Natural Resources
Conservation Service
-
Search
Major Land Resource Area or ecological site by name and/or ID.
PreviousSectionsNextGeneral information
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.
Click to explore map
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): 063A–Northern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains
MLRA 63A is approximately 10,160 square miles in size, the majority of which is in South Dakota and a very small portion in North Dakota. The MLRA extends west of the northern half of the South Dakota reach of the Missouri River. All five of the major rivers draining western South Dakota cross this area. From north to south, these are the Grand, Moreau, Cheyenne, Bad, and White Rivers.
Elevation range from 1,300 to 1,640 feet on the bottom land along the Missouri River to 1,640 to 2,950 feet on the shale plain uplands. Cretaceous Pierre Shale underlies almost all of this area. This is a marine sediment having layers of volcanic ash that has been altered to smectitic clays. These clays shrink as they dry and swell as they get wet. Tertiary and Quaternary river deposits, remnants of erosion from the Black Hills uplift, cap isolated highlands in this area. Deposits of alluvial sand and gravel occur on the valley floors adjacent to the major streams in the area.
The average annual precipitation in this area is 15 to 20 inches.
The vegetation in this area is a transition from eastern tall grass prairie to a western mixed grass prairie, (USDA-NRCS, Ag Handbook 296).
Classification relationships
Land Resource Region (LRR): G - Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region, Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 63A Northern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains, (USDA-NRCS, Ag Handbook 296).
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States, 2013: 43c – River Breaks and 43f – Subhumid Pierre Shale Plains.
Ecological site concept
The Shallow Marsh ecological site occurs throughout MLRA 63A. It is located on level or nearly level upland landscapes with slopes ranging from 0 to 1 percent. They were formed on clayey alluvium. The site is poorly to very poorly drained and will pond water from 15 to 60 days in the spring and after heavy rain events. Soils are typically saturated to a depth of 3 or more feet for 30 to 60 or more days. They will have a high organic matter content. The texture of the surface layer is silty clay to clay. The high clay content of the subsurface soil layers cause water to pond but do not restrict root penetration. Vegetation in reference consists of obligate sedges, spikerush and bulrush species. As surface water levels increase, common cattail and/or hybrid cattail will increase in composition.
Associated sites
R063AY002SD Wet Land
R063AY003SD Subirrigated
R063AY007SD Saline Lowland
R063AY020SD Loamy Overflow
Similar sites
R063AY002SD Wet Land
Wet Land [more prairie cordgrass and reed grasses; higher production]
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Eleocharis palustris
(2) Carex atherodesPhysiographic features
This site occurs on upland basins.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Depression
Ponding duration Very long (more than 30 days) Ponding frequency Frequent Elevation 1600 – 2700 ft Slope 0 – 1 % Ponding depth 0 – 12 in Water table depth 12 – 24 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
MLRA 63A is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and abundant sunshine. Extreme temperature fluctuations are also common. The climate is the result of this MLRA’s location near the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the Northern Great Plains and air masses move freely across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.
Annual precipitation ranges from 16 to 20 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 47°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 11°F (Pollock, South Dakota (SD)), to about 22°F (Cedar Butte, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 72°F (Pollock, SD), to about 76° F (Cedar Butte, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 58°F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of this area's climate. 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 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) 130 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
-
(1) COTTONWOOD 2 E [USC00391972], Kadoka, SD
-
(2) CEDAR BUTTE 1NE [USC00391539], White River, SD
-
(3) KENNEBEC [USC00394516], Kennebec, SD
-
(4) POLLOCK [USC00396712], Pollock, SD
">Influencing water features
The Shallow Marsh Ecological Site is considered a wetland. Cowardin, et al., 1979
Soil features
The common features of soils in this site are clay-textured subsoil and slopes of 0 to 1 percent. The soils in this site are very poorly drained and formed in clayey alluvium. The silty clay surface layer is 12 to 15 inches thick. The soils have a very slow infiltration rate except after extended dry periods when large cracks form and initial intake may be rapid. This site should show no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. The soil surface is stable and intact.
These soils are not susceptible to water erosion. Ponded water conditions and slow permeability strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship.
