Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R060AY040SD
Clayey
16-18" P.Z.
Last updated: 5/28/2019
Accessed: 08/30/2026
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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
MLRA Notes:
The Pierre Shale Plains (MLRA 60A) consists of approximately 10,150 square miles, the majority of which is located in South Dakota (70 percent) and small portions are in Montana (2 percent), Nebraska (8 percent), and Wyoming (20 percent). It encircles the Black Hills (MLRA 62) and the Dakota Hogback (MLRA 61). MLRA 60A includes portions of the Oglala, Buffalo Gap, and Thunder Basin National Grasslands. It also includes small sections of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Badlands National Park, and Black Hills National Forest. The Cheyenne and Belle Fourche Rivers flow through the MLRA.
MLRA 60A is in the unglaciated section of the Missouri Plateau, of the Great Plains Province of the Interior Plains. It is an area of old plateaus and terraces that have been deeply eroded. Cretaceous Pierre Shale underlies almost all of this MLRA. This is a marine sediment with layers of volcanic ash that has been altered to smectitic clay. These clays shrink as they dry and swell as they receive moisture. Soils are shallow to very deep and generally are well drained and clayey.
Elevations generally range from 2,620 to 3,610 feet throughout the MLRA, but can range up to 4,260 feet. The average annual precipitation for the western side of the MLRA is 13 to 16 inches, whereas the eastern side receives 16 to 18 inches. A suite of ecological sites have been written specifically for these two precipitation zones. The Locator Map shows the break between the two precipitation zones.
This area supports a mixed natural prairie vegetation consisting of both cool- and warm-season grasses and forbs. Wyoming big sagebrush occurs primarily in the drier western portion of the MLRA; however, small remnant stands can be found in the eastern portion. Dominant land uses of the area are primarily ranching and, to a lesser extent, farming. Major resource concerns to this MLRA are wind erosion and surface water quality.
Classification relationships
USDA - Land Resource Region G – Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region, Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 60A – Pierre Shale Plains.
EPA - Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States: 43e – Sagebrush Steppe, 43g Semiarid Pierre Shale Plains, and 43k – Dense Clay Prairie.
Ecological site concept
The Clayey 16-18” PZ ecological site occurs on the eastern side of the MLRA. Clayey is the most common ecological site in MLRA 60A. It is located on upland landscapes and does not receive additional moisture from runoff or overflow. Typical slopes range from 0 to 30 percent. Soils are deep with silty clay loam to clay surface textures 3 to 11 inches thick. The vegetation in the Reference State consists of a mix of cool- and warm-season grasses; however, mid-statured cool-season grasses will be the dominant group. Western wheatgrass and needle grasses are the dominant cool-season grasses, while sideoats grama, little bluestem, blue grama, and buffalograss are the dominant warm-season grasses. Forbs are common and diverse, and shrubs are present but are in minor amounts.
Associated sites
R060AY012SD Thin Upland
The Thin Upland site can be located in steeper slopes adjacent to the Clayey 16-18” PZ site.
R060AY017SD Shallow Clay
The Shallow Clay site can be located on steep slopes above the Clayey 16- 18” PZ site.
R060AY018SD Dense Clay
The Dense Clay site can be located adjacent to or mixed with the Clayey 16-19” PZ site.
R060AY021SD Clayey Overflow
The Clayey Overflow site can be located on drainageways adjacent to the Clayey 16-18” PZ site.
R060AY041SD Loamy 16-18" P.Z.
The Loamy 16-18” PZ site can be located adjacent to the Clayey 16-18” PZ site.
Similar sites
R060AY041SD Loamy 16-18" P.Z.
The Loamy 16-18” PZ site will have less green needlegrass and more needle and thread than the Clayey 16-18” PZ site.
R060AY018SD Dense Clay
The Dense Clay site will have less green needlegrass, more western wheatgrass, and less shortgrasses than the Clayey 16-18” PZ site.
