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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 Thin Sandy ecological site is primarily found in the North Dakota section of MLRA 58D. It is located on upland landscapes and does not receive additional moisture from runoff or overflow. Typical slopes range from 3 to 40 percent. Soils are deep (greater than 20 inches) with a loamy fine sand or fine sandy loam surface layer. The surface layer is 2 to 4 inches thick. The texture of the subsurface generally ranges from loamy fine sand to fine sand. Depth to carbonates is 0 to 12 inches.
The vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) is dominated by warm-season grasses with cool-season grasses sub-dominant. The major grasses include prairie sandreed, little bluestem, needle and thread, and western wheatgrass. Forbs are common and diverse. The significant shrubs are western sandcherry, fringed sagewort (prairie sagewort), rose, dwarf false indigo, and yucca.Associated sites
R058DY009SD Sandy
The Sandy ecological site is found on level to slightly sloping landscapes adjacent to the Thin Sandy ecological site.
R058DY010SD Loamy
The Loamy ecological site is found on level to slightly sloping landscapes adjacent to the Thin Sandy ecological site.
R058DY028SD Shallow Sandy
The Shallow Sandy ecological site has shallow soils (10-20” in depth) and is found adjacent to the Thin Sandy ecological site.
Similar sites
R058DY010SD Loamy
The Loamy ecological site will have more western wheatgrass; less needle and thread; and have greater vegetative production than the Thin Sandy ecological site.
R058DY009SD Sandy
The Sandy ecological site will have more western wheatgrass; and greater vegetative production than the Thin Sandy ecological site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Hesperostipa comata
(2) Schizachyrium scopariumPhysiographic features
The Thin Sandy ecological site occurs on gently sloping to very steep sedimentary uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Upland > Hillslope
Runoff class Low to medium Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 2300 – 4000 ft Slope 3 – 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 Thin Sandy ecological site.
Soil features
Soils common to the Thin Sandy ecological site has a loamy fine sand or fine sandy loam textured surface layers that is 2 to 5 inches thick. Slopes range from 3 to 40 percent. Soils are deep (greater than 20 inches) and formed in sandy materials weathered from calcareous soft sandstone. The texture of the subsurface layer’s ranges from loamy fine sand to fine sand. The soils in this site are well to excessively drained and have a moderately rapid infiltration rate.
This site typically should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas. Bunch grasses are occasionally pedestalled, but no exposed roots will be present. Water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous with numerous vegetative barriers. The soil surface is stable and intact. These soils are somewhat susceptible to water erosion.
Major Soils correlated to the Thin Sandy ecological site, Beisigl and Tusler.
The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Loss of 50 percent or more of the surface layer of the soils on this site can result in a shift in species composition and vegetative production.
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) Residuum – sandstone
Surface texture (1) Loamy fine sand
(2) Fine sandy loam
Family particle size (1) Sandy
Drainage class Well drained to excessively drained Permeability class Moderately rapid Soil depth 20 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 5 % Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)3 – 4 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 25 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)Not specified Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)5.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 10 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
The Thin Sandy 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 Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed Plant Community (1.1). This plant community has been determined through study or 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.
Several years of continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods, following each grazing occurrence will likely cause this site to depart from the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed Plant Community (1.1). Species such as needle and thread and little bluestem will initially increase. Sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, big bluestem, and plains muhly will decrease in frequency and production. Continuous season-long grazing causes sedge and blue grama to increase and eventually dominate and pioneer perennials, and annuals to increase.
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 warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses sub-dominant. 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. Taller warm-season grasses and cool-season needlegrasses 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.
Community 1.1
Bluestem-Prairie SandreedThe interpretive plant community for this site is the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed 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 grazing and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of deferment.
