Southeastern Grasslands: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Management

by JoVonn G. Hill (Editor), JoVonn G. Hill (Contribution by), John A. Barone (Editor), John A. Barone (Contribution by), Charles Allen (Contribution by)

Overview

A holistic approach to analyzing distinct grassland habitats that integrates ecological, historical, and archaeological data
 
Today the southeastern United States is a largely rural, forested, and agricultural landscape interspersed with urban areas of development. However, two centuries ago it contained hundreds of thousands of acres of natural grasslands that stretched from Florida to Texas. Now more than 99 percent of these prairies, glades, and savannas have been plowed up or paved over, lost to agriculture, urban growth, and cattle ranching. The few remaining grassland sites are complex ecosystems, home to hundreds of distinct plant and animal species, and worthy of study.
 
Southeastern Grasslands: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Management brings together the latest research on southeastern prairie systems and species, provides a complete picture of an increasingly rare biome, and offers solutions to many conservation biology queries. Editors JoVonn G. Hill and John A. Barone have gathered renowned experts in their fields from across the region who address questions related to the diversity, ecology, and management of southeastern grasslands, along with discussions of how to restore sites that have been damaged by human activity.

Over the last twenty years, both researchers and the public have become more interested in the grasslands of the Southeast. This volume builds on the growing knowledge base of these remarkable ecosystems with the goal of increasing appreciation for them and stimulating further study of their biota and ecology. Topics such as the historical distribution of grasslands in the South, the plants and animals that inhabit them, as well as assessments of several techniques used in their conservation and management are covered in-depth. Written with a broad audience in mind, this book will serve as a valuable introduction and reference for nature enthusiasts, scientists, and land managers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780817319885
Publisher:	University of Alabama Press
Publication date:	11/06/2018
Edition description:	First Edition, First Edition
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	8.75(w) x 11.50(h) x 1.30(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

JoVonn G. Hill is an assistant research professor with the Mississippi Entomological Museum at Mississippi State University and is currently serving as editor of Transactions of the American Entomological Society. Hill is a founding member of the Black Belt Prairie Restoration Initiative, a flagship project of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s East Gulf Coastal Plain Joint Venture.

John A. Barone is a professor of biology at Columbus State University in Georgia. He has written several book chapters and has published articles in Castanea, Journal of Tropical Ecology, Biological Conservation, and Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics.

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

A Synopsis of Southeastern Blackland Prairies

S. LEE ECHOLS AND WENDY B. ZOMLEFER

INTRODUCTION

Blackland prairies are among the most prevalent edaphic grasslands across the South but are understudied compared to other North American prairie types (Noss 2013). Blackland ecosystems are characterized by a mosaic of grassland, savanna, shrubland, woodland, and mixed southeastern forest types (NatureServe 2012–2013). Related vegetation is scattered across the Gulf and Atlantic Coastal Plains and farther west: blackland prairies are documented from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas (Peacock and Schauwecker 2003b; NatureServe 2012–2013) (fig. 1.1). These prairies are associated predominantly with limestone and calcareous clay formations originating during the Upper Cretaceous and Lower Tertiary (ca. 65–30 million years ago [hereafter mya]), when much of the southeastern United States was covered by a shallow sea (Huddlestun and Hetrick 1986; Peacock and Schauwecker 2003b). For this review, the term "blackland prairie" is considered a vernacular vegetation type indicative of southern plant communities dominated by grasses and forbs associated with alkaline clayey soils of high shrink-swell potential and underlain by calcareous parent material of marine origin. This serviceable definition focuses on present-day remnants often representing degraded examples. Mildly acidic soils, as well as more sandy or loamy soils, are also possible (at least historically) within the range of blackland prairie variation (Barone and Hill 2007; Campbell and Seymour 2011a). A variety of soil moisture regimes, from xeric to hydric, are also likely within this historical context (Campbell and Seymour 2011a).

