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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.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 053C–Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains
The Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains (53C) is located within the Northern Great Plains Region. It is entirely in South Dakota encompassing about 3,990 square miles (Figure 1). The elevation ranges from 1,300 to 2,300 feet. The MLRA is level to gently rolling till plains including many areas of potholes. A terminal moraine occurs in the southern end of the MLRA. Moderately steep and steep slopes are adjacent to the major valleys. The headwaters of many creeks in central South Dakota occur in the high-lying MLRA. (USDA-NRCS 2006).
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Mollisols and Inceptisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a mesic soil temperature regime, an ustic soil moisture regime, and mixed or smectitic mineralogy. They generally are very deep, well drained, or moderately well drained, and are loamy or clayey. This area supports natural prairie vegetation characterized by western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), needleandthread (Hesperostipa comata), and green needlegrass (Nassella viridula). Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), and prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia) are important species on steeper sites. Western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) and prairie rose (Rosa arkansana) are commonly dispersed throughout the area. (USDA-NRCS 2006).Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains (53C) (USDA-NRCS 2006)
USFS Subregions: Northeastern Glaciated Plains Section (331E); Missouri Coteau Subsection (331Ea); Western Great Plains Section (331F); Missouri Breaks Subsection (331Fe); Western Glaciated Plains Section (332B); Southern Missouri Coteau Slope Subsection (332Bd, 332Be); North Central Great Plains Section (332D); Southern Missouri Coteau Slope Subsection (332Dd); Southern Missouri Coteau Subsection (332De) - (Cleland et al. 2007).
US EPA Level IV Ecoregion: Missouri Coteau (42a); Southern Missouri Coteau (42e); Southern Missouri Coteau Slope (42f) - (USEPA 2013)Ecological site concept
The Thin Upland ecological site occurs on the shoulder slopes in the upland areas. Soils are well drained and will effervesce with acid at or near the surface. Precipitation tends to runoff, leaving less soil moisture for plant growth, production is lower, and species composition will tend towards more drought tolerant. In some areas the surface layer may consist of stony to extremely stony. Slopes can range from 0 to 40 percent.
Vegetation in the Reference State includes bluestems and needlegrasses. Forbs include cudweed sagewort, prairie coneflower, and western yarrow. Non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome and invasive woody species such as Eastern red cedar may invade the site due to changes in disturbance regime.Associated sites
R053CY010SD Loamy
These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well drained and have less than 40 percent clay in the surface and subsoil. The central concept soil series is Agar, Glenham, and Highmore, but other series are included.
R053CY011SD Clayey
These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well drained and have greater than 40 percent clay in the surface and subsoil. The central concept soil series is Peno and Raber, but other series are included.
R053CY020SD Loamy Overflow
These sites occur in upland swales. The Soils are moderately well drained, which have water flow into and over or through the site. The central concept soil series are Mobridge, Onita, and Prosper but other series are included.
Similar sites
R053CY010SD Loamy
The Loamy site occurs in a backslope landscape position and do not effervesce with acid at or near the surface. It also has less little bluestem and higher vegetative production.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Andropogon gerardii
(2) Schizachyrium scopariumPhysiographic features
This site occurs on slightly sloping to steeply sloping uplands.
Figure 2. Distribution map
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Escarpment
(2) Ridge
(3) Moraine
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 1300 – 2300 ft Slope 5 – 33 % Water table depth 80 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
MLRA 53C is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature may also abound. The climate is the result of this MLRA’s location near the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the Northern Great Plains and air masses move freely across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.
Annual precipitation typically ranges from 15 to 25 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 45°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 15°F (Stephan, South Dakota (SD)), to about 16°F (Onida 4 NW, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 72°F (Stephan, SD), to about 74°F (Onida 4 NW, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 58°F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of this area's climate. Hourly winds are estimated to average about 12 miles per hour (mph) annually, ranging from about 13 mph during the spring to about 11 mph during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 mph.
