Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F153AY060NC
Wet Loamy Flats and Depressions
Last updated: 2/12/2025
Accessed: 04/21/2026
-
Search
Major Land Resource Area or ecological site by name and/or ID.
PreviousSectionsNextGeneral 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): 153A–Atlantic Coast Flatwoods
The MLRA notes section provides a brief description of the entire MLRA. This brief description of the entire MLRA is intended to provide some context about the MLRA that this ecological site resides within. A more complete description of the MLRA can be found in Ag Handbook 296 (USDA-NRCS, 2022).
This MLRA is found on the lower coastal plain and is known as the Atlantic Coast Flatwoods. This flat terrain is formed from marine terraces and fluviomarine sediments of Tertiary and Quaternary age. These marine terraces are younger to the east and are progressively older and higher inland to the west. Post formation these terraces have been crossed by widely meandering river and stream channels producing broad shallow valleys with many high order interfluves. All these factors combine to produce relatively flat landscapes that favor high water tables.
Many rivers and streams that flow through this area have headwaters that originate to the west in the upper coastal plain (MLRA 133A, Southern Coastal Plain) and piedmont (MLRA 136, Southern Piedmont) regions. Large river valleys are extremely flat and of great extent. Most surface water that originates from within the MLRA starts as blackwater in very low energy and subtle low-order channels. Most surface water emerges first as broad, very low energy, very low velocity sheet flow before accumulating in these very subtle channels. Local relief is generally less than 35 feet (10 meters), although some short, steep slopes border the stream valleys.
The dominant soil orders in MLRA 153A are Ultisols and Spodosols. The soils in this MLRA have a thermic temperature regime, an aquic or udic moisture regime, and generally have siliceous mineralogy. They are generally very deep, well drained to very poorly drained, and loamy or clayey. The major soil suborders of the MLRA include: 1) Alaquods, which formed in marine sediments on flats and terraces and in depressions, 2) Albaquults, which formed in mixed alluvium and marine sediments on flats and terraces, 3) Haplosaprists, which formed in organic deposits over mixed marine and fluvial deposits, 4) Paleaquults, which formed in marine sediments on flats and in depressions, and 5) Paleudults, which formed in marine sediments on uplands.
MLRA 153A has a lengthy north-south extent. It runs parallel to the Atlantic coast and has a width of approximately 10 to 30 miles. The MLRA extends from the northeastern corner of Florida to southern Virginia. Five states are intersected by the MLRA, including Georgia (30 percent), South Carolina (28 percent), North Carolina (28 percent), Florida (10 percent), and Virginia (4 percent). The MLRA extent makes up about 30,319 square miles (78,527 square kilometers).
Because of climatic differences between the northern and southern reaches of the MLRA, vegetative communities vary with latitude. Overall, the MLRA is dominated by pine-oak forest vegetation. Loblolly pine, longleaf pine, slash pine, sweetgum, red maple, red oak, and white oak are dominant in the uplands. Water tupelo, pond pine, swamp blackgum, laurel oak, swamp chestnut oak, bald cypress, and red maple are dominant on the bottomland. Herbaceous understory species common to the MLRA include cutover muhly, toothache grass, little bluestem, and various panicums.
Major wildlife species of the MLRA include alligator, white-tailed deer, black bear, gray fox, red fox, bobcat, raccoon, skunk, opossum, otter, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, and bobwhite quail. The threatened and endangered gopher tortoise inhabits the southern portion of this MLRA. This area provides crucial habitat for neotropical migrants, migratory waterfowl, and wading birds along the Atlantic Flyway.
(USDA-NRCS, 2022)LRU notes
Currently, Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs) for MLRA 153A cover the full north-south range of the MLRA. However, climate variation across the north-south extent warrants the future development of Land Resource Unit (LRU) classifications to support more precise Ecological Site Descriptions.
Classification relationships
MLRA 153A overlaps with two level III EPA ecoregion concepts: 63) the Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain and 75) the Southern Coastal Plain. Under ecoregions 63 and 75 are a number of level IV concepts, of which several apply to MLRA 153A. These include: 63c) Swamps and Peatlands, 63e) Mid-Atlantic Flatwoods, 63h) Carolina Flatwoods, 63n) Mid-Atlantic Floodplains and Low Terraces, 75e) Okefenokee Plains, 75f) Sea Island Flatwoods, 75g) Okefenokee Swamp, and 75i) Floodplains and Low Terraces. (U.S. EPA, 2013)
MLRA 153A overlaps portions of the US Forest Service Outer Coastal Plain Mixed Forest province (232). The MLRA 153A concept roughly corresponds to the western portion of the Atlantic Coastal Flatwoods (232C) and the southcentral portion of the Northern Atlantic Coastal Flatwoods (232I) sections. In combination with MLRA 153B, these two MLRAs correspond very closely to the full extent of sections 232C and 232I. (Cleland et al., 2007)
Based on the USGS physiographic classification system, most of MLRA 153A is in the Sea Island section of the Coastal Plain province, in the Atlantic Plain division. The northern quarter is in the Embayed section of the same province and division. The embayed barrier islands extend from the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia to north of Charleston, South Carolina (Fenneman et al., 1946). The portion in North Carolina is referred to as the Outer Banks. Large bodies of brackish water, such as Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, are on the inland side of the barrier islands. The Sea Islands extend from north of Charleston, South Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida.
