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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): 058D–Northern Rolling High Plains, Eastern Part
The Northern Rolling High Plains, Eastern Part (MLRA 58D) is shared between South Dakota (65 percent), Montana (21 percent), and North Dakota (14 percent). The MLRA is approximately 2,755 square miles. The small towns of Buffalo and Camp Crook, South Dakota, and Marmarth, North Dakota, are all within the boundary of this MLRA, and Baker, Montana, is on the northern most edge. Portions of the Little Missouri National Grassland and Custer National Forest are also in the MLRA. Portions of the Little Missouri River and the headwaters of major tributaries that eventually form the Grand and Moreau Rivers in South Dakota are also in this area.
The Northern Rolling High Plains, Eastern Part consists of Cretaceous marine and continental sediments of shale, siltstone, and sandstone. The continental and marine Hell Creek Formation is under approximately 85 percent of the MLRA, and the Fox Hills Sandstone forms the southern boundary of the MLRA. Tertiary deposits are in scattered areas throughout the MLRA. These deposits consist of the Paleocene Ludlow and Tongue River Formations, the Oligocene White River Group, and the Miocene Arikaree Group. These Tertiary deposits are resistant and positioned above the Cretaceous beds. Ponderosa pine growing in areas of these Tertiary formations further distinguishes these formations from the other formations in the MLRA. Pleistocene and Holocene river sand and gravel deposits are also on the valley floors and on the terraces along the larger rivers in the area. A large Quaternary eolian deposit is directly south of the town of Buffalo.
The average elevation of MLRA 58D ranges from 2,300 feet to 4,000 feet, increasing gradually from east to west. Harding Peak is the highest point at 4,019 feet. In places, flat-topped, steep-sided buttes rise sharply above the gently rolling plains below.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Alfisols, Entisols, Inceptisols, and Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a frigid soil temperature regime, an ustic soil moisture regime that borders on aridic, and mixed mineralogy. They are shallow to very deep, generally well drained, and loamy or clayey.
Annual precipitation is 14 to 17 inches and can fluctuate widely from year to year. Most rainfall occurs early in the growing season. Some high-intensity thunderstorms occur mid to late summer. The native vegetation in this MLRA consists primarily of grasses and forbs with a small component of trees and shrubs along streams. Ponderosa pine grow on the upper slopes and on the top of some of the higher buttes. Open grasslands are characterized by western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, blue grama, and buffalograss. Wyoming big sagebrush grows on clayey soils in the western part of the MLRA.
More than four-fifths of the MLRA is privately owned ranches running cattle, sheep, or both. Less than 5 percent of the area is federally owned. The major resource concerns are water quality, wind erosion, and water erosion (USDA, NRCS. 2006. Ag Handbook 296).Classification relationships
USDA
Land Resource Region G—Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 58D—Northern Rolling High Plains, Eastern Part.
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States:
Northwestern Great Plains—43:
Forested Buttes—43d.
Sagebrush Steppe—43e.
USDA Forest Service
Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of Conterminous United States:
Great Plains - Palouse Dry Steppe Province—331:
Missouri Plateau Section—331M.
Sagebrush Steppe Subsection—334Mi.Ecological site concept
The Very Shallow ecological site is found throughout MLRA 58D. It is located on hills and ridges and does not receive additional moisture from runoff or overflow. Typical slopes range from 15 to 40 percent. Soils are very shallow (10 inches or less in depth) with a channery sandy loam to very gravelly loam surface layer that is 3 to 7 inches thick.
The vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) is an even mix of both warm- and cool-season grasses. The major grasses include needle and thread, blue grama, and little bluestem. Forbs are common and diverse. The significant shrubs are fringed sagewort, rose, skunkbush sumac, and small soapweed (yucca).Associated sites
R058DY024SD Shallow Loamy
The Shallow Loamy ecological site is found adjacent to, or intermingled with, the Very Shallow ecological site.
