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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): 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 Ag Handbook 296).
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States, 2013: 43c – River Breaks and 43f – Subhumid Pierre Shale Plains.
Ecological site concept
This site occurs throughout the MLRA. It is located on upland landscapes, is a run off site and does not receive additional water from overflow. The typical slope range from 6 to 45 percent but may be up to 60 percent. The soils are deep to very deep, exceeding 20 inches in depth. The surface layer, or “A” horizon, is less than 3 inches in depth with a clay loamy to silty loam texture. Carbonates are present at or near the soil surface (within 6 inches). The vegetation in reference is a mix of cool and warm season grasses. Forbs are common and diverse but never dominant, shrubs can be present but are minor or trace components.
Associated sites
R063AY030SD Limy Clay
R063AY010SD Loamy
R063AY011SD Clayey
R063AY017SD Shallow Clay
R063AY024SD Shallow
Similar sites
R063AY030SD Limy Clay
The Limy Clay site will have weathered shale fragments throughout the soil profile, more big bluestem and higher total annual production.
R063AY017SD Shallow Clay
Shallow Clay [less little bluestem; slightly lower production; soils shallow to rock, gravel, or other root restrictive layer (20 inches or less)]
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Pascopyrum smithii
(2) Bouteloua curtipendulaPhysiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level to sloping uplands, terrace escarpment and hilly glacial moraines. Parent materials are alluvial sediments, calcareous loess and glacial till.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Escarpment
(2) Ridge
(3) Moraine
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 1600 – 2700 ft Slope 6 – 45 % 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 (characteristic range) 110-120 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 130-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 100-120 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 130-130 days Precipitation total (actual range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (average) 110 days Freeze-free period (average) 130 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) CEDAR BUTTE 1NE [USC00391539], White River, SD
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(2) KENNEBEC [USC00394516], Kennebec, SD
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(3) POLLOCK [USC00396712], Pollock, SD
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(4) COTTONWOOD 2 E [USC00391972], Kadoka, SD
">Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with this site.
Soil features
Soils on this site have clay loam to silt loam surface textures and slopes of 6 to 50 percent. The soils in this site are well to excessively drained and formed in loess, shale or glacial till. The surface layer is typically around 3 inches thick but can be found up to 8 inches thick. The texture of the subsurface layers ranges from clay to loam. The soils have a slow to moderately rapid infiltration rate. These soils are typically calcareous at or near the surface; however, carbonates are not always distinguishable in the upper layers. The soil profile should show evidence of weak development (i.e., thin A horizon, pale colors, lack of argillic horizon). 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.
These soils are susceptible to wind and water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Loss of 50 percent or more of the surface layer of the soils on this site can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.
The commonly occurring soils for this site include: Vivian, Sully, Sutley, Gettys, Colby, Westover and Betts.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/) for specific local soils information.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Calcareous loess – limestone and siltstone
(2) Alluvium – limestone, sandstone, and shale
Surface texture (1) Silt loam
(2) Gravelly loam
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Well drained to excessively drained Permeability class Slow to moderately rapid Soil depth 20 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 35 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 5 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)4 – 5 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)5 – 30 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 3 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.4 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 45 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 5 % Ecological dynamics
This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused wildfire (often of light intensities), 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 describe more typical transitions that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition.
Interpretations are primarily based on the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Bluestem-Sideoats Grama Plant Community. It 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. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
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-Needlegrass-Bluestem-Sideoats Grama Plant Community. Species such as sedge and blue grama will increase and begin to dominate if disturbances are intense and long lasting.
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 8. Thin Upland - R063AY012SD
Figure 9. Thin Upland - R063AY012SD
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textState 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThis state represents what is believed to represent the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics in this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site is dominated by cool and warm season grasses. In pre-European times the primary disturbances included fire and grazing by large ungulates and small mammals. Favorable growing conditions occurred during the spring, and warm months of June through August. This State can be found on areas having a history of proper grazing management, including adequate recovery periods between grazing events.
