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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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 055D–Glacial Lake Dakota
MLRA 55D is in South Dakota (92 percent) and southeastern North Dakota (8 percent). It makes up about 3,059 square miles (7,923 square kilometers). This area, which is part of the glacial till plain region, consists of a large, glacial lake plain that was drained by the James River, which flows southward through the area. The MLRA is dominantly farmland converted from prairie, but some areas of grassland remain. Agricultural drainage practices have impacted shallow depressions in many areas.
MLRA 55D has distinct boundaries. Till plains are on all sides. MLRA 55B borders the area largely to the north and is also between the Lake Dakota Plain and two prominent coteaus—the Missouri Coteau on the west and the Prairie Coteau on the east. To the south is MLRA 55C (Southern Black Glaciated Plains), which has a mesic soil temperature regime.
This area is in the Central Lowland province of the Interior Plains. Elevation ranges from 1,250 to 1,330 feet (380 to 405 meters), generally increasing from south to north. The area is characterized by mostly level to moderately sloping lake plains with many depressions and drainages. Much of the area has integrated drainage; drainage channels are poorly to moderately defined.
The glaciolacustrine sediments of the Lake Dakota Plain range from sandy to clayey and are commonly stratified. Some areas of the lake plain are mantled with wind-deposited materials, which are moderately coarse textured or sandy. Alluvial deposits and low terraces are common along the James River and its major tributaries but also occur in narrow and discontinuous strips along other streams.Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Southern Black Glaciated Plains (55D) (USDA-NRCS, 2022)
USFS Sub-region: Located mainly within unit 332Bc and 332Ba (Cleland et al., 2007).Ecological site concept
The Deep Marsh ecological site typically represents the central portion of a wetland basin or depression on a glaciated prairie landscape with standing water up to 5 feet deep, and at least some tall, emergent vegetation like cattails, bulrushes and reeds. In most years there is at least some standing water but in drought years the basin surface may dry out yet retain groundwater within 1 foot of the surface. Ponded water conditions and very slow permeability strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship. Most uncultivated wetland basins in this MLRA have concentric bands of distinctly different vegetation corresponding with changes in soil and water depth.
Associated sites
R055DY001SD Shallow Marsh
These sites occur in a basin or closed depression. Soils are very poorly drained and the site will pond water until early summer in most years. The central concept soil series are Baltic and Worthing, but other series are included.
R055DY004SD Wet Meadow
This site is in shallow depressions and on low-lying flats. It is poorly drained - a seasonal high water table is typically within a depth of 1.5 feet during the months of April through June; in depressions, it is frequently ponded (typically <1.5) in April and May. It typically has redoximorphic features within a depth of 18 inches. Some soils are highly calcareous. It is non-saline to slightly saline (E.C. <8) in the surface and subsoil layers. All textures are included in this site.
R055DY002SD Linear Meadow
These sites occur in drainageways or along the edges of closed depressions. Soils are poorly and very poorly drained and have a water table within 0 to 2 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season, typically until the month of August. The central concept soil series is Lawet, but other series are included
R055DY007SD Saline Lowland
This site is poorly drained or somewhat poorly drained and occurs on rims of depressions and adjacent flats. It has an accumulation of salts in the surface and subsoil layer (E.C. >8). Typically, this site does not have a claypan layer, but one is allowed if the soil is poorly drained. All textures are included in this site.
