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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): 060A–Pierre Shale Plains
MLRA Notes:
The Pierre Shale Plains (MLRA 60A) consists of approximately 10,150 square miles, the majority of which is located in South Dakota (70 percent) and small portions are in Montana (2 percent), Nebraska (8 percent), and Wyoming (20 percent). It encircles the Black Hills (MLRA 62) and the Dakota Hogback (MLRA 61). MLRA 60A includes portions of the Oglala, Buffalo Gap, and Thunder Basin National Grasslands. It also includes small sections of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Badlands National Park, and Black Hills National Forest. The Cheyenne and Belle Fourche Rivers flow through the MLRA.
MLRA 60A is in the unglaciated section of the Missouri Plateau, of the Great Plains Province of the Interior Plains. It is an area of old plateaus and terraces that have been deeply eroded. Cretaceous Pierre Shale underlies almost all of this MLRA. This is a marine sediment with layers of volcanic ash that has been altered to smectitic clay. These clays shrink as they dry and swell as they receive moisture. Soils are shallow to very deep and generally are well drained and clayey.
Elevations generally range from 2,620 to 3,610 feet throughout the MLRA, but can range up to 4,260 feet. The average annual precipitation for the western side of the MLRA is 13 to 16 inches, whereas the eastern side receives 16 to 18 inches. A suite of ecological sites have been written specifically for these two precipitation zones. The Locator Map shows the break between the two precipitation zones.
This area supports a mixed natural prairie vegetation consisting of both cool- and warm-season grasses and forbs. Wyoming big sagebrush occurs primarily in the drier western portion of the MLRA; however, small remnant stands can be found in the eastern portion. Dominant land uses of the area are primarily ranching and, to a lesser extent, farming. Major resource concerns to this MLRA are wind erosion and surface water quality.Classification relationships
USDA - Land Resource Region G – Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region, Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 60A – Pierre Shale Plains.
EPA - Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States: 43e – Sagebrush Steppe, 43g Semiarid Pierre Shale Plains, and 43k – Dense Clay Prairie.Ecological site concept
The Sandy ecological site occurs throughout the MLRA. It is located on upland landscapes and does not receive additional moisture from runoff or overflow. Typical slope ranges from 0 to 15 percent. Soils are deep, (greater than 20 inches) with surface textures ranging from fine sandy loam to sandy loam. Subsurface textures range from sand to very fine sandy loamy.
Vegetation in the Reference Plant Community consists of a mix of cool- and warm-season grasses. Dominant grasses include prairie sandreed, needle and thread, big bluestem, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, and Indian ricegrass. Forbs are common and diverse. Shrubs include leadplant, rose, and sand sage brush. In the western portion of the MLRA, silver sagebrush and green rabbitbrush will be the most common shrubs. This site is susceptible to invasion of non-native, cool-season grasses.Associated sites
R060AY008SD Sands
The Sands site can be located adjacent to the Sandy site, but on steeper slopes and undulating landscapes.
Similar sites
R060AY008SD Sands
The Sands site will have more sand and/or big bluestem, less western wheatgrass, and steeper slopes.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Calamovilfa longifolia
(2) Hesperostipa comataPhysiographic features
This site occurs mainly on nearly level to undulating slopes on uplands and river valleys.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Valley
(2) Interdune
(3) Terrace
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 2500 – 4300 ft Slope 0 – 15 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate in this MLRA is typical of the drier portions of the Northern Great Plains, where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Annual precipitation for the entire MLRA ranges from 13 to 18 inches per year, with most occurring during the growing season. Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums, due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Cold air masses from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may occur in winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but the more severe occur during late fall, late winter, and spring.
The normal average annual temperature is about 46°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 19°F (Moorcroft CAA, WY) to about 22°F (Belle Fourche, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 70°F (Moorcroft CAA, WY) to about 72°F (Belle Fourche, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 51°F. Hourly winds are estimated to average about 11 miles per hour annually, ranging from about 13 miles per hour during the spring to about 10 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime winds generally are stronger than nighttime, and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 miles per hour.
