Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F153BY080NC
Wet Organic Soil Flats and Depressions
Last updated: 4/02/2025
Accessed: 05/30/2026
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Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 153B–Tidewater Area
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 is within. A more complete description of the MLRA can be found in Ag Handbook 296 (USDA-NRCS, 2022).
This MLRA stretches along the Atlantic coastline from northern Florida to southern Virginia. It features young marine terrace flats, broad flood plains and deltas, tidal marshes and estuaries, barrier sea islands, and a beach ridge system that spans the length of the MLRA. Its broad, shallow valleys with large rivers, tidal marshes, swamps, estuaries, drowned valleys, sea islands, and beaches, are all features of the Late Quaternary (USDA-NRCS, 2017). The Suffolk Scarp is the upper (western) limit of this MLRA and marks the extent of the ocean shoreline before it retreated during the Wisconsin period of glaciation. Fluctuating ocean levels, along with wave and wind activity, continue to rework sand deposits that comprise the ever-changing barrier sea islands and coastline in this MLRA. The marine terraces are younger to the east and are progressively older and higher inland to the west. The youngest marine terraces adjacent to the coast are very low lying and at high risk of inundation by extreme high tides, wind tides, storm surge, and extreme precipitation events. In addition to the risks of inundation, these low-lying terrestrial and freshwater systems are at high risk of salt water intrusion.
The MLRA is characterized by a persistent high water table. The hydraulic gradient across this MLRA is very low. Overall, elevation ranges from sea level to less than 25 feet (0 to 8 meters). Local relief is mainly about 3 feet (1 meter) or less. Most of the surface water in this MLRA is either coming into the MLRA from the piedmont and upper coastal plain, is managed by ditching, or is ponded on the surface. Surface flow channels originating within the MLRA are extremely subtle, typically blackwater, and flow generally channelizes mostly near the shoreline where tidal processes also impact flooding processes.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Alfisols and Entisols. Ultisols and Histosols are important but are of lesser extent. The soils in the area are characterized by restricted drainage, a thermic temperature regime, and an aquic moisture regime. The study of subaqueous soils is of increasing importance along nearshore coastal waters.
The major soil suborders of the MLRA include: 1) Endoaqualfs, which are very deep and loamy to clayey, 2) Endoaquults, which are very deep and loamy to clayey, 3) Haplosaprists, which are extensive in North Carolina and Virginia, in the Great Dismal Swamp, and in broad upland wetlands known as pocosins, 4) Hapludults, which are in the higher areas of somewhat better drainage, 5) Psamments, 6) Sulfaquents, which are extensive throughout the brackish tidal marshes protected by the barrier and sea islands, 7) Sulfiwassents (subaqueous soils), which formed in low- to moderate-energy estuarine deposits, and 8) Umbraquults, which are very deep and loamy to clayey.
MLRA 153B has a lengthy north-south extent, and it runs parallel to the Atlantic coast. The MLRA extends from the northeastern corner of Florida to southern Virginia. Five states are intersected by the MLRA, including North Carolina (42 percent), Virginia (21 percent), South Carolina (20 percent), Georgia (14 percent), and Florida (3 percent). The MLRA extent makes up about 11,152 square miles (28,884 square kilometers).
Because of climatic differences between the northern and southern reaches of the MLRA, vegetative communities vary with latitude. Loblolly pine, red oak, and white oak are dominant in the uplands, and blackgum, sweetgum, pond pine, laurel oak, water tupelo, and bald cypress are dominant on the bottomland. Longleaf pine and slash pine were dominant historically in the southern part of the area. Understory species common to the MLRA include switchcane, inkberry, large gallberry, greenbrier, wax myrtle, and cabbage palm. Herbaceous understory species include little bluestem, and various panicgrasses.
Major wildlife species include alligator, black bear, white-tailed deer, fox, raccoon, opossum, otter, muskrat, rabbit, mink, squirrel, quail, and mourning dove. The red wolf, an endangered species, is being reintroduced in several parts of the MLRA. The nearshore estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay, the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary systems, and Atlantic Ocean provide habitat for diverse populations of terrestrial and aquatic animal species. The subaquatic vegetation in these coastal lagoon areas provides critical habitat and cover for many shellfish and juvenile finfish. The estuaries host numerous migratory waterfowl and wading birds throughout the year and are an integral part of the Atlantic Flyway.
