Well
Livestock Shade Structure

Key drivers

Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding
Management

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Pollination
Aesthetic values
Nutrient cycling
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Wildlife forage
Wildlife habitat
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 4.3B
Community 4.3 to 4.2

Mixed Species, Non-seeded

Mixed Species Managed System

Seeding and/or Management for desired species composition.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Fence
Grade Stabilization Structure
Land Smoothing
Forage Harvest Management
Forage and Biomass Planting
Livestock Pipeline
Prescribed Grazing
Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment
Heavy Use Area Protection
Nutrient Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Watering Facility
Water Well
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
Livestock Shade Structure

Key drivers

Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding
Management

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Fuel
Pollination
Aesthetic values
Nutrient cycling
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Wildlife forage
Wildlife habitat
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 4.3C
Community 4.3 to 4.4

Mixed Species, Non-seeded

Early Woody Succession

Lack of disturbance: No or minimal Mowing, burning, herbivory or Brush Mgmt. and/or Plant or natural regeneration of woody species.

Conservation practices

Pond
Fence
Grade Stabilization Structure
Tree/Shrub Site Preparation
Livestock Pipeline
Prescribed Grazing
Heavy Use Area Protection
Tree/Shrub Establishment
Watering Facility
Water Well
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
Livestock Shade Structure

Key drivers

Wildlife grazing or browsing
Livestock grazing or browsing
Mechanical soil disturbance
Timber management
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding
Management

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Fuel
Pollination
Aesthetic values
Nutrient cycling
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Food and fiber: wood products
Wildlife forage
Wildlife habitat
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Pathway 4.4A
Community 4.4 to 4.3

Early Woody Succession

Mixed Species, Non-seeded

Brush management / removal of unwanted plants.

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Prescribed Burning
Fence
Grade Stabilization Structure
Livestock Pipeline
Prescribed Grazing
Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment
Heavy Use Area Protection
Watering Facility
Water Well
Livestock Shade Structure

Key drivers

Fire
Livestock grazing or browsing
Mechanical soil disturbance
Management

Key ecosystem services affected

Erosion control
Fuel
Pollination
Aesthetic values
Nutrient cycling
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Food and fiber: wood products
Wildlife forage
Wildlife habitat
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

State 5
Woody Encroached

Dominant resource concerns

Classic gully erosion
Plant productivity and health
Plant structure and composition
Plant pest pressure
Feed and forage imbalance
Inadequate livestock shelter
Inadequate livestock water quantity, quality, and distribution

Community 5.1
Old field or planted hardwoods

This phase occurs when cropland or pastureland has been allowed to naturally regenerate without succession manipulation and also when Artificial regeneration is planned to re-introduce hardwoods to the site. This state will have succession similar to the Canopy gap state of the historic community however species composition may be very different depending on the available seed source. When this occurs from a cropland or pasture state species composition may be dominated by introduced species but desired hardwood species can be established to regenerate the state to that desired community.

Dominant resource concerns

Classic gully erosion
Plant productivity and health
Plant structure and composition
Plant pest pressure
Feed and forage imbalance
Inadequate livestock shelter
Inadequate livestock water quantity, quality, and distribution

State 6
Restored Hardwoods

Dominant plant species

pecan (Carya illinoinensis), tree
swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii), tree
cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda), tree
water oak (Quercus nigra), tree

Dominant resource concerns

Ephemeral gully erosion
Classic gully erosion
Compaction
Plant productivity and health
Plant structure and composition
Wildfire hazard from biomass accumulation

Community 6.1
Restored Hardwood Community

This phase occurs when cropland or pastureland has been regenerated to re-introduce hardwoods to the site. This state will have succession similar to the Canopy gap state of the historic community where the hardwood canopy has begun to shade herbaceous competition. Species composition may be very different depending on the local available seed source and species that are planted. Desired hardwood species can be established to reach the community that fits the site conditions.

This phase is characterized by a stand of Hardwood species planted or allowed to regenerate from seed trees managed for wood production, conservation or restoration.