R060AY021SD Clayey Overflow
The Clayey Overflow site will have more big bluestem and higher production than the Clayey 16-18” PZ site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Pascopyrum smithii
(2) Nassella viridulaPhysiographic features
This site occurs on gently undulating to rolling uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Fan
(2) Plain
(3) Hill
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 2500 – 4300 ft Slope 0 – 30 % Ponding depth 0 in Water table depth 0 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate in this MLRA is typically the drier portion of the Northern Great Plains, where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Annual precipitation in the wetter portion of the MLRA ranges from 16 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 permit 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 storms occur during late fall and late winter, and spring. The normal average annual temperature is about 47°F. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from about 18°F (Newell, SD) to about 23°F (Oelrichs, SD). July is the warmest month, with average temperatures ranging from about 72°F (Newell, SD) to about 74°F (Oelrichs, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 53°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 (average) 120 days Freeze-free period (average) 150 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in BarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 4. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 5 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) SAINT ONGE 2 S [USC00397418], Belle Fourche, SD
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(2) WASTA [USC00398911], Owanka, SD
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(3) RAPID CITY RGNL AP [USW00024090], Rapid City, SD
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(4) ARDMORE 1 NW [USC00390236], Edgemont, SD
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(5) OELRICHS [USC00396212], Oelrichs, SD
">Influencing water features
No significant water features influence this site.
Soil features
The soils in this site are well drained and formed in shale, residuum from shale or alluvium. The surface layer is 3 to 11 inches thick. The texture of the profile ranges from silty clay loam to clay. The soils have a low to 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. Subsurface soil layers are generally not restrictive to water movement and root penetration. These soils are susceptible to wind and water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 6 percent.
Major soils correlated to the Clayey 16-18” PZ ecological site include: Bufton, Kyle, Norrest, and Pierre.
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) Silty clay
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Very slow to slow Soil depth 20 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)4 – 7 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 15 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 8 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 13 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.1 – 9 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 13 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 6 % 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.
Continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October) and/or repeated seasonal grazing (e.g., every spring, every summer) without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence, causes this site to depart from the Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1). Blue grama and buffalograss will increase and eventually develop into a sod.
Western wheatgrass will increase initially and then begin to decrease. Green needlegrass, needle and thread, sideoats grama, and little bluestem will decrease in frequency and production. Excessive defoliation can cause threeawns and annuals to increase and dominate the site.
Extended periods of non-use and/or lack of fire will result in excessive litter and a plant community dominated by cool-season grasses such as western wheatgrass, and non-native cool-season grasses. Invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, primarily smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass can alter the dynamics of this site. Once these species establish it is unlikely the plant community will return to the Reference State (1.0).
Encroachment of ponderosa pine, Rocky Mountain juniper, and eastern redcedar may occur from associated sites, and can shift site characteristics. These shifts can alter the site dynamics and potential. Ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain juniper may occur in small amounts on several Plant Community Phases (PCPs) without adversely affecting the site dynamics.
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Reference Plant Community (1.1). The Reference Plant Community has been determined by studying rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts also have been used. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant communities that can occur on the site and the transitions between communities. The ecological processes are discussed in more detail in the plant community narratives following the diagram.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 6. Clayey 16-18" PZ - R060AY040SD
Figure 7. Clayey 16-18" PZ - R060AY040SD
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 6 (additional transitions)
States 2 and 6 (additional transitions)
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 6 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. Grazing and the lack of grazing, fire, and drought are the major drivers between plant communities. Continuous season-long grazing can push this State to a warm-season shortgrass-dominated State. Non-use, no fire, and invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will result in a transition to a Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Community 1.1
Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass
Figure 8. Clayey 16-18" PZ - PCP 1.1
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1). This is also considered the Reference Plant Community. The potential vegetation is about 85 to 95 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 2 to 5 percent shrubs. Cool-season grasses dominate this plant community. Major grasses include western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. Other grasses occurring on the site include sideoats grama, blue grama, buffalograss, prairie Junegrass, and sedge. Significant forbs include scarlet globemallow, wild parsley, biscuitroot, deer vetch, American vetch, and milkvetch. The significant shrubs that occur include cactus and rose.
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. Moderate or high available water capacity provides a favorable soil-water-plant relationship.