The reference community for this particularly site is approximately aligned with Wet Pine Flatwoods (Schafale and Weakely, 1990) and Wet Flatwoods (FNAI, 2010).Ecological site concept
This site is characterized by poorly drained and very poorly drained, loamy soils (dominantly Ultisols) with long hydroperiods on coastal plain flats and depressions. Long hydroperiod refers to relatively long periods of soil saturation and/or inundation. Depressions may be either open or closed.
This concept represents locations where the soils meet hydric field criteria, meaning that some periods of soil saturation and/or inundation happen during the growing season, but some locations will also periodically dry out during the growing season. This site is wet but mostly free from floodplain processes. This site is often associated with moist sites that do not meet hydric criteria, and the transition can be exceptionally subtle with broad ecotonal areas.
This site supports a variety of vegetation communities including wet flatwoods, nonriverine bottomland hardwoods, and freshwater graminoid marsh. Wet pine flatwoods often occur on the landscape as an ecotone between wet Histosol flats and depressions and moist flats and depressions.
This ecological site includes some locations associated with Carolina bay landforms. Ecological dynamics on this site are largely driven by precipitation, artificial drainage, and fire. Obligate wetland plants are typically present. Table 1 very briefly lists some of the most dominant vegetation on this site today. More detailed descriptions of community compositions are available in the State and Transition Model.Associated sites
F153AY020NC Moist Sands
Moist sands often comprise a Carolina bay rim adjacent to a wet loamy flats and depressions.
F153AY010NC Dry Sands
Dry sands often comprise a Carolina bay rim adjacent to a wet loamy flats and depressions.
F153AY040NC Moist Loamy Rises and Flats
A moist loamy flat is often associated with and difficult to distinguish from a wet loamy flat. Much of the difference between moist and wet sites is driven by variations in subsurface drainage patterns, which are difficult to see at the surface, but these sites can be distinguished by soil moisture.
F153AY045NC Moist Clay Rises and Flats
A moist clayey flat is often associated with and difficult to distinguish from a wet loamy flat. Much of the difference between moist and wet sites is driven by variations in subsurface drainage patterns, which are difficult to see at the surface, but these sites can be distinguished by soil moisture and texture.
Similar sites
F153AY065NC Wet Clay Flats and Depressions
This site occupies similar landforms and is poorly and very poorly drained, but is comprised of clay soils.
F153AY080NC Wet Organic Soil Flats and Depressions
This site occupies similar landforms and is very poorly drained, but is comprised of Histosols (deep organic soils). The wet loamy flats and depressions includes soils with histic epipedons, mineral soils with an organic surface horizon that is significant but not deep enough to classify as a Histosol.
F153BY060NC Wet Loamy Flats and Depressions
This site is on very similar landforms but in an adjacent MLRA where the marine terrace surfaces are younger, less dissected, and more prone to tidal impacts.
F153AY070NC Wet Spodosol Flats and Depressions
This site occupies similar landforms and is poorly and very poorly drained, but is comprised of Spodosols.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Pinus taeda
(2) Pinus elliottiiShrub (1) Morella cerifera
(2) Lyonia lucidaHerbaceous (1) Aristida beyrichiana
(2) Muhlenbergia expansaPhysiographic features
This ecological site represents flats and depressions of loamy mineral soils (mostly Ultisols) that are mostly isolated from most flood plain processes. Ponding is the most common inundation process on this ecological site. In general, these flat landforms developed by marine deposition, or ancient fluvial reworking and redeposition.
This ecological site includes some locations associated with Carolina bay landforms. Many of the soils mapped on Carolina bay interiors are also mapped on open depressions and marine terrace or interfluve flats which do not have any bay characteristics, so not all locations represented by this ecological site are Carolina bays.
A Carolina bay is a type of closed depression (USDA-NRCS, 2017). Carolina bay depressions are oval or elliptical and have a long-axis orientated northwest to southeast (figure 1). The most recognizable landform of a Carolina bay is the sand rim, which is often well pronounced on the south and east sides of the depression. While highly recognizable, not all Carolina bays have a sand rim. Furthermore, the mere presence of a sand rim is not sufficient to diagnose current local hydrology, which is essential for determining the type of ecosystem. The most diagnostic landform of a Carolina bay is the oval or elliptical depression below the surrounding landscape surface. While the interior depression is typically shallow, it is lower than the general elevational surface of the surrounding flat, not just lower than the rim. The interior of a Carolina bay can vary significantly from flat to slightly concave, mineral soil to organic soil, and open water to raised peatland. (Ross 2003)
Within geologic time, head cutting headwaters (nick points) may intersect a Carolina bay rim, and the depression may eventually become open (figures 1, 2, and 3). As surface waters begin to flow out of a bay, it becomes an open depression, and it is hydrologically different than a closed depression (figure 2). This is especially true where surface waters flow into and through the landform, and the interior experiences flood plain dynamics (figure 3). Open depressions and flood plain systems within a bay rim may be more appropriately referred to as relict Carolina bays. In large relict Carolina bay interiors, flat topography and distance from an outlet can enable portions of the area to function much like a closed depression, so precise classification of hydrology might be challenging in some locations.
