Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R060AY010SD
Loamy
13-16" P.Z.
Last updated: 6/25/2024
Accessed: 09/20/2026
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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
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 the 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 primarily are 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 Loamy 13-16" PZ ecological site occurs on the western side of the MLRA. It is located on upland landscapes and does not receive additional moisture from runoff or overflow. The typical slopes range is from 0 to 15 percent. The soil surface textures range from loam to silty clay loam. Carbonates can be found between 10 to 25 inches below the surface.
The vegetation in Reference consists of a mix of cool- and warm-season grasses, however, mid-statured cool-season grasses will be the dominant group. Rhizomatous wheatgrass, needle and thread, green needlegrass, and prairie Junegrass are the dominant cool-season grasses; and sideoats grama, blue grama and buffalograss are the dominant warm-season grasses. Forbs are common and diverse. Dominant shrubs include Wyoming big sagebrush, winterfat, and rose. Wyoming big sagebrush is almost always present unless the site has burned within the last several decades.Associated sites
R060AY009SD Sandy
The Sandy site can be found adjacent to this site, but will have more silver sagebrush and less Wyoming big sagebrush.
R060AY011SD Clayey 13-16" P.Z.
The Clayey 13-16” PZ site can be found adjacent to this site.
R060AY012SD Thin Upland
The Thin Upland site will be found on steeper slopes adjacent to this site.
R060AY020SD Loamy Overflow
The Loamy Overflow site will be found on drainageways adjacent to this site.
R060AY024SD Shallow Loamy
The Shallow Loamy site can be located on steep slopes above this site.
Similar sites
R060AY020SD Loamy Overflow
The Loamy Overflow site will have less needle and thread, more big bluestem, and higher production.
R060AY011SD Clayey 13-16" P.Z.
The Clayey 13-16” PZ site will have similar production, with more green needlegrass and less needle and thread.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis
Herbaceous (1) Pascopyrum smithii
(2) Hesperostipa comataPhysiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level to moderately steep uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Fan
(2) Hill
(3) Plain
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 2500 – 4300 ft Slope 0 – 15 % Water table depth 80 in 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 ranges from 13 to 16 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 outbreaks 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 most severely affect ranch operations during 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 are generally 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) 90-110 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 120-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 80-120 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) EDGEMONT [USC00392557], Edgemont, SD
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(2) UPTON [USC00489205], Upton, WY
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(3) MOORCROFT 3S [USW00024088], Moorcroft, WY
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(4) ALBION 1 N [USC00240088], Alzada, MT
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(5) REDBIRD [USC00487555], Lance Creek, WY
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(6) BELLE FOURCHE 22 NNW [USC00390565], Belle Fourche, SD
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(7) COLONY [USC00481905], Aladdin, WY
">Influencing water features
No significant water features influence this site.
Wetland description
Not Applicable.
Soil features
The soils in this site are well drained and formed in alluvium or residuum from silty or clayey materials. The surface layer is 4 to 12 inches thick. The surface textures are silty, silty loam, and loam. The soils have a moderate infiltration rate.
Occasionally carbonates will occur at or near the surface on this site. 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. Subsurface soil layers are non-restrictive to water movement and root penetration.
Major soils correlated to Loamy 13-16” PZ include: Altvan, Bidman, Blackpipe, Nuncho, Nunn, Onita, Recluse, Satanta, Savo, and Thirtynine.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 10 percent. 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) Silt loam
(2) Silty clay loam
(3) Loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Slow to moderate Soil depth 20 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)5 – 8 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 15 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 8 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.1 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 30 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 15 % 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.
The western portion of this MLRA is located in the eastern extent of Wyoming big sagebrush. Wyoming big sage is an important habitat element for may obligate species, including the greater sage-grouse. It is also essential to maintaining native plants and limiting the invasion of exotic plants in sagebrush communities (Beck et al., 2010).
Non-native cool-season grasses, primarily annual brome species, and fire can dramatically alter the dynamics of this site. Fire return intervals have become more frequent with the introduction of annual bromes, and the use of prescribed burning has, and continues to be used, to increase herbaceous cover for grazing. Historically, Wyoming big sagebrush recovery from wildfire was extremely slow. It is a non-root sprouter and highly susceptible to fire injury and is likely to require well over 100 years to reach pre-burn sagebrush cover (Cooper et al., 2001). As a result many of the native plant communities on this site are at-risk of being converted to a Burned Native/Invaded State.