Overall the interpretive plant community has the appearance of being extremely stable, diverse, and productive. Litter normally falls in place, and does not occur in excess amounts. Most plant species have a wide range of age classes represented and reproduction is not limited.
Plant roots occupy most of the soil profile, which provides for soil stability and promotes infiltration.
Figure 9. 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 1070 1780 2490 Forb 95 150 205 Shrub/Vine 35 70 105 Total 1200 2000 2800 Figure 10. 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
Western Wheatgrass-Buffalograss-Blue GramaThis plant community develops under continuous seasonal grazing (i.e., grazing an area during the same season every year) or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential vegetation is made up of approximately 80 to 90 percent grasses and grass-like species, 5 to 10 percent forbs and 5 to 10 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include buffalograss, blue grama, and western and/or thickspike wheatgrass. Other grasses may include green needlegrass, prairie Junegrass and a small amount of Kentucky bluegrass.
Significant forbs include scarlet globemallow, wild parsley, biscuitroot, phlox, golden pea, deer vetch, asters, and milkvetch. The significant shrubs that occur include cactus, broom snakeweed, and rose.
Compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), the shortgrass species including blue grama and buffalograss 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. While plant diversity is relatively high, the structure of the community is dominated by shortgrasses. 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 in the community through continuous seasonal grazing. 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 dominant 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 11. 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 630 1530 2030 Shrub/Vine 85 135 185 Forb 85 135 185 Total 800 1800 2400 Figure 12. 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 winter grazing that extends into the active growing period of cool- season plants, and continuous season-long grazing will lead to the Western Wheatgrass-Buffalograss-Blue Grama Plant Community (1.2). Extended periods of drought will expedite this transition.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing, which allows for adequate plant recovery periods, and/or a return to normal precipitation patterns will move this plant community to the Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community (1.2). Periods of non-use or deferment may be a management option to reach the Reference Plant Community.
State 2
Shortgrass/Pioneer StateThe Shortgrass/Pioneer State is dominated by shortgrass species and upland sedges. This State is the result of grazing patterns that did not provide adequate recovery time for cool-season wheatgrasses and needlegrasses. If heavy disturbances such as frequent and severe defoliation and livestock concentration continues, pioneer perennials and annual grass and forb species may become dominant. 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
Buffalograss-Blue Grama SodThis plant community develops under heavy, continuous season-long grazing, and with continuous seasonal grazing with concentrated use in the early part of the growing season (as in calving/lambing pastures). It is made up of approximately 80 to 90 percent grasses (primarily short-, warm-season grasses), 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 5 to 10 percent shrubs.
The dominant grasses include blue grama and buffalograss. Other grasses may include western wheatgrass, prairie Junegrass, threeawn, and annual brome. The dominant forbs include slimflower scurfpea, pussytoes, curlycup gumweed, and scarlet globemallow. The dominant shrub is plains pricklypear. Compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), shortgrasses have increased, and the cool-season midgrasses have diminished greatly. Some forbs and cacti have either increased and/or invaded the site. Plant diversity is low. This plant community is very stable. Generally, this plant community will require significant management inputs (i.e., high animal impact, long term prescribed grazing, favorable climatic conditions, etc.) and time to move it toward the Western Wheatgrass-Buffalograss-Blue Grama Plant Community (1.2). 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 13. 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 340 594 750 Shrub/Vine 30 53 75 Forb 30 53 75 Total 400 700 900 Figure 14. 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 Community 2.2
Threeawn-AnnualsThis plant community develops under heavy, continuous season-long grazing and/or frequent and severe defoliation, and/or heavy disturbance such as livestock feeding areas. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 50 to 85 percent grasses and grass- like species, 10 to 25 percent forbs, and 5 to 25 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include threeawn and annual brome grasses. Other grasses may include blue grama, buffalograss, sedges, western wheatgrass, and sixweeks fescue. The dominant forbs include fringed sagewort, fetid marigold, 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. This plant community is susceptible to invasion of Canada thistle and other non-native species because of the relatively high percentage of bare ground. Compared to the Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1), red threeawn, annual brome grasses, and percentage of bare ground has increased. Western wheatgrass, needlegrasses and other cool-season grasses and grass-like species have decreased, as have the warm-season species including sideoats grama, blue grama, and buffalograss. Many annual and perennial forbs, including native and non-native species, have invaded the site.