The interiors of some Carolina bays are occupied by lakes, while others are occupied by domed forested peatlands that rarely pond (Ross, 2003). Some bay interiors are dominated by mineral soils that are seasonally saturated, while others support deep muck and are saturated at or near the soil surface for significant portions of the year (Caldwell et al. 2011). Carolina bays are more defined by landform than vegetation. Vegetation communities well suited to a Carolina bay are determined mostly by soil characteristics and hydroperiod. For Carolina bay interiors with multiple different soil types and hydrologic regimes, see also the similar ESDs with descriptions of Carolina bay site types including: Wet Loamy Flats and Depressions (F153AY060NC and F153BY060NC), Wet Clay Flats and Depressions (F153AY065NC and F153BY065NC), Wet Spodosol Flats and Depressions (F153AY070NC and F153BY070NC), and Wet Histosol Flat and Depressions (F153AY080NC and F153BY080NC). At locations where the Carolina bay landform is now open to both inflow and outflow of surface water, you should examine the following ESDs: Flooded Mineral Soil Flood plains and Terraces (F153AY090NC and F153BY090NC), and Flooded Organic Soil Flood plains and Terraces (F153AY100NC and F153BY100NC).
The Carolina bay rim is typically non-hydric and comprised of sandy soils that create a distinct transition to upland conditions at the bay rim. For information about the vegetation communities on Carolina bay rims, see the following associated ecological sites: Dry Sands (F153AY010NC and F153BY010NC) and Moist Sands (F153AY020NC and F153BY020NC).
Table 2 summarizes physiography of the modal soil concepts. Table 3 summarizes physiography of all soils included in this description.
Figure 1. Numerous intact undissected closed depressional Carolina bay landforms in Bladen County, NC of MLRA 153A. The numerous oval and elliptical shaped depressions are all Carolina bay landforms.
Figure 2. Carolina bay landforms that have been dissected sufficiently to deliver surface water outflows in Bladen County, NC of MLRA 153A. This system now functions as an open depression.
Figure 3. A relict Carolina bay landform in Pender County, NC, of MLRA 153A. This depression is dissected by surface water and now classifies as an open riverine depression. This landform does not fit this site concept. It fits a riparian zone landscape concept.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Hillslope profile (1) Toeslope
(2) Backslope
Landforms (1) Coastal plain > Marine terrace
(2) Flat
(3) Depression
(4) Flatwoods
(5) Carolina Bay
Runoff class Negligible Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency None to occasional Ponding duration Long (7 to 30 days) Ponding frequency None to frequent Elevation 25 – 295 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Ponding depth 0 – 10 in Water table depth 0 – 12 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)
Runoff class Negligible to very low Flooding duration Long (7 to 30 days) Flooding frequency None to frequent Ponding duration Long (7 to 30 days) Ponding frequency None to frequent Elevation 25 – 295 ft Slope 0 – 5 % Ponding depth 0 – 24 in Water table depth 0 – 12 in Climatic features
The climate across MLRA 153A is generally warm, temperate, and humid with some maritime influences near the coast. The maximum precipitation occurs during summer. Rainfall is usually of moderate intensity. Occasionally, extreme weather events (e.g., northeasters, tropical storms, and hurricanes) produce large amounts of precipitation and destructive winds. On rare occasions snowfall occurs in the northern third of the area. The average annual temperature is 59 to 70 degrees F (15 to 21 degrees C), increasing to the south. (USDA-NRCS, 2022)
Table 4 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 220-240 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 260-310 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (actual range) 210-240 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 250-350 days Precipitation total (actual range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (average) 230 days Freeze-free period (average) 290 days Precipitation total (average) 50 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 5. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 6. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 7. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 8. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 9 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP [USW00093741], Newport News, VA
-
(2) NEW BERN CRAVEN CO AP [USW00093719], New Bern, NC
-
(3) CHARLESTON INTL AP [USW00013880], Charleston AFB, SC
-
(4) FT STEWART [USC00093538], Fort Stewart, GA
-
(5) JACKSONVILLE CECIL FLD NAS [USW00093832], Jacksonville, FL
">Influencing water features
This MLRA is dominated by a persistent high water table, and, on this site, the water table is near the surface during a portion of the growing season for a period sufficiently long to produce anaerobic conditions. This ecological site is mostly isolated from flood plain processes, so water inputs are mostly precipitation and ground water.
Wetland description
This site represents locations where the soils meet hydric field criteria, but, in order to classify as a wetland, a location must meet soils, hydrology, and vegetation criteria. Furthermore, field verification of hydric soils criteria is necessary at any individual location. This site represents locations where the soil is seasonally saturated and/or ponded, is not typically flooded, and is not exposed to tidal influences, so any wetlands that occur on this site are palustrine in nature. Any location where the soils are not hydric is covered by a different ESD.
Soil features
The soils of this site are all primarily loamy in texture, and most are Ultisols formed in deep marine and fluviomarine mineral deposits. They are acidic and very deep, but some soils on this site have the potential to form a root restricting layer due to repeated wetting and drying cycles. This site concept applies where the soils meet hydric criteria, meaning that they are saturated near the surface during a portion of the growing season for a period sufficiently long to produce anaerobic conditions. This ecological site is correlated with hydric soils. It is often spatially associated with moist, non-hydric soils correlated to a different ecological site. The ecotonal transition between these ecological sites can be exceptionally subtle. The soils on this site are poorly and very poorly drained.
Soil series on this site include: Alapaha, Daleville, Deloss, Ellabelle, Goldhead, Gourdin, Hobcaw, Icaria, Liddell, Lumbee, Mulat, Myatt, Nakina, Nimmo, Ogeechee, Pantego, Paxville, Pelham, Plummer, Pocomoke, Portsmouth, Rains, Scranton, Starke, Surrency, Toisnot, Wasda, Weston, Williman, Woodington, Yonges.
