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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 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 has 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 Shallow Loamy ecological site occurs throughout the MLRA. It is located on hills, knolls, or ridges, and does not receive additional moisture from run off or overflow. Typical slopes range from 2 to 40 percent. Soils are shallow, between 10 and 20 inches deep, with clay loam to sandy clay loam surface textures, 2 to 9 inches thick. Soils are typically calcareous to the surface.
The vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) consists of a mix of cool- and warm-season grasses. Little bluestem, sideoats grama, and blue grama are dominant. Cool- season grasses and grass-like species including needle and thread, rhizomatous wheatgrass, and threadleaf sedge, make up a significant portion of the composition. In the western portion of the MLRA, bluebunch wheatgrass may be equal to or exceed the amount of needlegrass. Forbs are common and diverse, and shrubs are present but are in minor amounts.Associated sites
R060AY009SD Sandy
The Sandy site may be located adjacent to the Shallow Loamy site.
R060AY010SD Loamy 13-16" P.Z.
The Loamy 13-16 site may be located adjacent to the Shallow Loamy site.
R060AY012SD Thin Upland
The Thin Upland site may be located adjacent to the Shallow Loamy site.
R060AY041SD Loamy 16-18" P.Z.
The Loamy 16-18 site may be located adjacent to the Shallow Loamy site.
Similar sites
R060AY016SD Very Shallow
Lower production, lower diversity, more rocks on the surface
R060AY012SD Thin Upland
Deeper soils, more little bluestem, slightly higher production
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Schizachyrium scoparium
(2) Bouteloua curtipendulaPhysiographic features
This site occurs on gently sloping to steep uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
(2) Knoll
(3) Ridge
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 2500 – 4300 ft Slope 2 – 40 % 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) WASTA [USC00398911], Owanka, SD
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(2) REDBIRD [USC00487555], Lance Creek, WY
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(3) UPTON [USC00489205], Upton, WY
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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) BELLE FOURCHE [USC00390559], Belle Fourche, SD
">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 soft siltstone, sandstone, mudstone, or shale. The loam to clay loam surface layer is 2 to 9 inches thick. Most soils are calcareous to the surface and some are gravelly or skeletal. The soils have a moderate infiltration rate. 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. Sub-surface soil layers are restrictive to water movement and root penetration.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Very low to low available water capacity caused by the shallow rooting depth strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship.
Soils correlated to Shallow Loamy in MLRA 60A: Blackhall, Cabbart, Dix, Eckley, Enning, Penrose, and Shingle.
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) Loam
(2) Silt loam
(3) Silty clay loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained to somewhat excessively drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderate Soil depth 10 – 20 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 10 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 20 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)2 – 3 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 40 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 8 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 9 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 15 % 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.
Encroachment of Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, and/or ponderosa pine may occur from adjacent sites, and can shift site characteristics. These shifts can alter the site dynamics and potential. These species may occur in small amounts on several plant communities.
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Needle and Thread-Wheatgrass Community (1.1). This Plant Community Phase (PCP) is considered to be the Reference Plant Community. This 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. Shallow Loamy - R060AY024SD
Figure 9. Shallow Loamy - R060AY024SD
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
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThis state represents what is believed to represent the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics in this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site is dominated by cool- and warm-season grasses. In pre-European times the primary disturbances included fire and grazing by large ungulates and small mammals. Favorable growing conditions occurred during the spring and the warm months of June through August. This State can be found on areas having a history of proper grazing management, including adequate recovery periods between grazing events.
Community 1.1
Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Needlegrass-Wheatgrass
Figure 10. Plant Community Phase 1.1
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Needlegrass-Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.1). This is also considered to be 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 80 to 90 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 2 to 10 percent shrubs. A mixture of cool- and warm-season grasses dominates the site.
Major grasses include the sideoats grama, little bluestem, needle and thread, big bluestem, western wheatgrass, and blue grama. Other grasses and grass-likes occurring include hairy grama, plains muhly, and sedge. In the western portion of the MLRA, bluebunch wheatgrass may be equal to or exceed the amount of needlegrass. Significant forbs include purple coneflower and purple prairie clover. Shrubs occurring in this plant community include fringed sagewort and yucca, and Wyoming big sagebrush and winterfat are common on the western portion of the MLRA.