R058DY009SD Sandy
The Sandy ecological site is found on level to slightly sloping landscapes typically down slope of, the Very Shallow ecological site.
R058DY028SD Shallow Sandy
The Shallow Sandy ecological site is found adjacent to, or intermingled with, the Very Shallow ecological site.
Similar sites
R058DY024SD Shallow Loamy
The Shallow Loamy ecological site will have less needle and thread; and have greater vegetative production than the Very Shallow ecological site.
R058DY028SD Shallow Sandy
The Shallow Sandy ecological site will have more prairie sandreed; and more vegetative production than the Very Shallow ecological site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Hesperostipa comata var. comata
(2) Bouteloua gracilisPhysiographic features
The Very Shallow ecological site occurs on moderately steep to steep uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Upland > Ridge
(2) Upland > Hill
Runoff class Low to medium Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 2300 – 4000 ft Slope 15 – 40 % Water table depth 80 – 0 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate in MLRA 58D is typical of the drier portions of the Northern Great Plains where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland to the east. Average annual precipitation ranges from 14 to 17 inches with most falling in the early growing season. Some high intensity, convective thunderstorms occur in the summer. Precipitation in winter occurs as snow. Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums. This wide range is due to the high elevation and dry air, which permit rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Outbreaks of cold air from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Extreme storms may occur during the winter but have the most severe effect on ranching operations during late winter and in spring.
The normal average annual temperature is about 44 °F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 12 °F (Marmarth, North Dakota) to about 20 °F (Baker, Montana). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 70 °F (Marmarth, North Dakota) to about 76 °F (Baker, Montana). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 55 °F. Wind speeds are estimated to average about 11 miles per hour (mph) annually, ranging from about 13 mph during the spring to about 10 mph during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime winds. Strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts of 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. Cool-season plants may green-up in September and October if adequate soil moisture is present.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 100-110 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 120-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 90-120 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 120-130 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 100 days Freeze-free period (average) 130 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) BAKER 1 E [USC00240412], Baker, MT
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(2) LADNER 9SW [USC00394671], Camp Crook, SD
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(3) CAMP CROOK [USC00391294], Camp Crook, SD
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(4) BUFFALO ASOS [USW00094037], Buffalo, SD
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(5) BUFFALO 13 ESE [USW00094081], Reva, SD
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(6) REDIG 11 NE [USC00397062], Buffalo, SD
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(7) HOOVER [USC00393945], Newell, SD
">Influencing water features
No significant water features influence the Very Shallow ecological site.
Soil features
Soils common to the Very Shallow ecological site have a channery sandy loam to very gravelly loam surface layer surface layer. The surface layer is 3 to 7 inches thick. Slopes range from 15 to 40 percent. Soils are very shallow (10 inches or less in depth) and formed in formed in colluvium, alluvium, residuum of mixed origin. The soils in this site are excessively to somewhat excessively drained and have a moderate infiltration rate. Subsurface layers are restrictive to water movement and root penetration.
This site should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous. The soil surface is stable and intact. These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion.
Major Soils correlated to the Very Shallow ecological site include, Brandenburg, Kirby, Nihill, and Wabek.
The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Low available water capacity caused by the very shallow rooting depth strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship.
More information can be found in the various soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center for soil survey reports that include more detail specific to your area of interest, or use the internet to access USDA’s Web Soil Survey.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – sandstone and siltstone
(2) Colluvium – sandstone and siltstone
(3) Residuum – scoria
Surface texture (1) Channery loam
(2) Very gravelly sandy loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Somewhat excessively drained to excessively drained Permeability class Moderate Depth to restrictive layer 3 – 10 in Soil depth 3 – 10 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 25 – 60 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 10 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1 – 3 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 15 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)45 – 90 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 30 % Ecological dynamics
The Very Shallow ecological site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions; light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores; sporadic, natural or human-caused wildfire (often of light intensities); and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil and site development. Changes occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, effects of native and exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions are typical of the transitions between communities, severe disturbances, such as periods of well below average precipitation and the introduction of non-native cool-season grasses, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and species composition.
