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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.
Classification relationships
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States: 42e – Southern Missouri Coteau, 42f – Southern Missouri Coteau Slope, 46n – James River Lowland.
Associated sites
R055CY010SD Loamy
R055CY011SD Clayey
Similar sites
R055CY011SD Clayey
(R055CY011SD) – Clayey [less big bluestem; more needlegrass; lower production]
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Pascopyrum smithii
(2) Andropogon gerardiiPhysiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level lowlands and drainageways.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Flood plain
Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days) Flooding frequency Rare to occasional Ponding frequency None Elevation 1300 – 2000 ft Slope 0 – 1 % Water table depth 12 – 42 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. Greenup of cool-season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 160 days Freeze-free period (average) 180 days Precipitation total (average) 30 in BarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are typically associated with this site. However, in some areas, adjacent streams occur and would be classified as follows: Stream Type: B6, C6 (Rosgen System)
Soil features
The soils in this site are somewhat poorly to poorly drained and formed in alluvium. The silty clay loam to silty clay surface layer is typically 7 to 16 inches thick but can be deeper on some soils. These soils have a very slow infiltration rate. When dry these soils crack. When the soils are wet, surface compaction can occur with heavy traffic. This site typically should show no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. If present, water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous. The soil surface is stable and intact. There are no root restrictive layers in these soils; however, the high shrink-swell potential can cause damage and/or inhibit root growth.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases where vegetative cover is not adequate. A drastic loss of soil surface layer on this site can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.
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
(2) Silty clay loam
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained Permeability class Slow to very slow Soil depth 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 2 % Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)6 – 7 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 30 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 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 – 2 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused wildfire (often of light intensities), and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions describe more typical transitions that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition.
Continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October) and/or heavy continuous seasonal grazing (i.e., grazing at the same time of year every year) without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence causes this site to depart from the Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Needlegrass Plant Community. Western wheatgrass increases initially and will eventually decrease with continuous grazing. Grasses such as green needlegrass, big bluestem, and switchgrass will decrease in frequency and production. With continued disturbance, this site is susceptible to invasion of nonnative species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass. These species can become dominant and alter the ecological processes drastically.
Interpretations are primarily based on the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Needlegrass Plant Community. It has 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 used. Plant community phases, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant community phases that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities. These are the most common plant community phases based on current knowledge and experience and changes may be made as more data is collected. Narratives following the diagram contain more detail pertaining to the ecological processes.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
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
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceThis state represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state was dominated by cool-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included somewhat frequent fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. A combination of disturbances such as fire followed by grazing during below average precipitation periods or a severe single disturbance such as extended periods of below average precipitation would have caused a decline in tall warm-season grasses and green needlegrass. This would have resulted in a simplification of the plant community with dominance by western wheatgrass.
Community 1.1
Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/NeedlegrassInterpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Needlegrass Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). The potential vegetation was about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The community was dominated by cool-season grasses. The major grasses included western wheatgrass, big bluestem, and green needlegrass. Other grass and grass-like species included switchgrass, little bluestem, sideoats grama, Indiangrass, tall dropseed, blue grama, buffalograss, and sedges. This plant community was resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allowed for high drought tolerance. This was a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 4. 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 2415 3133 3795 Forb 155 262 410 Shrub/Vine 30 105 195 Total 2600 3500 4400 Figure 5. 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 Community 1.2
Western WheatgrassThis plant community evolved under continuous seasonal 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. The dominant grass was western wheatgrass. Grass and grass-like species of secondary importance included big bluestem, tall dropseed, foxtail barley, and sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included American licorice, cudweed sagewort, western yarrow, and woolly verbena. This plant community will have similar plant composition to the 2.2 Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase (refer to the plant composition tables). The main difference is that nonnative species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass would not have been present in this plant community phase.
When compared to the Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Needlegrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), big bluestem and green needlegrass decreased significantly, while western wheatgrass would have increased. Production and litter cover would have decreased as well and bare ground would have increased. The site would have been the most susceptible to erosion and gully formation during this phase. However, once conditions became more favorable, this plant community phase would have readily shifted back to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Needlegrass Plant Community Phase.Figure 6. 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 1.2Continuous seasonal grazing which includes grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels at the same time of year each year or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic heavy grazing would have shifted this community to the 1.2 Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1Grazing and fire returned to normal disturbance regime levels and frequencies or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest would have converted this plant community to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Needlegrass Plant Community Phase.