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 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 diagram
Figure 8. Loamy 13-16" PZ - R060AY010SD.
Figure 9. Loamy 13-16" PZ - R060AY010SD.
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
States 1, 5 and 2 (additional transitions)
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 5 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 the Reference State (1.0), is dominated by cool-season grasses and subdominant warm-season grass. Shrubs, including Wyoming big sagebrush, are important components within this State. Grazing, fire, and drought are the major drivers between plant communities. Heavy, continuous season-long grazing can push this State to a warm-season shortgrass-dominated State (2.0). Invasion of non-native cool-season annual grasses and fire will result in a transition to a Burned Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Community 1.1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Cover
Figure 10. Loamy 13-16" PZ - PCP 1.1.
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Cover Plant Community. This is also considered the Reference Plant Community (1.1). This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing, and occasional short periods of deferment.
The potential vegetation consists of about 80 to 90 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 1 to 10 percent shrubs. Cool- season grasses dominate this plant community. The major grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrass, needle and thread, and green needlegrass. Other grasses occurring on the site include blue grama, sideoats grama, prairie Junegrass, buffalograss, and sedge. Significant forbs include scarlet globemallow, prairie coneflower, purple prairie clover, penstemon, American vetch, and milkvetch. The significant shrubs that occur include Wyoming big sagebrush, winterfat, and rose. Big sagebrush canopy typically ranges from 2 to 5 percent.
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 off-site, and natural plant mortality is very low.
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 1095 1652 2010 Forb 90 143 195 Shrub/Vine 15 105 195 Total 1200 1900 2400 Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6001 , Pierre Shale Plains, cool-season dominant. Cool-season 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 4 12 25 36 10 5 4 4 0 0 Community 1.2
Big Sagebrush > 5% Cover/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-NeedlegrassThis plant community develops from proper grazing use, and the absence of fire, for an extended period of time. It is made up of 70 to 80 percent cool-season midgrasses and warm-season shortgrasses, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 5 to 15 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrass, needle and thread, green needlegrass, and blue grama. Forbs commonly found on this plant community include cudweed sagewort, scarlet globemallow, common yarrow, and scurfpea. Big sagebrush canopy typically ranges from 5 to 15 percent of the community. When compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), big sagebrush has increased. Production of cool-season grasses, particularly needle and thread and green needlegrass, has been reduced slightly. The sagebrush canopy protects the cool-season midgrasses by making them less available for grazing.
Under proper management, this plant community is stable. The soil erosion is low to moderate. Infiltration and runoff are moderate.
Figure 13. 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 670 1160 1385 Shrub/Vine 155 320 550 Forb 75 120 165 Total 900 1600 2100 Figure 14. 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 Community 1.3
Shortgrass-Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% CoverThis plant community develops under heavy, continuous season-long grazing or from overutilization during extended drought periods. The potential vegetation is made up of approximately 75 to 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 5 to 15 percent forbs, and 1 to 10 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include blue grama and rhizomatous wheatgrass. Other grasses and grass-like species may include sedge, buffalograss, needle and thread, and prairie Junegrass. Significant forbs include scarlet globemallow, scurfpea, western ragweed, and green sagewort. The dominant shrubs that occur include prickly pear cactus, broom snakeweed, fringed sagewort, and rose. Big sagebrush canopy typically ranges from 1 to 5 percent.
Compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), the shortgrass species, including blue grama and threadleaf sedge, have increased. The cool-season species, including western wheatgrass and green needlegrass, have decreased in composition. Annual bromes, curlycup gumweed, sweetclover, and other annual grasses and forbs can invade the site. This plant community can have the appearance of a mosaic, with sod and mixed grass communities intermingled.
This plant community is resistant to change. The dominant herbaceous species are very adapted to grazing; however, the midgrass species and the more palatable forbs will decrease. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if disturbance is not long-term.
Because of the sod-forming habit of the shortgrass species, water infiltration is low, and runoff is moderate to high. Typically the runoff is very clean because of the low potential for on-site soil erosion. However, off-site areas may be affected by increased runoff.Figure 15. 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 545 930 1315 Forb 50 110 170 Shrub/Vine 5 60 115 Total 600 1100 1600 Figure 16. 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 Community 1.4
Big Sagebrush >5% Cover/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Shortgrass
Figure 17. Loamy 13-16" PZ - PCP 1.4.
