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Approved. An approved ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model, enough information to identify the ecological site, and full documentation for all ecosystem states contained in the state and transition model.
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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): 055C–Southern Black Glaciated Plains
The Southern Black Glaciated Plains (55C) is located within the Northern Great Plains Region. It is entirely within South Dakota encompassing about 10,835 square miles (Figure 1). The elevation ranges from 1,310 to 1,970 square feet. The MLRA is on nearly level to undulating glacial till plains interrupted by steeper slopes adjacent to streams and moraines. The James River is an under-fit stream. Its valley was carved by floodwaters draining glacial Lake Dakota and is filled with glacial outwash and alluvial deposits. (USDA-NRCS, 2006).
The dominant soil order in this MLRA is Mollisols. 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 to very poorly drained, and clayey or loamy. This area supports natural prairie vegetation characterized by western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata), and porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea) with Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) as the dominant vegetation on the poorly drained soils. (USDA-NRCS, 2006).Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Southern Black Glaciated Plains (55C) (USDA-NRCS, 2006)
USFS Subregions: North Central Glaciated Plains Section (251B); Yankton Hills and Valleys Subsection (251Bf); Western Glaciated Plains Section (332B); James River Lowland Subsection (332Bb); 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: Southern Missouri Coteau (42e); Southern Missouri Coteau Slope (42f); James River Lowland (46n) - (USEPA, 2013)Ecological site concept
The Shallow Marsh ecological site typically occurs in a basin or closed depression, and receives water directly from precipitation, surface overland flow, and groundwater discharge. Soils are formed in local alluvium and are very poorly drained, and have a water table within 1 foot of the soil surface. Permeability is very slow due to the clayey subsoil and the site will pond water until early summer in most years. Ponded water conditions and very slow permeability strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship. Vegetation in the Reference State is typically dominated by cool-season grass and grass-like species including Whitetop, slough sedge, woolly sedge, American mannagrass, prairie cordgrass, and spikerush. Forb species may include smartweeds, western dock, and white panicle aster. Non-native species such as quackgrass, creeping meadow foxtail, and barnyardgrass may invade the site due to changes in disturbance regime.
Associated sites
R055CY003SD Subirrigated
These sites occur in drainageways. Soils are somewhat poorly drained with a water table within 2 to 5 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season, typically until the month of August. The central concept soil series is Crossplain, but other series are included.
R055CY004SD Wet Meadow
These sites occur in a basin or closed depression. Soils are poorly drained and the site ponds water for 4 to 8 weeks in the spring of the year or after a heavy rain. The central concept soil series is Tetonka, but other series are included.
R055CY020SD Loamy Overflow
These sites occur in upland swales. Soils are moderately well drained and have water flow into and over or through the site. The central concept soil series are Prosper, Bonilla, and Onita, but other series are included.
R055CY006SD Limy Subirrigated
These sites occur along the edges of drainageways. Soils are somewhat poorly drained and have a water table within 2 to 5 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season, typically until the month of August. Soils will effervesce with acid at or near the surface. The central concept soil series is Davison but other series are included.
Similar sites
R055CY004SD Wet Meadow
Wet Meadow is similar in landscape position, but the site ponds water only for 4 to 8 weeks in the spring of the year or after a heavy rain. A Wet Meadow will have more prairie cordgrass and lower production than a Shallow Marsh site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Scolochloa festucacea
(2) Carex atherodesPhysiographic features
This site occurs on concave shallow swales or depressions.