Growth of cool-season plants begins in early to mid-March, slowing or ceasing in late June. Warm-season plants begin growth about mid-May and continue to early or mid-September. Greenup of cool-season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 110-130 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 130-150 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 100-130 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 130-160 days Precipitation total (actual range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (average) 120 days Freeze-free period (average) 140 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 8 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) GETTYSBURG 13W [USC00393302], Gettysburg, SD
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(2) GETTYSBURG [USC00393294], Gettysburg, SD
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(3) HIGHMORE 23 N [USC00393838], Highmore, SD
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(4) ONIDA 4 NW [USC00396292], Onida, SD
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(5) PIERRE RGNL AP [USW00024025], Pierre, SD
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(6) HARROLD 12 SSW [USC00393608], Pierre, SD
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(7) STEPHAN 2 NW [USC00397992], Highmore, SD
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(8) WESSINGTON SPRINGS [USC00399070], Wessington Springs, SD
">Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with this site.
Soil features
The Thin Upland site occurs on the shoulder slopes in the upland areas. Soils are well drained and will effervesce with acid at or near the surface. In some areas the surface layer may consist of stony to extremely stony. The central concept soil series is Betts, Ethan, and Java, but other series are included. The surface layer is 3 to 11 inches thick. The texture of the subsurface layers ranges from loam to silty clay loam. The soils have a slow to very slow infiltration rate. These soils are typically calcareous at or near the surface. This site should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance or discontinuous with numerous debris dams or vegetative barriers. The soil surface is stable and intact.
These soils are susceptible to wind and water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Loss of 50 percent or more of the surface layer of the soils on this site can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/) for specific local soils information.Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Loam
(2) Clay loam
(3) Clay
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Very slow to slow Soil depth 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 2 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)6 – 7 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 30 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)Not specified Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 4 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 9 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 27 % Ecological dynamics
The site which is located in the Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains Region developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions and included natural influence of large herding herbivores and occasional fire. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to weather fluctuations and/or management actions. Under adverse impacts, a relatively rapid decline in vegetative vigor and composition can occur. Under favorable conditions the site has the potential to resemble the Reference State. Interpretations for this site are based primarily on the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass Plant Community Phase. This community phase and the Reference State have been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts also have been considered. Due to a general invasion of exotic species (such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis)) across the MLRA within this site, returning to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass Plant Community Phase may not be possible.
This ecological site (ES) has been grazed by domestic livestock since they have been introduced into the area. The introduction of domestic livestock and the use of fencing and reliable water sources have changed the ecological dynamics of this site. Continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October) and/or repeated seasonal grazing (e.g., every spring, every summer) without adequate recovery periods following grazing events causes departure from the 3.1 Little Bluestem-Sidoats Grama-Porcupine Grass Plant Community Phase. Blue grama will eventually develop into a sod. Western wheatgrass will increase initially and then begin to decrease. Green needlegrass, needleandthread, porcupine grass, sideoats grama, big bluestem, and little bluestem will decrease in frequency and production. Extended periods of nonuse and/or lack of fire will result in excessive litter and a plant community dominated by cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass, and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Extended periods of no surface fire could result in the invasion of conifers in which eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) will increase and could eventually dominate the site.
Following the state and transition diagram are narratives for each of the described states and community phases. These may not represent every possibility, but they are the most prevalent and repeatable states/community phases. The plant composition tables shown below have been developed from the best available knowledge at the time of this revision. As more data are collected, some of these community phases and/or states may be revised or removed, and new ones may be added. The main purpose for including the descriptions here is to capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant community phases that can occur on the site and the transition and community pathways between them. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 9. State-And-Transition model
Figure 10. Legend
Figure 11. Matrix
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
States 1, 5 and 6 (additional transitions)
States 2 and 6 (additional transitions)
T1A - Heavy continuous grazing T1B - Heavy continuous grazing, non-use, no fire, invasion T1C - Conifer invasion, no fire T1D - Tillage T2A - Tillage T3A - Non-use, no fire T3C - Tillage T4A - Long term prescribed grazing, prescribed burning T4C - Conifer invasion, no fire T4B - Tillage T5A - Brush management, prescribed burning T5B & T5D - Brush management, prescribed burning T5C - Brush management T5E - Brush management T6A - Seeding T6B & T6C - Seeding, cropping followed by abandonment State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 1.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods, prescribed burning State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 3.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods State 4 submodel, plant communities
4.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 4.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods 4.3A - Time w/wo disturbances State 5 submodel, plant communities
5.1A - Heavy continuous grazing, non-use, no fire, invasion 5.2A - No fire State 6 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Thin Upland site occurs on the shoulder slopes in the upland areas. Soils are well drained and will effervesce with acid at or near the surface. In some areas the surface layer may consist of stony to extremely stony. The central concept soil series is Betts, Ethan, and Java, but other series are included. This state represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state was dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periods of below and/or above average precipitation, periodic fire, and herbivory by insects and large ungulates. Timing of fires and herbivory coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. In some locations, this site likely received relatively heavy grazing pressure. Cool-season and tall warm-season grasses would have declined and corresponding increase in short warm-season grasses would have occurred. Today, a similar state, the Native/Invaded State (State 3) can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.