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.1). This plant community has been determined by studying 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 communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
Continuous season-long grazing, or continuous seasonal (spring) grazing, without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence causes this site to depart from the Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.1). Species such as threadleaf sedge and blue grama will initially increase. Plains muhly, western wheatgrass, little bluestem, and sideoats grama will decrease in frequency and production and later disappear. Long-tern continuous season-long or seasonal grazing causes blue grama and threadleaf sedge to dominate. This resulting plant community is relatively stable, and the competitive advantage prevents other species from establishing. This plant community is less productive than the Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.1). Runoff increases and infiltration will decrease. Soil erosion will be minimal.
The following state-and-transition diagram illustrates the common plant communities on the site and the transition pathways between communities. The ecological processes are discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.
The following state-and-transition diagram illustrates the common plant communities on the site and the transition pathways between communities. The ecological processes are discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagramMore 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 1
Reference StateThe Reference State (1.0) represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site in the Reference State (1.0) is dominated by an even mix of both warm- and cool-season grass species. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms included periodic 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. Cool-season wheatgrasses and needlegrasses and taller warm-season grasses would have declined and a corresponding increase in short statured grass and grass-like species would have occurred. Today, a similar state can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.
Dominant plant species
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needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
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western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
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threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
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dense blazing star (Liatris spicata), other herbaceous
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purple coneflower (Echinacea), other herbaceous
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prairie clover (Dalea), other herbaceous
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spiny cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum), other herbaceous
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prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), other herbaceous
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rose (Rosa), other herbaceous
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smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), other herbaceous
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yucca (Yucca), other herbaceous
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pricklypear (Opuntia), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-GramaThe plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community. This is also considered to be Reference Plant Community (1.1). This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed with prescribed grazing that allows for proper utilization, changes in season of use, and adequate recovery periods following each grazing event.
The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grass or grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, 5 percent shrubs, and 0 to 1 percent mat-forming forbs. An even mix of both warm- and cool-season species dominates this plant community. The major grasses include needle and thread, little bluestem, and blue grama. Other grasses occurring on the site include sideoats grama, western wheatgrass, and threadleaf sedge. The significant forbs include gayfeather, purple coneflower, prairie clover, and cutleaf ironplant. Significant shrubs are fringed sagewort, rose, skunkbush sumac, and yucca.
This plant community is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. Individual species can vary greatly in production depending on growing conditions (timing and amount of precipitation and temperature). Community dynamics, nutrient cycle, water cycle, and energy flow are functioning at the site potential. Plant litter is properly distributed with some movement offsite and natural plant mortality is low. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance.Figure 8. 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 430 676 920 Forb 35 60 85 Shrub/Vine 35 60 85 Moss 0 4 10 Total 500 800 1100 Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5803 , Northern Rolling High Plains, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant, uplands..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 10 20 28 21 10 5 3 0 0 Community 1.2
Grama/Sedge/Needle and ThreadThis plant community develops under continuous season-long grazing; continuous seasonal grazing (i.e., grazing an area during the same season every year) or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential vegetation is made up of approximately 80 percent grass and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, 10 percent shrubs, and 1 to 3 percent mat-forming forbs. The dominant grasses are blue grama, threadleaf sedge, and needle and thread. Significant forbs include cudweed sagewort, green sagewort, and white prairie aster. Dominant shrubs in include fringed sagewort, yucca, and broom snakeweed.
Compared to the Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.1), blue grama and sedge have greatly increased. Little bluestem, sideoats grama, plains muhly, and western wheatgrass are greatly diminished. Desirable plant species have decreased.