This plant community is the result of continuous season-long grazing and no fire. Big sagebrush canopy typically ranges from 10 to 20 percent. The understory of grass includes rhizomatous wheatgrass, needle and thread, blue grama, Sandberg bluegrass, and prairie Junegrass. The sagebrush canopy protects the cool-season grasses, but this protection makes them less available for grazing. When compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), big sagebrush has increased. Production of cool-season grasses, particularly needle and thread and green needlegrass, has declined, and blue grama and Sandberg bluegrass has increased.
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 340 428 555 Shrub/Vine 220 404 550 Forb 40 68 95 Total 600 900 1200 Figure 19. 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 1.1C
Community 1.1 to 1.2Prescribed grazing, including proper stocking, change in season of use and occasional deferment, no fire, and an extended period of time will lead this Plant Community to the Big Sagebrush > 5% Cover/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.3Continuous seasonal grazing during the active growing period of cool-season plants or continuous season-long grazing and drought will lead to the Shortgrass-Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Cover Plant Community (1.3).
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.4
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Cover
Big Sagebrush >5% Cover/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-ShortgrassContinuous season-long grazing, no fire, and an extended period of time will lead to the Big Sagebrush > 5% Cover/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Shortgrass Plant Community (1.4).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Low-temperature fire or prescribed burning that creates a mosaic within the big sagebrush stand, or brush management that is designed to reduce, but not eliminate, big sagebrush cover, followed by prescribed grazing, will move this Plant Community toward the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Cover Plant Community (1.1).
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3Fire or prescribed burning or brush management that removes much of the big sagebrush canopy followed by continuous season-long grazing will move this Plant Community toward the Shortgrass-Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Canopy Plant Community (1.3).
Pathway 1.2C
Community 1.2 to 1.4With continuous season-long grazing and no fire, this plant community will in time move to the Big Sagebrush >5% Cover/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Shortgrass Plant Community (1.4).
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1Prescribed grazing, which allows for adequate plant recovery periods and normal precipitation patterns following drought, will move this plant community to the Reference Plant Community (1.1).
Pathway 1.4A
Community 1.4 to 1.1
Big Sagebrush >5% Cover/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Shortgrass
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% CoverLow-temperature fire or prescribed burning that creates a mosaic within the big sagebrush stand, or brush management that is designed to reduce, but not eliminate, big sagebrush cover, followed by prescribed grazing, will move this Plant Community toward the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Cover Plant Community (1.1).
Pathway 1.4B
Community 1.4 to 1.3Fire or prescribed burning or brush management that removes much of the big sagebrush canopy, followed by continuous season-long grazing, will move this Plant Community toward the Shortgrass-Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Canopy Plant Community (1.3).
State 2
Shortgrass StateThe Shortgrass State is dominated by shortgrass species and upland sedges. The State is the result of fire, or heavy disturbance that removed much or all the big sagebrush, and grazing management that did not provide adequate recovery time for cool-season wheatgrasses and needlegrasses. 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
Warm-Season Shortgrass/Prickly Pear CactusThis plant community develops under heavy continuous season-long grazing, or with continuous seasonal grazing with concentrated use in the early part of the growing season (as in calving/lambing pastures). The potential vegetation is made up of approximately 75 to 85 percent grasses (primarily short, warm-season grasses), 5 to 20 percent forbs, and 1 to 10 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include blue grama and threadleaf sedge. Other grasses may include rhizomatous wheatgrass, prairie Junegrass, buffalograss, threeawn, and annual brome. The dominant forbs include western ragweed, green sagewort, cudweed sagewort, and scarlet globemallow. The dominant shrubs include prickly pear cactus, fringed sagewort, and broom snakeweed. Big sagebrush may or may not be present in this Plant Community.
Compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), blue grama and sedge have increased, and the cool-season midgrasses have diminished greatly. Non-palatable forbs and cactus have increased, and non-native species have invaded the site. Plant diversity is low.