Soil correlated to the Shallow Marsh Ecological Site: Kolls
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/appl) for specific local soils information.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – clayey shale
Surface texture (1) Silty clay
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Poorly drained Permeability class Very slow Soil depth 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)4 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 10 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.4 – 9 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
The site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions and included natural influence of large herbivores, occasional fire, and yearly flooding events. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to management actions and/or climatic conditions. Due to the nature of the soils, the site is considered highly variable but very stable. Under continued adverse impacts, a slow decline in vegetative vigor and composition will occur. Under favorable vegetative management treatments, the site can rapidly recover to the Sedge/Spikerush/Bulrush Plant Community (1.1). High variability of ponding levels and duration is the major cause of the fluctuating plant community. However, management can greatly influence the plant community dynamics during extended drought periods.
The plant community, upon which interpretations are primarily based, is the Sedge/Spikerush/Bulrush Plant Community (1.1) under normal precipitation periods. This plant community has been determined by study of 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.
Continuous grazing without adequate recovery opportunities between grazing events over several years will cause this site to depart from the reference plant community (1.1). Species such as reed canarygrass, spikerush, and Baltic rush will increase in frequency and density. Nonuse (rest) and lack of fire will cause litter levels and plant decadence/mortality to increase. Cattails are greatly influenced by the fluctuating water regime and increase dramatically during above average precipitation cycles.
The following diagram illustrates the common plant communities and vegetation states commonly occurring on the site and the transition pathways between communities and states. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.
State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 6. Shallow Marsh - R063AY001SD
Figure 7. Shallow Marsh - R063AY001SD
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 1
Reference StateThis State represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the ecological site prior to European settlement. This site, in reference, is dominated by grass-like species and forbs. Variations in annual precipitation, and length of time the site is ponded, greatly influence the species composition from year to year. During wet years the plant community will respond to higher surface water levels and cattails will increase. During dryer years the plant community will be dominated by obligate sedges and rushes. Grazing pressure on this site and surrounding sites also influence the plant community dynamics. Hoof action during wet periods can cause soil compaction and reduce rooting depth and soil saturation levels. Heavy animal concentrations on upland can increase runoff and sedimentation.
Community 1.1
Sedge-Spikerush-Bulrush Plant CommunityInterpretations are based primarily on the Sedge-Spikerush-Bulrush Plant Community which is thought to be the reference plant community (1.1). Grasses and grass-likes make up 65 to 95 percent of the plant community and forbs make up 15 to 35 percent. Common grass-like species include common spikerush, wheat sedge, American bulrush, green bulrush, and woolly sedge and tend to dominate this plant community. Dominant grasses include American mannagrass and prairie cordgrass. Significant forbs found on this site are curlytop knotweed, New England aster, Pennsylvania smartweed, and swamp smartweed.
The abundant production and proximity to water make this plant community important for livestock and wildlife such as birds, mule deer, and antelope. The plant community is stable and protected from excessive erosion. The biotic integrity of this plant community is usually intact. The watershed is usually functioning.Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 2120 3150 4100 Forb 480 1050 1300 Total 2600 4200 5400 Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6306 , Pierre Shale Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
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 6 15 20 26 17 9 4 3 0 0 Community 1.2
Spikerush-Bulrush/Common Cattail Plant CommunityThis plant community developed from periods of extended above-average precipitation. Grass-likes make up between 15 to 60 percent of this plant community, 0 to 15 percent grasses, and 15 to 35 percent forbs. Common spikerush, green bulrush, and rush are the dominant grass-likes, which have increased compared to the climax community. Dominant forbs found on this site include common cattails, Pennsylvania smartweed, swamp smartweed, and water knotweed.
When compared to the Sedge-Spikerush-Bulrush Plant Community, the perennial grasses and the sedges have decreased. Largely unpalatable sedges, Baltic rush, and cattails have increased. Production remains relatively constant or is somewhat higher, but plant diversity is somewhat reduced. A return to normal precipitation cycles will typically shift this community back to the Sedge-Spikerush-Bulrush Plant Community.Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 3520 3640 4150 Forb 480 1560 2050 Total 4000 5200 6200 Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6306 , Pierre Shale Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
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 6 15 20 26 17 9 4 3 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Hydrology resulting from above normal precipitation and higher surface water levels will shift this community to the Spikerush-Bulrush/Common Cattail Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Hydrology resulting from a return to more normal precipitation cycles and lower surface water levels will shift this plant community to the Sedge-Spikerush-Bulrush Plant Community (1.1).
State 2
Degraded StateHeavy long-term animal impacts have altered soil site stability, hydrologic function and the biotic elements to the point where the site will not readily recover.