State 2
Native/Invasive GrassThis state is similar to the reference state in terms dominant plant composition and production. However, the invasion of introduced cool-season sod grasses alters the natural range of variability for this ES. This state is still dominated by mid- and tall native warm- and cool-season grasses, but invasive introduced cool-season sod grasses are now present in all community phases of this state. The primary disturbance mechanisms for this state include grazing by domestic livestock and infrequent fires. Timing and intensity of grazing events coupled with weather dictate the dynamics that occur within this state. The cool-season native grass can decline and an increase in introduced sod grasses will occur. Many times, this state appears as a mosaic of community phases caused primarily by continuous season-long grazing.
This state represents the more common range of variability that exists with higher levels of grazing management but in the absence of periodic fire followed by short-term intensive grazing. This state is dominated by cool-season grasses, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. 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.Community 2.1
Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/NeedlegrassThis plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Needlegrass Plant Community Phase but it also contains minor amounts of nonnative 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 grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The community is dominated by cool-season grasses with warm-season grasses being subdominant. The major grasses include western wheatgrass, big bluestem, and green needlegrass. Other grass and grass-like species include switchgrass, little bluestem, sideoats grama, Indiangrass, tall dropseed, blue grama, buffalograss, and sedges. Major forbs and shrubs include American licorice, sunflower, goldenrod, and western snowberry. This plant community is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity. Refer to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Needlegrass Plant Community Phase for details of the plant composition for this community phase.
Figure 7. 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 Community 2.2
Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky BluegrassThis phase is characterized by a shift to mid cool-season rhizomatous grasses with lesser amounts of tall warm-season and mid cool-season bunchgrasses. The vegetation is about 85 percent grasses and grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses would include western wheatgrass and Kentucky bluegrass with minor amounts of needlegrasses, big bluestem, and switchgrass. Major forbs are western ragweed, goldenrods, and western yarrow. Snowberry would be the dominant shrub. Energy capture by this plant community phase has shifted from late spring and summer to early spring through early summer. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term.
Figure 8. 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 1955 2417 2940 Forb 120 203 310 Shrub/Vine 25 80 150 Total 2100 2700 3400 Figure 9. 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 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2Continuous season-long grazing (grazing at light to moderate stocking levels for a majority of or the entire growing season), heavy continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels for extended portions of the growing season at the same time each year), or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic heavy grazing will shift this community to the 2.2 Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass 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 Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Needlegrass Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 3
InvadedThis state is the result of invasion and dominance of introduced species. This state is characterized by the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass and an increasing thatch layer that effectively blocks introduction of other plants into the system. Plant litter accumulation tends to favor the more shade tolerant introduced grass species. The nutrient cycle is also impaired and the result is typically a higher level of nitrogen which also favors the introduced species. Increasing plant litter decreases the amount of sunlight reaching plant crowns thereby shifting competitive advantage to shade tolerant introduced grass species. Studies indicate that soil biological activity is altered and this shift apparently exploits the soil microclimate and encourages growth of the introduced grass species. Once the threshold is crossed, a change in grazing management alone cannot cause a reduction in the invasive grass dominance. 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.
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 and dominate before Kentucky bluegrass rebounds and again dominates the system.Community 3.1
Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky BluegrassThis plant community phase is a result of extended periods of nonuse and no fire. It is characterized by a 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. 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.
Figure 10. 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 2440 3036 3580 Forb 30 149 300 Shrub/Vine 30 115 220 Total 2500 3300 4100 Figure 11. 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/Smooth Bromegrass/ForbsThis plant community phase is a result of continuous season-long grazing or heavy, continuous seasonal grazing. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass. The dominance is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A relatively thick duff layer can sometimes accumulate at or above the soil surface. 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 12. 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 1485 1827 2220 Forb 95 210 365 Shrub/Vine 20 63 115 Total 1600 2100 2700 Figure 13. 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, Non-Native PerennialThis plant community evolved under heavy continuous season-long grazing, heavy continuous seasonal grazing, or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 50 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 to 25 percent forbs, and 5 to 25 percent shrubs and trees. The dominant species are highly variable in this phase, often consisting of invasive species such as annual bromegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and invasive forbs. Other plant species, from adjacent ESs, can become minor components of this plant community.