This plant community is not resistant to change due to the higher percentage of bare ground. The water cycle is impaired due to a reduction in litter and the potential for higher runoff and decreased infiltration. The risk for soil erosion increases.Figure 10. 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 350 468 690 Forb 25 60 95 Shrub/Vine 25 60 95 Moss 0 12 20 Total 400 600 900 Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5803 , Northern Rolling High Plains, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant, uplands..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 10 20 28 21 10 5 3 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Continuous season-long grazing; continuous seasonal grazing, or heavy grazing in combination with drought will lead the Reference Plant Community (1.1) to the Grama/Sedge/Needle and Thread Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing with proper stocking rate, change in season of use, and adequate time for plant recovery; and a return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will convert the Grama/Sedge/Needle and Thread Plant Community (1.2) to the Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.1).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 2
Shortgrass Sod StateThe Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) is dominated by shortgrass species, and upland sedges. Clubmoss may also become common on this site. This State is the result of grazing management that does not provide adequate recovery time for tall and mid-statured warm- or cool-season grasses. The hydrologic function of this state is dramatically altered. Runoff is high and infiltration is low. This State is very resistant to change through grazing management alone.
Dominant plant species
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broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), shrub
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
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hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
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threeawn (Aristida), grass
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buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), other herbaceous
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white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
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pricklypear (Opuntia), other herbaceous
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prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), other herbaceous
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clubmoss (Lycopodiella), other herbaceous
Community 2.1
Grama/Sedge/ClubmossThis plant community develops under long-term, continuous season-long grazing; long-term, continuous seasonal grazing, or heavy grazing in combination with drought. It is made up of approximately 75 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs, 10 percent shrubs, and 1-5 percent mat-forming forbs. The dominant grasses and grass-like species include blue grama and threadleaf sedge. Other grasses may include hairy grama, threeawn, buffalograss, and little bluestem. Significant forbs include green sagewort and cudweed sagewort. The significant shrubs include broom snakeweed, cactus, and fringed sagewort.
Clubmoss, while not dominant by weight, forms an extensive mat, and restricts infiltration. Lack of litter and short plant heights result in higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and higher evaporation, which gives blue grama and sedges a competitive advantage over cool- and warm-season mid-grasses.
This plant community is less productive than the Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.1). Runoff increases and infiltration has decreased. Soil erosion does not increase appreciably. Plant diversity is low.Figure 12. 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 200 288 425 Forb 35 60 85 Shrub/Vine 15 40 65 Moss 0 12 25 Total 250 400 600 Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5803 , Northern Rolling High Plains, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant, uplands..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 10 20 28 21 10 5 3 0 0 Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Long-term, continuous season-long grazing, or continuous seasonal grazing (early spring), or heavy grazing in combination with drought will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0).
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Long-term prescribed grazing, including proper stocking rates, change in season of use, and time for adequate plant recovery; and favorable climatic conditions; may facilitate this transition from the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Reference State (1.0). This transition may not be rapid or in the end meet management goals.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-Season Bunchgrass 120–200 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 120–200 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–40 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–24 – 2 Mid- and Tall Warm-Season Grasses 120–200 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 40–120 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 16–80 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 16–64 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–40 – 3 Short Warm-Season Grasses 120–200 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 40–144 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 8–40 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 8–40 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–40 – 4 Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 16–80 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 16–80 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 0–40 – 5 Other Native Grasses 8–40 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 8–32 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–24 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–16 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–16 – plains reedgrass CAMO Calamagrostis montanensis 0–8 – 6 Grass-Likes 40–80 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 40–80 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–40 – 7 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 0 Forb8 Forbs 40–80 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–32 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 8–24 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 8–24 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 8–24 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 8–24 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 8–16 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 8–16 – cutleaf anemone PUPAM Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida 8–16 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 8–16 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 8–16 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 8–16 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 8–16 – stemless four-nerve daisy TEACA2 Tetraneuris acaulis var. acaulis 8–16 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–16 – textile onion ALTE Allium textile 0–8 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–8 – white prairie clover DACA7 Dalea candida 0–8 – deathcamas ZIGAD Zigadenus 0–8 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–8 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–8 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–8 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 0–8 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–8 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–8 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 40–80 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 8–32 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–32 – kinnikinnick ARUV Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 0–16 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 8–16 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–16 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 8–16 