Community 1.1
Little Bluestem-Porcupine GrassInterpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). The potential vegetation was about 90 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 7 percent forbs, and 3 percent shrubs. The community was dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The major grasses included little bluestem, big bluestem, porcupine grass, needleandthread (Hesperostipa comata), and sideoats grama. Other grass or grass-like species included western wheatgrass, plains muhly (Muhlenbergia cuspidata), Canada wildrye (Elymus Canadensis), prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), and sedges (Cyperaceae). This plant community was resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allowed for high drought tolerance. This was a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 1450 2136 2795 Forb 105 180 275 Shrub/Vine 45 84 130 Total 1600 2400 3200 Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5304 , Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant.. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 7 17 25 25 15 7 1 0 0 Community 1.2
Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Blue GramaThis plant community evolved under heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses included little bluestem, blue grama, sideoats grama, sedge (Carex) and porcupine grass. Grasses of secondary importance included big bluestem, western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and needleandthread. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort (Artemisia ludoviciana), prairie coneflower (Ratibida), and western yarrow (Achillea millefolium). This plant community had similar plant composition to the 3.2 Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase. The main difference is that this plant community phase did not have the presence of nonnative invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass.
When compared to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass Plant Community Phase, sideoats grama, blue grama, and sedges increased. Big bluestem, western wheatgrass, porcupine grass, and green needlegrass decreased, and production of cool-season and tall warm-season grasses was also reduced. This plant community was moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing; however, species composition could be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component was intact, it tended to be resilient if the disturbance was not long-term. Most of the components of the ecological processes would have been functioning at optimum levels. However, the vigor and reproductive capability of the tall warm-season grasses would have been reduced due to grazing pressure or a combination of stressors. A reduction of this dominant functional group allowed for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species.Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5305 , Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, warm-season dominant.. Warm-season dominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 2 5 15 25 30 15 7 1 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 1.2 Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing, and/or prescribed burning occurring at relatively frequent intervals (3 to 5 years) and a return to normal disturbance regime levels and frequencies or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community converted this plant community to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass Plant Community Phase
State 2
Shortgrass Sod StateThis state is the result of heavy continuous grazing, and in the absence of periodic fire due to fire suppression. This state is dominated by blue grama, hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), and threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia) forming a dense sod layer that effectively blocks introduction of other plants into the system. Taller cool-season species will decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass will occur. Once the threshold is crossed, a change in grazing management alone cannot cause a reduction in the sod grass dominance.
Community 2.1
Blue Grama-Hairy Grama-Threadleaf SedgeThis plant community evolved under heavy continuous season grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses included blue grama, hairy grama, and threadleaf sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort, fringed sagewort (Artemisia frigida), green sagewort (Artemisia dracunculus), and western yarrow.
When compared to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass Plant Community Phase, the more grazing tolerant species such as blue grama, hairy grama, and threadleaf sedge were dominant on this plant community. Tall and mid- grasses decreased significantly. This vegetation state was very resistant to change especially if the disturbance continued and the short-statured species such as blue grama increased. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing. This plant community was less productive than other phases. The thick sod increased runoff and prevented other species from getting established.Figure 15. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 675 1099 1510 Forb 115 163 220 Shrub/Vine 10 38 70 Total 800 1300 1800 Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5305 , Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, warm-season dominant.. Warm-season dominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 2 5 15 25 30 15 7 1 0 0 State 3
Native/Invaded StateThis state represents the more common range of variability that exists with higher levels of grazing management but in the absence of periodic fire due to fire suppression. This state is dominated by cool- and warm-season grasses. It can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. Taller warm-season species can decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass will occur.