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 can continue to early or mid-September. Green-up of cool-season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 100-110 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 120-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 80-110 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 110-130 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 100 days Freeze-free period (average) 120 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) REDBIRD [USC00487555], Lance Creek, WY
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(2) BELLE FOURCHE [USC00390559], Belle Fourche, SD
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(3) WASTA [USC00398911], Owanka, SD
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(4) MOORCROFT 3S [USW00024088], Moorcroft, WY
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(5) ARDMORE 1 NW [USC00390236], Edgemont, SD
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(6) UPTON [USC00489205], Upton, WY
">Influencing water features
No significant water features influence this site.
Wetland description
Not Applicable.
Soil features
The soils in this site are well to somewhat excessively drained and formed in eolian sand or alluvium. The surface layer is 4 to 14 inches thick. The texture of the subsurface ranges from sand to very fine sandy loam. Slopes range from 0 to 15 percent. 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 with numerous debris dams, or vegetative barriers. The soil surface is stable and intact.
Soils correlated to the Sandy site include: Alice, Ascalon, Assinniboine, Dwyer, Jayem, Manter, Mawer, Satanta, and Vetal.
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 location.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Sandy loam
(2) Fine sandy loam
(3) Loamy fine sand
Family particle size (1) Sandy
Drainage class Well drained to somewhat excessively drained Permeability class Moderate to moderately rapid Soil depth 20 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)4 – 5 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 15 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 4 mmhos/cm 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)Not specified Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, natural influences of large herbivores, occasional fire, and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development.
Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions specify more typical transitions between communities that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well-below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition.
Sand dropseed, blue grama, and needle and thread increase as this site deteriorates from improper management. Species such as sand bluestem, prairie sandreed and little bluestem will decrease in frequency and production. The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Reference Plant Community (1.1). The Reference 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.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant communities that can occur on the site and the transitions between communities. The ecological processes are discussed in more detail in the plant community narratives following the diagram.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 8. Sandy - R060AY009SD
Figure 9. Sandy - R060AY009SD
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textState 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThis State represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the ecological site prior to European settlement. This site, in Reference, is dominated by warm- and cool-season grasses. Grazing or the lack of grazing and fire are the major drivers between plant communities. Non-use and no fire or long-term, light grazing will result in litter accumulations and the loss of species diversity and production. This site can be susceptible to the invasion of non-native, cool-season grasses if they are found in adjoining plant communities.
Community 1.1
Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread-Bluestem
Figure 10. Sandy - R060AY009SD - PCP 1.1
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread-Bluestem Plant Community (1.1). This is also considered the Reference Plant Community. This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of deferment. The potential vegetation is about 85 to 95 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 0 to 5 percent shrubs. The site is dominated by mid- and tall- grasses. Major grasses are prairie sandreed, needle and thread, and little bluestem. Other grass and grass-like species occurring on the site include sand bluestem, blue grama, western wheatgrass, and threadleaf sedge. Significant forbs include dotted gayfeather, penstemon, and prairie coneflower. Shrubs in this community are rose, leadplant, sand sagebrush, and fringed sagewort. In the western portion of the MLRA, silver sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush will replace sand sagebrush.
Community dynamics, nutrient cycle, water-cycle, and energy flow are functioning properly. Plant litter is properly distributed with little movement off-site, and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in species allows for high drought tolerance. Run-off from adjacent sites and moderate or high available water capacity provides a favorable soil-water-plant relationship.Figure 11. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 1115 1620 2120 Forb 85 135 185 Shrub/Vine 0 45 95 Total 1200 1800 2400 Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6004 , Pierre Shale Plains, warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant. Warm season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant.
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 25 25 15 7 0 0 0 Community 1.2
Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread-Blue Grama
Figure 13. Sandy - R060AY009SD - PCP 1.2
This plant community developed under continuous season-long grazing. The mid-grass component is reduced and an understory of short sod-forming grasses is increasing. This plant community also develops under continuous seasonal grazing. This occurs when grazed at the same time of the growing season, every year. If grazed early, needle and thread will be reduced, whereas if grazed later, little bluestem and sand bluestem will be reduced.