This plant community is very stable. Generally, this plant community will require significant management inputs (e.g., high animal impact, long-term prescribed grazing, favorable climatic conditions, etc.) and time to move it toward the Blue Grama/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community. On-site soil erosion is low. Infiltration is low, and runoff is high. Typically the runoff is very clean because of the low potential for on-site soil erosion. However, off-site areas can be significantly impacted due to the increased runoff.Figure 20. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 9. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 375 492 710 Forb 25 75 125 Shrub/Vine 0 33 65 Total 400 600 900 Figure 21. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6005 , Pierre Shale Plains, warm-season dominant. Warm-season 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 2 5 15 25 30 15 7 1 0 0 State 3
Early Seral StateThe Early Seral State is dominated by weedy annuals, rhizomatous wheatgrass, threeawn and prickly pear cactus. This State is the result of fire, heavy disturbance such as, frequent and severe defoliation, and livestock concentration that removed big sagebrush along with grazing management that did not provide adequate recovery time for cool-season wheat grasses and needlegrasses. The hydrologic function is also likely to be dramatically altered. Runoff is high and infiltration is low. This State is very resistant to change through grazing management alone.
Community 3.1
Annuals/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Threeawn/Prickly Pear CactusThis plant community developed under heavy, continuous season-long grazing and/or severe disturbance. The plant composition is made up of annuals with a few species of perennial forbs and grasses that are very tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 60 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 to 30 percent forbs and 5 to 20 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include threeawn, sedge and cheatgrass. Other grasses may include blue grama, buffalograss, rhizomatous wheatgrass and sixweeks fescue. The composition of forbs can be highly variable due to climatic conditions. Forbs commonly occurring include fetid marigold, mare’stail, curlycup gumweed, western ragweed, pussytoes, prostrate verbena, and other annual invader-like species. Other plant species, from adjacent ecological sites, can become minor components of this plant community. Compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), percent of bare ground has greatly increased which allows for invasion of Canada thistle and other non-native species. Plant diversity is typically low.
This plant community is resistant to change toward the Reference State (1.0) because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. It is very susceptible to invasion of non-native plant species. Soil erosion is potentially high because of the bare ground and shallow rooted herbaceous plant community. Water runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease due to animal related soil compaction and loss of root mass due to low plant diversity and vigor.
This plant community will require significant economic inputs and time to move toward another plant community. This movement is highly variable in its succession. This is due to the loss of diversity (including the loss of the seed bank), within the existing plant community, and the plant communities on adjacent sites. This site can be renovated to improve the production capability, however if management changes are not made the vegetation could revert back.
Figure 22. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 10. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 270 454 640 Forb 100 158 215 Shrub/Vine 30 88 145 Total 400 700 1000 Figure 23. 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
Burned Native/Invaded StateThe Burned Native/Invaded State is dominated by rhizomatous wheatgrass, needlegrasses and non-native cool-season annual and/or perennial grasses. The State is the result of the invasion of non-native annual grasses and an increase in fire frequency that has permanently removed the big sagebrush component from the plant communities. This State can resemble the Reference State (1.0) except for the absence of big sagebrush and to what degree it is invaded by non-native cool-season grasses. This State is very resistant to change through grazing management alone.
Community 4.1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Annual and/or Perennial Non-Native Cool-Season GrassesThis plant community develops from the invasion of non-native cool-season annual grasses followed by an increase in fire events which permanently removes big sagebrush from the Plant Community.
It is made up of 80 to 90 percent mid- cool-season and short warm-season grasses, 5 to 10 percent forbs and, 0 to 5 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrass, needle and thread, green needlegrass, annual bromegrass and blue grama. Under long- term non-use Kentucky bluegrass and/or smooth brome may become the dominant grass species. Forbs commonly found on this plant community include cudweed sagewort, scarlet globemallow, common yarrow, and scurfpea. When compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), big sagebrush is absent and non-native cool-season grasses are the major drivers of the system. Production in wet years may be very similar or slightly higher than the Reference Plant Community but in dry years is will be much lower.
Under proper management, this plant community is stable. The soil erosion is low to moderate. Infiltration and runoff is moderate.
Community 4.2
Shortgrass-Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Annual and/or Perennial Non-Native Cool-Season GrassesThis plant community develops from the invasion of non-native cool-season annual grasses followed by an increase in fire events which permanently removes big sagebrush from the Plant Community.
It is made up of 80 to 90 percent short warm-season grasses and mid- cool-season grasses, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 0 to 5 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses and grass-like species include blue grama, buffalograss, threadleaf sedge, rhizomatous wheatgrass, needle and thread, green needlegrass, and annual bromegrass. Under long-term non-use Kentucky bluegrass and/or smooth brome may invade. Forbs commonly found on this plant community include cudweed sagewort, scarlet globemallow, common yarrow, and scurfpea. When compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), big sagebrush is absent and non-native cool-season grasses are the major drivers of the system. Production in wet years may be similar to the Shortgrass-Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Cover Plant Community (1.3).