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 8–16 – creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 0–16 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–8 – Moss10 Mat-Forming Forbs 0–8 lesser spikemoss SEDE2 Selaginella densa 0–8 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-Season Bunchgrass 30–90 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 30–90 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–12 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–6 – 2 Mid- and Tall Warm-Season Grasses 6–60 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 6–48 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–30 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–18 – 3 Short Warm-Season Grasses 120–210 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 90–150 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 6–60 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 6–60 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–48 – 4 Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 6–30 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 6–30 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 0–6 – 5 Other Native Grasses 6–48 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 6–30 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–24 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–18 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–18 – 6 Grass-Likes 60–120 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 60–120 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–60 – 7 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 0–12 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–12 – field brome BRAR5 Bromus arvensis 0–12 – Forb8 Forbs 30–90 white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 6–30 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 6–30 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–30 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–30 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 6–24 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–12 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–12 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 6–12 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 6–12 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 6–12 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 6–12 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 0–6 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–6 – stemless four-nerve daisy TEACA2 Tetraneuris acaulis var. acaulis 0–6 – textile onion ALTE Allium textile 0–6 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–6 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–6 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–6 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–6 – cutleaf anemone PUPAM Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida 0–6 – deathcamas ZIGAD Zigadenus 0–6 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–6 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 30–90 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 12–48 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–24 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 6–18 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 6–18 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 6–18 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 6–18 – creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 0–18 – kinnikinnick ARUV Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 0–12 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–12 – Moss10 Mat-Forming Forbs 6–18 lesser spikemoss SEDE2 Selaginella densa 6–18 – Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-Season Bunchgrass 0–20 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–20 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–4 – 2 Mid- and Tall Warm-Season Grasses 0–20 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–16 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–4 – 3 Short Warm-Season Grasses 120–180 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 100–180 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 12–60 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–40 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 4–40 – 4 Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 0–12 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–12 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 0–4 – 5 Other Native Grasses 4–28 prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 4–12 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–12 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–12 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–8 – 6 Grass-Likes 60–100 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 60–100 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–40 – 7 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 4–28 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 4–28 – field brome BRAR5 Bromus arvensis 0–28 – Forb8 Forbs 40–80 field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 4–32 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 4–28 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 4–20 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–20 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–20 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 4–12 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 4–12 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 4–8 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 4–8 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 0–4 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–4 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–4 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–4 – deathcamas ZIGAD Zigadenus 0–4 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 20–60 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 8–40 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 4–20 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–16 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–16 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 4–12 – creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 0–12 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–4 – Moss10 Mat-Forming Forbs 4–20 lesser spikemoss SEDE2 Selaginella densa 4–20 – Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations
MLRA 58D lies within the drier portion of the northern mixed-grass prairie ecosystem where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Prior to European settlement, this area consisted of diverse grass- and shrubland habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional instream wetlands and woody riparian corridors. These habitats provided critical life cycle components for many users. Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn were among the inhabitants adapted to this semi-arid region. Roaming herbivores, as well as several small mammal and insect species, were the primary consumers linking the grassland resources to predators such as the gray wolf, mountain lion, and grizzly bear, and smaller carnivores such as the coyote, bobcat, fox, and raptors. The prairie dog was once abundant; however, the species remains a keystone species within its range. The black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, mountain plover, and swift fox were associated with prairie dog complexes.
Historically, the northern mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary disturbance factors either singly or in combination. Following European settlement, livestock grazing, cropland conversion, elimination of fire, energy development, and other anthropogenic factors influenced species composition and abundance. Introduced and invasive species further impacted plant and animal communities. The bison was a historical keystone species but had been extirpated in this area as a free-ranging herbivore. The loss of the bison and reduction of prairie dog populations and fire as ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and altered wildlife habitats. Human development has reduced habitat quality for area-sensitive species.