Community 1.1
Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Bluestem-Sideoats Grama Plant CommunityInterpretations are based primarily on the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Bluestem-Sideoats Grama Plant Community, which is considered to be the reference plant community (1.1). The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, sideoats grama, big bluestem, and little bluestem dominate the plant community. Other grasses and grass-like plants occurring on the site include blue grama, buffalograss, porcupine grass, and sedges. Significant forbs include cudweed sagewort, heath aster, and purple coneflower. Rose is a shrub often found on this site.
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). Community dynamics, nutrient cycle, water cycle, and energy flow are functioning at the sites potential. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement offsite and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance.
Figure 10. 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 1210 1700 2350 Forb 95 150 225 Shrub/Vine 95 150 225 Total 1400 2000 2800 Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6302 , Pierre Shale Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant, uplands..
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 23 34 15 6 5 4 0 0 Community 1.2
Little Bluestem-Western Wheatgrass-Sideoats Grama Plant CommunityThis plant community develops from continuous early and or late season and/or winter grazing. This type of grazing will allow overgrazing of cool season species and allows little bluestem to dominate this plant community. Little bluestem will take advantage of soil disturbance (resulting from hoof action, or increased bare ground due to reduced plant vigor under nonuse, over use, or no fire). Although production remains relatively high, little bluestem plants often become “wolfy,” and are largely unavailable in typical grazing scenarios. Other significant grasses or grass-likes include western wheatgrass, sideoats grama, blue grama, buffalograss, and sedges. The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs.
This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term.Figure 12. 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 895 1400 2005 Forb 75 120 165 Shrub/Vine 30 80 130 Total 1000 1600 2300 Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6305 , Pierre Shale Plains, warm-season dominant.. Warm-season dominant, uplands..
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 1.3
Western Wheatgrass-Buffalograss-Blue Grama Plant CommunityThis plant community is a result of heavily grazing the same area at the same time of year over many years. A decrease in diversity is seen, as the mid/tall warm-season grasses decrease and the shortgrasses increase. The grazing-tolerant blue grama and sedges replace the bluestems and needlegrasses. Sideoats grama remains in the plant community, but is less productive because of competition and grazing pressure. Significant grass or grass-like species that are prevalent on this site include western wheatgrass, buffalograss, blue grama, threeawns, and sedges. Subdominant species include sideoats grama, and little bluestem. Dominant forbs include heath aster and prairie coneflower. The potential vegetation is made up of 80 percent grass or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Species composition and production can be found in the plant community composition and group annual production table.
This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term.
Figure 14. 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 825 1218 1810 Forb 65 140 215 Shrub/Vine 10 42 75 Total 900 1400 2100 Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6303 , Pierre Shale Plains, cool/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant..
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 specifically winter grazing will convert the plant community to a Little Bluestem-Western Wheatgrass-Grama Plant Community. With late/early season grazing and high stock densities, an increase in soil disturbance occurs which favors the little bluestem and decreases the cool-season species with a significant decrease in needlegrasses. Multiple years of below normal precipitation can also move this plant community towards a warm season dominated community.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3Continuous season-long grazing combined with drought will shift the community to a Western Wheatgrass-Buffalograss-Blue Grama Community. Over grazing the same pasture during the same season every year will cause the tall/mid warm-season grasses to decrease and be replaced by shortgrasses blue grama and buffalograss. Fire can expedite this conversion by removing the residual little bluestem culms which protects the plant from over utilization. Multiple years of below normal precipitation can also move this plant community towards a warm season dominated shortgrass community with remnant western wheatgrass.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing, which allows time for adequate plant recovery, and normal precipitation patterns can shift this plant community back to the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Bluestem-Sideoats Grama Plant Community (1.1). Periods of nonuse or deferment may be a management option to reach the Reference Plant Community.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1Prescribed grazing, which allows time for adequate plant recovery, and normal precipitation patterns can shift this plant community back to the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass- Bluestem-Sideoats Grama Plant Community (1.1). Periods of nonuse or deferment may be a management option to reach the Reference plant community.