The unique characteristics of the marine sediment–derived soils are the main driver in the formation of blackland prairie vegetation (Noss 2013). Decay of dense root systems from prairie grasses and forbs creates dark organic compounds that persist in the soil and coat mineral particles, creating the coloration responsible for the prairies' name (Diggs et al. 2006). The clays readily absorb water and expand, and then shrink and crack as they dry and the volume of soil decreases. Pettry and Switzer (1993) noted that the size and extent of cracking depends on numerous factors, including absorbed cations, clay content and mineralogy, precipitation, and soil moisture fluctuations. Shrinkswell clays and elevated pH likely decrease invasion of some woody species (Schauwecker 1996). This may explain the extant scattering of small remnants across the southeastern landscape, even in the absence of recent fire. Shallow rooting depth of eroded soil profiles or naturally shallow prairie soils may also play a role in the persistence of degraded prairie remnants (Echols 2007).

Although edaphic conditions are the main driver for the origin of blackland prairies, fire is one of the most important factors in maintaining open prairie vegetation over time (R. Anderson 1990). This is especially true for sites with deeper, less clayey, and slightly acidic soil profiles, where woody invasion may occur more rapidly. Fire benefits to prairie vegetation include decreased woody plant competition, increased nutrient availability, and alteration of microclimatic conditions to favor aboveground plant growth (Moran et al. 2003). Vegetation response to fire depends on factors such as precipitation patterns before and after burning, topography, vegetation structure, depth of soil to water table, frequency, and seasonality (R. Anderson 1990). Diggs and Schulze (2003) recognized the importance of the physical characteristics of clay soils in maintaining prairie vegetation but proposed a soil-dependent fire frequency hypothesis for Texas blackland prairies: larger quantities of high-quality fuel (prairie grasses) on clay soils increase the frequency and intensity of fires, creating a positive feedback loop for fire-adapted grasses that subsequently suppress woody plant growth.

According to Noss et al. (1994), grasslands, including blackland prairies, are the most endangered biome in North America. Blackland prairies are considered critically imperiled or imperiled throughout their range (NatureServe 2012–2013). The fertility of blackland prairie soils has long been exploited (Peacock and Schauwecker 2003a). Extensive cotton farming within the Black Belt of Mississippi and Alabama has played a major role in prairie destruction over the past 200 years (Frost et al. 1986). Overgrazing and deep plowing have caused significant erosion, which has been further exacerbated by the inherent properties of blackland soils (Peacock and Schauwecker 1996). Campbell and Seymour (2011a) note that the upland soils of Black Belt and Jackson Prairies are prone to severe sheet and gully erosion. Other anthropogenic impacts, including urbanization, fire suppression and the subsequent invasion of woody species and exotic invasives, landfill placement, and the construction of catfish ponds, have resulted in range-wide decimation (M. MacRoberts et al. 2003; Peacock and Schauwecker 2003a; Zollner et al. 2003).

Endangered grasslands such as blackland prairies require a systematic approach for effective conservation. The concept of representation — capturing the variation of a system or taxon across its range — is integral to the field of conservation biology (Noss et al. 1994). This chapter summarizes the diversity of blackland prairies across the Southeast on a state-by-state basis, since political boundaries play a large role in the allocation of scant conservation resources. It is hoped that scientists, land managers, and other conservation partners will refer to this chapter for elucidating relationships within and among these endangered grasslands, so that we may better protect this vanishing southern treasure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review was performed for five southeastern states with blackland prairies to compare geology, soils, and vegetation. Blackland prairies — the open, herbaceous, grass- and forb-dominated vegetation types — are the focus of this chapter, but chalk outcrops associated with prairie habitats are also included since they represent open herbaceous communities over shallow chalk or eroded examples of former blackland prairies. Geology discussions focus on formation-level deposits unless otherwise noted. Soil series occurring within blackland ecosystems, but associated with other vegetation types (e.g., forest, savanna, shrubland, woodland), are included here for conservation and restoration planning purposes. Many of these soils occur in complex mosaics with calcareous clays that underlie open prairie vegetation. Others are documented from the greater surrounding blackland landscapes. Some series may have previously supported prairie but are now denuded as a result of various anthropogenic uses. Vegetation descriptions focus on named ecological associations within the International Vegetation Classification framework (NatureServe 2012–2013) (table 1.1), although vegetation descriptions from floristic surveys and other literature sources are also provided. Vascular plant nomenclature follows the USDA PLANTS Database (USDA 2010–2013).

Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas were excluded from this review, although these states contain blackland prairies. Tennessee reportedly has degraded remnants of Black Belt Prairie in McNairy County (D. Estes, pers. comm.; NatureServe 2012–2013). The substantial diversity of blackland geology, soils, and vegetation of Texas are beyond the scope of this review. Texas historically contained the largest area of blackland prairies, but the state is generally not considered a part of the Southeast in terms of political boundaries, although eastern Texas shares many of the ecological attributes of the surrounding southeastern states, including a portion of the West Gulf Coastal Plain. Many ecologists consider Texas blackland prairies a southern extension of the "true prairie," or Great Plains prairies stretching northward to Manitoba (O. Collins et al. 1975; Diamond and Smeins 1993; Diggs et al. 2006; Launchbaugh 1955). Additionally, the isolated Fleming prairies of the eastern Texas Piney Woods ecoregion share some floristic and pedologic characteristics with the surrounding southeastern blackland prairies but are underlain by younger, Miocene-age deposits (Echols 2007; Noss 2013). Like Texas, Oklahoma falls outside the southeastern focus area.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Alabama

Blackland prairie vegetation occurs in a region known as the "Black Belt." This crescent-shaped area, which is about 40 km long and 500 km wide, extends from northeastern Mississippi into central Alabama (fig. 1.1). The southeastern portion of the Black Belt crescent is in Alabama. Twelve counties historically contained about 700 km of prairies in west-central and central Alabama (Barone 2005b). Montgomery County had about 30,000 ha of prairie, more than any other county in the state. A study by Schotz and Barbour (2009) identified 14,595 prairies collectively covering 6,276 ha, with most prairies in Dallas, Lowndes, and Sumter Counties. They also delineated 10 significant publicly and privately owned Black Belt Prairie complexes. A small portion of the Jackson Prairie region also extends from Mississippi eastward into three Alabama counties (Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington) (NatureServe 2012–2013) (fig. 1.1).

Geology. The Alabama Black Belt Prairie is predominantly underlain by the Demopolis and Mooreville Formations of the Selma Chalk Group. This soft, Upper Cretaceous chalk produces outcrops extending to the south and west (Moran 1995). The Demopolis Formation comprises both pure and impure chalk, as well as marls, including massive-bedded fossiliferous gray marls (Morris et al. 1993). The Mooreville Formation contains a lower percentage of calcareous constituents than the harder, upper Demopolis Formation. The basal Eutaw Formation underlies the Mooreville Formation. The younger Ripley and Prairie Bluff Chalk Formations occur to a lesser extent within the Black Belt region and overlie the Demopolis Formation (J. Gibson 1941). More recent alluvial deposits are present where the Tombigbee River flows through the Black Belt (Barone 2005b).

Soils. Alabama Black Belt soils include many series also found in Mississippi, with the Demopolis and Sumter Series frequently occurring in open prairie vegetation. These alkaline, clay, or silty clay soils have a high shrink-swell potential and are underlain by Selma Chalk. The Trinity and Binnsville Series also underlie prairies to a lesser extent (Schotz and Barbour 2009). Examples of other, more acidic series documented from the Alabama Black Belt (and not necessarily associated with prairie vegetation) include Catalpa, Eutaw, Leeper, Kipling, Oktibbeha, and Vaiden (Soil Service Staff 2013). Table 1.2 includes a comprehensive list of soils of the Alabama Black Belt region.

