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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): 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
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 Subirrigated ecological site typically occurs in drainageways which can receive moderate run off moisture from within the watershed. Soils are formed in alluvium and 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. Vegetation in the Reference State is dominated by warm-season grasses including big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Grass-like species occurring on this site may include clustered field sedge. Forbs present may include goldenrods and native sunflowers. Non-native species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome may invade the site due to changes in disturbance regime.
Associated sites
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 Bonilla and Prosper, 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 effervesce with acid at or near the surface. The central concept soil series is Davison, but other series are included.
Similar sites
R055CY006SD Limy Subirrigated
The Limy Subirrigated site occurs along the edges of drainageways. Soils are similar in drainage class and water table but effervesce with acid at or near the surface. The Limy Subirrigated site will have more little bluestem, less big bluestem, and more needlegrasses than the Subirrigated site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Andropogon gerardii
(2) Sorghastrum nutansPhysiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level flood plains or pothole rims.
Figure 2. Distribution of the Subirrigated 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. the county subsets.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Flood plain
(2) Pothole
(3) Swale
Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to long (7 to 30 days) Flooding frequency Rare to frequent Ponding duration Long (7 to 30 days) Ponding frequency None to frequent Elevation 1300 – 2000 ft Slope 1 – 2 % Ponding depth 0 – 12 in Water table depth 18 – 48 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) 130-160 days Precipitation total (actual range) 20-30 in Frost-free period (average) 130 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) FAULKTON 1 NW [USC00392927], Faulkton, SD
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(2) REDFIELD [USC00397052], Redfield, SD
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(3) MILLER [USC00395561], Miller, SD
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(4) HURON RGNL AP [USW00014936], Huron, SD
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(5) DE SMET [USC00392302], De Smet, SD
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(6) FORESTBURG 4 NNE [USC00393029], Artesian, SD
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(7) HOWARD [USC00394037], Howard, SD
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(8) SALEM 5NE [USC00395360], Salem, SD
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(9) BRIDGEWATER [USC00391032], Bridgewater, SD
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(10) ALEXANDRIA [USC00390128], Alexandria, SD
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(11) MITCHELL MUNI AP [USW00094950], Mitchell, SD
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(12) MITCHELL 2 N [USC00395671], Mitchell, SD
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(13) MITCHELL [USC00395669], Mitchell, SD
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(14) CHAMBERLAIN MUNI AP [USW00094943], Chamberlain, SD
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(15) ACADEMY 2NE [USC00390043], Platte, SD
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(16) ARMOUR [USC00390296], Armour, SD
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(17) WAGNER [USC00398767], Wagner, SD
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(18) TYNDALL [USC00398472], Tyndall, SD
">Influencing water features
This ecological site (ES) has a combination of physical and hydrological features that: 1) typically provides ground water within two feet of the surface for most of the season, 2) allows relatively free movement of water and air in the upper part of the soil, and 3) are rarely to frequently flooded.
Soil features
These are very deep, poorly to somewhat poorly drained, coarse to moderately fine textured soils. Permeability is moderately slow to slow and available water capacity is moderate to high. Salinity is none to very slight and sodicity is typically none to slight. These soils have a high water table (one to three feet from the surface) which keeps the rooting zone moist for most of the growing season. This site is on flood plains and on the rims of potholes, swales, and depressions. Slope ranges from 1 to 2 percent. This site should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. No water flow paths are seen on this site. The soil surface is stable and intact. Subsurface soil layers are nonrestrictive to water movement and root penetration. Soil series is Crossplain.
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) Loam
(2) Loamy fine sand
(3) Silty clay loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained Permeability class Slow to moderately slow Soil depth 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 7 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 20 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)4 – 8 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 30 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 4 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 2 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)5.6 – 9 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 34 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 2 % Ecological dynamics
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 site which is located in the Southern Black Glaciated Plains Region developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions and included the natural influence of large herding herbivores and occasional fire. Changes will 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 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass 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 were introduced into the area. The introduction of domestic livestock and the use of fencing and reliable water sources have changed the ecological dymanics of this site. Heavy, continuous grazing causes Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratentsis) to invade and eventually develop into a sod-bound condition. Extended periods of non-use and no fire will result in a plant community having high litter levels, which favors an increase in Redtop (Agrostis stolonifera), Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis). Warm-season grasses such as Indiangrass and big bluestem will decrease in frequency and production. In time, shrubs such as western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) will increase.