Dominant grasses include needle and thread, blue grama, and prairie sandreed. Other grasses and grass-likes include western wheatgrass, sand dropseed, and threadleaf sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include gayfeather, penstemon, prairie coneflower, cudweed sagewort, western ragweed, and spiderwort. Shrubs in this community include rose, sand sagebrush, fringed sagewort, and broom snakeweed. When compared to the Reference Plant Community, little bluestem has decreased and prairie sandreed is beginning to decline. Needle and thread, blue grama, and sand dropseed are increasing. Plant diversity is high but on a downward trend.
This plant community is not resistant to change. Management changes can easily shift this plant community. Soil erosion is low. The water cycle is functioning, infiltration is high and runoff is low.Figure 14. 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 635 1044 1550 Forb 55 90 125 Shrub/Vine 10 66 125 Total 700 1200 1800 Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6004 , Pierre Shale Plains, warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant. Warm season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant.
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 25 25 15 7 0 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread-Bluestem
Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread-Blue GramaContinuous season-long grazing or nonuse and no fire will convert the plant community to the Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread-Blue Grama
Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread-BluestemPrescribed grazing with adequate precipitation and time for recovery from grazing occurrences will move this plant community toward the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread Plant Community (1.1). Prescribed burning can also be incorporated as a management tool.
State 2
Shortgrass StateThe Shortgrass State is dominated by grazing tolerant, shortgrass species and upland sedges. This State is the result of grazing patterns that do not provide adequate recovery time for the tall, warm-season and mid-stature cool-season grasses. The hydrologic function of this site is dramatically altered. Runoff is high and infiltration is low. This State is very resistant to change through grazing management alone.
Community 2.1
Blue Grama/Threadleaf Sedge/Sand DropseedThis plant community typically develops under continuous season long grazing over a period of several years. It is made up of short, grazing tolerant species. The dominant species are blue grama, sand dropseed, threadleaf sedge, and needle and thread. Dominant forbs include western ragweed, scurfpea, cutleaf ironplant, annual eriogonum, and cudweed sagewort. Dominant shrubs are broom snakeweed, cactus, and fringed sagewort. Compared to the Reference Plant Community, blue grama and sand dropseed have increased, creating sod-bound conditions. Little bluestem is absent, and prairie sandreed is limited to a few sparse colonies. Fringed sagewort and broom snakeweed may also be increasing.
This plant community is fairly resistant to change. Soil erosion is low. The water cycle is reduced because of the lack of surface litter. Infiltration is moderate due to soil texture, which can help to reduce runoff, but off-site gully erosion can be a concern. Forage production, species diversity, and ground cover are declining.Figure 16. 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 470 720 920 Forb 40 90 140 Shrub/Vine 40 90 140 Total 550 900 1200 Figure 17. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6003 , Pierre Shale Plains, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant.
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 State 3
Early Seral StateThis State is the result of very heavy, concentrated disturbance such as concentrated rodent activity, or livestock concentration areas. Extended periods of drought accompanied by heavy grazing can also push an ‘At Risk’ plant community phase to this State. In most cases, this State is dominated by pioneer perennial and annual grass and forb species. The percentage of bare ground is also much higher than on any other plant community phase.
Community 3.1
Threeawn-Dropseed/AnnualThis plant community develops where the rangeland is grazed year-round, at high stock densities and/or occupation by prairie dogs. The plant composition is made up of annuals with a few species of perennial forbs and grasses that are tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation. Dominant species are threeawn, sand dropseed, blue grama, and threadleaf sedge. Most of the mid-grasses have been eliminated. Cheatgrass is invading the site. Dominant forbs include curlycup gumweed, fetid marigold, verbena, annual eriogonum, green sagewort, and western ragweed. Broom snakeweed, fringed sagewort, and cactus can be abundant.
This plant community is resistant to positive change due to the lack of perennial species present and the amount of annuals and invaders occupying the site. Soil erosion is high compared to the potential plant community for the site due to the increased bare ground. Infiltration is low and runoff is high from the lack of litter and viable plant population.Figure 18. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 200 358 565 Forb 45 100 155 Shrub/Vine 5 42 80 Total 250 500 800 Figure 19. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6003 , Pierre Shale Plains, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant.
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 State 4
Disturbed StateThis State can transition from any Plant Community. The two separate vegetative Plant Communities are highly variable in nature. They are derived through different management scenarios, and are not related successionally. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion varies depending on the vegetation present on the site.