This Site fits into multiple Woodland Suitability Groups (1o4 or 2o4) depending on the soil Mapunit. The first part of the symbol indicates potential productivity of the soils for important trees, very high (1); high (2). The second part, a letter, indicates the major kind of soil limitation, no serious management problems (o). The third part of the symbol, a numeral, indicates the kind of trees for which the soils are best suited and the severity of the hazard or limitation. The numeral 4 indicates slight limitations, and suitability for broadleaf trees.

These groups would generally describe this site as having a range of productivity from high to very high, with slight for the production of broadleaf species.

WS 1o 4 Well drained, loamy soils with very high potential productivity, no serious management problems, suitable for southern hardwoods. Site index for green ash 90, cottonwood 110, sweetgum 100 -110, oaks 90 - 110. Grazing not recommended. Potential is high for management of deer, squirrels, and turkey.

WS 2 o 4 Well drained, loamy soils with high potential productivity; no serious management problems; best suited for southern hardwoods. Site index for green ash 80, cottonwood 100, oaks and sweetgum 90. Grazing not recommended. Potential is high for management of deer, turkey, and squirrels.

Dominant resource concerns

Ephemeral gully erosion
Classic gully erosion
Compaction
Plant productivity and health
Plant structure and composition
Wildfire hazard from biomass accumulation

State 7
Urban Development

This state represents an area that has been altered to provide locations for homes, businesses, and infrastructure where people live, work, and recreate. The human population is higher than in the surrounding rural area. It is where buildings are close together and are usually considered cities and towns. This state may be found in small clusters in rural areas where multiple buildings are in close proximity with roads and infrastructure that support a rural population.

The changes to the landscape will not generally return to the historic community of Hardwood trees, however, some of this landcover may be present in areas. There are generally many introduced and potentially invasive species located in these areas and managed as ornamentals. These non-native species should be managed to prevent infestation and invasion into other areas where they can become a problem.

Within this land use, there are expansive networks of infrastructure both above and below ground for use by the inhabitants of the area. These include roads, drainage channels and structures, electrical distribution systems, telecommunications systems, drinking water distribution systems, and many other components that contribute to the quality of human life.

Dominant resource concerns

Ephemeral gully erosion
Classic gully erosion
Compaction
Concentration of salts or other chemicals
Ponding and flooding
Nutrients transported to surface water
Nutrients transported to ground water
Pesticides transported to surface water
Pesticides transported to ground water
Pathogens and chemicals from manure, biosolids, or compost applications transported to surface water
Petroleum, heavy metals, and other pollutants transported to surface water
Petroleum, heavy metals, and other pollutants transported to ground water
Sediment transported to surface water
Emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs)
Objectionable odors
Plant structure and composition

Community 7.1
Homes, buildings, and infrastructure

This phase is described as homes, buildings, and infrastructure as part of an urban setting. This Subregion of the MLRA contains some fairly dense population centers, there are large cities, towns, and villages within this area. The idea of "concrete jungles" of large metropolitan centers is not typical for this phase, because many of the urbanized areas will include open spaces of semi-natural areas, gardens, and habitat for local wildlife. Areas that are typical for this site include recreational areas intermingled within the urban areas. These intermingled spaces will resemble and function very similar to other phases included within this site concept and should be referenced.

To describe this phase requires several potential types of vegetative communities as well as many surfaces that have been altered by excavation, deposition, and covering. The range of this state could be defined by many parameters, but for this purpose is maintained as a single broad phase. Many soil properties have been altered, hydrologic functions have been altered, and most of the vegetation within this phase is gardened and may not fit the norms of the site concept. The inclusion of this phase within this Ecological Site Description is to acknowledge its presence and direct the users to qualified professionals for any work that is planned. The infrastructure within this State of the site will include pipelines, wires, and other potential hazards which will require contact of services to locate these to prevent damage if any soil disturbing activity is planned.

Dominant resource concerns

Ephemeral gully erosion
Classic gully erosion
Bank erosion from streams, shorelines, or water conveyance channels
Compaction
Concentration of salts or other chemicals
Ponding and flooding
Ground water depletion
Nutrients transported to surface water
Nutrients transported to ground water
Pesticides transported to surface water
Pesticides transported to ground water
Petroleum, heavy metals, and other pollutants transported to surface water
Petroleum, heavy metals, and other pollutants transported to ground water
Sediment transported to surface water
Emissions of particulate matter (PM) and PM precursors
Emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs)

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Wind or water Force causing canopy gaps.