Community 3.1
Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Porcupine GrassThis plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass Plant Community Phase but it also contains minor amounts of non-native invasive grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass (up to about 20 percent by air-dry weight). The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. This community is dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The major grasses include little bluestem, big bluestem, green needlegrass, porcupine grass, and sideoats grama. Other grass or grass-like species include needleandthread, western wheatgrass, plains muhly, Canada wildrye, prairie sandreed, switchgrass, Indiangrass, blue grama, Kentucky bluegrass, and threadleaf sedge. This plant community is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 17. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5304 , Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant.. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 7 17 25 25 15 7 1 0 0 Community 3.2
Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Kentucky BluegrassThis plant community is a result of heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses include little bluestem, sideoats grama, Kentucky Bluegrass, and blue grama. Grasses of secondary importance include needleandthread, big bluestem, buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), smooth bromegrass, and threadleaf sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort, fringed sagewort, prairie coneflower, and western yarrow.
When compared to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass Plant Community Phase, western wheatgrass, sideoats grama, and sedges have increased. Big bluestem, porcupine grass, and blue grama decreased. Production of mid- and tall warm-season grasses is also reduced. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. Most of the components of the ecological processes are functioning at optimum levels. However, the vigor and reproductive capability of the tall warm-season grasses are reduced due to grazing pressure or a combination of stressors. A reduction of this dominant functional group allows for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species. The introduction of non-native invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass results in alterations to the soil profile. Organic matter levels tend to decrease and begin to be concentrated more in the surface layers, and the structure will begin to be modified. These changes favor the shallow-rooted species and hasten their eventual dominance if steps are not taken to reduce these species.Figure 18. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 1405 1820 2210 Forb 95 130 180 Shrub/Vine 0 50 110 Total 1500 2000 2500 Figure 19. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5304 , Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant.. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 7 17 25 25 15 7 1 0 0 Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 3.2 Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 3.1 Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Porcupine Grass Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 4
Invaded StateThis state is a result of encroachment mainly by invasive introduced cool-season grasses. The ecological processes are not functioning, especially the biotic processes and the hydrologic functions. The introduced cool-season grasses cause reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Preliminary studies would tend to indicate this threshold may exist when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30 percent of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40 percent of the plant community composition. The opportunity for high intensity spring burns is severely reduced by early green up and increased moisture and humidity at the soil surface and grazing pressure cannot cause a reduction in sodgrass dominance. Production is limited to the sod forming species. Infiltration continues to decrease and runoff increases and energy capture into the system is restricted to early season low producing species. Nutrient cycling is limited by root depth of the dominant species.
Community 4.1
Smooth Bromegrass-Kentucky BluegrassThis plant community phase is a result of extended periods of nonuse and no fire or occasionally light levels of grazing over several years. It is characterized by dominance of smooth bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. The dominance is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A thick duff layer also accumulates at or above the soil surface and eventually a thatch-mat layer may develop at the surface. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. When dominated by smooth bromegrass, infiltration is moderately reduced and runoff is moderate. Production can be equal to or higher than the interpretive plant community. However, when dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production in this case will likely be significantly less. In either case, the period that palatability is high is relatively short as these cool-season species mature rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced.
The dominance of these introduced species has been shown to alter the biotic component of the soil, as well as, organic matter levels and eventually the soil structure. These alterations perpetuate the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass and tend to make establishment of native species extremely difficult.Community 4.2
Kentucky Bluegrass-Blue GramaThis plant community phase is a result of heavy continuous grazing or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below-average precipitation combined with heavy continuous grazing. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and blue grama. The dominance is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A relatively thick duff layer can sometimes accumulate at or above the soil surface and a thatch-mat layer often develops at the surface. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. Infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production will be significantly reduced when compared to the interpretive plant community. The period that palatability is high is relatively short, as Kentucky bluegrass matures rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced. Biological activity in the soil is likely reduced significantly in this phase.
Community 4.3
Annual Pioneer-Perennial PioneerThis plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 40 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 20 to 60 percent forbs, and 0 to 5 percent shrubs. The species present in this phase are highly variable, but often include nonnative invasive and/or early seral species. Plant diversity is low (plant richness may be high but areas are often dominated by a few species). The ecological processes are difficult to restore because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. Soil erosion is potentially very high because of the bare ground and shallow rooted herbaceous plant community. Water runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease due to animal related soil compaction and loss of root mass due to low plant diversity and vigor. This plant community will require significant economic inputs and time to move towards another plant community. This movement is highly variable in its succession. This is due to the loss of diversity (including the loss of the seed bank), within the existing plant community, and the plant communities on adjacent sites.
Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 4.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 4.1 Smooth Bromegrass-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 4.3A
Community 4.3 to 4.2This community pathway occurs with the passage of time as successional processes take place and perennial plants gradually begin to establish on the site again. This pathway will lead to the 4.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase.
State 5
Conifer/Invaded StateThis state is dominated (canopy exceeds 20 percent of total surface area) by areas where trees have become established or have encroached onto the site due to the absence of periodic fire. This state is dominated by eastern redcedar and/or Rocky Mountain juniper with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The plant community can develop into a closed canopy that impedes the reproductive capability of the major native perennial grass species. A single eastern red cedar tree with a 7 foot crown diameter eliminates the equivalent of 3 pounds of forage. Further, the forage potential of a pasture with 250 mature eastern red cedar trees per acre (or one tree every thirteen feet) is reduce by 50 percent. It is suggested that reducing stocking rates by 10 percent for every 50 trees per acre. The increase in tree canopy which is a result of a disruption of the natural, and human related fire regimes that occurred prior to European settlement, which kept trees from encroaching much of the grasslands.
Community 5.1
Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper/Little BluestemThis plant community evolved due to the invasion of conifers, such as eastern red cedar and Rocky Mountain juniper. This phase was a result of the absence of periodic fire. These events may cause a reduction in warm-season grasses and an increase in cool-season grasses and allow for the encroachment of conifers. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 50 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, 10 percent shrubs, and 30 percent trees. Dominant grasses and grass-likes include little bluestem, big bluestem, porcupine grass, western wheatgrass, and blue grama. As the canopy increases, warm-season grasses tend to decrease as the cool-season grasses increase. Forbs will be diverse.
Trees species will include eastern red cedar and Rocky Mountain juniper. When compared to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass Plant Community, coniferous trees have increased significantly and herbaceous component has decreased. This plant community is susceptible to the encroachment of eastern red cedar and Rocky Mountain juniper.Community 5.2
Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper/Kentucky BluegrassThis plant community phase is a result of heavy, continuous seasonal grazing or heavy, continuous season-long grazing or non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years). When compared to the 5.1 Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper/Little Bluestem Plant Community, the amount of nonnative invasive cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass have increased significantly.
It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass, and blue grama. The dominance of Kentucky bluegrass is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A relatively thick duff layer can sometimes accumulate at or above the soil surface and a thatch-mat layer often develops at the surface. Production is limited to the sod forming species. The period that palatability is high is relatively short, as Kentucky bluegrass matures rapidly. Infiltration continues to decrease and runoff increases, energy capture into the system is restricted to early season low producing species. Nutrient cycling is limited by root depth of the dominate species. Biological activity in the soil is likely reduced significantly in this phase.Community 5.3
Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain JuniperThis plant community phase is a result of no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years). Coniferous trees have increased significantly, and the herbaceous component has decreased. With the dominance of the coniferous trees such as eastern red cedar and Rocky Mountain juniper, the canopy covers the area and grass species are unable to survive. Grass production for livestock is severely limited. Prescribed burning before the juniper species reach maturity and are still susceptible to fire (< 5 foot in height), or mechanical brush management can be used to maintain or recover 5.3 Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 5.1A
Community 5.1 to 5.2Non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, and/or heavy continuous grazing or invasion of non-native plant species will shift this plant community to the 5.2 Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper/Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 5.2A
Community 5.2 to 5.3No surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, will shift this plant community to the 5.3 Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper Plant Community Phase.
State 6
Crop Production StateThis state is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices.
Community 6.1
Annual CropsThis plant community developed with the use of a variety of tillage systems and cropping systems for the production of annual crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, and a variety of other crops.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season and often at the same time of year each year), typically beginning early in the season) will convert this plant community to the 2.1 Blue Grama-Hairy Grama-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase within the Short Grass Sod State (State 2).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, and/or heavy continuous grazing or invasion of non-native plant species will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the Native/Invaded State (State 3).
Transition T1C
State 1 to 5No surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, and invasion of conifer will likely lead this state over a threshold leading to the 5.1 Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper/Little Bluestem Plant Community Phase within the Conifer/Invaded State (State 5).
Transition T1D
State 1 to 6Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 6.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 6).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 6Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 6.1 Annual Crops within the Crop Production State (State 6).
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, will likely lead this state over a threshold leading to the 4.1 Smooth Bromegrass-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 4).
Transition T3C
State 3 to 6Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 6.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 6).