Similar sites
R055DY001SD Shallow Marsh
The Shallow Marsh site is in a similar landscape position, but the site ponds water until early summer in most years.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Typha latifolia
(2) Schoenoplectus acutusPhysiographic features
This site occurs on concave shallow swales or depressions.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Slope shape across (1) Concave
Slope shape up-down (1) Concave
Landforms (1) Lake plain > Depression
Ponding duration Very long (more than 30 days) Ponding frequency Frequent Elevation 1310 – 1970 ft Slope 0 – 1 % Ponding depth 0 – 60 in Water table depth 6 – 0 in Climatic features
The average annual precipitation of MLRA 55D is 22 to 23 inches (549 to 594 millimeters). About 75 percent of the rainfall comes from high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the growing season. Winter precipitation is typically snow. The average annual snowfall is 25 to 50 inches (635 to 1,270 millimeters). Strong winds commonly deposit the snow unevenly across the landscape. The average annual temperature is 43 to 45 degrees F (6 to 7 degrees C). The freeze-free period averages about 135 days and ranges from 120 to 150 days.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 110-120 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 130-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 110-120 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 130-130 days Precipitation total (actual range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (average) 120 days Freeze-free period (average) 130 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) BRITTON [USC00391049], Britton, SD
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(2) COLUMBIA 8 N [USC00391873], Columbia, SD
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(3) ANDOVER #2 [USC00390120], Andover, SD
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(4) ABERDEEN [USW00014929], Aberdeen, SD
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(5) CONDE [USC00391917], Conde, SD
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(6) MELLETTE 4 W [USC00395456], Northville, SD
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(7) TURTON [USC00398420], Turton, SD
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(8) REDFIELD [USC00397052], Redfield, SD
">Influencing water features
This ecological site would be classified as a Palustrine Emergent Semi-permanently flooded to intermittently exposed wetland according to Cowardin et al, 1979.
Soil features
The common soil features of soils in this site are the fine sand to clay subsoil and slopes 0 to 1 percent. The soils in this site are very poorly drained and formed in local alluvium and glaciolacustrine deposits. Surface textures range from fine sandy loam to clay. The soils have a very slow infiltration rate. The soils show no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. The soil surface is stable and intact. Subsurface soil layers are nonrestrictive to water movement and root penetration. These soils are not susceptible to water erosion. Ponded water conditions and very slow permeability strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship.
The central soil series concepts for this site include Ludden clay, ponded, Venlo fine sandy loam, ponded, and Castlewood silty clay, ponded.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm) for specific local soils information.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium
(2) Glaciolacustrine deposits
Surface texture (1) Clay
(2) Silty clay
(3) Fine sandy loam
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Very poorly drained Permeability class Very slow Soil depth 0 – 80 in Available water capacity
(Depth not specified)0.11 – 0.23 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(Depth not specified)0 – 25 % Electrical conductivity
(Depth not specified)0 – 4 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(Depth not specified)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(Depth not specified)5.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified 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 Deep Marsh Ecological Site typically represents the central portion of a wetland basin or depression on a glaciated prairie landscape with standing water up to 5 feet deep, and at least some tall, emergent vegetation like cattails, bulrushes and reeds. In most years there is at least some standing water but in drought years the basin surface may dry out yet retain groundwater within 1 foot of the surface. Within other classification systems, this ecological site generally corresponds with Stewart and Kantrud’s (1971) “Type IV wetland basin,” also called a “semi-permanent pond or lake”; and with the “Palustrine Emergent Semi-permanently Flooded to Intermittently Exposed Wetland” of Cowardin, et al. (1979).
Most uncultivated wetland basins in this MLRA have concentric bands of distinctly different vegetation corresponding with changes in soil and water depth. For example, while the center of the basin supports deep marsh vegetation, it is often surrounded by a zone of shallow marsh vegetation, which is in turn surrounded by a zone of wet meadow vegetation, eventually grading outward into upland soils and vegetation. Degree of slope, type of soils, and nature of the local hydrology tend to dictate the number and width of these concentric zones of vegetation.
Given the climatic extremes of the Great Plains with precipitation that ranges from drought to deluge, Deep Marsh wetland basins undergo cycles of flooding and draw-down with corresponding changes in vegetation. These hydrologic cycles and vegetation changes have been described in detail by Stewart and Kantrud (1971), who subdivided them into four phases: 1) Normal Emergent Phase. Historically, this phase of deep marsh vegetation consisted of scattered patches of broadleaf cattail or stands of bulrushes like hardstem, slender, softstem or prairie bulrush, interspersed with patches of open water supporting submerged or floating leaved aquatic plants like white water-crowfoot, common bladderwort, sago pondweed, water smartweed, and various duckweeds.