The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Warm-season grasses dominate this plant community. The major grasses include prairie sandreed, little bluestem, needle and thread, and western wheatgrass. Other grasses or grass-like species occurring on the site include big bluestem, sand bluestem, sedge, blue grama, prairie Junegrass, plains muhly, and sideoats grama. Significant forbs include dotted gayfeather, green sagewort, goldenrod, hairy goldaster, purple coneflower, and purple prairie clover. The significant shrubs that occur include western sandcherry, fringed sagewort, rose, dwarf false indigo, 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). The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a healthy and sustainable plant community. Moderate or high available water capacity provides a favorable soil-water-plant relationship. Overall, the interpretive plant community has the appearance of being stable, diverse, and productive. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement offsite and natural plant mortality is very low.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 1030 1521 2010 Shrub/Vine 85 135 185 Forb 85 135 185 Moss 0 9 20 Total 1200 1800 2400 Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5804 , Northern Rolling High Plains, warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant.. Warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-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 7 18 24 25 15 7 1 0 0 Community 1.2
Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread/Sedge/Blue GramaThis plant community develops under continuous season-long grazing or 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 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The dominant grass or grass-like species include little bluestem, needle and thread, sedge, and blue grama. Other grasses or grass-like species may include prairie sandreed, western wheatgrass, hairy grama, and sand dropseed. Significant forbs include white prairie aster, scurfpea, green sagewort, and goldenrod. The dominant shrubs that occur include yucca, creeping juniper, and fringed sagewort.
Compared to the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed Plant Community (1.1), the shortgrass species including blue grama and threadleaf sedge have increased. The warm-season species including prairie sandreed, big bluestem, sand bluestem, plains muhly, and sideoats grama have decreased in composition. Annual bromes, bluegrass, sweetclover, and other annual grasses and forbs can invade the site. This plant community can occur in a mosaic with patchy, slightly used areas occurring adjacent to and intermingled with this plant community.
This plant community is not resistant to change. Changes in grazing management can result in a shift to another plant community. This community is fairly resilient following normal disturbances because of the high diversity of plant species and the high amount of litter. Soil erosion is low. The water cycle is functioning due to the litter cover on the soil surface. Infiltration is high because of the soil texture and surface litter.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 780 1092 1600 Shrub/Vine 60 98 135 Forb 60 97 135 Moss 0 13 30 Total 900 1300 1900 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 seasonal grazing; continuous season-long grazing; or heavy grazing in combination with drought will lead the Reference Plant Community (1.1) to the Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread/Sedge/Blue Grama 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 Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread/Sedge/Blue Grama Plant Community (1.2) to the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed Plant Community (1.1).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 2
Shortgrass Sod StateThe Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) is dominated by shortgrass species, upland sedges and creeping juniper. This State is the result of grazing management that does not provide adequate recovery time for 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.
Community 2.1
Sedge/Blue Grama/Creeping JuniperThis plant community typically develops over a period of several years with continuous season-long grazing or continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at the same time of year every year for extended periods during the growing season). It is made up of approximately 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses and grass-likes are sedge and blue grama. Significant forbs include green sagewort, scurfpea, goldenrod, and white prairie aster. Dominant shrubs in this community include creeping juniper, fringed sagewort, and yucca.
Compared to the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed Plant Community (1.1), sedge and blue grama have greatly increased. Prairie sandreed is greatly diminished. Sand bluestem, big bluestem, and little bluestem are essentially absent. Desirable plant species have decreased.
This plant community is resistant to change due to the sod forming habit of the sedges and blue grama. 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 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 420 720 1115 Shrub/Vine 40 90 140 Forb 40 68 95 Moss 0 22 50 Total 500 900 1400 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 2Continuous 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). This transition is most likely to originate from the Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread/Sedge/Blue Grama Plant Community (1.2).
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Long-term prescribed grazing, and favorable climatic conditions, which allow for adequate plant recovery periods, may allow for a 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. Brush management may be an option to reduce juniper composition and help facilitate this transition.