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 and Legend for the Subirrigated site in MLRA 55C.
Figure 10. Matrix for the Subirrigated 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 textState 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 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 warm-season grasses. Before European settlement of North America, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periodic fire, grazing by large herding ungulates, fluctuations in the water table, and ponding frequency and duration. Frequent surface fires (every 3 to 5 years) and grazing, coupled with weather events, dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, the primary disturbances are 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
Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/SwitchgrassThe Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass 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 grazed and where the grazed plants receive adequate periods of rest during the growing season in order to recover. The potential vegetation was about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The community was dominated by warm-season grasses. The major grasses included big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Other grass or grass-like species included sedges (Cyperaceace), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), porcupinegrass, Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus), and western wheatgrass. Common forbs are Maximillian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani), Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis), Indian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), goldenrod (Solidago), showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), gayfeather (Liatris), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and American licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota). This site does not support a large amount of woody species, but rose (Rosa), leadplant (Amorpha canescens), and western snowberry are the most common shrubs.
This plant community was resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allowed for high tolerance to drought. This was a sustainable plant community in regards to site and 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 3930 4565 5100 Forb 220 383 610 Shrub/Vine 50 152 290 Total 4200 5100 6000 Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5510 , Southern Black Glaciated Plains, lowland warm-season dominant. Warm-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 2 8 15 21 26 15 8 5 0 0 Community 1.2
Clustered Field Sedge-Big Bluestem-Switchgrass-ForbsThe Clustered Field Sedge-Big Bluestem-Switchgrass-Forbs plant community evolved under heavy, continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grass and grass-like species included clustered field sedge (Carex praegracilis), big bluestem, and switchgrass. Grass and grass-like species of secondary importance included plains bluegrass (Poa arida), rushes (Juncus), Indiangrass, Canada wildrye, and foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum). Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort (Artemisia ludoviciana), goldenrod (Solidago), and western yarrow (Achillea millefolium). This plant community had similar plant composition to the 2.2 Clustered Field Sedge-Big Bluestem-Kentucky Bluegrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase. The main difference is that this plant community phase did not have the presence of non-native invasive grass species such as Kentucky Bluegrass and Smooth Bromegrass.
When compared to the 1.1 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase, sedges, plains slender wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass increased, Big bluestem and Indiangrass decreased, and production of tall warm-season grasses was reduced. This plant community was moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing, but the species composition could be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component was intact, it tended to be resilient if the disturbance was not long-term. Most of the components of the ecological processes would have been functioning at optimum levels. However, the vigor and reproductive capability of the tall warm-season grasses would have been reduced due to grazing pressure or a combination of stressors. A reduction of this dominant functional group allowed for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species.Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5507 , Southern Black Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant, 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 5 13 20 25 18 11 5 3 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 Sedge/Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Grazing, precipitation, and/or fire returned to normal disturbance regime levels and frequencies, or periodic light to moderate grazing, possibly including periodic rest, will convert this plant community to the 1.1 Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase.
State 2
Native/Invaded StateThe Native/Invaded 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 warm-season grasses. It can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. Taller warm-season species can decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass will occur.
Community 2.1
Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/SwitchgrassThis plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase but it also contains minor amounts of non-native invasive grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass (up to about 15 percent by air-dry weight). The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grass and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs by air-dry weight. The dominant grasses include big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Other grass and grass-like species that occur are sedges, little bluestem, porcupinegrass, Canada wildrye, slender wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass.
Common forbs are Maximilian sunflower, Illinois bundleflower, Indian hemp, goldenrod, showy milkweed, gayfeather, black-eyed Susan, and American licorice. This site does not typically support a large amount of woody species, but rose, leadplant, and snowberry are the most common shrubs. This plant community is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high tolerance to drought. This is a sustainable plant community in regards to site and soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5510 , Southern Black Glaciated Plains, lowland warm-season dominant. Warm-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 2 8 15 21 26 15 8 5 0 0 Community 2.2
Clustered Field Sedge-Big Bluestem-Kentucky Bluegrass-SwitchgrassThis plant community is a result of heavy, continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 87 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 3 percent shrubs. Dominant grass and grass-like species include clustered field sedge, big bluestem, Kentucky bluegrass, and switchgrass, slender wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and little bluestem. Grass and grass-like species of secondary importance include plains bluegrass (Poa arida), rushes (Juncus), Indiangrass, Canada wildrye, and foxtail barley. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, and western yarrow.