Figure 2. Distribution Map of the Shallow Marsh site within MLRA 55C. In many cases, data is not spatially consistent across political boundaries due to the method with which soils were mapped; e. g. county subsets.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Pothole
Flooding frequency None Ponding duration Long (7 to 30 days) to very long (more than 30 days) Ponding frequency Frequent Elevation 1300 – 2000 ft Slope 0 – 1 % Ponding depth 0 – 24 in Water table depth 0 – 18 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
MLRA 55C 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 19 to 25 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 47°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 15°F (Howard, South Dakota [SD]), to about 20°F (Wagner, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 73°F (Howard, SD), to about 77°F (Wagner, 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. Green-up 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) 120-130 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 140-150 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20-30 in Frost-free period (actual range) 110-130 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 130-150 days Precipitation total (actual range) 20-30 in Frost-free period (average) 120 days Freeze-free period (average) 140 days Precipitation total (average) 30 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) ACADEMY 2NE [USC00390043], Platte, SD
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(2) WAGNER [USC00398767], Wagner, SD
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(3) TYNDALL [USC00398472], Tyndall, SD
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(4) MENNO [USC00395481], Menno, SD
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(5) MARION [USC00395228], Marion, SD
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(6) ALEXANDRIA [USC00390128], Alexandria, SD
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(7) HOWARD [USC00394037], Howard, SD
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(8) HURON RGNL AP [USW00014936], Huron, SD
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(9) MILLER [USC00395561], Miller, SD
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(10) FAULKTON 1 NW [USC00392927], Faulkton, SD
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(11) REDFIELD [USC00397052], Redfield, SD
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(12) BRIDGEWATER [USC00391032], Bridgewater, SD
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(13) CHAMBERLAIN 5 S [USC00391621], Chamberlain, SD
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(14) SALEM 5NE [USC00395360], Salem, SD
">Influencing water features
This section is under construction.
Wetland description
This section is under construction.
Soil features
The common features of soils in in the Shallow Marsh ES are the clay loam to clay-textured subsoil and slopes of 0 to 1 percent. The soils in this site are poorly to very poorly drained and formed in alluvium. The silt loam to silty clay loam surface layer is 8 to 20 inches thick. The soils have a very slow infiltration rate. This site should show no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. The soil surface is stable and intact. Subsurface soil layers are nonrestrictive to water movement and root penetration.
These soils are not susceptible to the hazard of water erosion. Ponded water conditions and very slow permeability strongly influence the soil-water-plant relationship. The primary series associated with the Shallow Marsh site is Worthing.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm) for specific local soils information.Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Silty clay loam
(2) Silt loam
(3) Fine sandy loam
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Poorly drained Permeability class Very slow Soil depth 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)6 – 7 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 5 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)1 – 8 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 2 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)5.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 3 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
State and Community Phases
The information in this Ecological Site Description, including the state-and-transition model (STM), was developed based on historical data, current field data, professional experience, and a review of the scientific literature. As a result, all possible scenarios or plant species may not be included. Key indicator plant species, disturbances, and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.
The Shallow Marsh ecological site, located in the Southern Black Glaciated Plains Region of the MLRA, developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions and included historic natural influence of large herding herbivores and occasional fire. Changes occur in the plant communities due to weather fluctuations and 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 Whitetop-Slough Sedge 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.
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. Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence causes this site to depart from the Reference State due to the compaction and overgrazing. Species such as fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris), spikerush (Eleocharis), and Baltic rush (Juncus balticus) will initially increase. Whitetop and slough sedge will decrease in frequency and production. Continued heavy grazing eventually causes a dominance by spikerush, rushes (Juncus), and unpalatable forbs such as curly dock (Rumex crispus).
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 and community phases. The associated plant composition tables 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 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 for the Shallow Marsh site in MLRA 55C.
Figure 10. The Matrix for the Shallow Marsh site in MLRA 55C.
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
T1A - Heavy continuous grazing, inundation, no fire T1B - Tillage, artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) T2B - Tillage, artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) T3A - Abandonment of cropping State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 1.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A - Heavy continuous grazing, below normal precipitation period, no fire 2.2A - Inundation State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ES. This state is typically dominated by cool-season grass and grass-like species. Before European settlement, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periodic fire, grazing by large herding ungulates, and fluctuations in the water table and ponding frequency and duration. Frequent surface fires (3 to 5 years) and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire, concentrated livestock grazing, and weather fluctuations. Species that are desirable for livestock and wildlife can decline and a corresponding increase in less desirable species will occur.
Community 1.1
Whitetop/Slough SedgeInterpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Whitetop/Slough Sedge Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be the Reference Community). This plant community evolved with grazing by large herbivores, infrequent wild fires, and periodic flooding events, and is suited for grazing by domestic livestock. This plant community can be found on areas that are grazed and where the grazed plants receive adequate periods of rest during the growing season in order to recover. Historically, fires occurred infrequently. The potential vegetation is about 45 percent grasses, 40 percent grass-likes, and 15 percent forbs. The major grasses and grass-likes include whitetop (also known as common rivergrass), slough sedge (also known as wheat sedge), woolly sedge, American mannagrass, prairie cordgrass, Sartwell’s sedge, Nebraska sedge, and spikerush. Key forbs include smartweeds, western dock, and white panicle aster.
