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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 Very Shallow ecological site occurs on the shoulder slopes in the upland areas. Soils are well to excessively drained and have root restricting layer, such as sand and gravel or bedrock within 10 inches of the soil surface. Along with the root restricting layer, 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 is co-dominated by cool and warm season grasses including needle and thread, little bluestem and western wheatgrass. Common forbs include dotted gayfeather, hairy goldaster, purple coneflower, and prairie clover. Non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and annual bromes may invade due to shifts in disturbance regime.
Associated sites
R053CY010SD Loamy
These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well drained and have sand and gravel at a depth of greater than 20 inches below the soil surface. The central concept soil series is Oahe, but other series are included.
R053CY014SD Shallow To Gravel
These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are excessively drained and have sand and gravel within 10 to 20 inches of the soil surface. The central concept soil series is Delmont, but other series are included.
Similar sites
R053CY014SD Shallow To Gravel
The Shallow To Gravel site occurs in a backslope landscape position and does not have a root restricting layer, such as sand and gravel within 10 inches of the soil surface. The vegetative community has more bluestem and higher production.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata
(2) Nassella viridulaPhysiographic features
This site typically occurs on gently to steeply sloping uplands.
Figure 2. Distribution map
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
(2) Knoll
(3) Ridge
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 1300 – 2300 ft Slope 1 – 38 % 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 Very Shallow site occurs on the shoulder slopes in the upland areas. Soils are well to excessively drained and have root restricting layer, such as sand and gravel or bedrock within 10 inches of the soil surface. In some areas the surface layer may consist of stony to extremely stony. The central concept soil series is Talmo, but other series are included. The common features of soils in this site are the gravelly loam to extremely gravelly sand textured subsoil and slopes of 1 to 38 percent. The loam or gravelly loam surface layer is 4 to 10 inches thick. The soils have a moderate to rapid infiltration rate. This site should show no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. If present, water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous. The soil surface is very unstable but intact. Subsurface soil layers are restrictive to root penetration.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Low available water capacity caused by the shallow rooting depth strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship. Loss of the soil surface layer 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
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained to excessively drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderately rapid Soil depth 5 – 10 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 2 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)2 – 3 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 5 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.1 – 7.8 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)5 – 41 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)2 – 10 % Ecological dynamics
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.
This ecological site (ES) has been grazed by domestic livestock since they have been introduced into the area. This ecological site is naturally resilient, and quite resistant to change. Also, due to the relatively steep slopes and naturally low fertility of the soils, this site generally avoids more intensive disturbances such as farming. However, 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 each grazing occurrence can cause this site to depart from the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase. Sedges (Cyperaceae) and gramas can increase and eventually develop into a sod while many of the tall and mid-statured grasses will decrease [e.g., little bluestem, green needlegrass, needleandthread, porcupine grass (Hesperostipa spartea), and western wheatgrass]. Even with these disturbances, many of the tall- and mid-statured grasses will remain in the community at reduced levels, allowing recovery to occur once the disturbances are removed.
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.
The vegetative pie charts may not add up to 100 percent due to internal rounding error.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 9. State-And-Transition model
Figure 10. 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 textState 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThis state represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state is dominated by cool-season grasses with warm-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included grazing by large herding ungulates and fluctuations in levels of precipitation. Grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, this state can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and prescribed burning and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. The dominant tall and mid-grass species can decline and a corresponding increase in short-statured species will occur.
Community 1.1
Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Western WheatgrassInterpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase. This plant community evolved with grazing by large herbivores, frequent surface fires, and periodic flooding events and is suited for grazing by domestic livestock. This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed with prescribed grazing that allows for proper utilization, changes in season of use, and adequate recovery periods following each grazing event. The potential vegetation is about 75 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Cool-season grass and grass-like species dominate this plant community, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. The major grass or grass-like species include needleandthread, blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), green needlegrass, porcupine grass, hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), sideoats grama, and needleleaf sedge (Carex duriuscula). Other grasses occurring on the site include threeawn (Aristida), plains muhly (Muhlenbergia cuspidata), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha). The significant forbs include dotted gayfeather (Liatris punctata), hairy goldaster (Heterotheca villosa), purple coneflower (Echinacea), and silverleaf scurfpea (Psoralea argophylla). Significant shrubs are fringed sagewort (Artemisia frigida), leadplant (Amorpha canescens), rose (Rosacaeae), skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata), and snowberry (Symphoricarpos).