This plant community is resistant to change back to a higher successional plant community because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. It is very susceptible to invasion of non-native plant species. The potential for soil erosion is very 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.
Figure 15. 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 305 472 640 Shrub/Vine 30 105 180 Forb 65 123 180 Total 400 700 1000 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 Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2Heavy, continuous season-long grazing or frequent and severe defoliation will move this plant community to the Threeawn-Annuals Plant Community (2.2).
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1After removal of the heavy disturbance causing the severe defoliation followed by long-term prescribed grazing, including adequate recovery periods, this plant community will likely move to the Buffalograss-Blue Grama Sod Plant Community (2.1).
State 3
Renovated (R) Sod StateThe forage production potential of a shortgrass plant community can be quickly improved through mechanical renovation. Mechanical renovation creates microrelief that can restore hydrologic function by increasing infiltration and decreasing runoff. These factors favor cool- season species such as western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and a variety of forbs. Mechanical renovation may not be economically feasible, and the renovation will not be successful if the management activities that created the plant community are not changed.
Community 3.1
(R) Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-BuffalograssWith proper management after renovation (R), this plant community will have similar plant composition and growth curve characteristics as the Reference PCP (1.1); however, the production will likely be slightly higher, depending on the degree of alteration. Proper grazing management must be implemented to maintain this plant community.
Community 3.2
(R) Blue Grama-Buffalograss SodThis plant community will be similar to the Blue Grama-Buffalograss Sod Plant Community (2.1) in most respects. The main difference is the microrelief created by the renovation. Depending on the renovation technique, the microrelief can remain on the landscape for many decades, making vehicular travel across the landscape uncomfortable if not extremely difficult.
Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2Heavy, continuous season-long grazing or heavy, continuous seasonal grazing and drought will shift this plant community to the renovated (R) Blue Grama-Buffalograss Sod Plant Community (3.2). Proper grazing management must be included in order to derive the benefits of renovation.
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1This plant community can be returned to (R) Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Buffalograss-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase (3.1) through another mechanical renovation treatment, and possibly seeding, followed by long-term prescribed grazing and normal precipitation patterns. The 2nd mechanical treatment may make travel across the landscape difficult for vehicles and livestock.
State 4
Native/Invaded StateThis State has been invaded by smooth brome and/or Kentucky bluegrass, but not at the levels where the plant communities are dominated by these species. Long-term non-use, in combination with above average precipitation, may transition a native/non-native cool-season grass plant community phase (PCP) to a predominantly non-native PCP. This scenario has been observed on this ecological site in small acreage field but not on larger tracts of land. This transition can be observed in the adjacent MLRAs: MLRA 63A – Northern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains, MLRA 61 – Black Hills Foot Slopes, and MLRA 62 – Black Hills. Once these species are established, it is unlikely that an invaded plant community can be returned to the Reference State (1.0).
Community 4.1
Western Wheatgrass-Non-Native Cool-Season GrassesThis plant community developed under continuous seasonal grazing, or under extended periods of non-use and no fire where a heavy litter layer builds up that can favor cool-season species and invasion of smooth brome, Kentucky bluegrass, annual brome, and other invaders. Initially, the dominant grasses include bluegrass, western wheatgrass, needle and thread, and green needlegrass. Other grasses may include blue grama, buffalograss, threeawn, and prairie Junegrass. Sedges will flourish in the understory. The dominant forbs include western ragweed, scurfpeas, cudweed sagewort, and verbenas. Dominant shrubs in this community include snowberry, rose, and plains pricklypear. This plant community is resistant to change, and if disturbed, it is resilient. Bluegrass and smooth brome will increase under grazing pressure. Cool, moist climatic conditions will also tend to increase the non-native cool-season grass production. Soil erosion is low.
Compared to the Reference PCP (1.1), infiltration is reduced, and runoff increases. Once this plant community is reached, time and external resources will be needed to see any immediate recovery in the diversity of the site.