(USDA-NRCS, 2022)LRU notes
Currently, Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs) for MLRA 153B cover the full north-south range of the MLRA. However, climate variation across the north-south extent warrants the development of Land Resource Unit (LRU) classifications to support more precise Ecological Site Descriptions.
Classification relationships
MLRA 153B has overlap 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 lower level (IV) concepts, of which several apply to MLRA 153B. These include: 63b) Chesapeake-Pamlico Lowlands and Tidal Marshes, 63c) Swamps and Peatlands, 63d) Virginia Barrier Islands and Coastal Islands, 63f) Delmarva Uplands), 63g) Carolinian Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes, and 75j) Sea Islands/Coastal Marsh. (U.S. EPA, 2013)
MLRA 153B overlaps a portion of the US Forest Service Outer Coastal Plain Mixed Forest province (232). The MLRA roughly corresponds to the easternmost portions of the Atlantic Coastal Flatwoods (232C) and the southeastern portion of the Northern Atlantic Coastal Flatwoods (232I) sections. In combination with MLRA 153A, 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 153B 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 particular site is approximately aligned with High Pocosin (Schafale and Weakely, 1990) and Shrub Bog (FNAI, 2010).Ecological site concept
This site is characterized by organic soils (Histosols) on coastal plain flats and depressions of very poorly drained soils with long hydroperiods. Long hydroperiod refers to relatively long periods of soil saturation and/or inundation, especially during the growing season. Depressions may be either open or closed. The soils on this site are hydric. This site is wet but mostly free from flood plain processes. It is common for the water table to be at or near (within 12 inches of) the surface 6 to 12 months of the year.
This site supports a variety of vegetation communities including shrub bogs, cedar bogs, pine woodlands, bay woodlands, and cypress – tupelo swamps. The breadth of this ecological site is mostly the result of broad wetland soil concepts in the soil survey covering a wide range of hydrologic conditions. This ecological site includes some locations associated with pocosin landforms. This ecological site also includes some locations associated with Carolina bay landforms. Drainage is regulated today, but this site has historically been drained to support agriculture. When not drained, this site may be a source of surface water discharge. Ecological dynamics on this site are largely driven by precipitation, artificial drainage, and fire.
In this MLRA, this site is at risk of inundation associated with tides and extreme precipitation. It is also at risk of saltwater intrusion. In the tidewater area where hydraulic gradients are so low, this site will not drain without ditching.Associated sites
F153BY010NC Dry Sands
Dry sands often comprise a Carolina bay rim adjacent to and higher on the landscape than a wet organic soil flats and depressions.
F153BY020NC Moist Sands
Moist sands often comprise a Carolina bay rim adjacent to and higher on the landscape than a wet organic soil flats and depressions.
R153BY140NC Tidal Marsh on Organic Soil
Tidal marsh is often adjacent to and lower on the landscape than wet flats and depressions.
Similar sites
F153BY100NC Flooded Organic Soil Flood Plains and Terraces
This site is also very poorly drained organic soils, but it occupies flood plain locations and is subject to flooding process.
F153AY080NC Wet Organic Soil Flats and Depressions
This site is on very similar landforms but in an adjacent MLRA where the marine terrace surfaces are older, higher, more dissected, and not prone to tidal impacts.
F153BY060NC Wet Loamy Flats and Depressions
This site occupies similar landforms and is very poorly drained, but is comprised of loamy mineral soils.
F153BY065NC Wet Clay Flats and Depressions
This site occupies similar landforms and is very poorly drained, but is comprised of clayey mineral soils.
F153BY070NC Wet Spodosol Flats and Depressions
This site occupies similar landforms and is very poorly drained, but is comprised of Spodosols.