Community 4.1
Go-BackThe Go-back Plant Community can be reached whenever severe mechanical disturbance occurs (e.g., tilled and abandoned land, either past or present). During the early successional stages, the species that mainly dominate are annual grasses and forbs, later replaced by both native and introduced perennials. The vegetation on this site varies greatly, sometimes dominated by threeawn, bluegrass, smooth brome, annual bromegrass, crested wheatgrass, buffalograss, broom snakeweed, sweetclover, and nonnative thistles. Other plants that commonly occur on the site include western wheatgrass, western ragweed, Rocky Mountain beeplant, deathcamas, prickly lettuce, mare’s-tail, kochia, foxtail, and sunflowers. Bare ground is prevalent due to the loss of organic matter and lower overall soil health.
Community 4.2
SeededThe Seeded Plant Community is normally those areas planted to pubescent or intermediate wheatgrass, alfalfa, crested wheatgrass, or other introduced species. Refer to the associated Forage Suitability Group description in the eFOTG for adapted species.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Continuous heavy grazing or drought will transition this plant community to the Shortgrass State (2.0).
Transition T5A
State 1 to 4Heavy disturbance, soil erosion, tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (4.0).
Transition T5A
State 1 to 4Heavy disturbance, soil erosion, tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (4.0).
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Long-term, prescribed grazing and a return of normal precipitation patterns may move this plant community back towards the Reference State (1.0). The rate of this transition can be extremely variable depending on the species present on the site and the availability of a seed source. Typically, this transition will take a long period of time, and in the end, may not meet management goals or objectives.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Frequent and severe defoliation and/or heavy disturbance will transition this plant community to the Early Seral State (3.0).
Transition T5A
State 2 to 4Heavy disturbance, soil erosion, tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (4.0).
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2Removal of heavy disturbance, coupled with long-term prescribed grazing and a return to normal precipitation patterns will transition this plant community to the Shortgrass State (2.0).
Transition T5A
State 3 to 4Heavy disturbance, soil erosion, tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (4.0).
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Prairie Sandreed 270–630 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 270–630 – 2 Sand Bluestem 80–150 sand bluestem ANHA Andropogon hallii 80–150 – 3 Little Bluestem 180–270 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 180–270 – 4 Needle and Thread 180–360 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 180–360 – 5 Native Grasses and Grass-likes 180–450 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 90–270 – threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 18–180 – sedge CAREX Carex 0–90 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–90 – sand lovegrass ERTR3 Eragrostis trichodes 0–90 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 18–90 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–90 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–54 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 0–36 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–36 – thin paspalum PASE5 Paspalum setaceum 0–18 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–18 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–18 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–18 – Forb7 Forbs 90–180 annual buckwheat ERAN4 Eriogonum annuum 0–54 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–36 – bush morning-glory IPLE Ipomoea leptophylla 0–36 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–36 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 0–36 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–36 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–36 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–36 – yellow sundrops CASE12 Calylophus serrulatus 0–36 – larkspur DELPH Delphinium 0–36 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–36 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–36 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–36 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–36 – Missouri goldenrod SOMI2 Solidago missouriensis 0–36 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–36 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–36 – spiderwort TRADE Tradescantia 0–36 – vervain VERBE Verbena 0–18 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 0–18 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–18 – tenpetal blazingstar MEDE2 Mentzelia decapetala 0–18 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 0–90 rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–90 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–54 – western sandcherry PRPUB Prunus pumila var. besseyi 0–36 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–18 – silver sagebrush ARCA13 Artemisia cana 0–18 – sand sagebrush ARFI2 Artemisia filifolia 0–18 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–18 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–18 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–18 – Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Prairie Sandreed 180–360 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 180–360 – 2 Sand Bluestem 12–120 sand bluestem ANHA Andropogon hallii 12–120 – 3 Little Bluestem 60–120 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 60–120 – 4 Needleandthread 180–300 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 180–300 – 5 Native Grasses and Grass-likes 120–420 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 120–240 – threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 60–180 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 12–96 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–60 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 12–60 – sedge CAREX Carex 0–60 – sand lovegrass ERTR3 Eragrostis trichodes 0–36 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–36 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–36 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 0–24 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–24 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 12–24 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–12 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–12 – thin paspalum PASE5 Paspalum setaceum 0–12 – 6 Non-native Grasses 0–60 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–60 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 12–36 – Forb7 Forbs 60–120 tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 0–60 – annual buckwheat ERAN4 Eriogonum annuum 0–60 – Forb, annual 2FA Forb, annual 0–36 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 12–36 – larkspur DELPH Delphinium 0–36 – vervain VERBE Verbena 0–36 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–36 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–36 – Missouri goldenrod