In wet years, the water depth in Deep Marsh basins would increase and subsequently drowned out the emergent cattails and bulrushes, leading to the 2) Open-water Phase. There may still be cattails and bulrushes on the periphery of the wetland basin during this phase, but the central portion of the basin would have open water with various submerged and floating-leaved aquatic plants, like those mentioned above. With the onset of drought, the wetland basin dries up and enters the 3) Drawdown Bare-soil Phase.
With the newly exposed and mostly bare soils, weedy annual and short-lived perennial plants like cockleburs, swamp ragwort, rough barnyardgrass, and foxtail barley invade the wetland basin. Prolonged drought alone (completely dry soils for two years) is also apparently enough to kill broadleaf cattail (Nelson and Dietz 1966). With the return of normal precipitation and runoff, water levels rise, inundating the standing annuals and other plants, leading to the 4) Natural Drawdown Emergent Phase. Seeds of emergent wetland plants like cattails and bulrushes are once again able to germinate and grow on any mudflats or areas of very shallow, standing water (the seeds of most emergent plant species cannot germinate in water deeper than a couple inches). After the drawdown (which also tends to kill any minnows or other aquatic animals) and reflooding, there is a pulse of nutrients from all the recently decomposing vegetation leading to an explosion of aquatic invertebrates. With the return of standing water, the germination of upland plant seeds and most emergent plant seeds is inhibited, while the germination of submerged and floating-leaved plant seeds are stimulated. With time, the young emergent cattails and bulrushes spread by rhizomatous growth into clonal patches and the cycle repeats itself. Van der Valk and Davis (1978) suggest that these wet-dry vegetation transitions can take from 5 to 30 years or more to complete a full cycle.
Ecological Dynamics of Deep Marshes
Besides the effects of wet-dry cycles, Deep Marsh habitats historically were subjected to substantial herbivory from muskrats, in particular; but also the grazing and trampling by large ungulates like bison and elk. Muskrats consume cattail and bulrush tubers as food, but also cut the stems for the construction of their mounds and dens. In most circumstances, muskrats maintain open water patches surrounding their mounds within a larger stand of cattails and bulrushes, but occasionally it is possible for muskrats to overpopulate and virtually eliminate the emergent cattails and bulrushes from a wetland basin (Errington et al. 1963). Prairie fires were a frequent phenomenon on the northern Great Plains and would burn wetland vegetation during drawdown conditions and even consume dry, dense, emergent vegetation standing over shallow water or ice (Kantrud 1986).
The invasion of Deep Marsh wetlands by narrowleaf cattail and hybrid cattail, has dramatically altered the ecology of these wetland basins. Narrowleaf cattail is presumed to be an exotic species in much, if not all of North America (Stukey and Salamon 1987), and appears to have been absent from the northern Great Plains until the 1920s and 1930s based upon the absence of this species in early floristic lists for the region (Rydberg 1896, Saunders 1899, Rosco & Clements 1900, Visher 1912, 1914, McIntosh 1931, Metcalf 1931). It appears to have been introduced into the Black Hills (Hayward 1928) and eastern South Dakota (Over 1932) by the late 1920s. Once introduced, narrowleaf cattail began to hybridize with the native broadleaf cattail and formed a new, taller, more aggressive, more persistent “hybrid cattail” (Typha X glauca). Our native broadleaf cattail is killed by water depths exceeding about 64 cm when kept submerged for most of the growing season. In contrast, narrowleaf and hybrid cattail require depths exceeding 100 cm for at least 1 year or more before they will drown (Steenis et al. 1959, Miklovic 2000). The roots and rhizomes of cattails require oxygen to survive, and obtain most of this oxygen through the aerenchyma tissue of cattail stems and leaves. Thus, the susceptibility to drowning of all cattail species can be enhanced by cutting, grazing or burning to remove these tissues followed by inundation (Nelson and Dietz 1966, Apfelbaum 1985).State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
T1A - Invasion of Non-native Vegetation, Flooding, Drought T1B - Tillage, Drought T1C - Drainage R2A - Deep Water, Prescribed Grazing, Prescribed Fire, Drought, Time T2A - Tillage, Drought T2B - Drainage, Drought R3A - Non use, Invasion of Non-native Vegetation, Flooding, Time, Seeding R4A - Renovation/Restoration State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Flooding, Herbivory 1.2A - Drought 1.3A - Normal Precipitation Patterns, Time 1.4A - Normal Precipitation Patterns, Time State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A - Deep Water, Herbivory, Flooding, Prescribed Grazing, Haying or Chopping, Fire 2.2A - Drought 2.3A - Normal Precipitation Patterns, Time 2.4A - Normal Precipitation Patterns, Time State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceThe Reference State represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of the ecological state prior to European settlement of North America. This site, in the Reference State (State 1), is dominated by cattails and grass-like vegetation. Drought and flooding are major drivers between plant community phases, while herbivory by native ungulates and other wildlife and fire played a more minor role. Invasion of non-native or hybrid cattails during the drawdown/bare soil phase will result in a transition to the Invaded State (State 2).