R153BY140NC Tidal Marsh on Organic Soil
Tidal marshes on organic soils may sometimes be mapped on the same soils as the soils tied to this organic soils flats and depressions ESD, but these communities are described in R153BY140NC, tidal marshes on organic soil. The frequency of tidal flooding tends to control the dominant life form on the site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Pinus serotina
(2) Acer rubrumShrub (1) Lyonia lucida
(2) Morella ceriferaHerbaceous (1) Woodwardia virginica
(2) SphagnumPhysiographic features
This ecological site represents flats and depressions of organic soils that are mostly isolated from most flood plain processes. In general, these flat landforms developed by marine deposition, or ancient fluvial reworking and redeposition. It is common for the water table at this site to be at or near (within 12 inches of) the surface 6 to 12 months of the year. Where surface water is present, ponding is the most common inundation process on this ecological site.
This ecological site includes some locations associated with pocosin landforms. Pocosins are a unique landform, but the soils that are mapped on pocosins are also mapped on other landforms. Pocosins are specifically on flat interstream divides. Many of the soils mapped on pocosins are also mapped on depressions. If a site might be classified as a pocosin, please consider the following: The code of federal regulations states that “Pocosin means a wet area on nearly level interstream divides in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Soils are generally organic but may include some areas of high organic mineral soils” (7CFR 2.12). For the purposes of this Ecological Site Description, pocosin will refer to non-depressional wetland flats on organic soils. Pocosins are a State within the Wet Histosol Flats and Depressions ecological site, but pocosins are specifically on flats and only represent a portion of this ecological site.
The most recognizable characteristic of a pocosin is typically a raised and domed organic soil elevation cross-sectional profile. Pocosin is a type of raised bog, but raised bogs are not limited to occurring on flats. Raised bogs may occur in depressions, and the organic soil profile may rise above the elevation of the surrounding mineral soil depression (Sharitz et al., 1982). For the purposes of this Ecological Site Description (ESD), we consider a raised bog on a depression to be distinct and separate from a pocosin, which occurs specifically on a flat. The primary purpose of the distinction is proper understanding and management of hydrology.
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. Figures 1, 2, and 3 depict Carolina bays in MLRA 153A, because these landforms are more common in MLRA 153A than in 153B, which might be due to tidal impacts in 153B that work to diminish the landform distinctiveness. Nonetheless, Carolina bay landforms are an important component of the landscape in MLRA 153B and have been witnessed even in subaqueous estuarine environments (Soil Survey Staff, 2023).
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, especially wetlands. 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 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 floodplain dynamics (figure 3). Open depressions and floodplain 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 Floodplains and Terraces (F153AY090NC and F153BY090NC), and Flooded Organic Soil Floodplains 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).
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
Landforms (1) Coastal plain > Flat
(2) Depression
(3) Pocosin
(4) Swamp
Runoff class Negligible Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency Rare Ponding duration Long (7 to 30 days) Ponding frequency None to frequent Elevation 0 – 25 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Ponding depth 0 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 medium Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency None to rare Ponding duration Long (7 to 30 days) Ponding frequency None to frequent Elevation 0 – 25 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Ponding depth 0 – 36 in Water table depth 0 – 12 in Climatic features
The climate of MLRA 153B is generally warm, temperate, and humid with maritime influences along the coast. The maximum precipitation occurs in summer, and the minimum occurs in autumn. 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. Snowfall may occur in the northern end of the area. The average annual temperature is 57 to 70 degrees F (14 to 21 degrees C), increasing to the south. (USDA-NRCS, 2022)
The youngest marine terraces adjacent to the coast are very low lying and at high risk of inundation by extreme high tides, wind tides, storm surge, and extreme precipitation events. Hurricanes and other storms that combine strong winds with extreme precipitation can topple trees and place this entire MLRA at risk of inundation. Furthermore, sea-level rise puts these low-lying terrestrial and freshwater systems at high risk of salt water intrusion and the damaging impacts of salinization.Table 4 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 210-260 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 260-340 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (actual range) 200-270 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 240-360 days Precipitation total (actual range) 50-50 in Frost-free period (average) 240 days Freeze-free period (average) 300 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
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(1) ELIZABETH CITY CGAS [USW00013786], Elizabeth City, NC
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(2) CHARLESTON CITY [USW00013782], Charleston, SC
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(3) BRUNSWICK 23 S [USW00063856], Saint Marys, GA
">Influencing water features
This MLRA is dominated by a persistent high water table, and, on this site, the water table is typically at or near (within 12 inches of) the surface 6 to 12 months out of the year. This ecological site is mostly isolated from flood plain processes, so water inputs are mostly precipitation and ground water. As the organic soils of this site become supersaturated, they may be a source of surface water outflow. These organic soil flats may be sufficiently high on the landscape that this surface water outflow accumulates into blackwater channelized flow. This site is at risk of exposure to storm surge and tidal inundation across the MLRA under extreme conditions.