Restoration pathway T4A
State 4 to 3Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high-density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) coupled with prescribed burning occurring at relatively frequent intervals (3 to 5 years) and a return to normal disturbance regime levels may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 3).
Transition T4C
State 4 to 5No surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, and invasion of conifer will likely lead this state over a threshold leading to the 5.2 Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper/Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase within the Conifer/Invaded State (State 5).
Transition T4B
State 4 to 6Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 6.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 6).
Restoration pathway T5A
State 5 to 1Brush management which would include the mechanical removal of the conifers, coupled with prescribed burning occurring at relatively frequent intervals (3 to 5 years) and a return to normal disturbance regime levels may lead this 5.1 Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper/Little Bluestem Plant Community Phase within the Conifer/Invaded State (State 5) over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1).
Restoration pathway T5B & T5D
State 5 to 3Brush management which would include the mechanical removal of the conifers, coupled with prescribed burning occurring at relatively frequent intervals (3 to 5 years) and a return to normal disturbance regime levels may lead this 5.2 Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper/Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase within the Conifer/Invaded State (State 5) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 3). Brush management which would include the mechanical removal of the conifers, coupled with prescribed burning occurring at relatively frequent intervals (3 to 5 years) and a return to normal disturbance regime levels may lead this 5.3 Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper Plant Community Phase within the Conifer/Invaded State (State 5) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 3).
Restoration pathway T5C
State 5 to 4Brush management which would include the mechanical removal of the conifers may lead this 5.2 Eastern Red Cedar-Rocky Mountain Juniper/Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase within the Conifer/Invaded State (State 5) over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 4).
Transition T5E
State 5 to 6Brush management which would include the mechanical removal of the conifers, coupled with tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 6.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 6).
Restoration pathway T6A
State 6 to 3Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 6) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 3).
Restoration pathway T6B & T6C
State 6 to 4Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 6) over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 4). Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the 4.3 Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 4).
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 480–840 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 360–840 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–120 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 24–120 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 0–120 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–72 – 2 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 480–840 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 360–840 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 120–360 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–120 – prairie dropseed SPHE Sporobolus heterolepis 0–120 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 240–432 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–360 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 120–360 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–240 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–72 – 4 Wheatgrass 48–240 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 48–240 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–120 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 48–192 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 48–192 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–120 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–72 – 6 Other Native Grasses 24–96 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–96 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 24–72 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–48 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 0–48 – 7 Grass-likes 24–120 sedge CAREX Carex 24–120 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–72 – Forb8 Forbs 120–240 blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 24–96 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 24–96 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 24–72 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 24–48 – Nuttall's sensitive-briar MINU6 Mimosa nuttallii 24–48 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 24–48 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–48 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 24–48 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 24–48 – cutleaf anemone PUPAM Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida 0–48 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 24–48 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 24–48 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–48 – prairie spiderwort TROC Tradescantia occidentalis 0–24 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–24 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–24 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–24 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–24 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–24 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 48–120 leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 24–96 – western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 0–72 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 24–48 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–48 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–24 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 0–24 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 13–130 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 13–91 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–65 – 2 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 65–195 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 13–156 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–91 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 0–65 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–39 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–39 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–65 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–65 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 260–520 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 195–325 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 65–260 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–65 – 6 Other Native Grasses 13–65 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–65 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–26 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 0–26 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 13–26 – 7 Grass-likes 130–260 sedge CAREX Carex 130–260 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–65 – 8 Non-Native Grasses 26–130 bluegrass POA Poa 13–130 – brome BROMU Bromus 13–39 – Forb9 Forbs 130–195 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 13–130 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 13–65 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 13–65 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 13–39 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 13–39 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–39 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 13–39 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–13 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–13 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–13 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 13–65 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 13–65 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 0–26 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–26 – western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 0–26 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–13 – 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 (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 20–140 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 20–140 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–100 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–40 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–20 – 2 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 400–600 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 200–500 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 200–400 – prairie dropseed SPHE Sporobolus heterolepis 0–40 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–20 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 100–360 porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 40–300 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–100 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–100 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–20 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–200 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–200 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–40 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 100–300 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 100–200 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–100 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–80 – 6 Other Native Grasses 20–100 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–100 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 20–60 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–40 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 0–40 – 7 Grass-likes 60–240 sedge CAREX Carex 60–240 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–60 – 8 Non-Native Grasses 100–400 bluegrass POA Poa 60–360 – brome BROMU Bromus 40–240 – Forb9 Forbs 100–160 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 20–100 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 20–60 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–60 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 20–60 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 20–60 – cutleaf anemone PUPAM Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida 0–40 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–40 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 20–40 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–40 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 20–40 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 0–40 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–40 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–20 – Nuttall's sensitive-briar MINU6 Mimosa nuttallii 0–20 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–20 – Indian breadroot PEDIO2 Pediomelum 0–20 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–20 – prairie spiderwort TROC Tradescantia occidentalis 0–20 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–20 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–20 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 0–100 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–60 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 0–60 – western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 0–60 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 20–40 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–40 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–20 – Table 13. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 15. Community 4.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 16. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 17. Community 5.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 18. Community 5.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 19. Community 6.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
The following table lists annual, suggested initial stocking rates with average growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ES description). Because of this, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. More accurate carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data and actual stocking records, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. With consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity.