Conservation practices

Clearing and Snagging
Land Clearing

Key drivers

Precipitation (monthly scale)
Fire
Climate
Precipitation event
Precipitation (annual scale)
Mechanical soil disturbance
Temperature (annual scale)
Nonnative disease presence and/or establishment
Timber management
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding

Key ecosystem services affected

Aesthetic values
Primary production
Food and fiber: wood products
Wildlife forage
Water regulation
Climate regulation: carbon cycling and storage
Wildlife habitat
Soil formation
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Transition T2A
State 2 to 1

Regeneration of Hardwood species.

Conservation practices

Tree/Shrub Site Preparation
Tree/Shrub Establishment

Key drivers

Precipitation (decadal scale)
Temperature (decadal scale)
Seeding

Key ecosystem services affected

Aesthetic values
Primary production
Food and fiber: wood products
Wildlife forage
Water regulation
Climate regulation: carbon cycling and storage
Wildlife habitat
Soil formation
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Transition T1B
State 2 to 3

Clear and established the desired Community

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Clearing and Snagging
Land Smoothing

Key drivers

Fire
Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding

Key ecosystem services affected

Aesthetic values
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Soil formation
Plant biodiversity

Transition T1B
State 2 to 4

Clear and established the desired Community

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Clearing and Snagging
Land Smoothing

Key drivers

Fire
Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding

Key ecosystem services affected

Aesthetic values
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Soil formation
Plant biodiversity

Transition T1B
State 2 to 5

Clear and established the desired Community

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Clearing and Snagging
Land Smoothing

Key drivers

Fire
Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding

Key ecosystem services affected

Aesthetic values
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Soil formation
Plant biodiversity

Transition T1B
State 2 to 7

Clear and established the desired Community

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Clearing and Snagging
Land Smoothing

Key drivers

Fire
Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding

Key ecosystem services affected

Aesthetic values
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Soil formation
Plant biodiversity

Transition T*4
State 3 to 4

Converted State - Cropland

Converted State - Pasture or Grassland

Establish desired forage species and manage for grazing.

Conservation practices

Fence
Grade Stabilization Structure
Land Clearing
Land Smoothing
Forage and Biomass Planting
Livestock Pipeline
Prescribed Grazing
Heavy Use Area Protection
Nutrient Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Watering Facility
Water Well

Key drivers

Fire
Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding

Key ecosystem services affected

Aesthetic values
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Soil formation
Plant biodiversity

Transition T*7
State 3 to 7

Construct and maintain urban infrastructure.

Transition T*3
State 4 to 3

Converted State - Pasture or Grassland

Converted State - Cropland

Establish and manage crop rotation.

Conservation practices

Conservation Crop Rotation
Land Smoothing
Nutrient Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Key drivers

Fire
Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding

Key ecosystem services affected

Aesthetic values
Soil formation
Plant biodiversity

Transition T*5
State 4 to 5

Converted State - Pasture or Grassland

Woody Encroached

Plant or natural regeneration of woody species.

Conservation practices

Conservation Cover
Tree/Shrub Site Preparation
Tree/Shrub Establishment

Key drivers

Fire
Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Nonnative plant species presence and/or establishment
Seeding

Key ecosystem services affected

Aesthetic values
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Climate regulation: carbon cycling and storage
Wildlife habitat
Soil formation
Plant biodiversity

Transition T*7
State 4 to 7

Construct and maintain urban infrastructure.

Transition T5A
State 5 to 4

Woody Encroached

Converted State - Pasture or Grassland

Heavy Brush mgmt.

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Clearing and Snagging
Fence
Grade Stabilization Structure
Land Smoothing
Forage and Biomass Planting
Livestock Pipeline
Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment
Heavy Use Area Protection
Nutrient Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Watering Facility
Water Well

Key drivers

Fire
Livestock grazing or browsing
Seed dispersal by livestock
Mechanical soil disturbance
Nonnative disease presence and/or establishment

Key ecosystem services affected

Aesthetic values
Recreation
Food and fiber: livestock forage
Food and fiber: wood products
Wildlife forage
Water regulation
Climate regulation: carbon cycling and storage
Wildlife habitat
Soil formation
Animal biodiversity
Plant biodiversity

Transition T5B
State 5 to 6

Manage succession for historic community.