Figure 17. 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 710 1368 1815 Forb 75 160 250 Shrub/Vine 15 48 85 Tree 0 24 50 Total 800 1600 2200 Figure 18. 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 State 5
Conifer Encroachments StateThis state is greatly influenced by conifers, primarily ponderosa pine in the northern portion of the MLRA and pine and or Rocky Mountain juniper in the southern portion. Ponderosa pine canopy was found to significantly reduce precipitation reaching the soil surface (average of 30 percent) due to interception in area of intermediate and dense canopy (Wrage, 1994). This state will develop when conifers encroach onto the site from adjacent forest sites or ecological sites that have been invaded. Encroachment and the establishment of conifers on this site is primarily the result of no fire and grazing management that reduced the competitive nature of the native herbaceous plant community. Once conifers become established on this site, non-native cool-season grasses will increase especially in the shaded areas. The site in general will become more droughty, but the shallow-rooted cool-season species will be able to outcompete the deeper rooted native species for available moisture.
Community 5.1
Juniper and/or Ponderosa PineHistorically, conifers (eastern redcedar, Rocky Mountain juniper, and ponderosa pine) were confined to ridges and steep, shallow slopes located adjacent to this ecological site. Currently, conifers are expanding onto this site due to the suppression of fire. The conifer canopy is greater than 30 percent of mature trees. The understory production is made up of about 50 to 70 percent grasses and grass-like species, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 10 to 40 percent shrubs or trees. Dominant grasses include bluegrass, annual brome, and threeawn. Other grasses that occur include western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and prairie Junegrass. Forbs commonly found in this community include western ragweed, verbena, cudweed sagewort, and pussytoes.
When compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), conifers have increased significantly. The grass component decreases dramatically. Total annual production of the understory also decreases significantly. While the conifer 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 forage production. This vegetation state is resistant to change. A significant reduction of conifers 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 conifer-dominated areas can be costly and prove to be temporary without proper management (i.e., prescribed burning, and prescribed grazing). If the conifer canopy becomes high enough, bare ground and soil erosion will likely increase.
Figure 19. 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 490 1012 1190 Tree 70 262 500 Forb 70 113 155 Shrub/Vine 70 113 155 Total 700 1500 2000 Figure 20. 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 State 6
Disturbed StateThis State can be transition 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 6.1
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 dominated by threeawn, annual brome, crested wheatgrass, buffalograss, dropseeds, broom snakeweed, verbena, sweet clover, mullein, and non-native 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 FOTG for adapted species.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2With heavy, continuous seasonal grazing this site will move toward the Shortgrass/Pioneer State (2.0). This would be typical of calving/lambing pastures where the unit is continuously utilized during the late winter through spring. This transition will result in decreases in both forage production and plant species diversity. Heavy, continuous season-long grazing will also move this plant community toward State 2.0. During this transition, the plant community can have the appearance of a mosaic, with sod and mixed grass communities intermingled. As the plant community becomes dominated by shortgrasses, runoff will increase, and infiltration will decrease. This change in hydrologic function can make any restoration very difficult.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 4Continuous seasonal grazing, or non-use and no fire and invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, including smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass, will lead to the Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Transition T1C
State 1 to 5No fire, non-use, and encroachment from adjacent plant sites containing juniper and/or ponderosa pine will move this State toward the Conifer Encroachment State (5.0).
Transition T7A
State 1 to 6Heavy disturbances including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (6.0). This transition can happen from any plant community on this site.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 3Mechanical renovation such as pitting, light disking, chiseling and possible inter-seeding in combination with long-term prescribed grazing may help improve the productivity of the site. This pathway will convert the plant community to the Renovated Sod State (3.0).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 4If theses plant communities are invaded by non-native cool-season grasses and the heavy disturbance causing the frequent defoliation is removed, these plant communities are likely to transition to the Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Transition T7A
State 2 to 6Heavy disturbance including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (6.0). This transition can happen from any plant community on this site.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4If this State is invaded by non-native cool-season grasses, this plant community is likely to transition to the Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Transition T7A
State 3 to 6Heavy disturbance including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (6.0). This transition can happen from any plant community on this site.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 5Non-use and encroachment (or escaped) of conifers from adjacent sites will lead to the Conifer Encroachment State (5.0). This occurs when this plant community is protected from natural fires or controlled burning.