When compared to the 1.1 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase, sedges (Carex), slender wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass increase. Big bluestem and Indiangrass decrease and production of all tall warm-season grasses is reduced. Kentucky bluegrass has also invaded. Production of tall warm-season grasses was reduced. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing, but species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. Most of the components of the ecological processes are functioning at optimum levels. However, the vigor and reproductive capability of the tall warm-season grasses are reduced due to grazing pressure or a combination of stressors. A reduction of this dominant functional group allows for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species. The introduction of non-native invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass results in alterations to the soil profile. Organic matter levels tend to decrease and begin to be concentrated more in the surface layers and the structure will begin to be modified. These changes favor the shallow rooted species and hasten their eventual dominance if steps are not taken to reduce these species.Figure 15. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 3175 3801 4360 Forb 185 315 500 Shrub/Vine 40 84 140 Total 3400 4200 5000 Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5507 , Southern Black Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant, 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 5 13 20 25 18 11 5 3 0 0 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, will shift this community to the 2.2 Sedge/Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Switchgrass Plants 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 Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 3
Invaded StateThe Invaded State is a result of encroachment mainly by invasive introduced cool-season grasses. The ecological processes are not functioning, especially the biotic processes and the hydrologic functions. The introduced cool-season grasses cause reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Preliminary studies would tend to indicate this threshold may exist when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30 percent of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40 percent of the plant community composition. The opportunity for high intensity spring burns is severely reduced by early green-up and increased moisture and humidity at the soil surface. Grazing pressure cannot cause a reduction in sod grass dominance. Production is limited to the sod forming species. Infiltration continues to decrease, runoff increases, and energy capture into the system is restricted to early season low producing species. Nutrient cycling is limited by root depth of the dominant species.
Once the state is well established, even drastic events such as high intensity fires driven by high fuel loads of litter and thatch will not result in more than a very short-term reduction of Kentucky bluegrass. These events may reduce the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass but due to the large amount of rhizomes in the soil there is no opportunity for the native species to establish before Kentucky bluegrass rebounds.Community 3.1
Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky BluegrassThis plant community phase is a result of extended periods of nonuse and no fire or occasionally light levels of grazing over several years. It is characterized by dominance of smooth bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. The dominance is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A thick duff layer also accumulates at or above the soil surface and eventually a thatch-mat layer may develop. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. When dominated by smooth bromegrass, infiltration is moderately reduced and runoff is moderate. Production can be equal to or higher than the interpretive plant community. However, when dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production in this case will likely be significantly less. In either case, the period that palatability is high is relatively short as these cool-season species mature rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced.
The dominance of these introduced species has been shown to alter the biotic component of the soil, as well as, organic matter levels and eventually the soil structure. These alterations perpetuate the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass and tend to make establishment of native species extremely difficult.Figure 17. 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 3370 3938 4425 Forb 190 330 525 Shrub/Vine 40 132 250 Total 3600 4400 5200 Figure 18. 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 3.2
Kentucky Bluegrass/Baltic Rush/ForbsThis plant community phase is a result of heavy, continuous seasonal grazing or heavy, continuous season-long grazing. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass, grass-like species, and forbs. The dominance of Kentucky bluegrass is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A relatively thick duff layer can sometimes accumulate at or above the soil surface and eventually a thatch-mat layer may develop at the surface. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. Infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production will be significantly reduced when compared to the interpretive plant community. The period that palatability is high is relatively short as Kentucky bluegrass matures rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced. Biological activity in the soil is likely reduced significantly in this phase.
