Western Moderately Wet Terrace

Description

Exemplary examples of the full range of plant communities and ecological processes that were once commonplace on this ecological site no longer exist. Vestiges of this once vast system are primarily relegated to abandoned woodlots and narrow, roadway corridors that now hold the only remaining examples of native prairie vegetation that was once part of the greater ecological system of the Western Lowlands. It is from these remnants that we draw a greater understanding of the “perceived” reference conditions for this ecological site.

Klimas et al. (2012) identifies this site as “hardwood flats, dry phase.” The saturated, somewhat poorly drained soils during winter and spring supports conditions suitable for more lowland species such as willow oak and water oak – the latter two more typical of vernal pools. The drying of the soils by summer create conditions suitable for more upland species, the principal species of which is post oak.

Embedded among the woodlands of this site may have been patches of small prairies and savannas. Vegetation of the open areas may have been similar to that of the Grand Prairie to the south. It is generally held that areas of prairie extended or “fingered” northward from the Grand Prairie province well into the Western Lowlands (T. Foti, personal communication).

Two reference community phases are recognized for this ecological site: 1) the open structure of the dry flatwoods and 2) prairie and savanna.

Submodel

Description

This state is representative of sites that have been converted to and maintained in pasture and forage cropland, typically a grass – legume mixture. For pastureland, planning or prescribing the intensity, frequency, timing, and duration of grazing can help maintain desirable forage mixtures at sufficient density and vigor (USDA-NRCS, 2010; Green et al., 2006). Overgrazed pastures can lead to soil compaction and numerous bare spots, which may then become focal points of colonization by undesirable plants or weeds. Soils exhibiting the core concepts of this site have a pronounced period of wetness followed by droughty conditions. Limitations may pertain mainly to periods of extreme wetness.

Planning or prescribing the intensity, frequency, timing, and duration of grazing can help maintain desirable forage mixtures at sufficient density and vigor (USDA-NRCS, 2010; Green et al., 2006). Because of wetness limitations of this site, activities may be limited to small intervals within the appropriate season(s). It is strongly advised that consultation with State Grazing Land Specialists and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations or prescribed grazing practices on this site.

Submodel

Description

Agriculture production on this site is somewhat limited due to seasonal wetness.

Submodel

Description

Most, if not all, of the woodlots and local patches of woodlands in existence today are represented by this state. In many situations, key components of the reference state are present in these small stands. Structurally, however, these woodlots are often denser and much more compacted than historic reference conditions. Still, restoration potential of these patch woodlands may be quite high, provided that the appropriate management regime is initiated and maintained. These actions may include controlling for and removing exotic species and initiating fire on a frequent return interval. Of note, a return to reference conditions can occur only if the natural drainage patterns and features of the soils have not been modified by tiling or through other forms of artificial drainage.

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