Within MLRA 58D, the Very Shallow ecological site provides upland grassland cover with an associated forb and shrub component. It was typically part of an expansive grassland landscape that
included combinations of Loamy, Shallow Loamy, Shallow Clayey, Thin Loamy, Claypan, Sands,
Sandy, Sandy Claypan, Clayey, and Thin Claypan ecological sites.
This site provided habitat for species requiring unfragmented grassland. Important habitat features include upland nesting habitat for grassland birds, forbs, and insects for brood habitat, and a forage source for small and large herbivores. Many grassland and shrub steppe nesting bird populations are declining. Extirpated species include free-ranging bison, grizzly bear, gray wolf, black-footed ferret, mountain plover, Rocky Mountain locust, and swift fox.
The majority of the Very Shallow ecological site remains intact and provides increasingly important habitat for grassland and shrub steppe nesting birds, small rodents, coyotes, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama (1.1): The predominance of grasses in this community favors herbivores. Insects, such as pollinators, play a role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for grassland birds and other species. The plant structural diversity provides habitat for a wide array of migratory and resident birds. Grasshopper sparrow, chestnut-collared longspur, Sprague’s pipit, horned lark, lark bunting, and sharp-tailed grouse are common and benefit from the structure and composition this plant community provides. Diverse prey populations are available for grassland raptors such as ferruginous hawk, Swainson’s hawk, golden eagle, and prairie falcon.
The diversity of grasses and forbs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, thirteen-lined ground squirrel, and white-tailed jackrabbit. This plant community provides adequate thermal, protective, and escape cover for herbivores and grassland birds. Predators utilizing this plant community include coyote, American badger, red fox, and long-tailed weasel. This plant community provides habitat for herptiles such as the spade foot toad, bull snake, western rattlesnake, and short-horned lizard.
Grama/Sedge/Needle and Thread (1.2): Resulting from continuous season-long grazing the warm-season grass component has been substantially reduced and a shift to a short to medium height plant community occurs. The forb diversity is substantially decreased.
The predominance of short grass and grass-like species and the loss of forbs in this community cause a reduction in insect populations, such as pollinators, and reduce the value to most herbivores. Grasshopper sparrow, horned lark, lark bunting, and sharp-tailed grouse are common and benefit from the structure and composition this plant community provides. Diverse prey populations are available for grassland raptors such as ferruginous hawk, Swainson’s hawk, golden eagle, and prairie falcon.
The diversity of grasses provide adequate nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, thirteen-lined ground squirrel, and white-tailed jackrabbit. Predators utilizing this plant community include coyote, American badger, red fox, and long-tailed weasel. This plant community provides habitat for herptiles such as the spade foot toad, bull snake, western rattlesnake, and short-horned lizard..
Grama/Sedge/Clubmoss (2.1): This plant community develops under heavy, continuous season-long grazing. The forb diversity has decreased. Species such as the horned lark, upland sandpiper, and white-tailed jackrabbit will increase due to shrub loss. Species such as Brewer’s sparrow, greater sage-grouse, as well as, desert cottontail will rarely use this site.
The short stature of this plant community limits thermal, protective, and escape cover. Prey populations are reduced but are more vulnerable to predation by raptors and mammalian predators. Predators utilizing this plant community include the coyote, American badger, red fox, and long-tailed weasel.
Extreme impairment of the ecological processes impacts offsite aquatic habitats through excessive runoff, nutrient, and sediment loads. Elevated surface temperatures resulting from reduced cover and litter will greatly reduce habitat for most amphibian species, grassland birds, and mammals.
Grazing Interpretations
The following list suggests annual, initial stocking rates for average growing conditions. These estimates are conservative and should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Commonly, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Therefore, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. More accurate estimates of carrying capacity 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. In consultation with the land manager, a more intensive grazing management program that results in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity may be developed.