Figure 19. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 2255 2838 3205 Forb 145 413 790 Shrub/Vine 0 49 105 Total 2400 3300 4100 Figure 20. 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 3.3
Annual Pioneer/ Perennial PioneerThis plant community developed under continuous, heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances, typically abandonment after cropping. 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 non-native invasive or early seral species. Grasses may include foxtail barley, barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), and quackgrass (Elymus repens). Dominant forbs include curlycup gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), and other early successional species. Plant diversity is low (plant richness may be high but areas are often dominated by a few species). The ecological processes are difficult to restore because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. Soil erosion is potentially very high because of the bare ground and shallow-rooted herbaceous plant community. Water runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease due to animal related soil compaction and loss of root mass due to low plant diversity and vigor. This plant community will require significant economic inputs and time to move towards another plant community. This movement is highly variable in its succession. This is due to the loss of diversity (including the loss of the seed bank), within the existing plant community, and the plant communities on adjacent sites.
Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2Heavy, continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year, without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites, 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 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Baltic Rush-Forbs Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing, possibly including periodic rest, may convert this plant community to the 3.1 Smooth Bromegrass-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 3.3A
Community 3.3 to 3.2This 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 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Baltic Rush/Forbs Plant Community Phase.
State 4
Crop Production StateThe Crop Production State is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices.
Community 4.1
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 2Non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years), causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, 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 4Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 4.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 4).
Transition T2A,B
State 2 to 3Heavy, continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season and at the same time of year each year) will cause a shift across a threshold leading to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Baltic Rush/Forbs Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3).
Transition T2C
State 2 to 4Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 4.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 4).
Restoration pathway T3A,B
State 3 to 2Long-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 3.1 Smooth Bromegrass-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2). Seeding followed by Long-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 Invaded State (State 3) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2).
Transition T3C
State 3 to 4Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 4.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 4).
Restoration pathway T4A
State 4 to 2Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 4) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2).
Restoration pathway T4B,C
State 4 to 3Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 4) over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3). Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the 3.3 Annual Pioneer- Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3).
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 1530–3060 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 1020–2295 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 153–1020 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 255–1020 – prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 51–255 – spiked muhly MUGL3 Muhlenbergia glomerata 0–153 – 2 Mid & Tall Cool-Season Grasses 510–1020 Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 102–408 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 102–408 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–255 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 51–255 – northern reedgrass CASTI3 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa 51–255 – plains bluegrass POAR3 Poa arida 51–153 – prairie wedgescale SPOB Sphenopholis obtusata 0–102 – foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 0–102 – 3 Grass-likes 510–765 clustered field sedge CAPR5 Carex praegracilis 102–510 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 102–510 – manyhead sedge CASY Carex sychnocephala 102–510 – rush JUNCU Juncus 51–255 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–255 – 4 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 153–510 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 102–510 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 51–255 – Shrub/Vine5 Other Native Grasses 102–255 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–255 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 51–102 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 51–102 – 7 Shrubs 51–255 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–153 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 51–153 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 51–102 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–102 – Forb6 Forbs 255–510 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 51–153 – Maximilian sunflower HEMA2 Helianthus maximiliani 51–153 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 51–102 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 51–102 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–102 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 51–102 – showy milkweed ASSP Asclepias speciosa 51–102 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 51–102 – Illinois bundleflower DEIL Desmanthus illinoensis 0–102 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 51–102 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 51–102 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–102 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 51–102 – blackeyed Susan RUHI2 Rudbeckia hirta 0–102 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 51–102 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–51 – blue-eyed grass SISYR Sisyrinchium 0–51 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–51 – palespike lobelia LOSP Lobelia spicata 0–51 – mint MENTH Mentha 0–51 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–51 – Virginia strawberry FRVI Fragaria virginiana 0–51 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 0–51 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–51 – Canadian anemone ANCA8 Anemone canadensis 0–51 – stickseed HACKE Hackelia 0–51 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 0–51 – Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 420–840 switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 210–840 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 84–630 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 0–210 – prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 0–126 – 2 Mid & Tall Cool-Season 630–1260 slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 126–840 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 126–840 – plains bluegrass POAR3 Poa arida 84–420 – foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 42–336 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–210 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–126 – northern reedgrass CASTI3 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa 0–84 – 3 Grass-likes 420–1260 clustered field sedge CAPR5 Carex praegracilis 84–840 – manyhead sedge CASY Carex sychnocephala 84–840 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 84–630 – rush JUNCU Juncus 84–336 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–210 – 4 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 84–630 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 84–630 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–84 – 5 Other Native Grasses 42–210 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–210 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 