What Is Big Bluestem-Dry Mesic?

Big Bluestem–Dry Mesic is found mostly in the southern portion of Marlatt Park (see figure #) The elevations in this ecosystem range from 1225 to 1280 feet, with the lowest elevations being found near the east creek. This area has moderately gentle, primarily south-facing slopes, which often receive direct sunlight. The soil type of this ecosystem is Benfield. The parent material for Benfield soil is pedisediment over residuum weathered from shale. Benfield soil is moderately deep, well drained, and has a slow permeability rate so it is very capable of retaining moisture and is good for plant growth. Often in the tall grass prairie, areas of higher soil moisture content and deeper soil depth, experience lower species richness and a higher density of tall grasses which overpower the other potential plant species (Keane, 2015).
Both of them are adaptable tall grass species which grow well in moist soils (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centre, 2015). However, Big Bluestem is slightly more populous than Switchgrass, leading to the choice of Big Bluestem for the most dominant plant species of the ecosystem. In this ecosystem, the population of tall grasses is very dense and the height of these two grasses is relatively higher than the other surrounding areas. This indicates that the soils present here are deeper and have a higher moisture