Transition T*7
State 5 to 7

Construct and maintain urban infrastructure.

Additional community tables

Table 7. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Table 8. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Table 9. Community 3.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Table 10. Community 3.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Table 11. Community 3.3 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Table 12. Community 4.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Warm Season Grasses			6000–10000
	Bermudagrass	CYDA	Cynodon dactylon	6000–10000	60–100
	bahiagrass	PANO2	Paspalum notatum	6000–10000	60–100
	dallisgrass	PADI3	Paspalum dilatatum	6000–10000	60–100

Table 13. Community 4.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Table 14. Community 4.3 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Table 15. Community 4.4 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Table 16. Community 5.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Table 17. Community 6.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Table 18. Community 7.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production ()	Foliar cover (%)

Supporting information

Inventory data references

The information provided on the states and community phases in this provisional description report were generated from literature reviews, conversations with technical specialists, and limited personal observations and experience on this soil-site environment. Intensive vegetation inventories were not conducted during the development of this provisional report. Those tasks will occur during future phases of ecological site development.

Other references

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Autin, W.J., S.F. Burns, B.J. Miller, R.T. Saucier, and J.I. Snead. 1991. Quaternary geology of the Lower Mississippi Valley. p. 547-582. In R.B. Morrison (Editor). Quaternary Nonglacial Geology: Conterminous U.S. Geological Society of America. The Geology of North America, Volume K-2. Boulder, CO.

Autin, W. J. 1996. Pleistocene stratigraphy in the southern Lower Mississippi Valley. Engineering Geology, 45(1), 87-112.

Blum, M.D., M.J. Guccione, D.A. Wysocki, P.C. Robnett, and E.M. Rutledge. 2000. Late Pleistocene evolution of the lower Mississippi River valley, southern Missouri to Arkansas. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 112(2), 221-235.

Broadfoot, Walter M. 1976. Hardwood suitability for and properties of important midsouth soils. Res. Pap. SO-127. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 84 p.

Brown, D. A., V. E. Nash, A. G. Caldwell, L. J. Bartelli, R. C. Carter, and O. R. Carter. 1970. A monograph of the soils of the southern Mississippi River Valley alluvium. Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin, 178, 112.

Chapman, S.S, G.E. Griffith, J.M. Omernik, J.A. Comstock, Beiser, M.C., and D. Johnson. 2004. Ecoregions of Mississippi, (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs): Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,000,000).

Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. US Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS, 79(31), 131.

Cowdrey, A. E. 1977. Land’s End: A history of the New Orleans District. US Army Corps of Engineers, and Its Lifelong Battle with the Lower Mississippi and Other Rivers Wending Their Way to the Sea.

Daigle, J.J., G.E. Griffith, J.M. Omernik, P.L. Faulkner, R.P. McCulloh, et al. 2006. Ecoregions of Louisiana (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs): Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,000,000).

Ezell, A.W. 2016. Evaluating high-graded hardwood stands. Publication-Cooperative Extension Service, Mississippi State University (USA).

Fisk, H. N. 1944. Geological investigation of the alluvial valley of the lower Mississippi River: US Dept. Army, Mississippi River Comm.

Foti, T., C. Klimas, J. Pagan, and A. Keister. 2011. Potential natural vegetation of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley: Tensas Basin, Northeastern Louisiana. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture; Vicksburg, MS.

Gardiner, E. S., and J. M. Oliver. 2005. Restoration of bottomland hardwood forests in Lower Mississippi Aluvial Valey, USA. In: Stanturf, JA; Madsen, P. eds. Restoration of boreal and temperate forests. Restoration of bottomland hardwood forests in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, USA Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. 235-251.

Grigar, J., J.L. Hatfield, and R. Reeder, 2018. Transitional no-till: What is it and how does it differ from ‘true’no-till?. Crops and Soils 51, no. 6:28–36.

Kemp, K. 2000. The Mississippi Levee System and the Old River Control Structure. Available online: http://www.tulane.edu/~bfleury/envirobio/enviroweb/FloodControl.htm. Accessed 11/2018

Klimas, C.V. 1988. Forest vegetation of the leveed floodplain of the lower Mississippi River. Lower Mississippi River Environmental Program Report 11. US Army Corps of Engineers. Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Klimas, C., J. Pagan, T. Foti, and B. Tirpak. 2011. Potential natural vegetation of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley: Yazoo Basin, Mississippi. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture; Vicksburg, MS.