Transition T7A
State 4 to 6Heavy disturbance including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (6.0). This transition can happen from any plant community on this site.
Transition T5A
State 5 to 4Wildfire or prescribed burning, or mechanical brush management in combination with long-term prescribed grazing will move this plant community to the Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Transition T7A
State 5 to 6Heavy disturbance including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (6.0). This transition can happen 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 1400–1700 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 700–1100 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 500–700 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–100 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–100 – 2 Short Grasses & Grass-Likes 100–300 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 40–200 – sedge CAREX Carex 20–100 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 20–100 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–100 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–100 – 3 Warm-Season Tall & Mid 40–300 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 40–200 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–200 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–100 – 4 Other Native Grasses 0–100 Grass, annual 2GA Grass, annual 0–100 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–100 – Forb6 Forbs/Cryptogams 100–200 Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–40 – yarrow ACHIL Achillea 0–40 – onion ALLIU Allium 0–40 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–40 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–40 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–40 – aster ASTER Aster 0–40 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–40 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–40 – thistle CIRSI Cirsium 0–40 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–40 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–40 – American bird's-foot trefoil LOUNU Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus 0–40 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–40 – bluebells MERTE Mertensia 0–40 – leafy wildparsley MUDI Musineon divaricatum 0–40 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–40 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–40 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–40 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–40 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–40 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–40 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–40 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–40 – deathcamas ZIGAD Zigadenus 0–40 – Shrub/Vine7 Shrubs 40–100 Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–40 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–40 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–40 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–20 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–20 – Table 12. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-Season Mid Grasses 360–720 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 360–630 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 90–180 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–90 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–90 – 2 Shot Grasses & Grass Likes 270–720 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 180–450 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 90–360 – sedge CAREX Carex 90–180 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 18–90 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–90 – 3 Warm-Season Tall & Mid 90–180 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 90–180 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–90 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–54 – 4 Other Native Grasses 0–90 Grass, annual 2GA Grass, annual 0–90 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–90 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–90 – 5 Non-Native Grasses 0–126 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–126 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–90 – Forb6 Forbs/Cryptogams 90–180 sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–90 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–54 – American bird's-foot trefoil LOUNU Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus 0–54 – aster ASTER Aster 0–54 – leafy wildparsley MUDI Musineon divaricatum 0–54 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–54 – prairie thermopsis THRH Thermopsis rhombifolia 0–36 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–36 – deathcamas ZIGAD Zigadenus 0–36 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–36 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–36 – thistle CIRSI Cirsium 0–36 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 0–36 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–36 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–36 – yarrow ACHIL Achillea 0–36 – onion ALLIU Allium 0–36 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–36 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–36 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–36 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–36 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–36 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–36 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–36 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–36 – lesser spikemoss SEDE2 Selaginella densa 0–18 – bluebells MERTE Mertensia 0–18 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–18 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–18 – vervain VERBE Verbena 0–18 – Shrub/Vine7 Shrubs 90–180 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–90 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–90 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–54 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–54 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–36 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–36 – Table 13. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-Season Mid Grasses 70–175 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 70–105 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 35–70 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–35 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–14 – 2 Short Grasses & Grass-Likes 280–420 buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 140–245 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 140–210 – sedge CAREX Carex 35–105 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 7–35 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–35 – 3 Warm-Season Tall & Mid 0–35 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–35 – 4 Other Native Grasses 0–56 Grass, annual 2GA Grass, annual 0–35 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–35 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–35 – 5 Non-Native Grasses 0–35 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–35 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–35 – Forb6 Forbs/Cryptogams 35–70 sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–70 – lesser spikemoss SEDE2 Selaginella densa 0–28 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–21 – leafy wildparsley MUDI Musineon divaricatum 0–21 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–21 – American bird's-foot trefoil