Conservation practices
Brush Management 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 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 270–630 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 180–450 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 90–180 – sand bluestem ANHA Andropogon hallii 90–180 – 2 Mid- Warm-Season Grasses 180–540 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 180–450 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 18–90 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–90 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–90 – 3 Cool-Season Grasses 90–270 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 36–270 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 36–270 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 18–90 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–90 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 18–54 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 0–18 – 4 Short Warm-Season Grasses 36–180 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 36–144 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 18–90 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–54 – Fendler threeawn ARPUL Aristida purpurea var. longiseta 0–54 – 5 Grass-Likes 90–180 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 90–180 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–90 – sun sedge CAINH2 Carex inops ssp. heliophila 0–54 – 6 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 0 Forb7 Forbs 90–180 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 18–90 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 18–36 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 18–36 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 18–36 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 18–36 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 18–36 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 18–36 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 18–36 – silky prairie clover DAVI Dalea villosa 18–36 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 18–36 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 18–36 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 18–36 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 18–36 – Indian breadroot PEDIO2 Pediomelum 0–18 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–18 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–18 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–18 – Gunnison's mariposa lily CAGU Calochortus gunnisonii 0–18 – cutleaf anemone PUPAM Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida 0–18 – longbract spiderwort TRBR Tradescantia bracteata 0–18 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–18 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–18 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–18 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–18 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 0–18 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–18 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 90–180 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 18–90 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 18–54 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–36 – western sandcherry PRPUB Prunus pumila var. besseyi 0–36 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–36 – dwarf false indigo AMNA Amorpha nana 18–36 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 18–36 – creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 18–36 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–18 – Moss9 Mat-Forming Forbs 0–18 lesser spikemoss SEDE2 Selaginella densa 0–18 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 13–104 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 13–104 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–26 – sand bluestem ANHA Andropogon hallii 0–26 – 2 Mid- Warm-Season Grasses 130–325 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 130–325 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–39 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–26 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–26 – 3 Cool-Season Grasses 195–325 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 130–260 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 13–104 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 13–65 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 13–52 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–52 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 0–26 – 4 Short Warm-Season Grasses 130–260 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 65–195 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 13–104 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 13–104 – Fendler threeawn ARPUL Aristida purpurea var. longiseta 13–65 – 5 Grass-Likes 130–260 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 65–195 – sun sedge CAINH2 Carex inops ssp. heliophila 13–104 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–104 – 6 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 0–65 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–65 – crested wheatgrass AGCR Agropyron cristatum 0–65 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–65 – field brome BRAR5 Bromus arvensis 0–26 – Forb7 Forbs 65–130 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 13–65 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–52 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 13–52 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 13–39 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 13–39 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 13–39 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–26 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–26 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 13–26 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–26 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–13 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 0–13 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–13 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–13 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–13 – Indian breadroot PEDIO2 Pediomelum 0–13 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–13 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–13 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–13 – silky prairie clover DAVI Dalea villosa 0–13 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–13 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 0–13 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–13 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 65–130 creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 13–65 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 13–65 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–52 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–39 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 13–26 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–26 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–13 – dwarf false indigo AMNA Amorpha nana 0–13 – western sandcherry PRPUB Prunus pumila var. besseyi 0–13 – Moss9 Mat-Forming Forbs 0–26 lesser spikemoss SEDE2 Selaginella densa 0–26 – Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 0–18 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–18 – 2 Mid- Warm-Season Grasses 0–45 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–45 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–18 – 3 Cool-Season Grasses 18–90 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 9–72 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–45 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 9–36 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 0–27 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–27 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 9–27 – 4 Short Warm-Season Grasses 135–270 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 90–225 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 9–90 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 9–90 – Fendler threeawn ARPUL Aristida purpurea var. longiseta 9–63 – 5 Grass-Likes 225–315 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 180–270 – sun sedge CAINH2 Carex inops ssp. heliophila 18–90 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–90 – 6 Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 9–72 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 9–63 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–45 – crested wheatgrass AGCR Agropyron cristatum 0–45 – field brome BRAR5 Bromus arvensis 0–27 – Forb7 Forbs 45–90 field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 9–45 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–45 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 9–45 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 9–27 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 9–27 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 9–27 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–9 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–9 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–9 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–9 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–9 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 0–9 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–9 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–9 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–9 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 45–135 creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 18–90 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 9–72 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–36 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–27 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–27 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–9 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–9 – Moss9 Mat-Forming Forbs 0–45 lesser spikemoss SEDE2 Selaginella densa 0–45 – 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 Thin Sandy ecological site provides upland grassland cover with an associated forb component. It was typically part of an expansive grassland landscape that included combinations of Clayey, Loamy, Shallow Loamy, Shallow Clayey, Thin Loamy, Claypan, Sands, Sandy Claypan, and Thin Claypan ecological sites.
