Mississippi Alluvial Plain (ecoregion)

The Mississippi Alluvial Plain is a vast, flat, and fertile alluvial plain located in the central United States, stretching approximately from southern Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. It is defined by the floodplain of the Mississippi River and its associated tributaries. Often referred to as "The Delta" (though that term can also refer more specifically to the lower portion of the plain), the Mississippi Alluvial Plain is characterized by its rich, silty soils deposited over millennia by the river's floodwaters.

The ecoregion's dominant land cover was historically bottomland hardwood forest, including species like oak, hickory, and cypress. However, extensive clearing for agriculture, particularly cotton and soybeans, has significantly altered the landscape. Levees and other flood control measures have also dramatically changed the river's natural flow and sediment deposition patterns.

The Mississippi Alluvial Plain supports a diverse array of wildlife, including waterfowl, wading birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Many species depend on the remaining wetlands and forests for habitat. The region is an important migratory bird flyway.

Agricultural practices in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain are intensive, relying heavily on irrigation and fertilization. Common crops include soybeans, cotton, rice, corn, and wheat. The area is a major agricultural production region for the United States.

Conservation efforts in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain focus on restoring bottomland hardwood forests, improving water quality, managing invasive species, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Challenges include balancing agricultural production with ecological preservation and addressing the impacts of climate change, such as increased flooding and changes in precipitation patterns. The ecoregion faces ongoing pressure from development and agricultural intensification.