42–84 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–42 – 6 Non-Native Grasses 210–840 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 210–840 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 42–420 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–210 – creeping bentgrass AGST2 Agrostis stolonifera 0–210 – Forb7 Forbs 210–420 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 42–126 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 42–126 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 42–126 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 42–126 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 42–126 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–84 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 42–84 – showy milkweed ASSP Asclepias speciosa 42–84 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 42–84 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–84 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–42 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–42 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–42 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–42 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 0–42 – Maximilian sunflower HEMA2 Helianthus maximiliani 0–42 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 0–42 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–42 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 42–126 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–84 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 42–84 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–84 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–42 – Table 13. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 0–220 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–220 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–132 – 2 Mid & Tall Cool-Season 44–660 foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 44–440 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–220 – plains bluegrass POAR3 Poa arida 0–132 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–132 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–132 – 3 Grass-likes 220–880 clustered field sedge CAPR5 Carex praegracilis 88–440 – rush JUNCU Juncus 88–440 – manyhead sedge CASY Carex sychnocephala 0–220 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–220 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 0–132 – 4 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 0–220 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–220 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–220 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–220 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–44 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–44 – 6 Non-Native Grasses 1320–2640 smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 660–2200 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 132–880 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–352 – creeping bentgrass AGST2 Agrostis stolonifera 0–352 – Forb7 Forbs 220–440 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 44–220 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 44–176 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 44–176 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 44–176 – showy milkweed ASSP Asclepias speciosa 44–132 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 44–132 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–132 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–88 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–88 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 44–88 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–44 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–44 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–44 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 44–220 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–220 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–88 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 44–88 – Table 14. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid & Tall Cool-Season 33–495 foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 33–495 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–99 – 2 Grass-likes 165–825 rush JUNCU Juncus 165–660 – clustered field sedge CAPR5 Carex praegracilis 0–264 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–165 – 3 Other Native Grasses 0–165 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–165 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–33 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–33 – 4 Non-Native Grasses 825–1980 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 660–1650 – creeping bentgrass AGST2 Agrostis stolonifera 0–495 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 33–495 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–396 – Forb5 Forbs 165–660 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 33–330 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 33–165 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 33–165 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 33–165 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 33–165 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 33–132 – showy milkweed ASSP Asclepias speciosa 33–99 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–66 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–66 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–66 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–66 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–33 – Shrub/Vine6 Shrubs 0–99 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–33 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–33 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–33 – Table 15. Community 3.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 16. Community 4.1 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. 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.
Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass (1.1 & 2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 5,100
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.40
Sedge/Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Switchgrass (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4,200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.15
Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4,400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.21
Kentucky Bluegrass/Baltic Rush/Forbs (3.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3,300
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.90
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (3.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.33
*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 contains soils in all hydrologic groups A, B, C, and D. Infiltration is slow to moderately 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 high infiltration and lower 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:
• SD005 Beadle County, SD did not use the (Pr) Plankinton-Crossplain complex (national symbol cyxl) as used in the adjoining SD073 Jerauld County, SD.
• SD003 Aurora County, SD did not use the (Pr) Plankinton-Crossplain complex (national symbol cyxl) as used in the adjoining SD073 Jerauld County, SD.
• SD043 Douglas County, SD did not use the (Ps) Prosper and Crossplain complex (national symbol g0ym) as used in the adjoining SD602 Hanson and Hutchinson Counties, SD.
• SD079 Lake County, SD did not use the (Ct) Crossplain-Tetonka complex (national symbol cxt8) as used in the adjoining SD097 Miner County, SD.
• 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 Jerauld 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)
USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997
USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center.Contributors
Stan Boltz
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 1/31/2024
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. Officially approved for publication 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:
Mid and tall cool-season grass-like >>Sub-dominant:
Tall warm-season rhizomatous grass > tall cool-season rhizomatous grass >Other:
Mid cool-season rhizomatous grass > forb.Additional:
Due to differing root structure and distribution, Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass do not fit into reference plant community F/S groups. -
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):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
4,200–6,000 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 5,100 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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