Surrency, Pantego, Pelham, and Rains are modal.Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Marine deposits
Surface texture (1) Fine sandy loam
(2) Loamy sand
Drainage class Very poorly drained to poorly drained Permeability class Moderately rapid Soil depth 78 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)3.5 – 5.8 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)3.5 – 5.5 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-40in)0 – 4 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-40in)Not specified Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)
Drainage class Very poorly drained to poorly drained Permeability class Moderately rapid to rapid Soil depth 70 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 3 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1.5 – 7.9 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)3.5 – 6.5 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-40in)0 – 9 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-40in)0 % Ecological dynamics
The most dominant ecological drivers on this site are hydrology, fire, and extreme weather. Although it is regulated today, artificial drainage has been extensively applied to manage this site. Once applied, the effects of drainage are persistent. Historically, the use of fire by indigenous civilizations may have also been extensive. Some limited wildfire and prescribed fire occur today, but fire suppression has been the norm since the 20th century. Both fire and drainage can impact the thickness of organic surface soil accumulation. Persistent and prolonged saturation slows decomposition and allows for the accumulation of organic surface soil material. Hurricanes produce winds and rain that can have significant impact. Saturated soils decrease the rooting strength of trees and make them more susceptible to windfall. Extreme precipitation can increase and prolong inundation and saturation.
All vegetation communities on this site typically include obligate wetland plants. The variety of vegetation communities that occur on this site are representative of a variety of strategies to adapt to fire return intervals. For example, longleaf pine flatwoods are well adapted to periodic low intensity surface fires on short return intervals, whereas bottomland hardwoods are well suited to thrive only in the prolonged absence of fire. Pond pine woodlands are maintained by intense stand replacement fire. In this ESD, longleaf pine dominated wet flatwoods are the reference community, because they represent the dominant precolonial forest community. It is probable that wet Longleaf pine flatwoods were a cultural state maintained by indigenous civilizations, and, in most locations, they no longer dominate the landscape. Wet pine flatwoods often occur on the landscape as an ecotone between wet Histosol flats and depressions and moist flats and depressions.
In the State and Transition Model below for this site where soils meet hydric criteria, hydrologically driven transitions represent both changes in conditions across space as well as changes in conditions over time. Ideally, transitions would represent only changes over time. As updates to the soil survey allow, individual states within this site may be split into individual distinct sites.
Peet and Allard, 1993State 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
T1A - Historical replacement of Longleaf pine T1B - Loss of tree canopy T1C - Drainage T2A - Re-establishment of Longleaf pine T2B - Significantly increased inundation T2C - Drainage T3A - Establishment of tree cover T3B - Decreased inundation T3C - Drainage T4A - Restoration of hydrology, vegetation, and fire State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1.2 - Decreasing fire return interval 1.2.1 - Increasing fire return interval State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1.2 - Loss of periodic fire 2.1.3 - Decreased acidity and loss of periodic fire 2.1.4 - Loss of periodic fire and increased inundation 2.2.1 - Periodic fire 2.2.3 - Decreased acidity 2.2.4 - Increased inundation 2.3.1 - Increased acidity and periodic fire 2.3.2 - Increased acidity 2.3.4 - Increased inundation 2.4.1 - Decreased inundation and periodic fire 2.4.2 - Decreased inundation and undisturbed succession 2.4.3 - Decreased inundation State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1.2 - Increased inundation 3.2.1 - Decreased inundation State 4 submodel, plant communities
4.1.2 - Land clearing and cultivation 4.1.3 - Land clearing and establishment of grassland 4.1.4 - Land clearing and urban development 4.2.1 - Establishment of trees 4.2.3 - Establishment of grassland 4.2.4 - Urban development 4.3.1 - Establishment of trees 4.3.2 - Establishment of cultivation 4.3.4 - Urban development State 5 submodel, plant communities
5.1.2 - Increased periods of saturation 5.1.3 - Increased periods of saturation 5.2.1 - Decreased periods of saturation 5.2.3 - Increased periods of saturation 5.3.1 - Decreased periods of saturation 5.3.2 - Decreased periods of saturation State 1
Wet Pine FlatwoodsWet pine flatwoods often occur on the landscape as an ecotone between wet Histosol flats and depressions and moist flats and depressions. The distinction between wet loamy flats and depressions from moist flats and depressions can be exceptionally subtle with many sites supporting an even mix of facultative wetland, facultative, and facultative upland species.
This reference state presents as two relatively distinct community phases: a pine savanna community and a shrubby flatwoods community. The relationship between the two community phases seems poorly understood. The relationship between the two community phases will tend to reflect slight changes in fire return intervals and lengths in hydroperiod. Nonetheless, across the MLRA it is consistently understood that the pine savanna community occurs where fire intervals are more frequent (every 1-3 years), and the shrubby flatwoods are more common where fire is less frequent (every 5-10 years). Extreme fluctuations in these drivers may warrant a state change with changes in dynamic soil properties, shifting Wet Pine Flatwoods to Pond Pine Woodlands.
(FNAI, 2010; Peet and Allard, 1993; Schafale et al., 1990)Community 1.1
Wet Longleaf Pine SavannaThe wet longleaf pine savanna community is characterized by a moderate to sparse overstory pine cover with sparse to absent woody midstory or understory and a dense groundcover of graminoids and other herbs. A low shrub cover is often present.