Dominant plant species
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broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), grass
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hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus), grass
Community 1.1
Broadleaf cattail, Bulrush, and Open Water PatchesHistorically, this phase of deep marsh vegetation consisted of scattered patches of broadleaf cattail and/or stands of bulrushes like hardstem, slender, softstem or prairie bulrush, interspersed with patches of open water supporting submerged or floating leaved aquatic plants like white water-crowfoot, common bladderwort, sago pondweed, water smartweed, and various duckweeds.
Dominant plant species
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broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), grass
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hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus), grass
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common bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza), other herbaceous
Community 1.2
Open Water, Submerged Plants, Cattails, and BulrushesThe transition to an open water phase is due to increased precipitation during wet years. Flooding will drown out cattails and bulrushes in certain areas, but some will still be present on the periphery of the wetland basin during this phase. Herbivory by muskrats or other native ungulates may also help speed the transition to this state. The central portion of the basin will have open water with various submerged and floating-leaved aquatic plants, like those mentioned above.
Dominant plant species
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coon's tail (Ceratophyllum demersum), other herbaceous
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common bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza), other herbaceous
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flatstem pondweed (Potamogeton zosteriformis), other herbaceous
Community 1.3
Cocklebur, Swamp Ragwort, and Rough BarnyardgrassThe transition from an open water phase or normal emergent phase due to drought will result in bareground. Weedy annuals and short-lived perennials will invade the basin. Species such as cockleburs, swamp ragwort, rough barnyardgrass, and foxtail barley will replace the cattails and bulrushes.
Dominant plant species
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rough barnyardgrass (Echinochloa muricata), grass
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cocklebur (Xanthium), other herbaceous
Community 1.4
Broadleaf Cattail and BulrushThe return of normal precipitation and runoff will inundate the basin killing the annuals and other plants. Seeds of emergent wetland plants like cattails and bulrushes will be able to germinate and grow on mudflats or areas of very shallow standing water. As the water levels return to normal, cattails and bulrushes will colonize the site through rhizomatous growth and submerged and floating aquatic plants will be supported once again, leading to a transition back to the 1.1 Normal Emergent Community Phase with in the Reference State (State 1).
Dominant plant species
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broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), grass
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hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus), grass
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Excessive flooding results in an open water phase with mostly submerged species, and cattails and bulrushes around the periphery of the open water. Herbivory by muskrats or other native species may also decrease the amounts of cattails and lead to open water phases as well will shift this community to the 1.2 Open Water Phase within the Reference State (State 1).
Key drivers
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Precipitation (monthly scale)
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Wildlife grazing or browsing
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Precipitation (annual scale)
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.3Drought leads to a drawdown phase, where open water changes to bareground. Annuals and short-lived perennials colonize the bareground areas will shift this community to the 1.3 Drawdown/Bare Soil Phase within the Reference State (State 1).