This plant community is extremely resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. Community dynamics, nutrient cycle, water cycle, and energy flow are functioning properly. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement off-site and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance.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 810 1204 1595 Forb 65 105 145 Shrub/Vine 25 84 145 Tree 0 7 15 Total 900 1400 1900 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
Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-GramaThis plant community evolved under continuous seasonal grazing or, in some cases, with patch grazing under continuous season-long grazing. Needle and thread, little bluestem, and blue grama are significant species in this plant community. Big bluestem and sideoats grama have decreased, while the shortgrasses and grass-likes, such as blue grama, hairy grama, and sedge have increased. Other grasses occurring in this plant community include western wheatgrass, prairie Junegrass, and prairie sandreed. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include purple coneflower, purple prairie clover, and dotted gayfeather. Significant shrubs include yucca, cactus, rose, and fringed sagewort, and Wyoming big sagebrush in the west.
This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term.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 460 770 1175 Forb 95 125 155 Shrub/Vine 45 100 155 Tree 0 5 15 Total 600 1000 1500 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 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Continuous seasonal grazing or patch grazing under continuous season-long grazing will convert this plant community to the Needle and thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing will convert this plant community to the Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Needlegrass-Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.1).
State 2
Shortgrass StateThis state is dominated by shortgrass species, upland sedges, and fringed sagewort. It is the result of grazing practices that remove the mid-stature cool- and warm-season grasses, and provide a competitive advantage to shortgrasses and grass-like species that are grazing-resistant. Water infiltration has decreased and runoff has increased in this state. This state is very resilient and resistant to change.
Community 2.1
Blue Grama/ Sedge/SagewortThis plant community evolves from heavy grazing over several years’ time, and/or drought. Diversity is lost, as the short grasses become dominant in the plant community. The grazing tolerant blue or hairy grama, and threadleaf sedge have replaced little bluestem, western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. Sideoats grama and needle and thread remains in the plant community, but is less productive because of the grazing pressure. Because of the grazing pressure, threeawn, fringed sagewort, green sagewort, broom snakeweed, yucca, Hood’s phlox, woolly plantain (woolly Indianwheat), pussytoes, western ragweed, and cactus become more prevalent in the plant community.
This plant community is typically resistant to change. Runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease. Continued overuse results in an increase of bare ground and higher erosion potential.
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 310 375 590 Forb 20 63 105 Shrub/Vine 20 62 105 Total 350 500 800 Figure 16. 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 State 3
Conifer StateThis State occurs when Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern red cedar and/or ponderosa pine encroach onto the site. As the juniper/pine become established, the herbaceous component declines and more bare ground is exposed. As bare ground increases juniper/pine establishes more readily. Grazing can contribute to this transition but it can also occur independently without human influence other than through fire suppression.
Community 3.1
Juniper-Ponderosa Pine EncroachmentThis plant community more commonly occurs in the eastern, 16 to 18 inch precipitation zone of this MLRA. Historically, ponderosa pine and juniper were confined to rocky ridges and steep shallow slopes with rock outcrops, located adjacent to this ecological site. Currently, ponderosa pine and juniper are expanding onto this ecological site due to the suppression of fire. Juniper/pine canopy is greater than 15 percent of mature trees. The understory is made up of about 60 to 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 2 to 10 percent shrubs.
Dominant grasses and grass-likes include needle and thread, little bluestem, sideoats grama, blue grama, and sedge. Grasses of secondary importance include Canada wildrye, green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, and big bluestem. As the canopy increases, warm-season grasses tend to decrease as the cool-season grasses initially increase. Forbs commonly found in this community include green sagewort, western yarrow, and pussytoes. Non-native species such as cheatgrass and bluegrass will tend to invade this plant community. The total annual herbaceous production (air-dry weight) of this plant community is about 1,000 lbs./acre, but it can vary greatly depending on the canopy cover of the overstory.
When compared to the Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Needlegrass-Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.1), ponderosa pine or juniper increases significantly. The grass component decreases dramatically as the buildup of pine and juniper needles increases. Annual herbaceous production also decreases significantly. While the juniper/pine canopy provides excellent protection from the weather for both livestock and wildlife, it is not capable of supporting large numbers of wildlife and livestock due to decreased production.