Bluestem/Needlegrass (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2,400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.66
Blue Grama/Hairy Grama/Forbs (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,300
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.36
Little Bluestem/Sideoats Grama/Kentucky Bluegrass (3.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2,000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.55
*Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25 percent harvest efficiency (refer to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) National Range and Pasture Handbook).
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is typically dominated by soils in hydrologic group B. Infiltration and runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama, buffalograss, bluegrass, and/or smooth bromegrass will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other opportunities. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
Other information
• SD107 Potter County, SD did not use the (RbD) Raber-Gettys complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes (national symbol cwx7) (R53BY012SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD129 Walworth County. SD129 Walworth County, SD (RbD) Raber-Gettys complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes (national symbol cwx7) (R53BY012SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD069 Hyde County, SD ESD.
• SD119 Sully County, SD did not use the (JgB) Glenham-Java-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkp1) as used in the adjoining SD107 Potter County, SD.
• SD119 Sully County, SD did not use the (GmB) Glenham-Java-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkp1) as used in the adjoining SD069 Hyde County, SD.
• SD059 Hand County, SD did not use the (GmB) Glenham-Java-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkp1) as used in the adjoining SD069 Hyde County, SD.
• SD059 Hand County, SD did not use the (PgD) Peno-Gettys clay loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkqf) as used in the adjoining SD069 Hyde County, SD.
• SD059 Hand County, SD did not use the (GkB) Glenham-Java-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkp1) as used in the adjoining SD017 Buffalo County, SD (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil survey).
• SD059 Hand County, SD did not use the (JgC) Java- Glenham loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol cxy3) as used in the adjoining SD017 Buffalo County, SD (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil survey).
• SD017 Buffalo County, SD (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil Survey) did not use the (HwB) Houdek-Ethan-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol 2tlb9) (R55CY012SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD073 Jerauld County. SD073 Jerauld County, SD (HwB) Houdek-Ethan-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol 2tlb9) (R55CY012SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD017 Buffalo County, SD ESD.
• SD017 Buffalo County, SD (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil Survey) did not use the (EtD) Ethan-Betts loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkq8) (R55CY012SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD073 Jerauld County. SD073 Jerauld County, SD (EtD) Ethan-Betts loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkq8) (R55CY012SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD017 Buffalo County, SD ESD.
• SD073 Jerauld County, SD did not use the (HgB) Highmore-Java complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes (national symbol cxxx) (R55CY012SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD017 Buffalo County (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil survey). SD017 Buffalo County, SD (HgB) Highmore-Java complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes (national symbol cxxx) (R55CY012SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD073 Jerauld County, SD ESD.
• SD017 Buffalo County, SD (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil Survey) did not use the (PgC) Peno-Gettys complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes (national symbol cxyh) as used in the adjoining SD073 Jerauld County.
• SD073 Jerauld County, SD did not use the (EeB) Eakin-Ethan complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol 2xhbv) (R55CY012SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD003 Aurora County. SD003 Aurora County, SD (EeB) Eakin-Ethan complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol 2xhbv) (R55CY012SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD073 Jerauld County, SD ESD.
• SD015 Brule County, SD (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil survey) did not use the (BeE) Betts-Ethan complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkq9) (R55CY012SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD003 Aurora County. SD003 Aurora County, SD (BeE) Betts-Ethan complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkq9) (R55CY012SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD015 Brule County, SD ESD.