(FNAI, 2010; Peet and Allard, 1993; Schafale et al., 1990)
Resilience management. The wet longleaf pine savanna community persists at locations where low intensity ground fires occur nearly every 1 to 3 years.
Dominant plant species
-
longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), tree
-
wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
-
inkberry (Ilex glabra), shrub
-
saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), shrub
-
pineland threeawn (Aristida stricta), grass
-
Beyrich threeawn (Aristida beyrichiana), grass
-
cutover muhly (Muhlenbergia expansa), grass
-
toothache grass (Ctenium aromaticum), grass
Community 1.2
Shrubby Wet FlatwoodsThe shrubby wet flatwoods community is characterized by a moderate to sparse overstory pine cover with a dense shrubby understory. Shrubby wet flatwoods may also support a woody midstory, while graminoid ground cover tends to be sparse to absent.
(FNAI, 2010; Peet and Allard, 1993; Schafale et al., 1990)
Resilience management. The shrubby wet flatwoods persist where fire return intervals are longer or where cool season fires predominate. Fire return intervals on the order of 5 to 7 years or 5 to 10 years are believed to support the shrubby wet flatwoods community.
Dominant plant species
-
longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), tree
-
pond pine (Pinus serotina), tree
-
sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), tree
-
swamp bay (Persea palustris), tree
-
wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
-
fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
-
saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), shrub
-
pineland threeawn (Aristida stricta), grass
-
Beyrich threeawn (Aristida beyrichiana), grass
Pathway 1.1.2
Community 1.1 to 1.2Fire return interval decreasing from 1 to 3 years to roughly 5 to 10 years.
Pathway 1.2.1
Community 1.2 to 1.1Fire return interval increasing from roughly 5 to 10 years to approximately 1 to 3 years.
State 2
Nonriverine Swamp WoodlandsCommunity 2.1
Pond Pine WoodlandPond pine woodlands tend to occur on the outer perimeter of a raised bog or domed pocosin. Pond pine woodlands persist well and increasingly dominate this site type in the presence of periodic fire. Bay woodlands and pond pine woodlands are believed to be hydrologically very similar with fire dynamics driving the difference. Pond pine withstands low intensity fire well as it sprouts from epicormic buds. The serotinous cones of pond pine also enable it to reoccupy a site quickly after catastrophic fire.
(FNAI, 2010; Nelson, 1986; Schafale et al., 1990; Sharitz et al., 1982)Dominant plant species
-
pond pine (Pinus serotina), tree
-
loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), tree
-
sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), tree
-
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
-
swamp bay (Persea palustris), tree
-
swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), shrub
-
fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
-
maleberry (Lyonia ligustrina), shrub
-
large gallberry (Ilex coriacea), shrub
-
inkberry (Ilex glabra), shrub
-
coastal sweetpepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), shrub
-
laurel greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), shrub
-
wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
-
giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea), grass
-
Virginia chainfern (Woodwardia virginica), other herbaceous
-
sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
Community 2.2
Bay Woodland (Baygall)Bay woodland communities tend to occur on the outer perimeter of a raised bog or domed pocosin. Bay woodlands persist well and increasingly dominate this site type in the long term absence of fire. Bay woodlands and pond pine woodlands are believed to be hydrologically very similar with fire dynamics driving the difference. Bay species sprout after low-intensity surface fire, but increasing bay abundance will increase fire intensity. Fires can be expected to be intense in the dense vegetation of a bay woodland, and bay trees do not typically survive high intensity fire.
(FNAI, 2010; Nelson, 1986; Schafale et al., 1990; Sharitz et al., 1982)Dominant plant species
-
loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), tree
-
sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), tree
-
swamp bay (Persea palustris), tree
-
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
-
fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
-
large gallberry (Ilex coriacea), shrub
-
swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), shrub
-
wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
-
coastal doghobble (Leucothoe axillaris), shrub
-
swamp doghobble (Eubotrys racemosus), shrub
-
dahoon (Ilex cassine), shrub
-
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), shrub
-
laurel greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), shrub
-
coral greenbrier (Smilax walteri), shrub
-
sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
Community 2.3
Nonriverine Bottomland HardwoodsNonriverine bottomland hardwoods are primarily deciduous closed canopy forests with very little understory herbaceous layer development. They tend to occur on locations with relatively higher pH (less acidic) and in depressions intermediate between uplands and swamps that are more permanently saturated. They seem unlikely to carry fire, even when surrounding woodlands are burned. They may represent a stable climax community.
(FNAI, 2010; Schafale et al., 1990)Dominant plant species
-
sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), tree
-
laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), tree
-
swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii), tree
-
American elm (Ulmus americana), tree
-
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
-
swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora), tree
-
American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), shrub
-
dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor), shrub
-
swamp bay (Persea palustris), shrub
-
wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
-
highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), shrub
-
American holly (Ilex opaca), shrub
-
sedge (Carex), grass
State 2.4
Cypress - Gum - Tupelo SwampA nonriverine Cypress - Gum - Tupelo swamp is typically a basin wetland vegetated with hydrophytic trees and shrubs that can withstand an extended hydroperiod. These swamps are highly variable in size, shape, and species composition. Historically, these sites were once more strongly dominated by large trees, particularly bald cypress. Small stands of large virgin cypress in nonriverine swamp environments still persist today, but logging has reduced most stands to relatively small sized gum and red maple trees, often with dense shrubs. Depending on the hydrology and fire history, shrubs may be found throughout a basin swamp or they may be concentrated around the perimeter.