Key drivers
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Precipitation (monthly scale)
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Precipitation (annual scale)
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.4Normal precipitation and time allows cattails to recolonize areas and will shift this community to the 1.4 Natural Drawdown/Emergent Phase within the Reference State (State 1).
Pathway 1.4A
Community 1.4 to 1.1Natural Drawdown / Emergent Phase – The return of normal precipitation and runoff will inundate the basin killing the annuals and other plants. Seeds of emergent wetland plants like cattails and bulrushes will be able to germinate and grow on mudflats or areas of very shallow standing water. As the water levels return to normal, cattails and bulrushes will colonize the site through rhizomatous growth and submerged and floating aquatic plants will be supported once again, leading to a transition back to the 1.1 Normal Emergent Community Phase with in the Reference State (State 1).
State 2
InvadedThis state is characterized by a shift from broadleaf cattail dominance to narrowleaf (Typha angustifolia) and hybrid (Typha x glauca) cattail dominance – both more invasive cattail species. The transition leads to a more cattail dominated state, decreasing the amount of bulrush species present in this state, and also allowing for Phragmites to invade as well. This state incorporates the same drought and deluge cycles as the reference state, but this state is dominated by invasive and non-native vegetation.
Dominant plant species
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narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), grass
Community 2.1
Narrowleaf Cattail, Hybrid Cattail, Bulrush, and PhragmitesThis phase is dominated by narrowleaf and hybrid cattails with minor amounts of bulrush. Phragmites may also invade during this state. This phase has less open water and more continuous stands of cattails.
Dominant plant species
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narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), grass
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hybrid cattail (Typha ×glauca), grass
Community 2.2
Open Water, Narrowleaf Cattails, and Hybrid CattailsThis phase is similar to Reference State (State 1) condition except water must be deeper or cattails must be grazed cut or crush down and then inundated in order to reach a deep-water phase.
Dominant plant species
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narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), grass
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hybrid cattail (Typha ×glauca), grass
Community 2.3
Foxtail Barley and Exotic AnnualsThe transition from an open water phase to the drawdown/bare ground phase occurs due to drought. The bare ground will be invaded by exotic weedy annuals and short-live perennials such as barnyardgrass, foxtail barley, and chenopods.
Dominant plant species
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foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), grass
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lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), other herbaceous
Community 2.4
Narrowleaf Cattails, Hybrid Cattails, Phragmites, and BulrushOnce normal precipitation patterns have returned, the native wetland seedbank will try to recolonize the site with bulrushes and cattails, but windblown seeds from narrowleaf and hybrid cattails and Phragmites will most likely compete with the natives for space.
Dominant plant species
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narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), grass
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hybrid cattail (Typha ×glauca), grass
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common reed (Phragmites australis), other herbaceous
Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2Deep water, herbivory, prescribed grazing, and/or flooding lead to an open water phase. Deeper water than than the Reference State (State 1) is needed to drown out narrowleaf and hybrid cattails. An alternative to deeper water is haying or chopping, fire, and/or crushing cattails prior to flooding to drown out those cattail species will shift this community to the 2.2 Open Water Phase within the Invaded State (State 2).
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.3Drought leads to bareground, and exotic annual weeds compete with native annuals to colonize the bareground will shift this community to the 2.3 Drawdown/Bare Soil Phase within the Invaded State (State 2).
Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.4Normal precipitation and time is needed to recolonize the basin with emergent vegetation. Native seed bank species compete with wind-blown seeds of narrowleaf cattail and Phragmites to colonize the area and will shift this community to the 2.4 Natural Drawdown/Emergent Phase within the Invaded State (State 2).
Pathway 2.4A
Community 2.4 to 2.1Time allows cattails and other vegetation to return to a normal emergent phase with areas of open water and will shift this community back to the 2.1 Emergent Phase within the Invaded State (State 2).
State 3
Crop ProductionThis state is characterized by the production of annual crops. This community phase only occurs during extreme drought years when basin is dry enough to be cropped.