The following suggested initial stocking rates are based on 912 lb/acre (air-dry weight) per animal-unit-month (AUM) with a 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species (refer to USDA-NRCS, National Range and Pasture Handbook). An AUM is defined as the equivalent amount of forage required by a 1,000-pound cow, with or without calf, for one month.
Plant Community: Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama (1.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 800
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.22
Plant Community: Grama/Sedge/Needle and Thread (1.2)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 600
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.16
Plant Community: Grama/Sedge/Clubmoss (2.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 400*
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.11*
* Total annual production and stocking rates are highly variable and require onsite sampling.
Total onsite annual production may contain vegetation deemed undesirable or untargeted by the grazing animal. Therefore, AUM values may need to be reduced to reflect only preferred or desirable forage species.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for livestock. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock likely has insufficient protein to meet livestock requirements. Added protein allows ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B. 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. Normally areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff. Refer to the USDA-NRCS National Engineering Handbook, Part 630, for hydrologic soil groups, runoff quantities, and hydrologic curves.
Recreational uses
This site provides opportunities for hunting upland game species. The wide variety of plants that bloom from spring until fall have aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Harvesting the seeds of native plants can provide additional income on this site.
Other information
Revision Notes: “Previously Approved” Provisional
This provisional ecological site description (ESD) has passed quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) to ensure the it meets the 2014 NESH standards for a provisional ecological site description.
This ESD is an updated “Previously Approved” ESD that represented a first-generation tier of documentation that, prior to the release of the 2014 National Ecological Site Handbook (NESH), met all requirements as an “Approved” ESD as laid out in the 1997 National Range and Pasture Handbook (NRPH). The document fully described the reference state and community phase in the state-and-transition model. All other alternative states are at least described in narrative form. The “Previously Approved” ESD has been field-tested for a minimum of 5 years and is a proven functional document for conservation planning. The “Previously Approved” ESD may not contain all tabular and narrative entries as required in the current “Approved” level of documentation, but continued refinement toward an “Approved” status is expected.
Site Development and Testing Plan
Future work, as described in an official project plan, is necessary to validate the information in this provisional ecological site description. The plan will include field activities for low-, medium-, and high-intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of the data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. Final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews are required to produce the final document.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 description include: Ryan Beer, Range Management Specialist (RMS), NRCS; Chuck Berdan, Biologist (BIO), Bureau of Land Management (BLM); Stan Boltz, RMS, NRCS; Dave Dewald, Wildlife BIO, NRCS; Mitch Faulkner, RMS, NRCS; Jody Forman, RMS, NRCS; Dennis Froemke, RMS, NRCS; Tom Juntti, BIO, United States Forest Service (USFS); Cheryl Nielsen, RMS, NRCS; Jeff Printz, RMS, NRCS; Mike Stirling, RMS, NRCS; Dan Svingen, BIO, USFS; Darrell Vanderbusch, Soil Scientist, NRCS; Cindy Zachmeier, BIO, NRCS; and Tim Zachmeier, BIO, BLM.
Other references
Beck, J.L., J.W. Connelly, C.L. Wambolt. 2010. Consequences of treating Wyoming big sagebrush to enhance wildlife habitats; Rangeland Ecology and Management 65:444–455, September 2012
Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C.A. Carpenter, and W.H McNab. 2007. Ecological subregions: Sections and subsections of the conterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76D. https://www.fs.fed.us/research/publications/misc/73326-wo-gtr-76d-cleland2007.pdf (accessed 31 January 2019).
Cooper, S.V., P. Lesica, G.M. Kudray. 2001. Post-fire recovery of Wyoming big sagebrush steppe in central and southeastern Montana; Natural Resources and Environmental Issues, Volume 16; Shrublands: Wildlands and Wildlife Habitats, Article 12.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS-79/31.
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. 2018. http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/ (accessed 6 April 2018).
Innes, Robin J. 2019. Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis, Wyoming big sagebrush. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/arttriw/all.html (accessed 9 December 2019).