Community 2.1
Spikerush-Rush/Forbs Plant CommunityThis plant community develops from heavy continuous grazing, soil compaction and sedimentation. When compared to the reference (1.1) plant community, all the tall cool-season grasses have disappeared, along with a reduction in green bulrush and woolly sedge. Common spikerush remains the dominant species. Significant forbs include curly dock, giant goldenrod, New England aster, cattail, and roughfruit amaranth. The production has decreased dramatically, compared to the Sedge-Spikerush-Bulrush Plant Community.
Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 1020 1250 1750 Forb 480 1250 1550 Total 1500 2500 3300 Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6306 , Pierre Shale Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
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 6 15 20 26 17 9 4 3 0 0 Transition 1A
State 1 to 2Heavy continuous grazing, soil compaction, or heavy use surrounding the shallow marsh will lead to sedimentation will lead transition this State to the Degraded State (2.0).
Restoration pathway 2A
State 2 to 1Under long-term prescribed grazing, including extended rest (non-use) periods and avoiding grazing when hoof action would contribute to additional soil compaction and sedimentation, this plant community could return to the Reference State. Depending on the severity of compaction, sedimentation, and if adequate perennial plants exist, this change could take an extended period of time and may not meet management goals. The site may even require more comprehensive hydrology restoration activities.
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Grass-Likes 630–2520 wheat sedge CAAT2 Carex atherodes 210–1260 – common spikerush ELPA3 Eleocharis palustris 210–1260 – chairmaker's bulrush SCAM6 Schoenoplectus americanus 84–1050 – green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens 84–1050 – woolly sedge CAPE42 Carex pellita 84–630 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 0–420 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–420 – fox sedge CAVU2 Carex vulpinoidea 0–420 – rush JUNCU Juncus 0–420 – broom sedge CASC11 Carex scoparia 0–210 – 2 Tall Cool-Season Grasses 84–630 American mannagrass GLGR Glyceria grandis 42–420 – bluejoint CACA4 Calamagrostis canadensis 42–210 – northern reedgrass CASTI3 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa 0–210 – slimstem reedgrass CASTS5 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. stricta 0–210 – 3 Other Native Grasses 0–420 prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 0–420 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–210 – Forb4 Forbs 630–1470 swamp smartweed POHY2 Polygonum hydropiperoides 42–420 – curlytop knotweed POLA4 Polygonum lapathifolium 42–420 – Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum 42–420 – New England aster SYNO2 Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 42–420 – giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea 0–210 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–210 – water knotweed POAM8 Polygonum amphibium 0–210 – roughfruit amaranth AMTU Amaranthus tuberculatus 42–126 – swamp milkweed ASIN Asclepias incarnata 42–126 – white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 0–126 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 0–126 – blue skullcap SCLA2 Scutellaria lateriflora 0–84 – spotted water hemlock CIMA2 Cicuta maculata 0–84 – shrubby cinquefoil DAFRF Dasiphora fruticosa ssp. floribunda 0–84 – cutleaf waterparsnip BEER Berula erecta 0–84 – longbeak buttercup RALO2 Ranunculus longirostris 0–84 – broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 0–84 – nodding beggartick BICE Bidens cernua 0–42 – marsh arrowgrass TRPA28 Triglochin palustris 0–42 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Grass-Likes 1560–3640 common spikerush ELPA3 Eleocharis palustris 260–2080 – chairmaker's bulrush SCAM6 Schoenoplectus americanus 520–1560 – green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens 520–1560 – rush JUNCU Juncus 104–780 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–520 – wheat sedge CAAT2 Carex atherodes 0–520 – woolly sedge CAPE42 Carex pellita 0–260 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 0–260 – fox sedge CAVU2 Carex vulpinoidea 0–260 – broom sedge CASC11 Carex scoparia 0–156 – 2 Tall Cool-Season Grasses 0–416 American mannagrass GLGR Glyceria grandis 0–260 – bluejoint CACA4 Calamagrostis canadensis 0–156 – northern reedgrass CASTI3 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa 0–156 – slimstem reedgrass CASTS5 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. stricta 0–156 – 3 Other Native Grasses 0–260 prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 0–260 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–156 – Forb4 Forbs 1040–2080 broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 260–1560 – water knotweed POAM8 Polygonum amphibium 0–416 – swamp smartweed POHY2 Polygonum hydropiperoides 0–416 – curlytop knotweed POLA4 Polygonum lapathifolium 0–416 – Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum 0–416 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–260 – cutleaf waterparsnip BEER Berula erecta 0–260 – New England aster SYNO2 Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 0–260 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 0–260 – spotted water hemlock CIMA2 Cicuta maculata 0–156 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–156 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 0–156 – roughfruit amaranth AMTU Amaranthus tuberculatus 0–140 – swamp milkweed ASIN Asclepias incarnata 0–140 – giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea 0–104 – white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 0–52 – hempnettle GALEO Galeopsis 0–52 – marsh arrowgrass TRPA28 Triglochin palustris 0–52 – nodding beggartick BICE Bidens cernua 0–52 – Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Grass-Likes 