State 2
Short Grass Sod StateThis state is dominated by short-grass and grass-like species as a result of grazing regimes that exceed carrying capacity and do not provide adequate recovery and/or drought. In the early stages of this State, mid grass remnants may be present in sufficient quantities to allow for recovery to the Reference State (1.0). The dominant herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing. Over time, the plant community will become very resistant to change due to higher runoff and reduced infiltration.
Community 2.1
Grama/Sedge/Threeawn Plant CommunityThis plant community is a result of heavy continuous seasonal grazing, heavy continuous season-long grazing, heavy disturbance or extended periods of drought. Diversity greatly diminishes, as the shortgrasses/sedges become dominant on the site. The grazing tolerant blue grama, sedges, and threeawn replace little bluestem, western wheatgrass, and needlegrasses. Due to low palatability, cudweed sagewort and heath aster become more prevalent in the plant community. Potential vegetation is made up of 75 to 85 percent grass or grass-like plants, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 5 to 10 percent shrubs.
This plant community is resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are less palatable than the dominant species in the climax plant community.
Figure 16. 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 675 1006 1440 Forb 20 66 115 Shrub/Vine 5 28 45 Total 700 1100 1600 Figure 17. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6304 , Pierre Shale Plains, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 7 17 25 25 15 7 1 0 0 State 3
Native/Invaded StateThis State has a significant amount of Kentucky bluegrass or smooth brome in the plant community but they have not become the dominate species. Preliminary studies would tend to indicate that when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30 percent of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40 percent of the plant community composition the ecological process will be dominated by Kentucky bluegrass. Plant communities dominated by Kentucky bluegrass have significantly less cover and diversity of native grasses and forb species. (Toledo, D. et al., 2014). This State is at risk of transitioning to a bluegrass dominated State, however at this point in time, a bluegrass or smooth brome dominated State does not appear to occur on this Ecological Site in MLRA 63A.
Community 3.1
Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant CommunityThis plant community develops when Kentucky bluegrass or smooth brome become established on the site. This may occur due to close proximity to seed sources or expansion from road ditches, improved pastures or other invaded sites. No use and no fire or very light stock stocking rates of long periods of time will allow these non-native cool-season grasses to increase in the pant community. Plant litter accumulates in large amounts when this community first develops. Litter buildup reduces mature native plant vigor and density, and seedling recruitment declines. Eventually litter levels become high enough that plant density decreases. Typically, rhizomatous grasses form small colonies because of a lack of tiller stimulation. The potential vegetation is made up of 80 to 85 percent grass or grass-like plants, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The dominate grasses will be western wheatgrass, needlegrasses and non-native cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses will include patched of big and little bluestem. Forbs will be diverse but not dominate and some shrubs will persist.
Transition 1A
State 1 to 2Heavy continuous seasonal grazing or heavy continuous season-long grazing or heavy disturbance will convert the State 1.0 to the Shortgrass State. This is most likely to occur from PCP 1.3. Shortgrasses replace the mid/tall grasses due to heavy grazing over many years. If plant community phases 1.2 or 1.3 are pushed to the point of being at risk, drought can convert the plant community to the Shortgrass State.
Transition 1B
State 1 to 3Invasion of non-native cool season grasses, heavy continuous season-long grazing or non-use and no fire for extended periods will convert this plant community to the Native/Invaded State (3.0).
Restoration pathway 2A
State 2 to 1Long-term prescribed grazing, which allows time for adequate plant recovery, and normal precipitation patterns can eventually shift this plant community back to the Reference State. Periods of nonuse or growing season deferment may be management options to help facilitate this restoration. This restoration my take an extended period of time and in the end may not meet management goals.
Restoration pathway 3A
State 3 to 1Early season prescribed burning followed by long-term prescribed grazing may shift this plant community back to the Reference State (1.0). This transition may not be rapid or feasible and in the end may not meet management objectives.