• SD015 Brule County, SD (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil survey) did not use the (EtD) Ethan-Betts complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkq8) (R55CY012SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD003 Aurora County. SD003 Aurora County, SD (EtD) Ethan-Betts complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkq8) (R55CY012SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD015 Brule County, SD ESD.
• SD059 Hand County, SD did not use the (WzD) Williams-Zahl-Bowbells loams, 2 to 15 percent slopes (national symbol cxmf) (R53BY012SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD049 Faulk County. SD049 Faulk County, SD (WzD) Williams-Zahl-Bowbells loams, 2 to 15 percent slopes (national symbol cxmf) (R53BY012SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD059 Hand County, SD ESD.
• SD059 Hand County, SD did not use the (VdC) Vida-Williams-Bowbells loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes (national symbol cxm0) (R53BY012SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD049 Faulk County. SD049 Faulk County, SD (VdC) Vida-Williams-Bowbells loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes (national symbol cxm0) (R53BY012SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD059 Hand County, SD ESD.
• Reference and alternative states within the state and transition model are may not be fully documented and may require additional field sampling for refinement.Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist (RMS), NRCS; Shane Deranleau, RMS, NRCS; Mitch Faulkner, RMS, NRCS; and Kelly Stout, RMS, and Bruce Kunze, Soil Scientist, NRCS. Data Source Sample Period State County SCS-RANGE-417 (0017046059) 10/19/1970 SD Hand SCS-RANGE-417 (0027146059) 4/13/1971 SD Hand SCS-RANGE-417 (0017246059) 9/20/1972 SD Hand
Other references
Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C. Carpenter, and W.H. McNab. 2007. Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of the Coterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76. Washington, DC. 92 pps.
Gilbert, M. C., Whited, P. M., Clairain Jr, E. J., & Smith, R. D. (2006). A Regional Guidebook for Applying the Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions of Prairie Potholes. Washington DC.
Samson, F. B., & Knopf, F. L. (1996). Prairie Conservation Preserving North America's Most Endagered Ecosystem. Washington D.C.: Island Press.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. Accessed March 2018.
United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook, Revision 1. Grazing Lands Technology Institute. 214 pps.
United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. 672pps.
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nasis/)
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 27 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. 2013. Level III and Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States. Corvallis, OR, U.S. EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, map scale 1:3,000,000. Available at http://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- continental-united-states. (Accessed 1 March 2018).Contributors
Stan Boltz
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 1/22/2024
Acknowledgments
Contact for Lead Authors: Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Redfield Soil Survey Office Redfield, SD; Lance Howe (Lance.Howe@usda.gov), Soil Survey Office Leader, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD; and Steve Winter (Steven.Winter@usda.gov), Soil Scientist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD Additional Information Acknowledgment: Jason Hermann (Jason.Hermann@usda.gov), Area Rangeland Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD. This Provisional Ecological Site concept has passed both Quality Control and Quality Assurance processes. Quality Assurance was approved by David Kraft, NRCS Regional Ecologist as of 11/12/2020. Non-discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, available online and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632- 9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
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) Stan Boltz, Mitch Faulkner, Shane Deranleau Contact for lead author Stan Boltz, stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 Date 03/15/2011 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable if present. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially non-existent. Some bunchgrasses may be slightly pedestalled, but no exposed roots will be present. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground less than 5 percent and pathces less than two inches in diameter. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None present. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability normally a 5 to 6 rating. Typically high root content and organic matter in the soil surface. Soil surface is very resistant to erosion. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface structure is typically granular, and mollic (higher organic matter) colors of A-horizon down to about 3 to 6 inches. If conditions are other than this, refer to map unit component descriptions for component on which the site occurs. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Healthy, deep-rooted native grass and grass-like species enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer should be present. -
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:
Tall, warm-season grasses = mid, warm-season grasses >Sub-dominant:
Mid and tall, cool-season bunchgrasses >Other:
Wheatgrasses = forbs > short, warm-season grasses > grass-like species = shrubsAdditional:
Other native grasses occur in other functional groups in minor amounts. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little to no evidence of decadence or mortality. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
70-80 percent plant litter cover, roughly 0.25 to 0.5 inches in depth. Litter cover is in contact with the soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
2,400 pounds/acre (air-dry basis) -
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:
Refer to State and local Noxious Weed List; also Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Perennial grasses have vigorous rhizomes and/or tillers.
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PrintThe Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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