Wetland description
Unless drained, Histosols in the southeast are hydric soil by definition, but, in order to classify as a wetland, a location must meet soils, hydrology, and vegetation criteria. This site is seasonally saturated and/or ponded, and it is not typically flooded. Some of these sites are sufficiently inland and are not exposed to tidal influences, so they would be palustrine in nature. Those locations exposed to tidal influences classify as estuarine. Most locations associated with frequent tidal influences are likely best described by a different ESD, R153BY130NC, tidal marsh on mineral soil, or R153BY140NC, tidal marsh on organic soil.
Soil features
The soils of this site are all Histosols meaning that they all have thick organic surface soil horizons, greater than 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 inches) formed over deep marine and fluviomarine mineral sediments. They are very deep and ultra acidic. They are very poorly drained. When dry, the organic horizons can be consumed by fire. When drained, the organic materials will decompose more quickly and will eventually lower the soil surface elevation. This site does not include soils with a shallow organic surface horizon (i.e., histic epipedons). Histic epipedons are covered under one of the proper mineral soil ESDs. In this MLRA, these soils are at risk of salt water intrusion.
Dominant soil series on this site include: Belhaven, Dare, Ponzer, Pungo, and Scuppernong.
Belhaven and Pungo are modal.Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Organic material
(2) Herbaceous organic material
(3) Woody organic material
(4) Marine deposits
Surface texture (1) Muck
(2) Woody
(3) Mucky peat
Drainage class Very 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)7.9 – 20.1 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)2 – 4.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-40in)Not specified Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-40in)Not specified Table 6. Representative soil features (actual values)
Drainage class Very poorly drained Permeability class Very slow to moderately rapid Soil depth 60 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)5.8 – 20.5 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)2 – 6.5 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-40in)0 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-40in)0 % Ecological dynamics
The most dominant ecological drivers on this site are hydrology, depth of organic soil, extreme weather, salinization, and fire. 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 depth of organic soil.
Persistent and prolonged saturation slows decomposition and allows for the accumulation of organic soil material. Eventually, organic soil materials accumulate to depths great enough that tree roots are no longer able to reach the relatively nutrient rich mineral soil substrate, and the stature of the woody vegetation becomes diminished. In areas where seasonal drying is greater, organic soil materials do not accumulate to such great depths, tree roots are able to reach mineral substrate, and tree stature increases. Drainage of these sites will lower the water table and increase drying of the surface. However, the exposure of organic soils to oxygen will increase organic material decomposition, will decrease organic material thickness, and will ultimately lower the soil surface elevation.
Locations with seasonally drier soils may be more prone to fire, which may also reduce the thickness of the organic soil by consuming it as fuel when dry. Intense fire during drought may consume enough organic soil material to create new open water or marsh areas when the water table returns. The variety of vegetation communities that historically occur on this site are representative of a variety of strategies to adapt to historical fire return intervals. For example, pond pine and Atlantic white cedar are well adapted to stand replacement fire, while bay woodlands are well suited to thrive on this site only in the prolonged absence of fire. (Ashe et al.,1983; FNAI, 2010)
Hurricanes produce winds and rain that can have significant impact. Organic soils decrease the rooting strength of trees and make them more susceptible to windfall. Extreme precipitation can increase and prolong inundation and saturation. The lack of hydrologic gradient between these sites and sea level can further increase and prolong inundation and saturation following an extreme precipitation event.