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. This plant community is stable and protected from excessive erosion.Figure 11. 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 770 1155 1405 Forb 65 140 240 Shrub/Vine 65 105 155 Total 900 1400 1800 Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5302 , Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-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 10 23 34 15 6 5 4 0 0 Community 1.2
Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge-NeedleandthreadThis plant community can develop from the adverse effects of heavy, continuous grazing in conjunction with extended periods of below average precipitation. Short-grass and grass-like species increase to dominate the site and annual production decreases.
Lack of litter and short plant heights result in higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and higher evaporation, which gives blue grama and sedges a competitive advantage. Blue grama, threadleaf sedge, and needleandthread are the dominant grass and grass-like species. Other grasses may include western wheatgrass, prairie Junegrass, and threeawn. Significant forbs include green sagewort (Artemisia campestris), cutleaf ironplant (Machaeranthera pinnatifida), silverleaf scurfpea, white prairie aster (Symphyotrichum falcatum), and woolly Indianwheat (Plantago patagonica). Common shrubs include fringed sagewort and cactus (Cactaceae). Nonnative species such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) may begin to invade this phase.
This plant community is relatively stable. The competitive advantage of blue grama and threadleaf sedge prevents other species from establishing. This plant community is less productive than the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase. Runoff has increased and infiltration has decreased. Soil erosion does not increase substantially.Figure 13. 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 510 825 1125 Forb 45 100 165 Shrub/Vine 45 75 110 Total 600 1000 1400 Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5302 , Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-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 10 23 34 15 6 5 4 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 Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing, and 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 convert this plant community to the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 2
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-season grasses. It can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and prescribed burning and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. Taller cool-season species can decline and a corresponding increase in short-statured grass will occur. Nonnative species such as cheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and crested wheatgrass can become dominant at times and influence the biotic and hydrologic ecological processes of the State.
Community 2.1
Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Western WheatgrassThis plant community is the result of encroachment of nonnative species, often as a result of fluctuations in precipitation cycles, typically extended periods of below average precipitation followed by a mild winter or a cool wet spring. The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Cool-season grass and grass-like species dominate this plant community, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. The major grass or grass-like species include needleandthread, blue grama, western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, porcupine grass, hairy grama, threadleaf sedge, and needleleaf sedge.
Other grasses occurring on the site include threeawn, plains muhly, little bluestem, prairie Junegrass, and nonnative species such as Kentucky bluegrass, cheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass. The significant forbs include dotted gayfeather, green sagewort, cudweed sagewort, purple coneflower, and hairy goldaster. Significant shrubs are fringed sagewort, leadplant, rose, and yucca (Yucca glauca). This plant community is very similar to the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase. The main difference is that this plant community will have a minor amount on nonnative grasses, up to about 10 to 15 percent by weight.
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. This plant community is stable and protected from excessive erosion.Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5302 , Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-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 10 23 34 15 6 5 4 0 0 Community 2.2
Needleandthread-Cheatgrass-Threadleaf SedgeThis plant community can develop from the adverse effects of heavy, continuous grazing in conjunction with extended periods of below average precipitation. This plant community phase is further impacted by the invasion of nonnative species such as cheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, or crested wheatgrass. Needlegrasses are evident on the aspect of this phase but will be reduced in vigor and production. Cheatgrass and sedge make up the bulk of the composition on this plant community phase. The dominant grass and grass-like species include needleandthread, cheatgrass, threadleaf sedge, needleleaf sedge, green needlegrass, and porcupine grass . Other grasses present include western wheatgrass, blue grama, threeawn, Kentucky bluegrass, hairy grama, and prairie Junegrass. Significant forbs include green sagewort, cutleaf ironplant, silverleaf scurfpea, white prairie aster, and woolly Indianwheat. Common shrubs include cactus, snowberry, yucca, and fringed sagewort.