This plant community is susceptible to invasion of Canada thistle and other nonnative species because of the relatively high percent of bare ground. This plant community phase may also be made up of seeded species such as legumes and intermediate wheatgrass. Refer to the corresponding Forage Suitability Group for production and species adaptation.
The ecological processes are difficult to restore because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. Soil erosion is potentially very high because of the bare ground and shallow rooted herbaceous plant community. Water runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease due to animal related soil compaction and loss of root mass due to low plant diversity and vigor. This plant community will require significant economic inputs and time to move towards another plant community. This movement is highly variable in its succession. This is due to the loss of diversity (including the loss of the seed bank), within the existing plant community and the plant communities on adjacent sites. This community can be renovated to improve the production capability; however, if management changes are not made, the vegetation could revert back to a threeawn/annual community.Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2Continuous season-long grazing (grazing at light to moderate stocking levels for a majority of or the entire growing season), heavy continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels for extended portions of the growing season at the same time each year), or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic heavy grazing will shift this community to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Smooth Bromegrass/Forbs Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods), extended periods of nonuse and no fire, 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.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Pathway 3.2b
Community 3.2 to 3.3Heavy continuous seasonal grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season and often at the same time of year each year) or heavy continuous season-long grazing will convert this plant community to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 3.3a
Community 3.3 to 3.2Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods), extended periods of nonuse and no fire, or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest may convert this plant community to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Smooth Bromegrass/Forbs Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Transition T1
State 1 to 2Encroachment of non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass, and disruption of natural disturbance regimes such as periodic fire followed by short-term high intensity grazing would have led this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invasive Grass State (State 2). This occurs as natural and/or management actions (altered grazing and/or fire regime) favored a decline in the composition of the native species and an increase in cool-season sod grasses. Chronic season-long or heavy continuous grazing facilitated this transition. Complete rest from grazing and no fire events could also have accelerated this transition.
Transition T4
State 1 to 3Encroachment of highly competitive non-native species (e.g., Canada thistle, diffuse knapweed, leafy spurge, etc.), seeding with improved native or non-native forage species, or abandonment after cropping will shift any plant community to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial Plant Community Phase within the Invaded Grass State (State 3).
Transition T4
State 2 to 3Encroachment of highly competitive non-native species (e.g., Canada thistle, diffuse knapweed, leafy spurge, etc.), seeding with improved native or non-native forage species, or abandonment after cropping will shift any plant community to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial Plant Community Phase within the Invaded Grass State (State 3).
Transition T2a
State 2 to 3Non-use and no fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the 3.1 Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase within the Invaded Grass State (State 3).
Transition T2b
State 2 to 3Heavy continuous seasonal grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season and often at the same time of year each year) or heavy continuous season-long grazing will convert this plant community to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Smooth Bromegrass/Forbs Plant Community Phase in the 3 Invaded Grass State.