In this MLRA, intrusion of salt water into the soil profile can have significant impacts on vegetation. Low lying areas dominated by organic soils are at particularly high risk of salinization. Organic soils tend to retain salts more effectively than mineral soils. The organic material has a higher cation exchange capacity and more of the salts are bound to the soil than in a mineral soil. In forested areas, this phenomenon is sufficiently common that ghost forests are increasingly recognized as a widespread example of the impacts of sea level rise and salinization. Extensive ditching across this MLRA increases exposure of the landscape to salinization. As sea level rises, a dense salt-water wedge moves further inland up these ditches exposing more of the landscape to these processes.
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.
If following the soil survey has brought you to this ESD, but you find yourself in a graminoid marsh community, please refer to the ESD titled Tidal Marsh on Organic Soil, R153BY140NC. Some of the same soils mapped on this ecological site are also mapped on marsh locations, but the complexity of salinity and tidal dynamics make it necessary to describe the marsh systems in a separate ESD.State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textStates 1, 5 and 2 (additional transitions)
T1A - Decreased organic soil depth due to fire, changes in hydrology, or both T1B - Drainage T1C - Salinization T2A - Increased organic soil depth T2B - Drainage T2C - Salinization T3A - Restoration of hydrology, vegetation, and fire T3B - Salinization T4A - Salinization State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1.2 - Loss of periodic fire 2.1.3 - Stand replacement fire 2.1.4 - Loss of periodic fire and increased inundation 2.2.1 - Periodic fire 2.2.3 - Stand replacement fire 2.2.4 - Increased inundation 2.3.1 - Periodic fire 2.3.2 - Undisturbed succession 2.3.4 - Undisturbed succession and increased inundation 2.4.1 - Decreased inundation and periodic fire 2.4.2 - Decreased inundation and undisturbed succession 2.4.3 - Decreased inundation and stand replacement fire State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1.2 - Land clearing and cultivation 3.1.3 - Land clearing and establishment of grassland 3.1.4 - Land clearing and urban development 3.2.1 - Establishment of trees 3.2.3 - Establishment of grassland 3.2.4 - Urban development 3.3.1 - Establishment of trees 3.3.2 - Establishment of cultivation 3.3.4 - Urban development State 4 submodel, plant communities
4.1.2 - Increased periods of saturation 4.2.1 - Decreased periods of saturation State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Shrub BogShrub bog is found on the edge of swamps, in stream head drainage seeps, and on flat, poorly drained divides between rivers. Shrub bogs occur in areas of poor internal drainage that typically have highly developed organic soils.
Community dynamics are driven by hydrology, especially hydroperiod, accumulation of organic soils, and periodic fire. This site has a long hydroperiod with the water table at or near the soil surface 6 to 12 months of the year. Periodic low intensity surface fire impacts species composition and productivity, but intense fire during droughty conditions can consume significant volumes of organic soil. Periodic low intensity surface fires favor pond pine, but the absence of fire favors bay hardwoods and slash pine. Intense fire can significantly lower soil surface elevation and may cause a state transition with prolonged periods of inundation.
(FNAI, 2010; Schafale et al., 1990; Sharitz et al., 1982)Dominant plant species
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pond pine (Pinus serotina), tree
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loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), tree
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sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), tree
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fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
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swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), shrub
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wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
Community 1.1
Raised Bog DepressionShrub bog consists of dense stands of broadleaved evergreen shrubs and vines, with or without an overstory of scattered pine or bay trees, growing in raised mucky soil on a depression. The sponge-like characteristics of a broad expanse of a raised organic soil profile holds the water table at or very near the surface for extended periods of time without creating substantial ponding. These sites may be saturated nearly year around. Their hydrology is quite unique.
Shrub bog is found on the edge of swamps, in stream head drainage seeps, and on flat, poorly drained divides between rivers. Raised bog conditions describe the end-point of ecological succession in these communities when the accumulation of woody organic materials develop deep peaty soils. Thick organic soils limit the access of tree roots to the more nutrient rich mineral soils buried beneath the organics. Tree stature and canopy cover become diminished.