This site provided habitat for species requiring unfragmented grassland. Important habitat features, and components found commonly or exclusively on this site may include sharp-tailed grouse leks; 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 American bison, grizzly bear, gray wolf, black-footed ferret, mountain plover, Rocky Mountain locust, and swift fox.
The majority of the Thin Sandy ES remains intact and provides increasingly important habitat for grassland nesting birds, small rodents, coyotes, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Invasive species such as annual bromegrasses and crested wheat have impacted the biological integrity of the site for some grassland birds.
Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed (1.1): The predominance of grasses plus high diversity of forbs and shrubs in this community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as deer and pronghorn. Insects, such as pollinators, play a large role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for grassland birds and other species. The complex 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. provides.
The diversity of grasses, forbs, and shrubs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, thirteen-lined ground squirrel, white-tailed jackrabbit, and deer. This ecological site provides excellent wintering habitat for pronghorn. The higher stature of this plant community provides 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, and western
rattlesnake.
Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread/Sedge/Blue Grama (1.2): Resulting from continuous seasonal and heavy continuous grazing the warm-season grass component has been substantially reduced and a shift to a medium to short height plant community occurs. The forb and shrub diversity are substantially decreased.
The predominance of grasses and the loss of forbs and shrubs in this community cause a reduction in the 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 provides adequate nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, thirteen-lined ground squirrel, white-tailed jackrabbit, and deer. 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, and western rattlesnake.
Sedge/Blue Grama/Creeping Juniper (2.1): Resulting from heavy, continuous grazing or continuous, seasonal grazing sedges, blue grama and creeping juniper will dominate. The decrease in diversity of grasses, forbs, and shrubs will result in less seed production or lower quality nutrition for small herbivores including voles, mice, and thirteen-lined ground squirrel.
The short stature of this plant community limits suitable thermal, protective, and escape cover. Prey populations are reduced and are more vulnerable to raptor and mammalian predation. Predators utilizing this plant community include the coyote, American badger, red fox, and long-tailed weasel.
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: Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed (1.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 1,800
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.49
Plant Community: Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread/Sedge/Blue Grama (1.2)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 1,300
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.37
Plant Community: Sedge/Blue Grama/Creeping Juniper (2.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 900*
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.25*
* 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
IInformation 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; Stan Boltz, RMS, NRCS; Dennis Froemke, RMS, NRCS; Mitch Faulkner, RMS, NRCS; Cheryl Nielsen, RMS, NRCS; Jeff Printz, RMS, NRCS; Mike Stirling, RMS, NRCS; Darrell Vanderbusch, Soil Scientist, NRCS.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Soil Survey Staff. 2020. Official soil series descriptions. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053587 (accessed 8 January 2020).
Soil Survey Staff. 2019. Web Soil Survey. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx (accessed 13 December 2019).
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. 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. 2020. Electronic field office technical guide. https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov (accessed 8 January 2020).
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. 2020. PLANTS database. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC. http://plants.usda.gov (accessed 8 January 2020).
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 9, 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 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:
Slight to none, typically on steeper slopes and discontinuous. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None, or barely visible and discontinuous with numerous debris dams when present. -
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 5 to 6, normally 6. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure indefinitely 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 2 to 5 inches thick with light to dark brownish gray colors. Structure should typically be fine granular at least in the upper A-horizon. Some soils have single grain structure of the sandy material. -
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 & tall rhizomatous and tufted perennial cool- and warm-season grasses) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Tall warm-season grasses > Mid warm-season grasses >Sub-dominant:
Cool-season grasses >Other:
Short warm-season grasses = Grass-likes = Forbs = ShrubsAdditional:
-
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 1,200-2,400 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 1,800 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:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
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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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