This plant community phase is diverse, stable, and productive, and is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains. The high water table supplies much of the moisture for plant growth. Community dynamics, nutrient and water cycles, and energy flow are functioning properly. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement offsite and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in plant species allows for the variability of both the fluctuations of the water table and reoccurring ponding. This is a sustainable plant community in terms of soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.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 5130 5760 6390 Forb 270 640 1010 Total 5400 6400 7400 Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5506 , Southern Black Glaciated Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
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 6 15 20 26 17 9 4 3 0 0 Community 1.2
Slough Sedge/SpikerushThis plant community will slowly develop from the adverse effects of continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods between each grazing event during the growing season. When compared to the 1.1 Whitetop/Slough Sedge Plant Community Phase, whitetop, prairie cordgrass, American mannagrass, and reedgrasses have decreased. The grass-like species, such as slough sedge, spikerush, woolly sedge, Sartwell’s sedge, Nebraska sedge, and rushes have increased and tend to dominate this plant community.
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 4265 4812 5540 Forb 235 688 960 Total 4500 5500 6500 Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5506 , Southern Black Glaciated Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
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 6 15 20 26 17 9 4 3 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Heavy, continuous grazing that includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year, each year without adequate recovery periods or during periods of below-average 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 Slough Sedge/Spikerush Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed 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 1.1 Whitetop/Slough Sedge Plant Community Phase. This pathway could also occur with a return to more normal precipitation levels and frequencies.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 2
Invaded StateThe Invaded State is characterized by the increase in bare ground due to trampling caused by excessive use or by inundation for extended periods, which causes a temporary shift in the plant composition and cover. This allows for the invasion of nonnative species which with continued heavy grazing can increase to eventual dominance. Loss or reduction of native cool- and warm-season species can negatively impact energy flow and nutrient cycling. Infiltration will be reduced and native plant mortality will increase. As the disturbance level increases, native plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species and invasive perennial species, and a further increase in bare ground.
Community 2.1
Spikerush/Baltic Rush/Fowl Bluegrass/ForbsThis plant community developed with heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events or inundation during periods of extended above-average precipitation. Spikerush, Baltic rush, bulrush, and other less desirable grass-likes, along with grasses such as fowl bluegrass and American sloughgrass, dominate the community. Quackgrass, creeping meadow foxtail, Kentucky bluegrass, and other nonnative species can invade on drier portions of the community. Whitetop, slough sedge, other sedges, prairie cordgrass, and reedgrasses will be virtually eliminated from the plant community. Smartweeds, dock, and cinquefoil have increased. Areas of bare ground can be present throughout the site.
A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the 1.1 Whitetop/Slough Sedge Plant Community Phase. Loss or reduction of native grasses, grass-likes, and forbs has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. It will take a long time to restore this plant community with improved management or return of more normal precipitation patterns.Figure 15. 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 1930 2560 3190 Forb 270 640 1010 Total 2200 3200 4200 Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5506 , Southern Black Glaciated Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
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 6 15 20 26 17 9 4 3 0 0 Community 2.2
Annual/Pioneer, Non-nativeThis plant community develops under severe disturbance, typically abandonment after cropping. The dominant vegetation includes pioneer annual or perennial grasses, forbs, invaders, and early successional biennial and perennial species. Grasses may include foxtail barley, barnyardgrass, quackgrass, fowl bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Baltic rush, and sedges. The dominant forbs include knotweed, Canada thistle, and other early successional species. The community is susceptible to invasion of nonnative species due to severe soil disturbances and relatively high percentage of bare ground. This plant community is resistant to change, as long as soil disturbance or severe vegetation defoliation persists, thus holding back secondary plant succession.
Significant economic inputs, management, and time would be required to move this plant community toward a higher successional stage. Secondary succession is highly variable, depending upon availability and diversity of a viable reproductive source of higher successional species.
This plant community may be renovated to improve the production capability but management changes would be needed to maintain the new plant community. The total annual production ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 lbs./ac. (air-dry weight), depending upon growing conditions. No growth curve has been assigned to this plant community phase due to the highly variable nature of the plant community.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 Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1Inundation for extended periods beyond normal ponding and drying patterns will convert this plant community to the 2.1 Spikerush-Baltic Rush-Fowl Bluegrass-Forbs Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 2).