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Wheatgrass 875–1575 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 875–1575 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–175 – 2 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 350–875 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 350–875 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 35–280 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 0–175 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–175 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 175–525 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 175–525 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–175 – foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 35–175 – 4 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 35–350 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 35–280 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–175 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 0–175 buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–175 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–175 – saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 0–105 – 6 Other Native Grasses 35–175 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–175 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 35–105 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–70 – 7 Grass-likes 35–175 sedge CAREX Carex 35–175 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–105 – Forb8 Forbs 175–350 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–105 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 35–70 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 35–70 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–70 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 35–70 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–70 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–70 – common sunflower HEAN3 Helianthus annuus 0–70 – Maximilian sunflower HEMA2 Helianthus maximiliani 35–70 – leafy wildparsley MUDI Musineon divaricatum 35–70 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 35–70 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 35–70 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 35–70 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 35–70 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 35–70 – swamp verbena VEHA2 Verbena hastata 0–35 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–35 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 0–35 – wild bergamot MOFI Monarda fistulosa 0–35 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 0–35 – California cranesbill GECA4 Geranium californicum 0–35 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–35 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 35–175 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–70 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 35–70 – silver sagebrush ARCA13 Artemisia cana 0–70 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 35–70 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 35–70 – western poison ivy TORY Toxicodendron rydbergii 0–35 – 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 Wheatgrass 810–1485 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 810–1485 – 2 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 27–270 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 27–216 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–162 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–108 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 27–270 foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 27–270 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–81 – 4 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 0–81 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–54 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–54 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 0–135 saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 0–135 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–81 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–54 – 6 Other Native Grasses 27–135 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–135 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 27–54 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–27 – 7 Grass-likes 27–135 sedge CAREX Carex 27–135 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–81 – 8 Non-Native Grasses 135–540 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 135–405 – brome BROMU Bromus 0–189 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–135 – Forb9 Forbs 135–270 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–108 – sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–108 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–81 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 27–81 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–81 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 27–81 – Canada thistle CIAR4 Cirsium arvense 0–54 – common sunflower HEAN3 Helianthus annuus 0–54 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–54 – leafy wildparsley MUDI Musineon divaricatum 27–54 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 27–54 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 27–54 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 27–54 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–54 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–27 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–27 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 0–27 – Maximilian sunflower HEMA2 Helianthus maximiliani 0–27 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 0–27 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–27 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 27–135 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 27–81 – western poison ivy TORY Toxicodendron rydbergii 0–54 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 27–54 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–54 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–27 – silver sagebrush ARCA13 Artemisia cana 0–27 – Table 13. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Wheatgrass 66–495 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 66–495 – 2 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 0–66 composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–66 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–33 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 33–165 foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 33–165 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–165 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–99 – 4 Short Warm-Season Grasses 0–33 saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 0–33 – 5 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 – 6 Grass-likes 0–99 sedge CAREX Carex 0–99 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–66 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 1320–2640 smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 660–2310 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 330–990 – brome BROMU Bromus 0–165 – Forb8 Forbs 33–264 sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–231 – Canada thistle CIAR4 Cirsium arvense 0–132 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 33–99 – burningbush BASC5 Bassia scoparia 0–99 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–99 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 0–99 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–66 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 33–66 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–66 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–66 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–33 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–33 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–33 – leafy wildparsley MUDI Musineon divaricatum 0–33 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 0–33 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 33–198 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 33–165 – western poison ivy TORY Toxicodendron rydbergii 0–99 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–33 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–33 – Table 14. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Wheatgrass 42–420 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 42–420 – 2 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 0–105 composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–105 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–63 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 42–315 foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 42–315 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–42 – 4 Short Warm-Season Grasses 0–105 saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 0–105 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–63 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–21 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–105 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–105 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–21 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–21 – 6 Grass-likes 21–105 sedge CAREX Carex 21–105 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–63 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 420–945 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 315–840 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 105–525 – brome BROMU Bromus 21–315 – Forb8 Forbs 105–315 burningbush BASC5 Bassia scoparia 0–210 – sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–210 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–147 – Arizona thistle CIAR3 Cirsium arizonicum 0–126 – common sunflower HEAN3 Helianthus annuus 0–84 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 0–84 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 21–63 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 21–63 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 21–63 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–42 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 21–42 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–42 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–21 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 21–105 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 21–63 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–42 – silver sagebrush ARCA13 Artemisia cana 0–21 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–21 – western poison ivy TORY Toxicodendron rydbergii 0–21 – Table 15. Community 3.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
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.
Western Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Needlegrass (1.1 & 2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3,500
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.96
Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2,700
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.74
Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3,300
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.90
Kentucky Bluegrass/Smooth Bromegrass/Forbs (3.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2,100
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.58
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (4.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.27
*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 groups D, with localized areas in hydrologic group C. Infiltration and runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama, buffalograss, bluegrass, and/or smooth bromegrass will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other opportunities. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
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.
Other references
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, 830728 Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728. (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/)
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97204-3224. (http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.Contributors
Stan Boltz
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 usually 6. Typically high root content, organic matter, and granular structure. 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 cool-season rhizomatous grasses >>Sub-dominant:
Tall warm-season grasses > mid and tall cool-season bunchgrasses >Other:
Mid warm-season grasses = forbs > short warm-season grasses = grass-likes = shrubs = short cool-season grasses.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):
Litter cover is in contact with soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
2,600–4,400 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 3,500 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 Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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