Vegetation. Open prairie in Alabama is represented mainly by Schizachyrium scoparium–Sorghastrum nutans–Dalea candida–Liatris squarrosa –(Silphium terebinthinaceum) Black Belt Herbaceous Vegetation (NatureServe 2012–2013). Dominants include prairie grasses typical of blackland vegetation in other southeastern states, such as Andropogon glomeratus, A. virginicus, Bouteloua curtipendula, Panicum virgatum, and Schizachyrium scoparium (NatureServe 2012–2013). Jackson Prairie vegetation also occurs within three southwestern Alabama counties, and the following discussion of Mississippi Jackson Prairie vegetation has additional information on this prairie type (NatureServe 2012–2013) (table 1.1).

Schuster and McDaniel (1973) conducted a floristic inventory and vegetation analysis of a 1.2 ha prairie in Greene County, Alabama. Hypoxis hirsuta had the highest relative density in early spring, followed by Schoenolirion croceum. Campbell and Seymour (2011a) cited these species as evidence for a type of upland prairie on slightly acidic soils within the Black Belt. Schuster and McDaniel (1973) also noted Schizachyrium scoparium dominating upper slopes, and Sporobolus vaginiflorus dominating lower slopes. A. Jones and Patton (1966) analyzed historical field notes and plats from the Black Belt in Sumter County and found a strong correlation between alkaline clay soils and low tree density. In a similar study of historical Black Belt land-survey data from Montgomery County, Rankin and Davis (1971) reported oaks (Quercus spp.) as the dominant trees, followed by pines (Pinus spp.).

Arkansas

Blackland prairies occur in seven counties in southwestern Arkansas (Foti 1989). The state has the largest relatively intact holdings within the Southeast, with at least 7,500 ha of blackland prairie and related communities in undisturbed (or near natural) condition (Zollner, pers. comm.; Foti et al. 2003). Approximately 3,500 ha are protected and managed for ecological value (Zollner, pers. comm.). Important protected prairie sites within Arkansas include Grandview Prairie Wildlife Management Area (Hempstead County, 2,000 ha); Saratoga Blackland Prairie Natural Area (Howard County, 74 ha), Columbus Prairie (Hempstead County, 62 ha), and Terre Noire Natural Area (Clark County, 30 ha). Two tracts (75 ha) are also protected within the Terre Noire landscape (Foti et al. 2003).

Geology. Blackland prairies in Arkansas occur primarily over Cretaceous calcareous substrates, but a narrow strip is underlain by the diverse Midway Group of the Paleogene (Lower Tertiary) period (Foti 1989). Midway Group lithologies include calcareous shale, arenaceous limestone, calcareous glauconitic sandstone, and clay shale (Arkansas Geological Survey 2012). Cretaceous formations and members that underlie prairie and associated vegetation types include Annona Chalk, Arkadelphia Marl, Brownstone Marl, Dierks and DeQueen Limestone (Trinity Group), Ozan, Nacatoch Sands, and Saratoga Chalk (Foti 1989; Hansen et al. 1997; Zollner et al. 2003). Trinity Group deposits date to the Lower Cretaceous, while the others are from the Upper Cretaceous (Foti 1989; Hansen et al. 1997). Most prairie vegetation types occur on shallow beds of soil over chalk, and increased soil depths allow woodland and forest types to flourish.