Raised bogs on depressions are handled separately from pocosins which are found specifically on flats. They are treated separately for proper understanding and management of hydrology. Raised bogs in depressions are hydrologically distinct from pocosin flats, because a depression holds more water on the bog for longer hydroperiods. With longer hydroperiods, organic soils more easily accumulate to deeper depths. Depressional hydrology facilitates the prolonged hydroperiod necessary to accumulate sufficient organic material to raise the soil surface above the surrounding mineral soil surface. The results are similar, but the hydrology of a depression is much more facilitative than a flat on an interstream divide. Depressional hydrology facilitates this process much more effectively than flat hydrology.Dominant plant species
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pond pine (Pinus serotina), tree
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loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), tree
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sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), tree
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fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
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swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), shrub
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wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
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inkberry (Ilex glabra), shrub
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coastal sweetpepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), shrub
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laurel greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), shrub
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coral greenbrier (Smilax walteri), shrub
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giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea), grass
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Virginia chainfern (Woodwardia virginica), other herbaceous
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sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
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pitcherplant (Sarracenia), other herbaceous
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Walter's sedge (Carex striata), other herbaceous
Community 1.2
Pocosin FlatPocosin consists of dense stands of broadleaved evergreen shrubs and vines, with or without an overstory of scattered pine or bay trees, growing in raised mucky soil on a flat or talf. The sponge-like characteristics of a broad expanse of a raised organic soil profile, characteristic of a pocosin, holds the water table at or very near the surface for extended periods of time without creating substantial ponding. These sites may be saturated nearly year around. Their hydrology is quite unique. By virtue of its position on interstream flats, supersaturated pocosin soils may be the source of surface water flows as water leaks out of the organic soil sponge in a slow sheet flow across the shallow organic and mineral soils at the margins of the raised organic soils.
Some naturalists distinguish a “high pocosin” from a “low pocosin” by the stature of the woody cover. High pocosin being dominated by a forest overstory taller than 6 meters, while low pocosin refers to a more shrub-scrub woodland cover less than 6 meters tall. The distinction between the two is the thickness of the organic soil layers, with low pocosin occurring on the thickest. Thicker organic soils limit the access of tree roots to the more nutrient rich mineral soils buried beneath the organics. Tree stature and canopy cover become diminished. Low pocosin is probably the end-point of successional development on pocosin landforms.
Raised bogs on depressions are handled separately from pocosins which are found specifically on flats. They are treated separately for proper understanding and management of hydrology. Raised bogs in depressions are hydrologically distinct from pocosin flats, because a depression holds more water on the bog for longer hydroperiods. With longer hydroperiods, organic soils more easily accumulate to deeper depths. Depressional hydrology facilitates the prolonged hydroperiod necessary to accumulate sufficient organic material to raise the soil surface above the surrounding mineral soil surface. The results are similar, but the hydrology of a depression is much more facilitative than a flat on an interstream divide. Depressional hydrology facilitates this process much more effectively than flat hydrology.