Lack of litter and short plant heights result in higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and higher evaporation, which gives sedges and annual bromegrass a competitive advantage over cool-and warm-season mid-grasses. This plant community is relatively stable. The competitive advantage of blue grama and threadleaf sedge prevents other species from establishing. This plant community is less productive than the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase. Runoff has increased and infiltration has decreased. Soil erosion does not increase substantially.Figure 16. 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 340 578 810 Forb 30 70 115 Shrub/Vine 30 52 75 Total 400 700 1000 Figure 17. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5302 , Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-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 10 23 34 15 6 5 4 0 0 Community 2.3
Annual Pioneer-Perennial PioneerThis plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances (e.g., heavy use areas, defoliation by rodents, etc.). 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 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. This community can be renovated to improve the production capability; however, if management changes are not made the vegetation could revert back invasive or early seral species.
Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2Heavy 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 and no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 years or more) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density will shift this community to the 2.2 Needleandthread-Cheatgrass-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1Prescribed 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 2.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase. This pathway could also occur with a return to more normal precipitation levels and frequencies.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.2This 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 2.2 Needleandthread-Cheatgrass-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase.
State 3
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 3.1
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 T1
State 1 to 2Non-use 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, 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 2).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).
Restoration pathway T2A
State 2 to 1Long-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 Reference State (State 1).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Transition T2B
State 2 to 3Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Needlegrass 280–490 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 140–420 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 70–210 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 28–140 – 2 Short Warm-Season Grasses 140–280 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 70–210 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 28–140 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 14–42 – 3 Wheatgrass 70–210 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 70–210 – 4 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 42–140 plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 28–98 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–70 – 5 Other Native Grasses 14–70 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–56 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 14–42 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–28 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 0–28 – 6 Grass-likes 70–140 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 28–112 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 14–70 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–42 – Forb7 Forbs 70–210 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 14–42 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 14–42 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 14–42 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 14–42 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 14–28 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–28 – prairie spiderwort TROC Tradescantia occidentalis 14–28 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 14–28 – silverleaf Indian breadroot PEAR6 Pediomelum argophyllum 14–28 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–28 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 14–28 – white prairie clover DACA7 Dalea candida 0–14 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–14 – fewflower buckwheat ERPA9 Eriogonum pauciflorum 0–14 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–14 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–14 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–14 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–14 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 0–14 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–14 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–14 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–14 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 70–140 leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 14–42 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 14–42 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–28 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–28 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 14–28 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–28 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 0–14 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Needlegrass 20–150 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–150 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–150 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–100 – 2 Short Warm-Season Grasses 150–300 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 100–250 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 30–150 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 20–80 – 3 Wheatgrass 10–100 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 10–100 – 4 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 0–50 plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–50 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–30 – 5 Other Native Grasses 10–40 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–30 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 10–20 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–10 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 0–10 – 6 Grass-likes 150–300 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 100–200 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 50–150 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–50 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 0–100 brome BROMU Bromus 0–100 – bluegrass POA Poa 0–50 – crested wheatgrass AGCR Agropyron cristatum 0–50 – Forb8 Forbs 50–150 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–50 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 10–50 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 10–40 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 10–30 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–30 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–30 – silverleaf Indian breadroot PEAR6 Pediomelum argophyllum 10–30 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–20 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 0–20 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–20 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–20 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–20 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–10 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–10 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–10 – fewflower buckwheat ERPA9 Eriogonum pauciflorum 0–10 – prairie spiderwort TROC Tradescantia occidentalis 0–10 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–10 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 50–100 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 10–60 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–40 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–20 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 0–20 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–10 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–10 – Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Needlegrass 35–140 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 21–140 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–105 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–70 – 2 Short Warm-Season GRasses 35–105 threeawn ARIST Aristida 14–84 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 14–70 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–49 – 3 Wheatgrass 0–21 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–21 – 4 Other Native Grasses 0–21 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–21 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–14 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–7 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 0–7 – 5 Grass-likes 105–210 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 70–140 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 35–105 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–35 – 6 Non-Native Grasses 70–210 crested wheatgrass AGCR Agropyron cristatum 0–140 – brome BROMU Bromus 14–140 – bluegrass POA Poa 0–56 – Forb7 Forbs 35–105 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 7–56 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 7–49 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 7–42 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–21 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–21 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–14 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–14 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–14 – fewflower buckwheat ERPA9 Eriogonum pauciflorum 0–7 – silverleaf Indian breadroot PEAR6 Pediomelum argophyllum 0–7 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–7 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 35–70 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 14–56 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–35 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 0–28 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–21 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–7 – Table 12. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.1 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.