This plant community is resistant to change. A significant reduction of juniper/pine can only be accomplished through brush management or fire. The vegetation in the understory is capable of enduring fire; however, very hot fires will have a detrimental effect to the plant community. Reclamation of juniper/pine dominated areas can be costly and prove to be temporary without proper management (i.e., prescribed burning and prescribed grazing).Figure 17. 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 570 888 1200 Tree 55 150 250 Shrub/Vine 20 72 125 Forb 55 90 125 Total 700 1200 1700 Figure 18. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6011 , Pierre Shale Plains, heavy conifer canopy. Mature ponderosa pine/juniper overstory. .
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 1 3 7 11 24 27 12 5 4 3 2 1 Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Heavy continuous grazing and/or drought will convert the plant community to the Grama/Sedge/Sagewort Plant Community (2.1).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Encroachment, nonuse, and no fire will lead to a Juniper-Ponderosa Pine Plant Community (3.1). This occurs when this plant community is protected from natural fires, or controlled burning.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Long-term prescribed grazing and a return to normal precipitation patterns may convert this plant community to the Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.2). This transition may not be fast or feasible.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1Prescribed burning or wildfire (hot fires) followed by long-term prescribed grazing will move this plant community towards the Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.2). Mechanical removal of juniper/pine followed by long-term prescribed grazing may allow the understory to develop and transition to the Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.2).
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Big Bluestem 28–140 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 28–140 – 2 Little Bluestem 70–280 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 70–280 – 3 Sideoats Grama 140–280 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 140–280 – 4 Western Wheatgrass 30–210 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 30–210 – 5 Needlegrass 70–280 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 70–210 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–70 – 6 Short Warm-Season Grasses 70–280 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 70–210 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–140 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–70 – 7 Native Grasses and Grass-likes 70–280 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 40–140 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–140 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–140 – sedge CAREX Carex 70–140 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–70 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–42 – Forb9 Forbs 70–140 scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 14–70 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 42–70 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 42–70 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 14–70 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 14–70 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–42 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 14–42 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 14–42 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–42 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–42 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 14–42 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 14–28 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–28 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–28 – prairie clover DALEA Dalea 0–28 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–28 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–28 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–28 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–28 – American bird's-foot trefoil LOUNU Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus 0–28 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 14–28 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 14–28 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–28 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–28 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–14 – stemless four-nerve daisy TEAC Tetraneuris acaulis 0–14 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 28–140 Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–70 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–70 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 14–70 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–70 – saltbush ATRIP Atriplex 0–70 – creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 0–70 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–70 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–70 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–70 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–28 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–28 – Tree11 Trees 0–14 juniper JUNIP Juniperus 0–14 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–14 – Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Big Bluestem 10–50 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 10–50 – 2 Little Bluestem 100–250 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 100–250 – 3 Sideoats Grama 50–150 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 50–150 – 4 Western Wheatgrass 0–100 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–100 – 5 Needlegrass 100–250 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 100–250 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–30 – 6 Short Warm-Season Grasses 150–350 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 100–200 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 50–150 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–50 – 7 Native Grasses and Grass-likes 100–300 sedge CAREX Carex 100–200 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–100 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–100 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–50 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–50 – 8 Non-Native Grasses 0–50 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–50 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–30 – Forb9 Forbs 100–150 white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 20–70 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 20–70 – American bird's-foot trefoil LOUNU Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus 10–50 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 30–50 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 30–50 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 10–50 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 10–50 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 10–50 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 20–50 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 10–50 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 10–50 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 10–30 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–30 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–30 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 10–30 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–30 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–30 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–30 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–20 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–20 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–20 – prairie clover DALEA Dalea 0–20 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–20 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–20 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 0–20 – stemless four-nerve daisy TEAC Tetraneuris acaulis 0–20 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 50–150 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 30–70 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–50 – saltbush ATRIP Atriplex 0–50 – creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 0–50 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–50 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–50 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–50 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–50 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–50 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–50 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–20 – Tree11 Trees 0–10 juniper JUNIP Juniperus 0–10 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–10 – Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike2 Little Bluestem 0–25 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–25 – 3 Sideoats Grama 0–50 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–50 – 4 Western Wheatgrass 0–25 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–25 – 5 Needlegrass 25–75 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 25–75 – 6 Short Warm-Season Grasses 100–225 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 75–150 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 25–75 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–50 – 7 Native Grasses and Grass-likes 75–225 sedge CAREX Carex 75–150 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–50 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 10–50 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–50 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 10–50 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–15 – 8 Non-Native Grasses 10–50 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 10–40 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–40 – Forb9 Forbs 25–100 white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 25–50 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 25–50 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 15–35 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 15–35 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 10–35 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 5–25 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 15–25 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 5–25 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 15–25 – American bird's-foot trefoil LOUNU Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus 5–25 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 15–25 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 15–25 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 15–25 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 5–25 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–25 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–25 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–15 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–15 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–15 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 5–15 – stemless four-nerve daisy TEAC Tetraneuris acaulis 0–15 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–15 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–10 – prairie clover DALEA Dalea 0–10 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 25–100 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 25–75 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 5–50 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 5–50 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–25 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–25 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–25 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–25 – saltbush ATRIP Atriplex 0–15 – creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 0–5 – Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Big Bluestem 0–60 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–60 – 2 Little Bluestem 0–120 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–120 – 3 Sideoats Grama 60–180 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 60–180 – 4 Western Wheatgrass 0–180 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–180 – 5 Needlegrass 60–180 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 60–180 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–60 – 6 Short Warm-Season Grasses 60–180 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 60–180 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–120 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–60 – 7 Native Grasses and Grass-likes 60–180 sedge CAREX Carex 60–180 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–120 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–60 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–60 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–60 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–60 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–60 – 8 Non-Native Grasses 0–120 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–120 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–120 – Forb9 Forbs 60–120 scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 12–60 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 36–60 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 36–60 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 12–60 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 12–60 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–36 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 12–36 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 12–36 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–36 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–36 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 12–36 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 12–24 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–24 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–24 – prairie clover DALEA Dalea 0–24 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–24 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–24 – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–24 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–24 – American bird's-foot trefoil LOUNU Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus 0–24 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 12–24 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–24 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–24 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–24 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–24 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 12–24 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–12 – stemless four-nerve daisy TEAC Tetraneuris acaulis 0–12 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 24–120 Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–60 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 12–60 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–60 – saltbush ATRIP Atriplex 0–60 – creeping juniper JUHO2 Juniperus horizontalis 0–60 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–60 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–60 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–24 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–24 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–24 – Tree11 Trees 60–240 juniper JUNIP Juniperus 60–240 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 60–240 – 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 = Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Needlegrass-Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1400
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.38
Plant Community = Needle and Thread-Little Bluestem-Grama Plant Community (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1000
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.27
Plant Community = Blue Grama/Sedge/Sagewort Plant Community (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 500
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.14
Plant Community = Juniper-Pine Encroachment (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1200
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = Variable **
*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).
** Highly variable; stocking rate needs to be determined on site.
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
Precipitation is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration is very slow and runoff potential for this site varies from negligible (in concave areas) to very high, depending on 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 short grasses form a strong sod. 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.
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: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Darrel DuVall, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Jill Epley, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Cheryl Nielsen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Rick Peterson, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Mike Stirling, Range Management Specialist, NRCS.
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).
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/). Available online. Accessed 02/27/17.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. Accessed 04/25/17.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. 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.
U.S. Department of Agriculture 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. 2001.
The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center. USDA, NRCS. Available online. Accessed 5/11/17.
Various Published Soil Surveys.Contributors
Stan Boltz
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/25/2024
Acknowledgments
ESD updated by Rick L. Peterson, 5/11/17 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:
Slight to none, typically on steeper slopes and discontinuous. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None, or barely visible and discontinuous with numerous debris dams when present. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Few pedastalled plants typically on steeper slopes. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
0 to 15 percent is typical. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None should be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Small size litter classes will generally move short distances, some medium size class litter will move very short distances. Litter debris dams are occasionally present. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability ratings should typically be 5 to 6, normally 6. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure indefinitely when dipped in distilled water. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A-horizon should be 2 to 5 inches thick with light to dark brownish gray colors. Structure should typically be fine granular at least in the upper A-horizon. -
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 – 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:
Mid/tall warm-season grasses >Sub-dominant:
Mid/tall cool-season bunchgrasses = short warm-season grasses = short cool-season 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 900-1,900 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 1,400 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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