LOUNU Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus 0–21 – aster ASTER Aster 0–21 – scarlet beeblossom OESU3 Oenothera suffrutescens 0–18 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–14 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–14 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–14 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–14 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–14 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 0–14 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–14 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–14 – thistle CIRSI Cirsium 0–14 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–14 – yarrow ACHIL Achillea 0–14 – onion ALLIU Allium 0–14 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–14 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–14 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–14 – prairie thermopsis THRH Thermopsis rhombifolia 0–14 – vervain VERBE Verbena 0–14 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–14 – deathcamas ZIGAD Zigadenus 0–14 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–14 – fetid marigold DYPA Dyssodia papposa 0–7 – Shrub/Vine7 Shrubs 35–70 pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 14–56 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–35 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–35 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–14 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–14 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–14 – Table 14. Community 2.2 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 7–70 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–14 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–7 – 2 Short Grasses & Grass-Likes 35–245 buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 7–105 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 7–105 – sedge CAREX Carex 7–35 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–21 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–7 – 3 Warm-Season Tall & Mid 0–21 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–14 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–7 – 4 Other Native Grasses 70–245 threeawn ARIST Aristida 70–245 – Grass, annual 2GA Grass, annual 0–35 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–14 – 5 Non-Native Grasses 7–70 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 7–70 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–14 – Forb6 Forbs/Cryptogams 70–175 sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–70 – fetid marigold DYPA Dyssodia papposa 14–70 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 0–35 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 7–35 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–35 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 14–35 – vervain VERBE Verbena 7–35 – aster ASTER Aster 0–14 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–14 – yarrow ACHIL Achillea 0–14 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–7 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–7 – lesser spikemoss SEDE2 Selaginella densa 0–7 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–7 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–7 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–7 – Shrub/Vine7 Shrubs 35–175 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 14–105 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 7–70 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 7–70 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–7 – Table 15. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 16. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 17. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses 320–800 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 240–640 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 80–240 – 2 Needlegrass 80–320 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 32–160 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 32–160 – 3 Warm Season Short Grasses 16–128 buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–80 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 16–80 – 4 Native Grasses and Grass-likes 80–320 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 16–80 – sedge CAREX Carex 32–80 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 32–80 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 16–80 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–48 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–48 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–48 – dropseed SPORO Sporobolus 0–32 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 0–32 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–16 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–16 – 5 Non-native Grasses 240–640 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 240–640 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 16–160 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–80 – Forb6 Forbs 80–240 Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 16–128 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 16–80 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 32–80 – vervain VERBE Verbena 32–64 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 16–48 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 16–48 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 16–48 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–32 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–32 – tarragon ARDR4 Artemisia dracunculus 0–32 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–32 – textile onion ALTE Allium textile 16–32 – spiderwort TRADE Tradescantia 0–32 – goatsbeard TRAGO Tragopogon 16–32 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–16 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–16 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–16 – corn gromwell BUAR3 Buglossoides arvensis 0–16 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–16 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–16 – western marbleseed ONBEO Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale 0–16 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–16 – Shrub/Vine7 Shrubs 16–80 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 16–80 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–32 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–32 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–32 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–32 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–32 – Tree8 Trees 0–48 juniper JUNIP Juniperus 0–48 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–48 – Table 18. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-Season Mid Grasses 450–750 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 300–600 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 300–600 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 75–225 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–150 – 2 Short Grasses & Grass-Likes 75–225 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 30–150 – sedge CAREX Carex 30–120 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 15–75 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–75 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–75 – 3 Warm-Season Tall & Mid 75–225 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 75–150 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–75 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–75 – 4 Other Native Grasses 0–75 Grass, annual 2GA Grass, annual 0–75 – Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–75 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–45 – 5 Non-Native Grasses 75–150 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 30–120 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 0–105 – Forb6 Forbs/Cryptogams 75–150 sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–75 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–60 – aster ASTER Aster 0–45 – Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–45 – yarrow ACHIL Achillea 0–45 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–45 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–45 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–45 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–30 – prairie thermopsis THRH Thermopsis rhombifolia 0–30 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–30 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–30 – American bird's-foot trefoil LOUNU Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus 0–30 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–30 – leafy wildparsley MUDI Musineon divaricatum 0–30 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–30 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–30 – onion ALLIU Allium 0–30 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–30 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–30 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–30 – thistle CIRSI Cirsium 0–30 – deathcamas ZIGAD Zigadenus 0–30 – vervain VERBE Verbena 0–15 – Shrub/Vine7 Shrubs 75–150 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–75 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–75 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–60 – Subshrub (<.5m) 2SUBS Subshrub (<.5m) 0–60 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–30 – Tree8 Trees 75–450 Rocky Mountain juniper JUSC2 Juniperus scopulorum 75–450 – eastern redcedar JUVI Juniperus virginiana 75–450 – Table 19. Community 6.1 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 = Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass 1.1
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 2000
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.55
Plant Community = Western Wheatgrass-Buffalograss-Blue Grama 1.2
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1800
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.49
Plant Community = Buffalograss-Blue Grama Sod 2.1
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 700
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.19
Plant Community = Threeawn-Annuals 2.2
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 700
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.19**
Plant Community = Renovated (R) Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Buffalograss-Blue Grama 3.1
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 2500
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.68**
Plant Community = Renovated (R) Blue Grama-Buffalograss Sod 3.2
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 900
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.25**
Plant Community = Western Wheatgrass-Non-Native Cool-Season Perennial Grasses 4.1
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1600
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.44**
Plant Community = Juniper and/or Ponderosa Pine 5.1
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 500
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.14**
Stocking rates are 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).
** Stocking rates are highly variable and onsite evaluation is required.
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 groups C and D. Infiltration varies from very low to moderate, and runoff potential varies from moderate to very high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be high runoff when 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 toward an “Approved” status.
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work, as described in a Project Plan, is necessary 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 required to produce the final document.
Non-discrimination Statement
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Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel 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; Maxine Rasmussen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Mike Stirling, Range Management Specialist, NRCS. SCS-RANGE-417 (6) 1971 – 1986, – Dawes Co. NE, and Meade and Pennington Co. SD
Other references
EPA – Level III and Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States, (https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions-continental-united-states). Available online. Accessed 01/03/17.
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/). Available online. Accessed 02/27/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. Accessed 07/27/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Web Soil Survey. Available online. Accessed 07/27/17.
USDA, NRCS. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Ag Handbook 296.
USDA, NRCS. 2014. National Ecological Site Handbook, 1st Ed.
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center. (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/). Available online. Accessed 02/27/17.
USDA, NRCS. 1997, rev. 1, 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook.
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center. (http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov).
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2017). Available online. Accessed 7/24/17.
USDA, NRCS. Various Published Soil Surveys.
Wrage, K. J. 1994. The effects of ponderosa pine on soil moisture, precipitation, and understory vegetation in the Black Hills of South Dakota. 158 p. Thesis.
Contributors
Stan Boltz
Rick L. PetersonApproval
David Kraft, 5/28/2019
Acknowledgments
ESD updated by Rick L. Peterson on 8/3/17
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, Emily Helms, Mitch Faulkner, Rick Peterson Contact for lead author emily.helms@usda.gov; 605-352-1241 Date 05/09/2019 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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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 3 to 6 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:
Cool-season tall-mid rhizomatous grasses = cool-season tall-mid bunchgrasses >>Sub-dominant:
Warm-season short grasses = warm-season tall-mid rhizomatous >Other:
Cool-season short bunchgrasses = forbs > warm-season tall-mid bunchgrasses = grass-likes = sprouting shrubsAdditional:
12a: Warm-season tall-mid rhizomatous functional/structural (f/s) group may or may not occur in the reference state for this site. 12b: Non-native invasive plants such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, and sweetclover do not count towards any f/s groups. 12c: Number of f/s groups - Nine groups are typically present in reference state. 12d: Number of species in dominant and subdominant f/s groups - Minimum of two grass species should be present on the site. -
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):
Litter does not typically accumulate in inter-spaces. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Production ranges from 1,200-2,800 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 2,000 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, smooth brome, annual bromes, crested wheatgrass, sweetclover -
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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