SOMI2 Solidago missouriensis 0–36 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 12–24 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 12–24 – spiderwort TRADE Tradescantia 0–24 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 12–24 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–24 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–24 – yellow sundrops CASE12 Calylophus serrulatus 0–24 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 0–24 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–24 – bush morning-glory IPLE Ipomoea leptophylla 0–24 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 12–24 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–24 – tenpetal blazingstar MEDE2 Mentzelia decapetala 0–24 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–24 – fetid marigold DYPA Dyssodia papposa 0–12 – Shrub/Vine8 12–120 rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–60 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–36 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–36 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–36 – silver sagebrush ARCA13 Artemisia cana 0–24 – sand sagebrush ARFI2 Artemisia filifolia 0–24 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–24 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–24 – western sandcherry PRPUB Prunus pumila var. besseyi 0–12 – Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Prairie Sandreed 9–45 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 9–45 – 2 Sand Bluestem 0–18 sand bluestem ANHA Andropogon hallii 0–18 – 3 Little Bluestem 0–45 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–45 – 4 Needleandthread 45–90 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 45–90 – 5 Native Grasses and Grass-likes 180–450 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 135–270 – threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 90–180 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 45–180 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 9–90 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–90 – sedge CAREX Carex 0–45 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 18–45 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–45 – thin paspalum PASE5 Paspalum setaceum 0–27 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–27 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–18 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 0–9 – sand lovegrass ERTR3 Eragrostis trichodes 0–9 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–9 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–9 – 6 Non-native Grasses 9–145 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 9–135 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 9–18 – Forb7 Forb 45–135 vervain VERBE Verbena 0–45 – Forb, annual 2FA Forb, annual 0–45 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 9–45 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 0–45 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 9–45 – annual buckwheat ERAN4 Eriogonum annuum 9–45 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–45 – tenpetal blazingstar MEDE2 Mentzelia decapetala 0–27 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 9–27 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 9–27 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 9–27 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 9–27 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 9–18 – Missouri goldenrod SOMI2 Solidago missouriensis 0–18 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 9–18 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–18 – yellow sundrops CASE12 Calylophus serrulatus 0–18 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–18 – larkspur DELPH Delphinium 0–18 – fetid marigold DYPA Dyssodia papposa 0–9 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–9 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–9 – Rocky Mountain beeplant CLSE Cleome serrulata 0–9 – bush morning-glory IPLE Ipomoea leptophylla 0–9 – spiderwort TRADE Tradescantia 0–9 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrub/Vine 45–135 pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–72 – sand sagebrush ARFI2 Artemisia filifolia 0–45 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–45 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–45 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–36 – silver sagebrush ARCA13 Artemisia cana 0–24 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–18 – California amaranth AMCA Amaranthus californicus 0–9 – Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Prairie Sandreed 0–5 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–5 – sand bluestem ANHA Andropogon hallii 0 – 3 Little Bluestem 0–10 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–10 – 4 Needleandthread 0–25 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–25 – 5 Native Grasses and Grass-likes 150–250 threeawn ARIST Aristida 100–150 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 25–100 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 25–75 – threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 25–50 – sedge CAREX Carex 0–25 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–25 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–25 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–10 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–5 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–5 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–5 – 6 Non-native Grasses 10–50 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 10–25 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–25 – Forb7 Forb 50–150 Forb, annual 2FA Forb, annual 10–75 – annual buckwheat ERAN4 Eriogonum annuum 10–50 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 5–50 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 5–25 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 5–25 – vervain VERBE Verbena 5–25 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–15 – Rocky Mountain beeplant CLSE Cleome serrulata 0–10 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–5 – rush skeletonplant LYJU Lygodesmia juncea 0–5 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–5 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–5 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–5 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrub/Vine 10–75 broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 5–40 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 5–25 – silver sagebrush ARCA13 Artemisia cana 0–10 – sand sagebrush ARFI2 Artemisia filifolia 0–10 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–10 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–10 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–5 – Table 13. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
The following table lists annual suggested initial stocking rates with average growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this Ecological Site Description). Therefore, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. More accurate carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data and actual stocking records, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. With consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity.