Under proper management, this plant community is stable. The soil erosion is low to moderate. Infiltration and runoff is low to moderate.Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2Continuous seasonal grazing during the active growing period of cool-season plants or continuous season-long grazing and drought will lead to Plant Community Phase (4.2).
Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1Prescribed grazing, which allows for adequate plant recovery periods, and normal precipitation patterns following drought will move this plant community toward Plant Community Phase (4.1).
State 5
Disturbed StateThis State can be transitioned to 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 5.1
Go-Back or IntroducedThe 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 species vary greatly, sometimes being dominated by threeawn, annual brome, crested wheatgrass, buffalograss, dropseed, broom snakeweed, verbena, sweet clover, mullein, and nonnative thistles. Other plants that commonly occur on the site include western wheatgrass, 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.
The Introduced Plant Community normally consists of those areas seeded to pubescent or intermediate wheatgrass, alfalfa, crested wheatgrass, or other introduced species. Refer to the associated Forage Suitability Group description in the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) for adapted species.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 2Fire that removes the majority or all of the big sagebrush, heavy, continuous season-long grazing, and a loss of hydrologic function will transition this Plant Community to the Shortgrass State (2.0).
Transition T1A
State 1 to 3Fire which removes the majority or all big sagebrush, heavy, continuous season-long grazing, or frequent and severe defoliation, or heavy disturbance including livestock feeding areas, and the loss in hydrologic function will transition this State to the Early Seral State (3.0).
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4Invasion of non-native cool-season annual or perennial grasses followed by fire will transition this State to the Burned Native/Invaded State (4.0). Fire followed by a long period of non-use can also cause this transition.
Transition T6A
State 1 to 5Heavy disturbance, including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species, or long-term non-use and invasion of non- native cool-season grasses will result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0). This transition can occur from any plant community on this site.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Removal of the grazing disturbance coupled with long-term prescribed grazing, and favorable climatic conditions, which allow for adequate plant recovery periods, and no fire, may cause a shift to the Shortgrass-Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Big Sagebrush <5% Cover Plant Community (1.3). This transition may not be rapid or meet management goals in the end.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Frequent and severe defoliation, and/or heavy disturbance such as livestock feeding areas, and/or extended periods of drought will move this plant community to the Early Seral State (3.0).
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4Removal of the grazing disturbance coupled with long-term prescribed grazing, and favorable climatic conditions, which allow for adequate plant recovery periods, and fire, may cause a shift to the Burned Native/Invaded State (4.0). This transition may not be rapid or feasible.
Transition T6A
State 2 to 5Heavy disturbance, including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species, or long-term non-use and invasion of non- native cool-season grasses will result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0). This transition can occur from any plant community on this site.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1Removal of grazing disturbance, and herbaceous weed control to address annual bromes and cactus followed with long-term prescribed grazing that incorporates proper stocking, change in season of use and periodic deferment will potentially transition this Plant Community to the Reference State (1.0). A return to normal or above normal precipitation will help with this transition. This transition may not be rapid or meet management goals in the end.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Removal of the grazing disturbance coupled with herbaceous weed control, and long-term prescribed grazing, along with favorable climatic conditions, which allow for adequate plant recovery periods, may shift this Plant Community to the Burned Native/Invaded State (4.0). This transition may not be rapid or feasible.
Transition T6A
State 3 to 5Heavy disturbance, including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species, or long-term non-use and invasion of non- native cool-season grasses will result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0). This transition can occur from any plant community on this site.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 2Heavy, continuous season-long grazing and loss in hydrologic function through plant community shift to shortgrass species will transition this Plant Community to the Shortgrass State (2.0).
Transition T4B
State 4 to 3Heavy, continuous season-long grazing or frequent and severe defoliation, or heavy disturbance including livestock feeding areas, will transition this State to the Early Seral State (3.0).
Transition T6A
State 4 to 5Heavy disturbance, including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species, or long-term non-use and invasion of non- native cool-season grasses will result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0). This transition can occur from any plant community on this site.