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Wheatgrass 300–700 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 300–700 – 2 Tall/Mid Warm-Season Grasses 300–600 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 200–400 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 100–300 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 40–300 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–100 – 3 Needlegrass 200–400 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 100–400 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 40–200 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–100 – 4 Short Warm-Season Grasses 100–300 buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 40–200 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 40–200 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–100 – saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 0–60 – 5 Other Native Grasses 20–100 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–60 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 20–60 – dropseed SPORO Sporobolus 0–60 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 0–20 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–20 – 6 Grass-likes 40–200 needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 20–160 – threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 20–160 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–100 – Forb8 Forbs 100–200 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 20–100 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 20–60 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 20–60 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 20–60 – prairie thermopsis THRH Thermopsis rhombifolia 0–40 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 20–40 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 20–40 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 20–40 – prairie clover DALEA Dalea 20–40 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–40 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 20–40 – leafy wildparsley MUDI Musineon divaricatum 20–40 – silverleaf Indian breadroot PEAR6 Pediomelum argophyllum 20–40 – largebract Indian breadroot PECU3 Pediomelum cuspidatum 0–20 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–20 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–20 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–20 – polygala POLYG Polygala 0–20 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–20 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–20 – nineanther prairie clover DAEN Dalea enneandra 0–20 – sanddune wallflower ERCAC Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum 0–20 – fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 0–20 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–20 – woolly locoweed ASMO7 Astragalus mollissimus 0–20 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 0–20 – Nuttall's violet VINU2 Viola nuttallii 0–20 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 100–200 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–100 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–60 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 20–60 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–60 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–40 – dwarf false indigo AMNA Amorpha nana 0–20 – Nuttall's sensitive-briar MINU6 Mimosa nuttallii 0–20 – Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Wheatgrass 80–320 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 80–320 – 2 Tall/Mid Warm-Season Grasses 240–560 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 160–400 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 80–240 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–80 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–80 – 3 Needlegrass 0–128 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–80 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–80 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–80 – 4 Short Warm-Season Grasses 160–320 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 80–240 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 32–160 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 16–128 – saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 0–80 – 5 Other Native Grasses 16–80 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–48 – dropseed SPORO Sporobolus 16–48 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 16–32 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 0–16 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–16 – 6 Grass-likes 80–240 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 32–192 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 16–160 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–80 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 0–80 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–80 – bluegrass POA Poa 0–48 – Forb8 Forbs 80–160 sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–80 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–64 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 16–64 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 16–48 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 16–48 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 16–48 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 16–32 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 16–32 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 16–32 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 16–32 – silverleaf Indian breadroot PEAR6 Pediomelum argophyllum 16–32 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–32 – sanddune wallflower ERCAC Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum 0–16 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–16 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–16 – woolly locoweed ASMO7 Astragalus mollissimus 0–16 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–16 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–16 – prairie clover DALEA Dalea 0–16 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–16 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–16 – polygala POLYG Polygala 0–16 – leafy wildparsley MUDI Musineon divaricatum 0–16 – prairie thermopsis THRH Thermopsis rhombifolia 0–16 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 32–128 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–80 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 16–80 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 16–48 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–32 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–16 – Table 11. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Wheatgrass 140–420 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 140–420 – 2 Tall/Mid Warm-Season Grasses 0–70 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–70 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–70 – 3 Needlegrass 0–70 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–70 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–70 – 4 Short Warm-Season Grasses 280–560 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 210–420 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 70–280 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 14–140 – saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 14–112 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–42 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–42 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–28 – dropseed SPORO Sporobolus 0–28 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 0–14 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–14 – 6 Grass-likes 140–280 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 70–210 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 28–140 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–70 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 14–112 bluegrass POA Poa 14–112 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–42 – Forb8 Forbs 70–210 sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–140 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–70 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 14–70 – silverleaf Indian breadroot PEAR6 Pediomelum argophyllum 14–56 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 14–56 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 14–42 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 14–42 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 14–42 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 14–42 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 14–28 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–28 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–28 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 14–28 – sanddune wallflower ERCAC Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum 0–14 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–14 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–14 – woolly locoweed ASMO7 Astragalus mollissimus 0–14 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–14 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–14 – prairie clover DALEA Dalea 0–14 – polygala POLYG Polygala 0–14 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–14 – leafy wildparsley MUDI Musineon divaricatum 0–14 – prairie thermopsis THRH Thermopsis rhombifolia 0–14 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 14–70 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–42 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 14–42 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 14–42 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–28 – Table 12. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Wheatgrass 0–55 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–55 – 2 Tall/Mid Warm-Season Grasses 0–33 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–33 – 4 Short Warm-Season Grasses 330–550 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 220–440 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 55–220 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 22–165 – saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 11–110 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–33 dropseed SPORO Sporobolus 0–33 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–22 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–11 – 6 Grass-likes 165–330 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 110–275 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 22–165 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–55 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 11–165 cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 11–110 – bluegrass POA Poa 0–110 – Forb8 Forbs 22–110 sweetclover MELIL Melilotus 0–66 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–55 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 11–55 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–33 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 11–22 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–22 – silverleaf Indian breadroot PEAR6 Pediomelum argophyllum 0–22 – white prairie aster SYFA Symphyotrichum falcatum 0–22 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–22 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 0–11 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–11 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–11 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–11 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 11–44 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–33 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–22 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–22 – Table 13. Community 3.1 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 during 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.
