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Northern Backswamps

Ecoregion in LA, MS, AR, TN

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The Northern Backswamps ecoregion is made up of low-lying overflow areas on floodplains, and includes poorly- drained flats and swales. Water often collects in its marshes, swamps, oxbow lakes, ponds, and low gradient streams. Soils developed from clayey alluvium including overbank and slack-water deposits; they commonly have a high shrink-swell potential and are locally rich in organic material. Water levels are seasonally variable. Native vegetation in the wettest areas is generally dominated by bald cypress – water tupelo forest; slightly higher and better drained sites have overcup oak – water hickory forest and the highest, best-drained areas support Nuttall oak forest. Today, bottomland forest, cropland, farmed wetlands, pastureland, and catfish farms occur. Backswamps are important areas for capturing excess nutrients from local waters and for storing water during heavy rain events.

— EPA

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Ecoregion