Dominant plant species
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corn (Zea mays), grass
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soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
Community 3.1
Annual Cropping SystemThis plant community developed with the use of a variety of tillage and cropping systems for the production of annual crops including corn, soybean, wheat, oats, and a variety of other crops.
Dominant plant species
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corn (Zea mays), grass
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soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
State 4
Altered ProductionThis state is characterized by the production of annual crops due to drainage by mechanical means. This state is highly altered and will never return to the Reference State (State 1).
Dominant plant species
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corn (Zea mays), grass
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soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
Community 4.1
Annual Cropping SystemThis plant community developed with the use of a variety of tillage and cropping systems for the production of annual crops including corn, soybean, wheat, oats, and a variety of other crops.
Dominant plant species
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corn (Zea mays), grass
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soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Invasion of non-native cattails and phragmites along with flooding and drought may lead to the Invaded State (State 2).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Times of drought will dry out the site, which may allow tillage and annual cropping to commence and may lead to the Crop Production State (State 3).
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4Drainage of basin may allow for the basin to be cropped and may lead to the Altered Production State (State 4). Restoration of this state may occur, but natural pathways have been altered and site will never return to Reference State (State 1).
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Deep water or drought may help the invaded phase return to a more native state within the Reference State (State 1). Narrowleaf and hybrid cattails cannot withstand deep water phases, or drought. A combination of many management types such as prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, and well-timed climate occurrences may allow the site to return to a non-native state (but not likely).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Time and drought will dry out the site, which may allow tillage and annual cropping to commence and may lead to the Crop Production State (State 3).
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4Drainage and drought of basin may allow for the basin to be cropped and may lead to the Altered Production State (State 4). Restoration of this state may occur, but natural pathways have been altered and site will never return to Reference State (State 1).
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2Non-use and flooding will allow invasive water-loving plants to revegetate the site over time. Seeding with native vegetation may also speed this process.
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2Restoration and renovation of the site by plugging ditches will return this site back to a vegetated state. The site will have been altered too much to allow a restoration back to the Reference State (State 1).
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 1.4 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 2.4 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Supporting information
Inventory data references
There is no NRCS clipping data and other inventory currently available for this site. Information presented here has been derived using field observations from range-trained personnel. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Dave Ode, Botanist/Plant Ecologist (retired) State of South Dakota. Data Source Sample Period State County NONE MLRA 55D was split from MLRA 55B in 2022. Many of the site concepts for this MLRA are borrowed from neighboring MLRA 55B pending further vegetation and soils validation. This provisional site description concept was taken from the neighboring MLRA 102D Deep Marsh ESD. Additional work is needed to verify the concepts of this ESD in MLRA 55D, as well as to correlate the soils to the correct ESD in NASIS.
Other references
Aber, J.S., S.W. Aber, F. Pavri, E. Volkova, and R.L. Penner II. 2006. Small-format aerial photography for assessing change on wetland vegetation, Cheyenne Bottoms, Kansas. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 109.
Apfelbaum, Steven I. 1985. Cattail (Typha spp.) Management. Natural Areas Journal 5(3).
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.
Cowardin, Lewis M., Virginia Carter, Francis C. Golet, and Edward T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. US Fish and Wildilfe Service FWS/OBS-79/31. Washington, DC.
Cressey, Ryann. 2016. Changes in wetland conditions and wetland plant communities in the Prairie Pothole Region after 50 years. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD.
Dix, Ralph L. and Fred E. Smeins. 1967. The prairie, meadow and marsh vegetation of Nelson County, North Dakota. Canadian Journal of Botany 45:
Errington, Paul L., Roger J. Siglin and Robert C. Clark. 1963. The decline of a muskrat population. Journal of Wildlife Management 27:
Hayward, Herman E. 1928. Studies of plants in the Black Hills of South Daktoa. Botanical Gazette 85(4):
Hubbard, Daniel E., David A. Beck, and Bryan D. Schultz. 1988. Chemical constituents and IVDDM of hybrid cattail from a South Dakota prairie pothole. Wetlands 8(2):
Kantrud, Harold A. 1986. Effects of vegetation manipulation on breeding waterfowl in prairie wetlands – a literature review. Fish and Wildlife Technical Report #3. US Fish & Wildlife Service, Washington, DC.