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. Where little bluestem plants become “wolfy,” changing livestock class (e.g., using yearlings) will often result in considerably higher use of the decadent little bluestem plants.
Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Bluestem-Sideoats Grama Plant Community (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lb./ac. air-dry): 2000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.55
Little Bluestem-Western Wheatgrass-Sideoats Grama Plant Community (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lb./ac. air-dry): 1800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.49
Western Wheatgrass-Buffalograss-Blue Grama Plant Community (1.3)
Average Annual Production (lb./ac. air-dry): 1600
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.44
Grama-Sedge-Threeawn Plant Community (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lb./ac. air-dry): 1100
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.30
Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Kentucky Bluegrass or Smooth Brome Plant Community (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lb./ac. air-dry): 1600
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.44
*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).
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B and D. Infiltration and runoff potential for this site varies from very slow to moderately rapid depending on soil hydrologic group, slope, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama and sedge will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. 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 esthetic 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.
This site has a slope range from 6 to 45 percent. Based off hydrology models the steeper slope may need to be broken out as a separate ecological site.
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: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist (RMS), NRCS; Kent Cooley, Soil Scientist, NRCS; Rick Peterson, RMS, NRCS; and L. Michael Stirling, RMS, NRCS. No SCS-RANGE-417 clipping data forms have been recorded on this site.
Other references
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/)
Teledo, D., Sanderson, M., Spaeth, K., Hendrickson, J., Printz, J. 2014. Extent of Kentucky Bluegrass and Its Effect on Native Plant Species Diversity and Ecosystem Services in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 7(4):543-522. Weed Science Society of America.
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
Boltz Stan
Bisch BettyApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/26/2024
Acknowledgments
Rick L. Peterson, ESD update 7/28/16
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:
Slight to none, typically on steeper slopes and discontinuous. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None, or barely visible and discontinuous with numerous debris dams when present. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Few pedastalled plants typically on steeper slopes. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
0 to 15 percent is typical. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None should be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Small size litter classes will generally move short distances, some medium size class litter will move very short distances. Litter debris dams are occasionally present. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability ratings should typically be 5 to 6, normally 6. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure indefinitely when dipped in distilled water. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A-horizon should be 3 to 8 inches thick with light to dark brownish gray colors. Structure should typically be fine granular at least in the upper A-horizon. Some soils have subangular blocky structure parting to weak fine granular. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Combination of shallow and deep rooted species (mid & tall rhizomatous and tufted perennial cool- and warm-season grasses) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None – when dry, subsoil can be hard and appear to be compacted, but no platy structure will be present. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Mid cool-season rhizomatous grasses > Mid/tall warm-season bunchgrasses >>Sub-dominant:
Mid/tall cool-season bunchgrasses > Short warm-season grasses >Other:
Grass-likes = Forbs = Shrubs > Short cool-season bunchgrassesAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers and shrubs are vigorous. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Production ranges from 1,400-2,800 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, annual bromes -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
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PrintThe Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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