Lentz, G. H. 1928. Summary of First Year's Hardwood Investigations in Louisiana. US Forest Service and Louisiana Division of Forestry
Lentz, G. H. 1929. Summary of First Year's Hardwood Investigations in Louisiana. Journal of Forestry, 27(5), 486-494.

McKnight, J.S., D.D. Hook, O.G. Langdon, and R.L. Johnson. 1981. Flood tolerance and related characteristics of trees of the bottomland forests of the southern United States. In Developments in Agricultural and Managed Forest Ecology. 11, pp. 29-69. Elsevier. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/ja/1980/ja_1980_mcknight_001.pdf (accessed 12 Oct. 2018)

Putnam, J. A., and H. Bull. 1932. The trees of the bottomlands of the Mississippi River Delta Region. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station, Occasional Paper, 27, 207.

Rittenhour, T.M., M.D. Blum, and R.J. Goble. 2007. Fluvial evolution of the Lower Mississippi River Valley during the last 100 k.y. glacial cycle: Response to glaciation and sea-level change. Geological Society of America Bulletin 119(5-6): 586-608.

Rogers, D. 2005. Evolution of the levee system along the Lower Mississippi River. University of Missouri-Rolla: Rolla, MO, USA. https://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/levees/Evolution%20of%20the%20Levee%20System%20Along%20the%20Mississippi.pdf. Accessed 10/2018.

Saucier, R. T. 1974. Quaternary geology of the lower Mississippi Valley (No. 6). Arkansas Archeological Survey.

Saucier, Roger T. 1994. Geomorphology and Quaternary Geologic History of the Lower Mississippi Valley, Volumes I & II. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS. (Available online: http://biotech.law.lsu.edu/climate/mississippi/sausier/sausier.htm)

Schumm, S. A., and W. J. Spitz. 1996. Geological influences on the Lower Mississippi River and its alluvial valley. Engineering Geology, 45(1-4), 245-261.

Shen, Z., T.E. Tornqvist, W.J. Autin, Z.R.P. Mateo, K.M. Straub, and B. Mauz. 2012. Rapid and widespread response of the Lower Mississippi River to eustatic forcing during the last glacial-interglacial cycle. Geological Society of America Bulletin 124(5-6): 690-704.

Theriot, R. F. 1992. Flood tolerance of plant species in bottomland forests of the southeastern United States. Ph.D. diss. University of Florida. Available online: http://ufdc.ufl.edu//AA00003281/00001

Turner, S., J. Welch, and N. Musso. 2010. The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, Selected Level 0 Cultural Landscape Assessments. Suzanne Turner Associates LLC. Available online: http://www.atchafalaya.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/CLA-Final.pdf

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[USACE] U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2004. Louisiana Coastal Area Comprehensive Coastwide Ecosystem Restoration Study. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, LA. Available online: https://www.lca.gov/Library/ProductList.aspx?Prodtype=0&folder=1118.

[USACE] U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District, Missions, Mississippi River Flood Control. No date. [Online]. Retrieved June 30, 2017. Available at http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Mississippi-River-Flood-Control/

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Contributors

D. Charles Stemmans II
Rachel StoutEvans
Mitchell Mouton
Chris Coreil
Richard Williams
Brandon Waltman

Approval

Marji Patz, 6/10/2025

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge the MLRA 131A Technical Team for their support and assistance in drafting this site concept and Provisional Ecological Site Description.

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	08/19/2026
Approved by
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Presence of water flow patterns:
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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:
Perennial plant reproductive capability:

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Natural ResourcesConservation Service

Ecological site F131AY504LA

Delta Plain - Natural Levees and Ridge Hardwoods

Last updated: 6/10/2025 Accessed: 08/19/2026

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General information

MLRA notes

LRU notes

Classification relationships

Ecological site concept

Associated sites

Similar sites

Figure 1. 131AY504 ES Extent Map

Table 2. Dominant plant species

Natural Resources
Conservation Service

Last updated: 6/10/2025
Accessed: 08/19/2026