Historically, fires were probably rare, but might have occurred in drought periods. Areas susceptible to more frequent fire probably supported shrub bog communities rather than swamp. It seems likely that most Nonriverine Swamp Forests occur primarily in environments which have more nutrient influx than bogs or are more permanently wet and are protected from fire.
(FNAI, 2010; Nelson, 1986; Schafale et al., 1990)Dominant plant species
-
bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), tree
-
pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), tree
-
swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora), tree
-
water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), tree
-
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
-
laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), tree
-
water oak (Quercus nigra), tree
-
sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), shrub
-
swamp bay (Persea palustris), shrub
-
swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), shrub
-
fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
-
coastal sweetpepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), shrub
-
dahoon (Ilex cassine), shrub
-
wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
-
common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), shrub
-
laurel greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), shrub
-
coral greenbrier (Smilax walteri), shrub
-
maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), grass
-
chainfern (Woodwardia), other herbaceous
-
sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
-
arrowhead (Sagittaria), other herbaceous
-
lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus), other herbaceous
-
smallspike false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), other herbaceous
-
beaksedge (Rhynchospora), other herbaceous
-
bladderwort (Utricularia), other herbaceous
-
royal fern (Osmunda regalis), other herbaceous
-
Walter's sedge (Carex striata), other herbaceous
Pathway 2.1.2
Community 2.1 to 2.2Fire suppression
Pathway 2.1.3
Community 2.1 to 2.3Decreased acidity and loss of periodic fire
Pathway 2.1.4
Community 2.1 to 2.4Fire suppression and increased inundation
Pathway 2.2.1
Community 2.2 to 2.1Periodic fire
Pathway 2.2.3
Community 2.2 to 2.3Decreased acidity due to the shift from conifers to hardwoods
Pathway 2.2.4
Community 2.2 to 2.4Increased inundation
Pathway 2.3.1
Community 2.3 to 2.1Increased acidity and periodic fire
Pathway 2.3.2
Community 2.3 to 2.2Increased acidity
Pathway 2.3.4
Community 2.3 to 2.4Increased inundation
Pathway 2.4.1
Community 2.4 to 2.1Periodic fire and decreased inundation from some natural change to local hydrology.
Pathway 2.4.2
Community 2.4 to 2.2Decreased inundation and undisturbed succession. Decreased inundation from some natural change to local hydrology.
Pathway 2.4.3
Community 2.4 to 2.3Decreased inundation
State 3
Wet GrasslandCommunity 3.1
Wet PrairieWet prairie typically occupies locations that are wet but not inundated. These communities are characterized by high species diversity.
(FNAI, 2010; Schafale et al., 1990)
Resilience management. These communities are supported by a fire return interval of 2 to 4 years.
Dominant plant species
-
pineland threeawn (Aristida stricta), grass
-
cutover muhly (Muhlenbergia expansa), grass
-
pitcherplant (Sarracenia), grass
-
sundew (Drosera), grass
-
toothache grass (Ctenium aromaticum), grass
Community 3.2
Graminoid MarshMuch of this community is commonly found occurring in shallow depressions containing standing water during most of the year. Some depressions are formed by fires that consume organic soil to depths that expose the water table. Most marsh is mucky and is dominated by dense stands of sedges, and they may succeed to shrub bog.
(Florida SWCD, 1989; Sharitz et al., 1982)Dominant plant species
-
beaksedge (Rhynchospora), grass
-
maidencane (Amphicarpum), grass
-
threeawn (Aristida), grass
-
bulrush (Scirpus), grass
-
sedge (Carex), grass
-
reed (Phragmites), grass
-
flatsedge (Cyperus), grass
-
rush (Juncus), grass
-
spikerush (Eleocharis), grass
-
umbrella-sedge (Fuirena), grass
-
tenangle pipewort (Eriocaulon decangulare), other herbaceous
-
clubmoss (Lycopodium), other herbaceous
-
St. Peterswort (Hypericum crux-andreae), other herbaceous
-
sandbog deathcamas (Zigadenus glaberrimus), other herbaceous
-
cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), other herbaceous
-
arrowhead (Sagittaria), other herbaceous
-
cattail (Typha), other herbaceous
-
knotweed (Polygonum), other herbaceous
Pathway 3.1.2
Community 3.1 to 3.2Any mechanism that increases inundation.
Pathway 3.2.1
Community 3.2 to 3.1Any mechanism that decreases inundation.
State 4
DrainedHistorically, these sites have been drained frequently to support a variety of land uses including forestry, agriculture, and development. This drained state is included in this STM because this state exists widely today across the landscape. Drainage of wetlands today is significantly regulated. NRCS is required to consider impacts to wetlands according to Federal laws including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act, the Wetland Conservation provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985, and State, Tribal, and local laws. It is the policy of NRCS to protect and promote wetland functions and values in all NRCS assistance (National Environmental Compliance Handbook (NECH) 610.36).
Community 4.1
Drained ForestForests are typically drained to facilitate timber production, especially artificial regeneration. The timber industry in the Southeast has artificially expanded the ecological footprint of slash pine and loblolly pine in particular.
Community 4.2
Cultivated AgricultureDrainage is typically necessary on this site in order to successfully maintain cultivated agriculture.