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. Cropping on this site is enabled during years with drier than normal precipitation or with artificial drainage (surface or subsurface).
Community 3.1
Annual CropsThis plant community developed with the use of a variety of tillage 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), 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, or inundation for extended periods beyond normal ponding and drying patterns will eventually cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 2.1 Spikerush-Baltic Rush-Fowl Bluegrass-Forbs Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 2). Grazing repeatedly in the early growing season can expedite this shift by causing mechanical disturbance due to trampling.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Tillage and artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) 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 R2A
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) may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). Wetland restoration techniques may be necessary to restore biotic integrity and plant diversity and productivity.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Transition T2B
State 2 to 3Tillage and artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) 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 T3A
State 3 to 2Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 2) and more specifically to the 2.2 Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase.
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Cool-Season Grasses 1280–2560 common rivergrass SCFE Scolochloa festucacea 960–2240 – American mannagrass GLGR Glyceria grandis 320–640 – 2 Grass-Likes 1280–2560 wheat sedge CAAT2 Carex atherodes 640–1920 – Nebraska sedge CANE2 Carex nebrascensis 64–640 – woolly sedge CAPE42 Carex pellita 128–640 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 128–640 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–640 – spikerush ELEOC Eleocharis 128–640 – mountain rush JUARL Juncus arcticus ssp. littoralis 64–512 – green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens 64–512 – rush JUNCU Juncus 0–320 – flatsedge CYPER Cyperus 0–320 – 3 Tall warm-season grasses 128–640 prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 128–640 – spiked muhly MUGL3 Muhlenbergia glomerata 0–320 – 4 Reedgrasses 0–320 bluejoint CACA4 Calamagrostis canadensis 0–320 – northern reedgrass CASTI3 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa 0–320 – slimstem reedgrass CASTS5 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. stricta 0–320 – 5 Other native grasses 320–640 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 128–512 – American sloughgrass BESY Beckmannia syzigachne 128–512 – Forb7 Forbs 320–960 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 64–256 – bur-reed SPARG Sparganium 64–256 – New England aster SYNO2 Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 64–128 – pale dock RUAL4 Rumex altissimus 0–128 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 64–128 – Canadian anemone ANCA8 Anemone canadensis 64–128 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–128 – Flodman's thistle CIFL Cirsium flodmanii 64–128 – Rydberg's sunflower HENUR Helianthus nuttallii ssp. rydbergii 0–128 – knotweed POLYG4 Polygonum 64–128 – Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum 64–128 – giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea 64–128 – broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 0–128 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 0–64 – Macoun's buttercup RAMA2 Ranunculus macounii 0–64 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–64 – hemlock waterparsnip SISU2 Sium suave 0–64 – blue-eyed grass SISYR Sisyrinchium 0–64 – marsh arrowgrass TRPA28 Triglochin palustris 0–64 – white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 0–64 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Cool-Season Grasses 0–440 common rivergrass SCFE Scolochloa festucacea 0–440 – American mannagrass GLGR Glyceria grandis 0–275 – 2 Grass-Likes 2200–4125 wheat sedge CAAT2 Carex atherodes 825–2200 – spikerush ELEOC Eleocharis 550–1650 – woolly sedge CAPE42 Carex pellita 275–825 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 0–550 – flatsedge CYPER Cyperus 0–550 – Nebraska sedge CANE2 Carex nebrascensis 0–550 – rush JUNCU Juncus 0–550 – green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens 0–550 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–440 – 4 Reed Grasses 0–110 northern reedgrass CASTI3 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa 0–110 – slimstem reedgrass CASTS5 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. stricta 0–110 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–275 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–275 – American sloughgrass BESY Beckmannia syzigachne 0–275 – 6 Non-native Grasses 55–275 barnyardgrass ECCR Echinochloa crus-galli 55–275 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–165 – Shrub/Vine3 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 0–275 prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 0–275 – Forb7 Forbs 275–1100 broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 55–220 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–220 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 55–220 – Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum 55–220 – giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea 55–165 – bur-reed SPARG Sparganium 0–165 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 55–165 – knotweed POLYG4 Polygonum 55–165 – narrowleaf cattail TYAN Typha angustifolia 55–165 – hemlock waterparsnip SISU2 Sium suave 0–110 – white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 0–110 – New England aster SYNO2 Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 0–110 – pale dock RUAL4 Rumex altissimus 0–110 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–110 – Flodman's thistle CIFL Cirsium flodmanii 0–110 – splitlip hempnettle GABI3 Galeopsis bifida 0–110 – Rydberg's sunflower HENUR Helianthus nuttallii ssp. rydbergii 0–55 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–55 – northern