Plant Community = Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread-Bluestem (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1800
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.49
Plant Community = Prairie Sandreed-Needle and Thread-Blue Grama (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1200
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.33
Plant Community = Blue Grama-Sand Dropseed/Threadleaf Sedge (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 900
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.25
Plant Community = Threeawn-Sand Dropseed/Annuals (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 500
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.14
*Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species (refer to USDA NRCS, National Range and Pasture Handbook).
Total annual production on-site may contain vegetation deemed undesirable or untargeted by the grazing animal. Therefore, AUM values may have been 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. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements, and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B, with localized areas in group A. Infiltration ranges from high to very high. Runoff potential for this site varies from very low to low, 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 short grasses 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 Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
Other information
Revision Notes: “Previously Approved” Provisional
This Provisional ecological site concept has passed Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure that the site meets the 2014 NESH standards for a Provisional ecological site. This is an updated “Previously Approved” ESD which represents 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, rev.1, 2003 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 five years and is a proven functional document for conservation planning. The “Previously Approved” ESD does not contain all tabular and narrative entries as required in the current “Approved” level of documentation but it is expected that the “Previously Approved” ESD will continue refinement towards an “Approved” status.
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work, as described in a Project Plan, is needed to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description. This will include field activities to collect low-, medium-, and high-intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. The final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document.
Non-discrimination Statement
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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.
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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 was also used. Those involved in developing this site description include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Darrel DuVall, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Jill Epley, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Mitch Faulkner, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Cheryl Nielsen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Rick Peterson, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Mike Stirling, Range Management Specialist, NRCS. SCS-RANGE-417 (1) 1981 Meade Co. SD
Other references
EPA – Level III and Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States, (https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- continental-united-states). Available online. Accessed 01/03/17
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/). Available online. Accessed 02/27/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. Accessed 04/25/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Web Soil Survey. Available online. Accessed 04/25/17.
USDA, NRCS. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Ag Handbook 296.
USDA, NRCS. 2014. National Ecological Site Handbook, 1st Ed.
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center. (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/). Available online. Accessed 02/27/17.
USDA, NRCS. 1997, rev. 1, 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook.
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center. (http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov).
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2017). Available online. Accessed 7/3/17.
USDA, NRCS. Various Published Soil Surveys.Contributors
Stan C. Boltz
Rick L. PetersonApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/25/2024
Acknowledgments
ESD updated by Rick L. Peterson on 9/7/17. MLRA 60A Provisional Level Quality Control (QC) Process 9/28/17 Ecological Site from MLRA 60A were Previously Approved ESDs and meet the requirements as stated in the 2003 National Range and Pasture Handbook. The Sites were updated to the Provisional Level by Rick L. Peterson, ESS, Rapid City, SSO in FY17. The sites were reviewed by George Gamblin, RMS, Wheatland, WY and Mitch Faulkner, RMS, Belle Fourche, SD. Mitch Faulkner acted as the Provisional QC. The Sites were then reviewed and approved at the Provisional Level by David Kraft, Regional ESS, Salina, KS. Work was completed with Kent Cooley, Area SS, for MLRA key development and soils narratives
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, Ryan Beer, Mitch Iverson, Thad Berrett, Cheryl Nielsen Contact for lead author stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 Date 06/04/2008 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None, or barely visible and discontinuous. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Typically non-existent, but steeper areas may have limited pedastalling of bunchgrasses. No exposed roots should be present. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
0 to 10 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):
Litter should fall in place. Slight amount of movement of smallest size class litter is possible, but not normal. -
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 4 to 8 inches thick with mollic (dark) colors when moist. Structure typically is medium to 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 & 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 rhizomatous grasses >>Sub-dominant:
Mid warm-season bunchgrasses = mid cool-season bunchgrasses > short warm-season grasses >Other:
Short cool-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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