McIntosh, Arthur C. 1931. A botanical survey of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Black Hills Engineer 19(3):
.
Metcalf, Franklin P. 1931. Wild-Duck Foods of North Dakota Lakes. USDA Technical Bulletin No. 221, Washington, DC.
Miklovic, Stefanie. 2000. Typha angustifolia management implications for glacial marsh restoration. Restoration and Reclamation Review 6(2):
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (2005). Field Guide to the Native Plant Communities of Minnesota: The Prairie Parkland and Tallgrass Aspen Parklands Provinces. Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota County Biological Survey, and Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program. MNDNR St. Paul, MN.
NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life. Version 7.1. Ecological Association Comprehensive Report for Typha spp.-Schoenoplectus acutus Mixed Herbs Midwest Marsh. NatureServe, Arlington, VA. Available http://explorer.natureserve.org (Accessed 25 June, 2018).
Nelson, Noland F. and Reuben H. Dietz. 1966. Cattail control methods in Utah. Utah Department of Fish and Game Publication No. 66-2.
Over, William H. 1932. Flora of South Dakota: An Illustrated checklist of flowering plants, shrubs and trees of South Dakota. University of South Dakota, Vermillian, SD.
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Pound, Rosco and Frederick E. Clements. 1900. The Phytogeography of Nebraska. 2nd Ed. Published by The Seminar, Lincoln, NE.
Rydberg, Per Axel. 1896. Flora of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Contributions from the U.S. National Herbarium. Vol. III, No. 8. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.
Saunders, DeAlton. 1899. Ferns and Flowering Plants of South Dakota. South Dakota Agricultural Experment Station Bulletin 64.
Schultz, Bryan d., Daniel E. Hubbard, Jonathan A. Jenks, and Kenneth F. Higgins. 1994. Plant and waterfowl responses to cattle grazing in two South Dakota semipermanent wetlands. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 73:121-134.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. Accessed March 2018.
Steenis, J.H., H.P. Cofer, and L.P. Smith. 1959. Studies on cattail management. Pages 149-155, IN: Transactions of the Northeast Wildlife Conference, 10th Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada.
Stewart, Robert E., and Harold A. Kantrud. 1971. Classification of natural ponds and lakes in the glaciated prairie region. U.S. Fish. Wildl. Serv., Resour. Publ. 92. 57 pp.
Stewart, Robert E., and Harold A. Kantrud. 1972. Vegetation of prairie potholes, North Dakota, in relation to quality of water and other environmental factors. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Pap. 585-D. 36 pp.
Stukey, Ronald L. and D.P. Salamon. 1987. Typha angustifolia in North America: a foreigner masquerading as a native. American Journal of Botany 74(5):
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, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nasis/)
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USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 27 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Van der Valk, Arnold G. and C.B. Davis. 1978. The role of seed banks in vegetation dynamics of prairie glacial marshes. Ecology 59:
Visher, Stephen S. 1912. Plants of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Bulletin of the South Dakota Geological and Biological Survey 5:
Visher, Stephen S. 1914. A Preliminary Report on the Biololgy of Harding County Northwestern South Dakota. South Dakota Geological Survey Bulletin No. 6. State Publishing Company, Pierre, SD.Contributors
Lance Howe
Steve Winter
Landon WolterApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 4/22/2025
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; Steve Winter (Steven.Winter@usda.gov), Soil Scientist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD; and Landon Wolter, Rangeland Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD. Additional Information Acknowledgment: Emily Helms (Emily.Helms@usda.gov), State Range Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS, Huron, SD; Jason Hermann (Jason.Hermann@usda.gov), Area Rangeland Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD; Dave Ode, Botanist/Plant Ecologist (retired) State of South Dakota.
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) Contact for lead author Date 08/19/2026 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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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:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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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:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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PrintThe Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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