Community 4.3
Managed GrasslandLands drained in order to support pasture and/or hayland management.
Community 4.4
Urban DevelopmentLands developed to urban land use conditions.
Pathway 4.1.2
Community 4.1 to 4.2Land clearing and cultivation
Pathway 4.1.3
Community 4.1 to 4.3Land clearing and establishment of grassland
Pathway 4.1.4
Community 4.1 to 4.4Land clearing and urban development
Pathway 4.2.1
Community 4.2 to 4.1Establishment of trees. The timber industry in the Southeast has artificially expanded the ecological footprint of slash pine and loblolly pine in particular, mostly through significant site preparation during stand establishment.
Pathway 4.2.3
Community 4.2 to 4.3Establishment of grassland
Pathway 4.2.4
Community 4.2 to 4.4Urban development
Pathway 4.3.1
Community 4.3 to 4.1Establishment of trees
Pathway 4.3.2
Community 4.3 to 4.2Establishment of cultivation
Pathway 4.3.4
Community 4.3 to 4.4Urban development
State 5
RestoredAfter land on this site has been drained, it is impossible to return fully to reference conditions that existed at that location prior to drainage, especially at locations that remained under active drainage management for long periods of time. Restoration efforts might include blocking and removing drainage structures, revegetation, and reintroduction of periodic fire.
Community 5.1
Restored Wet Loamy Flats and Depressions with Brief HydroperiodsThis community represents restored wet loamy flats and depressions that experience brief hydroperiods. The soils are saturated and inundated for short periods. The longest saturation event within 30cm of the soil surface during the growing season ranges from 14 – 50 days. Sites that have been restored for at least 20 years have facultative, and wetland obligate vegetation that dominate the community. The restored plant community composition is driven both by a species' ability to thrive in these conditions as well as whether or not it was planted at the restoration sites that were studied.
(Moritz, 2021)Dominant plant species
-
bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), tree
-
loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), tree
-
pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), tree
-
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
Community 5.2
Restored Wet Loamy Flats and Depressions with Moderate HydroperiodsThis community represents restored wet loamy flats and depressions that experience moderate hydroperiods. The soils are saturated and inundated for much of the growing season. The longest saturation event within 30cm of the soil surface during the growing season ranges from 51 – 100 days. Prolonged periods of saturation and reduction reduces microbial decomposition rates, which allows for more organic carbon to accumulate in the soils when compared to restored wet loamy flats and depressions that experience brief hydroperiods. Sites that have been restored for at least 20 years have facultative, facultative wet, and wetland obligate vegetation that dominate the community. The restored plant community composition is driven both by a species' ability to thrive in these conditions as well as whether or not it was planted at the restoration sites that were studied.
(Moritz, 2021)Dominant plant species
-
bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), tree
-
pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), tree
-
pond pine (Pinus serotina), tree
-
red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
-
willow oak (Quercus phellos), tree
Community 5.3
Restored Wet Loamy Flats and Depressions with Long HydroperiodsThis community represents restored wet loamy flats and depressions that experience long hydroperiods. The soils are saturated and inundated for much of the year. The longest saturation event within 30cm of the soil surface during the growing season ranges from 101 days to the entire growing season. Prolonged periods of saturation and reduction reduces microbial decomposition rates, which allows for more organic carbon to accumulate in the soils when compared to restored wet loamy flats and depressions that experience moderate hydroperiods. Sites that have been restored for at least 20 years have facultative wet, and wetland obligate vegetation that dominate the community. The restored plant community composition is driven both by a species' ability to thrive in these conditions as well as whether or not it was planted at the restoration sites that were studied.
(Moritz, 2021)Dominant plant species
-
bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), tree
-
overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), tree
-
pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), tree
-
pond pine (Pinus serotina), tree
Pathway 5.1.2
Community 5.1 to 5.2Increased periods of saturation. The longest saturation event within 30cm of the soil surface during the growing season ranges from 51 days to 100 days.
Pathway 5.1.3
Community 5.1 to 5.3Increased periods of saturation. The longest saturation event within 30cm of the soil surface during the growing season ranges from 101 days to the entire growing season.
Pathway 5.2.1
Community 5.2 to 5.1Decreased periods of saturation. The longest saturation event within 30cm of the soil surface during the growing season ranges from 14 days to 50 days.
Pathway 5.2.3
Community 5.2 to 5.3Increased periods of saturation. The longest saturation event within 30cm of the soil surface during the growing season ranges from 101 days to the entire growing season.
Pathway 5.3.1
Community 5.3 to 5.1Decreased periods of saturation. The longest saturation event within 30cm of the soil surface during the growing season ranges from 14 days to 50 days.