(FNAI, 2010; Schafale et al., 1990; Sharitz et al., 1982)Dominant plant species
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pond pine (Pinus serotina), tree
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loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), tree
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sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), tree
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fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
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swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), shrub
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wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
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inkberry (Ilex glabra), shrub
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coastal sweetpepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), shrub
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laurel greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), shrub
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coral greenbrier (Smilax walteri), shrub
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giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea), grass
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Virginia chainfern (Woodwardia virginica), other herbaceous
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sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
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pitcherplant (Sarracenia), other herbaceous
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Walter's sedge (Carex striata), other herbaceous
State 2
Nonriverine Swamp WoodlandsCommunity 2.1
Pond Pine WoodlandPond pine woodlands tend to occur on shallower organic soils and can 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
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pond pine (Pinus serotina), tree
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loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), tree
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sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
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swamp bay (Persea palustris), tree
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swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), shrub
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fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
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maleberry (Lyonia ligustrina), shrub
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large gallberry (Ilex coriacea), shrub
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inkberry (Ilex glabra), shrub
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coastal sweetpepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), shrub
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laurel greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), shrub
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wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
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giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea), grass
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Virginia chainfern (Woodwardia virginica), other herbaceous
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sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
Community 2.2
Bay Woodland (Baygall)Bay woodland communities tend to occur on shallower organic soils and can 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
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loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), tree
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sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), tree
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swamp bay (Persea palustris), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
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fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
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large gallberry (Ilex coriacea), shrub
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swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), shrub
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wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
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coastal doghobble (Leucothoe axillaris), shrub
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swamp doghobble (Eubotrys racemosus), shrub
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dahoon (Ilex cassine), shrub
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Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), shrub
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laurel greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), shrub
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coral greenbrier (Smilax walteri), shrub
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sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
State 2.3
Atlantic White Cedar BogDense even aged stands of Atlantic white cedar can establish on deep organic soils following stand replacement fire. Often, they develop following a stand replacement fire that consumes soil and raises the water table. Atlantic white cedar bogs are found on peatlands and in other depressions, swales, or seepages with organic deposits. Cedar is not tolerant of fire, so it will not do well under conditions of periodic low intensity surface fire that is relatively common for many communities of this site. It is also shade intolerant so will only thrive in canopy openings. Loblolly pine is a common overstory associate in these communities. Atlantic white cedar bogs are relatively uncommon.
(Nelson, 1986; Schafale et al., 1990; Sharitz et al., 1982)Dominant plant species
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Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
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fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
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loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), shrub
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swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), shrub
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wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
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sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), shrub
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inkberry (Ilex glabra), shrub
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swamp bay (Persea palustris), shrub
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redbay (Persea borbonia), shrub
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. Stand killing fires under certain circumstances may have led to development of Atlantic white cedar bog communities. 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
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bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), tree
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pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), tree
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swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora), tree
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water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
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laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), tree
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water oak (Quercus nigra), tree
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sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), shrub
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swamp bay (Persea palustris), shrub
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swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), shrub
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fetterbush lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shrub
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coastal sweetpepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), shrub
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dahoon (Ilex cassine), shrub
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wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), shrub
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common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), shrub
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laurel greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), shrub
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coral greenbrier (Smilax walteri), shrub
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maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), grass
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chainfern (Woodwardia), other herbaceous
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sphagnum (Sphagnum), other herbaceous
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arrowhead (Sagittaria), other herbaceous
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lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus), other herbaceous
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smallspike false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), other herbaceous
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beaksedge (Rhynchospora), other herbaceous
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bladderwort (Utricularia), other herbaceous
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royal fern (Osmunda regalis), other herbaceous
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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 2.3Stand replacement fire with nearby Atlantic white cedar seed source
Context dependence.This transition is probably uncommon, because stand replacement fire will also benefit pond pine.
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 2.3Stand replacement fire with nearby Atlantic white cedar seed source
Pathway 2.2.4
Community 2.2 to 2.4Increased inundation
Pathway 2.3.1
Community 2.3 to 2.1Periodic fire
Pathway 2.3.2
Community 2.3 to 2.2Undisturbed succession
Pathway 2.3.4
Community 2.3 to 2.4Undisturbed succession and increased 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 2.3Stand replacement fire with nearby Atlantic white cedar seed source and decreased inundation. Decreased inundation from some natural change to local hydrology.
State 3
DrainedThis is a relatively wet site within a landscape with a persistent and nearly ubiquitous shallow water table across the MLRA. Historically, 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 3.1
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 Loblolly pine in particular.
Community 3.2
Cultivated AgricultureDrainage is typically necessary on this site in order to establish cultivated agriculture.
Community 3.3
Managed GrasslandLands drained in order to support pasture and/or hayland management.
Community 3.4
Urban DevelopmentLands developed to urban land use conditions.