Kaye, M.W., C.A. Woodhouse, and S.T. Jackson. 2010. Persistence and expansion of ponderosa pine woodlands in the west-central Great Plains during the past two centuries. Journal of Biogeography. 37:1668-1683.
Larson, G.E. and J.R. Johnson. 1999. Plants of the Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains. South Dakota State University, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and Agriculture Experiment Station, Bulletin 732, Brookings, SD.
Savage, Melissa, Peter M. Brown, and Johannes Feddema. 1996. The role of climate in a pine forest regeneration pulse in the Southwestern United States. Ecoscience 3(3):310–318.
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Official soil series descriptions. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053587 (accessed 20 December 2018).
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Web Soil Survey. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx (accessed 20 December 2018).
Toledo, D., M. Sanderson, K. Spaeth, J. Hendrickson, and J. Printz. 2014. Extent of Kentucky bluegrass and its effect on native plant species diversity and ecosystem services in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 7(4):543–522. Weed Science Society of America.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1997. National range and pasture handbook, rev. 1, 2003. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1043055.pdf (accessed 7 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agriculture Handbook 296. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_050898.pdf (accessed 17 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2007. National engineering handbook, part 654. Rosgen Stream Classification Technique – Supplemental Materials, Technical Supplement 3E. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/OpenNonWebContent.aspx?content=17833.wba (accessed 4 March 2019).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2012. National engineering handbook, part 630. Hydrology chapters from e-Directives. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21422 (accessed 17 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2014. National ecological site handbook, 1st ed. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcseprd1291232 (accessed 27 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Climate data. National Water and Climate Center. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ (accessed 2 December 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Electronic field office technical guide. https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov (accessed 24 September 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov (accessed 25 May 2018.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. PLANTS database. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC. http://plants.usda.gov (accessed 27 December 2018).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2018. EPA level III and level IV ecoregions of the conterminous United States. https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- conterminous-united-states (accessed 26 April 2018).Contributors
Stan C. Boltz
Travis Patient
Rick L. PetersonApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 7/18/2024
Acknowledgments
This ecological site description was updated by Rick L. Peterson on January 21, 2020. The ESDs were available for QC review by Mark Hayek, Emily Helms, Ryan Beer, and Mitch Faulkner. All ecological sites were then reviewed and approved at the Provisional Level by David Kraft, Regional ESS, Salina, KS in September 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 at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer 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. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Stan Boltz, Thad Berrett, Cheryl Nielsen Contact for lead author stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 Date 05/07/2010 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None on slopes of about 15% or less, slight to none and discontinuous on slopes greater than 15%. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None on slopes of about 15% or less; barely visible and discontinuous with numerous debris dams on slopes greater than 15%. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Few pedastalled plants typically on steeper slopes. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
5 to 25 percent is typical. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None should be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Small size litter classes will generally move short distances, some medium size class litter will move very short distances. Litter debris dams are occasionally present. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability ratings should typically be 3 or greater. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure for 1 minute or longer when dipped in distilled water. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A-horizon should be 1 to 3 inches thick with light to dark brownish gray colors, but not typically mollic. Structure should typically be weak fine granular at least in the upper A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Combination of shallow and deep rooted species (mid rhizomatous and tufted perennial cool- and warm-season grasses) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration. Infiltration is typically high due to gravelly nature of soils. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None – very shallow to gravel, but no platy structure will be present. -
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 bunchgrasses = Mid/tall warm-season grasses = Short warm-season grasses >Sub-dominant:
Rhizomatous cool-season grasses = Grass-likes = Forbs = Shrubs >Other:
Short cool-season bunchgrassesAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers and shrubs are vigorous. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Production ranges from 500-1,100 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 800 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:
State and local noxious weeds -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Species exhibit somewhat lower vigor than what would normally be expected for these species on other ecological sites. The droughty nature of the soils of this site causes plant stress even in typical precipitation patterns. Do not rate based solely on seed production.
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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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