Pathway 5.3.2
Community 5.3 to 5.2Decreased periods of saturation. The longest saturation event within 30cm of the soil surface during the growing season ranges from 51 days to 100 days.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2A variety of industrial exploitations cycles, loss of periodic fire cycles, and industrial removal of longleaf pine.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Any mechanism that causes widespread mortality of overstory trees including insects, diseases, weather, and/or increased inundation. These systems are well adapted to fire, so fire would not likely trigger this transition.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4The drained state is included in this STM because this state exists widely today across the landscape. This transition is included to show how we got to where we are today. Drainage of wetlands today is significantly regulated. NRCS is required to consider impacts to wetlands according to Federal laws including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act, the Wetland Conservation provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985, and State, Tribal, and local laws. It is the policy of NRCS to protect and promote wetland functions and values in all NRCS assistance (National Environmental Compliance Handbook (NECH) 610.36).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 1Renewed planting of longleaf pine as well as expanded application of low-intensity, frequent prescribed fire
Transition T2B
State 2 to 3Significantly increased inundation
Transition T2C
State 2 to 4The drained state is included in this STM because this state exists widely today across the landscape. This transition is included to show how we got to where we are today. Drainage of wetlands today is significantly regulated. NRCS is required to consider impacts to wetlands according to Federal laws including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act, the Wetland Conservation provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985, and State, Tribal, and local laws. It is the policy of NRCS to protect and promote wetland functions and values in all NRCS assistance (National Environmental Compliance Handbook (NECH) 610.36).
Transition T3A
State 3 to 1Planting or natural volunteer seeding
Transition T3B
State 3 to 2Decreased inundation
Transition T3C
State 3 to 4The drained state is included in this STM because this state exists widely today across the landscape. This transition is included to show how we got to where we are today. Drainage of wetlands today is significantly regulated. NRCS is required to consider impacts to wetlands according to Federal laws including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act, the Wetland Conservation provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985, and State, Tribal, and local laws. It is the policy of NRCS to protect and promote wetland functions and values in all NRCS assistance (National Environmental Compliance Handbook (NECH) 610.36).
Transition T4A
State 4 to 5Remove, plug, or otherwise restore drainage, revegetate, and reintroduce periodic fire.
Additional community tables
Table 7. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 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 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 15. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 16. Community 4.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 17. Community 4.4 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 18. Community 6.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 19. Community 6.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 20. Community 6.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Data collection and analysis of field data will be performed during the Verification Stage of ESD development.
References
-
Christopher Moritz. 2021. Evaluating mitigation sites in Carolina bay wetlands that were previously converted to agriculture. Institutional Repository at North Carolina State University. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. 1–323.
Other references
Ash, A., E. McDonald, E. Kane, and C. Pories. 1983. Natural and modified pocosins: Literature synthesis and management options. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Dept. Biol., Tech. Rep. FWS/OBS-83/04. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Washington, D.C.
Caldwell, P., M. Vepraskas, J.D. Gregory, R.W. Skaggs, and R.L. Huffman. 2011. Linking Plant Ecology and Long-Term Hydrology to Improve Wetland Restoration Success. Transactions of the ASABE. 54: 2129-2137. DOI: 10.13031/2013.40662
Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C.A. Carpenter, W.H. McNab. 2007. Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections for the conterminous United States. General Technical Report WO-76D. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Washington, D.C.
Dimick, B. P., J. Stucky, W. Wall, M. Vepraskas, T. Wentworth, and C. Arellana. 2010. Plant‐soil‐ hydrology relationships in three Carolina bays in Bladen County, North Carolina, USA. Castanaea 75(4): 407‐420
Fenneman, N.M., and D.W. Johnson. 1946. Physical divisions of the United States. U.S. Geological Survey, Physiographic Committee. Scale 1:700,000.
Florida Chapter, Soil and Water Conservation Society. 1989. 26 Ecological Communities of Florida. 147 pp.
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). 2010. Guide to the natural communities of Florida: 2010 edition. Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee, FL.
McNab, W.H.; D.T. Cleland, J.A Freeouf, J.E. Keys Jr., G.J. Nowacki, C.A. Carpenter, comps. 2007. Description of ecological subregions: sections of the conterminous United States [CD-ROM]. Gen. Tech. Report WO-76B. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 80 pp.
Moritz, C. 2021. Evaluating mitigation sites in Carolina bay wetlands that were previously converted to agriculture. Institutional Repository at North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 1–323.
Moritz C., M. Vepraskas, and M. Ricker. 2022. Hydrology and Vegetation Relationships in a Carolina Bay Wetland 15 Years after Restoration. Wetlands. 42. DOI: 10.1007/s13157-022-01530-0.
Nelson, J.B. 1986. The Natural Communities of South Carolina Initial Classification and Description, South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
Peet, R.K., and D.J. Allard. 1993. Longleaf Pine Vegetation of the Southern Atlantic and Eastern Gulf Coast Regions: A Preliminary Classification. In Proceedings of the Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference, No. 18, The Longleaf Pine Ecosystem: ecology, restoration and management, edited by Sharon M. Hermann, Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL, 1993.
Ross, T.E. 2003. Pocosins and Carolina Bays Compared, The North Carolina Geographer, Volume 11: 22-32
Schafale, M.P., and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. 321 pp.
Sharitz R.R., and J.W. Gibbons. 1982. The ecology of southeastern shrub bogs (pocosins) and Carolina bays: a community profile. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Biological Services, Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-82/04. 93 pp.
Soil Survey Staff. 2023. Web Soil Survey. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/ (accessed 16 February 2023).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2017. Geomorphic Description System, Version 5.0. Schoeneberger, P.J., and D.A. (eds). USDA-NRCS, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2022. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agriculture Handbook 296.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2013. Level III and IV ecoregions of the continental United States: Corvallis, Oregon, U.S. EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, map scale 1:3,000,000, https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions-continental-united-states.Contributors
Matthew D. Duvall
Christopher MoritzApproval
Charles Stemmans, 2/12/2025
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 04/21/2026 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:
Print Options
Sections
Font
AAAAOther
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.
Accessibility statement