250–1500 common spikerush ELPA3 Eleocharis palustris 125–750 – rush JUNCU Juncus 125–625 – chairmaker's bulrush SCAM6 Schoenoplectus americanus 0–250 – green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens 0–250 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–125 – wheat sedge CAAT2 Carex atherodes 0–50 – woolly sedge CAPE42 Carex pellita 0–50 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 0–50 – fox sedge CAVU2 Carex vulpinoidea 0–50 – 3 Other Native Grasses 0–250 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–250 – prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 0–75 – Forb4 Forbs 1000–1500 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 50–625 – New England aster SYNO2 Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 50–500 – broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 0–375 – giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea 0–375 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 25–250 – white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 0–200 – roughfruit amaranth AMTU Amaranthus tuberculatus 50–200 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–125 – hempnettle GALEO Galeopsis 0–125 – water knotweed POAM8 Polygonum amphibium 0–125 – swamp smartweed POHY2 Polygonum hydropiperoides 0–125 – curlytop knotweed POLA4 Polygonum lapathifolium 0–125 – Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum 0–125 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 0–50 – swamp milkweed ASIN Asclepias incarnata 0–50 – 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). Because of this 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.
Sedge-Spikerush-Bulrush Plant Community
Total Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.15
Spikerush-Bulrush/Common Cattail Plant Community
Total Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 5200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.43
Spikerush-Rush/Forbs Plant Community
Total Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2500
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.69
*Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25 percent harvest efficiency (refer to USDA NRCS, National Range and Pasture Handbook).
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements, and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration is very slow to slow and runoff potential is 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 example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. 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, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other opportunities. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
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 requirement as an Approved ESD as laid out in the 2003 National Range and Pasture Handbook (NRPH). The document fully describe 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, to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description is needed. 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. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document.
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 include: April Boltjes, Range Management Specialist (RMS), NRCS; Stan Boltz, RMS, NRCS; Kent Cooley, Soil Scientist, NRCS; Rick Peterson, RMS, NRCS; and L. Michael Stirling, RMS, NRCS. No SCS-RANGE-417 clipping data collections forms have been recorded for this site.
Other references
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/)
USDA, NRCS. 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, 2006
USDA, NRCS. National Ecological Site Handbook, 1st Ed. January, 2014
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center. (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/)
USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997
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, Various Published Soil Surveys
Contributors
April Boltjes
Stan BoltzApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/26/2024
Acknowledgments
Rick L. Peterson updated ESD 6/22/16
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Stan Boltz Contact for lead author stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 Date 05/09/2010 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None. -
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 5 percent is typical. During periods of above average precipitation and run-on, this site may be ponded for longer than normal durations, and typical vegetation may be temporarily reduced, creating areas of bare ground for relatively short periods of time. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter falls in place. -
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):
The dark surface horizons should be 12 to 15 inches thick with mollic (dark) colors when moist. Structure typically is medium to fine granular in the upper horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Deep rooted species (tall rhizomatous cool- and warm-season grasses and grass-likes) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration. Infiltration is somewhat limited naturally due to poor drainage and relatively low permeability. -
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:
Grass-likes >>Sub-dominant:
Forbs > Tall cool-season grasses >Other:
Tall warm-season grassesAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Little evidence of decadence or mortality. -
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 2,600-5,400 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 4,200 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 may be prevalent during dry cycles, but will typically not dominate the site. Most invasive species will occupy the perimeter of this site. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses and grass-likes should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
Print Options
Sections
Font
AAAAOther
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.
Accessibility statement