Additional community tables
Table 11. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-season Mid Grasses 950–1140 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 380–570 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 285–380 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 95–285 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLA3 Elymus lanceolatus 95–285 – Montana wheatgrass ELAL7 Elymus albicans 0–100 – 2 Short Grass/Grass-likes 95–285 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 38–190 – sedge CAREX Carex 38–190 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 19–95 – 3 Other Native Grasses 95–285 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 95–190 – plains reedgrass CAMO Calamagrostis montanensis 0–95 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–95 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–95 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–95 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–95 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 19–57 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–38 – Forb5 Forbs 95–190 Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–38 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–38 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–38 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–38 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–38 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–38 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–38 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–38 – hoary puccoon LICA12 Lithospermum canescens 0–38 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–38 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–38 – western marbleseed ONBEO Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale 0–38 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–38 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–38 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–38 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–38 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–38 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–38 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–38 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–38 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 0–19 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–19 – Shrub/Vine6 Shrubs 19–190 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–95 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–95 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–57 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–57 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–57 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–57 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–38 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–19 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–19 – Table 12. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-season Mid Grasses 480–640 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 240–400 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 160–240 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 32–80 – Montana wheatgrass ELAL7 Elymus albicans 0–80 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLA3 Elymus lanceolatus 30–80 – 2 Short Grass/Grass-likes 160–320 sedge CAREX Carex 80–240 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 80–160 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 32–80 – 3 Other Native Grasses 80–240 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 32–80 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 32–80 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–80 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–48 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–32 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–32 – plains reedgrass CAMO Calamagrostis montanensis 0–32 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–16 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–16 – 4 Non-Native Grasses 0–160 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 32–160 – Forb5 Forbs 80–160 white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 16–80 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–48 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–48 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–48 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–48 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 16–48 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 16–48 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–48 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 16–48 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–48 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 16–32 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–32 – hoary puccoon LICA12 Lithospermum canescens 0–32 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–32 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–32 – western marbleseed ONBEO Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale 0–32 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–32 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–32 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–32 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–32 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–16 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 0–16 – mullein VERBA Verbascum 0–16 – vervain VERBE Verbena 0–16 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–16 – Shrub/Vine6 Shrubs 160–480 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 128–320 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 16–80 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–80 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–48 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 16–48 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–48 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–48 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–32 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–16 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–16 – Table 13. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-season Mid Grasses 110–330 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 55–220 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 22–110 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 11–55 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLA3 Elymus lanceolatus 10–55 – Montana wheatgrass ELAL7 Elymus albicans 0–50 – 2 Short Grass/Grass-likes 275–495 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 110–220 – sedge CAREX Carex 55–110 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 55–110 – 3 Other Native Grasses 55–165 Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–55 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 11–55 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–55 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 22–55 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–33 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 0–33 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–22 – plains reedgrass CAMO Calamagrostis montanensis 0–22 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–22 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–22 – 4 Non-native Grasses 0–55 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 11–55 – bluegrass POA Poa 0–33 – Forb5 Forbs 55–165 white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 11–55 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 11–33 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–22 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–22 – hoary puccoon LICA12 Lithospermum canescens 0–22 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–22 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–22 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–22 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–22 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–22 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–22 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–22 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–22 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 11–22 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–22 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–22 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–22 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–11 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–11 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–11 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–11 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 0–11 – western marbleseed ONBEO Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale 0–11 – Shrub/Vine6 Shrubs 11–110 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–55 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–55 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–33 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–33 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–22 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–22 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–22 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–22 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–22 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–11 – Table 14. Community 1.4 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-season Mid Grasses 90–225 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 45–90 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 45–90 – Montana wheatgrass ELAL7 Elymus albicans 0–50 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLA3 Elymus lanceolatus 0–50 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 9–45 – 2 Short Grass/Grass-likes 45–180 sedge CAREX Carex 45–135 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 9–45 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 18–45 – 3 Other Native Grasses 18–45 Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–27 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–18 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 9–18 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 9–18 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–18 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–18 – plains reedgrass CAMO Calamagrostis montanensis 0–9 – 4 Non-Native Grasses 45–90 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 45–135 – Forb5 Forbs 45–90 Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 9–45 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 18–45 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 27–45 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–27 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–27 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–27 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–27 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–18 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 0–18 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–18 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–18 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–18 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–18 – vervain VERBE Verbena 0–18 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–9 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–9 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–9 – mullein VERBA Verbascum 0–9 – Shrub/Vine6 Shrubs 315–495 big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 270–450 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 18–72 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 18–45 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–27 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–27 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–27 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–18 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–9 – Table 15. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool Season Mid Grasses 12–90 Montana wheatgrass ELAL7 Elymus albicans 0–30 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLA3 Elymus lanceolatus 0–30 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–30 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 12–30 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–12 – 2 Short Grass/Grass-likes 270–360 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 150–270 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 90–120 – sedge CAREX Carex 30–90 – 3 Other Native Grasses 30–90 threeawn ARIST Aristida 6–90 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 6–30 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–30 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–30 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 6–18 – plains reedgrass CAMO Calamagrostis montanensis 0–6 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–6 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–6 – 4 Non-native Grasses 6–30 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 6–30 – bluegrass POA Poa 0–12 – Forb5 Forbs 30–120 scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–30 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 6–30 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 6–30 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 6–18 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 6–18 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–12 – mullein VERBA Verbascum 0–12 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 0–12 – hoary puccoon LICA12 Lithospermum canescens 0–12 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–12 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–12 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–12 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–12 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 6–12 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–12 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–6 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–6 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–6 – fetid marigold DYPA Dyssodia papposa 0–6 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–6 – western marbleseed ONBEO Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale 0–6 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–6 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–6 – vervain VERBE Verbena 0–6 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–6 – Shrub/Vine6 Shrubs 6–60 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 6–30 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–30 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 6–30 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 6–30 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–18 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–18 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–6 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–6 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–6 – Table 16. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-season Mid Grasses 7–70 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 7–35 – Montana wheatgrass ELAL7 Elymus albicans 0–20 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLA3 Elymus lanceolatus 0–20 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–14 – 2 Short Grasses/Grass-likes 35–105 sedge CAREX Carex 7–70 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 7–35 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 7–35 – 3 Other Native Grasses 70–315 threeawn ARIST Aristida 70–245 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–21 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–21 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–14 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–7 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–6 – plains reedgrass CAMO Calamagrostis montanensis 0–6 – 4 Non-Native Grasses 7–70 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 7–70 – bluegrass POA Poa 0–14 – Forb5 Forbs 105–210 vervain VERBE Verbena 14–105 – fetid marigold DYPA Dyssodia papposa 14–70 – sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–70 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 7–56 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 14–35 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 7–35 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–35 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 7–35 – mullein VERBA Verbascum 0–35 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–7 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–7 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–7 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–7 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–7 – Shrub/Vine6 Shrubs 35–140 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 14–105 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 70 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 7–70 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–35 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–21 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–7 – Table 17. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 18. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 19. Community 5.1 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 = Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Cover (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1900
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.50*
Plant Community = Big Sagebrush > 5% Cover/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1600
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.35*
Plant Community = Shortgrass-Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Big Sagebrush < 5% Cover (1.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1100
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.28*
Plant Community = Big Sagebrush >5% Cover/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Shortgrass (1.4)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 900
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.14*
Plant Community = Warm-Season Shortgrass/Prickly Pear Cactus (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 600
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.16
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 and C. Infiltration and runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An 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 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.
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To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, available online 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.Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site description include: Everet Bainter, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Brandon Brazee, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Darrel DuVall, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Jill Epley, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; George Gamblin, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Glen Mitchell, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Ryan Murray, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Cheryl Nielsen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Rick Peterson, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Lauren Porensky, Range Management Specialist, ARS; Maxine Rasmussen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Mike Stirling, Range Management Specialist, NRCS.
Other references
Beck, Jeffery L., John W. Connelly, Carl L. Wambolt. 2010. Consequences of Treating Wyoming Big Sagebrush to Enhance Wildlife Habitats; Rangeland Ecology and Management 65:444–455, September 2012
Cooper, Stephen V., Peter Lesica, Greg 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.
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 08/08/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Web Soil Survey. Available online. Accessed 08/08/17.
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. Available online. Accessed 08/08/17.
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 8/15/17 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. Worked closely with Kent Cooley, Area SS, with 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:
None. -
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 5 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-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 – when dry, B horizons can be hard and appear to be compacted, but no platy structure will be present. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Rhizomatous wheatgrasses = mid cool-season bunchgrasses >>Sub-dominant:
Mid warm-season grasses = short warm-season grass = short cool-season grasses and grass-likes >Other:
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 1,900 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, Kentucky bluegrass, annual bromes -
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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