Pathway 3.1.2
Community 3.1 to 3.2Land clearing and cultivation
Pathway 3.1.3
Community 3.1 to 3.3Land clearing and establishment of grassland
Pathway 3.1.4
Community 3.1 to 3.4Land clearing and urban development
Pathway 3.2.1
Community 3.2 to 3.1Establishment of trees. The timber industry in the Southeast has artificially expanded the ecological footprint of Loblolly pine in particular, mostly through significant site preparation during stand establishment.
Pathway 3.2.3
Community 3.2 to 3.3Establishment of grassland
Pathway 3.2.4
Community 3.2 to 3.4Urban development
Pathway 3.3.1
Community 3.3 to 3.1Establishment of trees
Pathway 3.3.2
Community 3.3 to 3.2Establishment of cultivation
Pathway 3.3.4
Community 3.3 to 3.4Urban development
State 4
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. Drained organic soils will have a lower soil surface elevation, and thinner organic horizons, than prior to drainage. Restoration efforts might include blocking and removing drainage structures, revegetation, and reintroduction of periodic fire, but redevelopment of organic soil surface elevations will take profoundly long periods of time to achieve, if ever.
Community 4.1
Restored Wet Histosol Flats and Depressions with Moderate HydroperiodsThis community represents restored wet histosol 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 a significant amount of organic carbon to accumulate in the soils. 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)
The species composition presented for this community reflects data collected at Carolina bay restoration locations in MLRA 153A. While there are important differences between these two MLRA, this information is still relevant in MLRA 153B where Histosols are more common.Dominant plant species
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bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), tree
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pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), tree
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pond pine (Pinus serotina), tree
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red maple (Acer rubrum), tree
Community 4.2
Restored Wet Histosol Flats and Depressions with Long HydroperiodsThis community represents restored wet histosol 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 histosol 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 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)
The species composition presented for this community reflects data collected at Carolina bay restoration locations in MLRA 153A. While there are important differences between these two MLRA, this information is still relevant in MLRA 153B where Histosols are more common.Dominant plant species
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bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), tree
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pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), tree
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pond pine (Pinus serotina), tree
Pathway 4.1.2
Community 4.1 to 4.2Increased 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 4.2.1
Community 4.2 to 4.1Decreased periods of saturation. The longest saturation event within 30cm of the soil surface during the growing season ranges from 51 days to 100 days.
State 5
SalinizedAny community on this site that has become salinized by the impacts of salt water inundation or intrusion. Saltwater intrusion is the movement of saltwater into freshwater systems. The process occurs mostly by lateral flow into areas adjacent to coastal waters or ditch systems that connect saltwater bodies. These ditch systems are designed to drain freshwater off of a site, but sea level rise and extreme tidal events push saltwater up these ditch systems and expose more of the landscape to salinization processes. Salinization can also occur as storm surge and/or extreme high tides push saltwater flooding and inundation over the top of these terrestrial freshwater systems.
Community 5.1
Salinized ForestThe nature of a salinized forest depends on the level and persistence of salts in the soils. Forest vegetation impacts range from stunted vegetation to forests of standing dead trees. The unique “ghost forest” landform describes coastal organic forests subjected to permanent saltwater inundation from say sea level rise, resulting in loss of organics and die off of the woody species shifting the dominant vegetation to salt marsh.
Community 5.2
Salinized CroplandSoil salinization converts once verdant farm fields to dead, bare soil areas.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Decreased organic soil depth through either different fire dynamics or different hydrology.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3The 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 T1C
State 1 to 5Sea level rise, tidal inundation, and soil saltwater intrusion.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 1Increased organic soil depth through changes in fire or changes in hydrology.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 3The 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 T2C
State 2 to 5Sea level rise, tidal inundation, and soil saltwater intrusion.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Remove, plug, or otherwise restore drainage, revegetate, and reintroduce periodic fire.
Transition T3B
State 3 to 5Sea level rise, tidal inundation, and soil saltwater intrusion.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 5Sea level rise, tidal inundation, and soil saltwater intrusion.
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 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 3.4 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 15. Community 6.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 16. Community 6.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 17. Community 7.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 18. Community 7.2 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
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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. Castanea 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, 4/02/2025
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 05/30/2026 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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