water plantain ALTR7 Alisma triviale 0–55 – Canadian anemone ANCA8 Anemone canadensis 0–55 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 0–55 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 0–55 – Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Grass-Likes 800–1760 spikerush ELEOC Eleocharis 320–960 – wheat sedge CAAT2 Carex atherodes 160–480 – rush JUNCU Juncus 0–320 – woolly sedge CAPE42 Carex pellita 0–256 – flatsedge CYPER Cyperus 0–256 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–160 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 0–160 – Nebraska sedge CANE2 Carex nebrascensis 0–160 – green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens 0–96 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–320 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–320 – American sloughgrass BESY Beckmannia syzigachne 0–320 – 6 Non-native Grasses 64–480 creeping meadow foxtail ALAR Alopecurus arundinaceus 0–320 – barnyardgrass ECCR Echinochloa crus-galli 32–256 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–256 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–192 – Forb7 Forbs 320–960 giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea 32–324 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 64–320 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 32–320 – Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum 32–256 – narrowleaf cattail TYAN Typha angustifolia 32–256 – broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 32–256 – knotweed POLYG4 Polygonum 32–192 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 32–192 – white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 0–128 – New England aster SYNO2 Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 0–128 – hemlock waterparsnip SISU2 Sium suave 0–96 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–96 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–64 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 0–64 – bur-reed SPARG Sparganium 0–64 – pale dock RUAL4 Rumex altissimus 0–32 – Flodman's thistle CIFL Cirsium flodmanii 0–32 – Table 11. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. 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 for 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. After consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity. Stocking rates are calculated using Animal-Unit-Month (AUM), which is the amount of air-dry forage required to feed a cow, with or
without calf, for one month.
Prairie Cordgrass/Sedge/Northern Reedgrass (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 6,400
Stocking rate (AUM/acre)*: 1.75
Fowl Bluegrass/Spikerush/Baltic Rush/Forbs (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 5,500
Stocking rate (AUM/acre)*: 1.51
Reed Canarygrass/Sedge/Invasive Plants/Prairie Cordgrass (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3,200
Stocking rate (AUM/acre)*: 0.88
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,500
Stocking rate (AUM/acre)*: 0.41
*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 dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration is very slow and runoff potential for this site is negligible. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for higher infiltration. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration. Runoff is negligible on this site (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:
• SD069 Hyde County, SD did not use the (Wo) Worthing, sicl, 0 to 1 percent slopes (national symbol 2tlch) as used in the adjoining SD059 Hand County.
• SD005 Beadle County, SD did not use the (Wo) Worthing, sicl, 0 to 1 percent slopes (national symbol 2tlch) as used in the adjoining counties.
• The MLRA 55C – Worthing, sicl, 0 to 1 percent slopes (national symbol 2tlch) was also used in MLRA 53C and MLRA 102B. A future project is needed to assign the correct ESD in each MLRA.
• 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, NRCS; and Bruce Kunze, Soil Scientist, NRCS. There are two SCS-RANGE-417s collected in 2005 from Beadle County, SD.
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.
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.
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.
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nasis/)
USDA, NRCS. 2019. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 13 March 2019).
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 13 March 2019).
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/)
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center. (http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)Contributors
Kenzie Cobb
Stan BoltzApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/11/2025
Acknowledgments
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. Officially approved by David Kraft 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) David Schmidt, Tim Nordquist, Stan Boltz Contact for lead author david.schmidt@sd.usda.gov 605-352-1236 Date 12/07/2004 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. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially, non-existent. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground less than five percent and 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. -
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):
Stability class 6. Typically high root content, and organic matter. Soil surface is very resistant to erosion. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use soil series description for depth and color of A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Healthy, deep rooted 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:
Tall cool-season rhizomatous grass >Sub-dominant:
Mid and tall cool-season rhizomatous grass-like >Other:
Tall warm-season rhizomatous grass > forb.Additional:
-
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):
Litter cover is in contact with soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
6,400–7,400 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 6,400 lbs./acre air-dry weight. -
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 reed canarygrass. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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