(Continues…)

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Table of Contents

Preface by JoVonn G. Hill and John A. Barone

Chapter 1. A Synopsis of Southeastern Blackland Prairies by S. Lee Echols and Wendy B. Zomlefer

Chapter 2. Historical Distribution of Prairies in Arkansas by John A. Barone

Chapter 3. The Use of General Land Office Survey Notes to Locate Prairie Patches in the Jackson Prairie Region by Toby Gray and Timothy J. Schauwecker

Chapter 4. Eastern Texas Prairie Landscapes by Jason R. Singhurst and Matt White

Chapter 5. Floristics of the Louisiana Cajun and Inland Prairies by Charles Allen

Chapter 6. The Native Flora of Grasslands and Associated Woodlands in the Grand Prairie Ecoregion of Eastern Arkansas by C. Theo Witsell, Thomas L. Foti, and Brent T. Baker

Chapter 7. Vegetation and Flora on Lowlands in the Central Black Belt of Mississippi—How Low Did the Original Prairie Go? by J. J. N. Campbell and W. R. Seymour Jr.

Chapter 8. An Alternative Natural Distribution for Osage Orange, Maclura pomifera, Including the Prairies of the Southeast by Jennifer L. Seltzer

Chapter 9. Prehistoric Molluscan Faunas of the Mississippi Black Prairie by Evan Peacock

Chapter 10. The Grasshopper Fauna of Southeastern Grasslands: A Preliminary Investigation by JoVonn G. Hill

Chapter 11. Encroachment and Persistence of Trees in Southeastern Grasslands by J. Morgan Varner

Chapter 12. Experimental Removal of Eastern Redcedar to Restore Black Belt Prairie Remnants: Effects on Plant, Ant, and Grasshopper Communities by John A. Barone, JoVonn G. Hill, and Lisa McInnis

Chapter 13. Conservation and Management of Subtropical Grasslands in South-Central Florida by Elizabeth H. Boughton, Patrick J. Bohlen, Steve L. Orzell, Edwin L. Bridges, and Reed F. Noss

Chapter 14. Effects of Landscape History on Plant Communities in Semi-natural Grassland Buffers by Jolie G. Dollar, Timothy J. Schauwecker, Samuel K. Riffell, and L. Wes Burger Jr.

Chapter 15. Ground Cover Assessment of CRP Conservation Practice 36 in Georgia by James W. Tomberlin, Nicholas Brown, and Reggie E. Thackston

Chapter 16. Forb Community Response to Management of Grassland Buffers by Jolie G. Dollar, Timothy J. Schauwecker, Samuel K. Riffell, and L. Wes Burger Jr.

Chapter 17. Highway Right-of-Way Mowing Regimens in Northeastern Mississippi: Effects on Native Prairie Plant Species by Edward D. Entsminger, John W. Guyton, Raymond B. Iglay, and Jeanne C. Jones

Chapter 18. Reconstructing Prehistoric Prairie Habitat Types Using Archaeological Data by Jennifer L. Seltzer and Evan Peacock

Chapter 19. A Preliminary Study of Learning about Prairie Restoration Ecology: A Comparison between Biology Major and Nonmajor Students by Bruno Borsari and Malcolm F. Vidrine

Chapter 20. Attempts at Converting a Southern Mississippi Bahia Grass Pasture to Diverse Prairie via Local-Provenance, Source-Certified Seed by Marc G. Pastorek, Malcolm F. Vidrine, Charles Allen, Bruno Borsari, and Gail Barton

References Cited

Contributors

Index

Editorial Reviews

"This book provides valuable information to graduate students, researchers, and faculty teaching advanced courses on prairies and grassland biology and management, particularly in the southeastern US. It should also interest regional naturalists and botanists and natural history museum staff. Recommended.
—CHOICE

“Southeastern Grasslands offers a good representation of the biological significance bestowed upon these systems and the efforts currently underway to restore and maintain them for future generations to know and appreciate.”
—Alfred R. Schotz, botanist and community ecologist with the Alabama Natural Heritage Program (ALNHP) at Auburn University


“An excellent and thorough account, past and present, of the grasslands of the southeastern United States. The information included in this volume will be of interest to anyone studying grasslands, whether in the southeastern United States or elsewhere.”
—Robert H. Mohlenbrock, author of Vascular Flora of Illinois: A Field Guide and This Land: A Guide to Eastern National Forests

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