Needlegrass/Grama/Western Wheatgrass (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.38
Sedge/Grama/Needlegrass (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.27
Needlegrass/Grama/Western Wheatgrass (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 700
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.19
Needlegrass/Annual Bromegrass/Sedge (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 500
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.14
*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 A. 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 aesthetic 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
Ecological Site Correlation Issues and Questions:
• SD107 Potter County, SD did not use the (OhB) Oahe-Talmo loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol cvfb) as used in the adjoining SD119 Sully County, SD.
• SD069 Hyde County, SD did not use the (OhB) Oahe-Talmo loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes (national symbol cvfb) as used in the adjoining SD119 Sully County, SD.
• SD119 Sully County, SD did not use the (TaE) Talmo loam, 6 to 25 percent slopes (national symbol cw6j) (R63BY016SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD069 Hyde County. SD069 Hyde County, SD (TaE) Talmo loam, 6 to 25 percent slopes (national symbol cw6j) (R63BY016SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD119 Sully County, SD ESD.
• SD065 Hughes County, SD did not use the (TaE) Talmo loam, 6 to 25 percent slopes (national symbol cw6j) as used in the adjoining SD119 Sully County. Note: The SD065 Hughes County, SD (Sf) Schamber-Orton complex (R53CY016SD) has the majority of the map unit in MLRA63A. The (Sf) Schamber-Orton complex (R53CY016SD) will need to be split correlated to match (TaE) Talmo loam, 6 to 25 percent slopes (national symbol cw6j) (R53CY016SD). Note: The SD065 Hughes County, SD (Sf) Schamber-Orton complex will need to be investigated in the field to determine the correct map unit.
• SD059 Hand County, SD did not use the (TaE) Talmo loam, 6 to 25 percent slopes (national symbol cw6j) (R63BY016SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD069 Hyde County. SD069 Hyde County, SD (TaE) Talmo loam, 6 to 25 percent slopes (national symbol cw6j) (R63BY016SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD059 Hand County, SD ESD.
• SD073 Jerauld County, SD did not use the (ScE) Schamber loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes (national symbol cxz6) (R63BY016SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD017 Buffalo County, SD (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil survey). SD017 Buffalo County, SD (ScE) Schamber loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes (national symbol cxz6) (R63BY016SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD073 Jerauld County, SD ESD.
• SD073 Jerauld County, SD did not use the (OwE) Orton-Schamber loams, 9 to 25 percent slopes (national symbol cxyx) (R63BY016SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD015 Brule County, SD (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil survey). SD015 Brule County, SD (OwE) Orton-Schamber loams, 9 to 25 percent slopes (national symbol cxyx) (R63BY016SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD073 Jerauld County, SD ESD.
• SD003 Aurora County, SD did not use the (ScE) Schamber loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes (national symbol cxz6) (R63BY016SD ESD) as used in the adjoining SD015 Brule County, SD (SD603 Brule and Buffalo Counties Soil survey). SD015 Brule County, SD (ScE) Schamber loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes (national symbol cxz6) (R63BY016SD ESD) will need to be split correlated to match SD003 Aurora 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
There is no NRCS clipping data and other inventory currently available for this site.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, Bruce Kunze, Soil Scientist, NRCS, and Mitch Faulkner, RMS, NRCS.
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
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable, or not present. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Not present. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground typically 5 to 20 percent. -
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. -
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. Soil surface is resistant to erosion, in large part due to high rock/gravel content. -
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 the A-horizon are roughly 2-5 inches in depth. 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, native grasses 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 evident. -
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:
Needlegrasses (mid and tall, cool-season bunchgrasses) >Sub-dominant:
Short, warm-season grasses > wheatgrasses (mid, cool-season bunchgrasses) = forbs >Other:
Mid, 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):
35-65 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):
1,400 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. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Perennial grasses have vigorous rhizomes and/or tillers.
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