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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-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 Loamy Overflow Site occurs throughout the MLRA. It is located on Stream Orders 2 or greater. This site is a run-in site and receives additional moisture through runoff from adjacent sites and overflow during occasional flooding. Typical slopes range is from 0 to 5 percent. The soil surface layer is 4 to 12 inches in depth with a texture range of silt loam to silty clay loam. The natural vegetation will gradually shift from almost exclusively herbaceous species in the upper reaches of a drainage to a mix of species including; grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees, in the lower reaches. Vegetation in reference consists primarily of warm- and cool-season tall and mid grasses. Big bluestem and switchgrass are the dominate warm-season grasses, western wheatgrass and needlegrasses are the dominant cool-season grasses. Forbs are common and very diverse. Patches of western snowberry, American plum, chokecherry and willow are almost always present. Tree species can exist throughout the site but are more likely to occur in the lower reaches. Major tree species include: plains cottonwood, green ash, boxelder and hackberry. When disturbed this site is very susceptible to invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, Canada thistle, hound’s tongue and other weedy forbs.
Associated sites
R063AY003SD Subirrigated
R063AY010SD Loamy
R063AY022SD Loamy Terrace
Similar sites
R063AY010SD Loamy
Loamy [less big bluestem, more green needlegrass; lower production]
R063AY003SD Subirrigated
Subirrigated [more big bluestem and prairie cordgrass, less green needlegrass; higher production]
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Andropogon gerardii
(2) Pascopyrum smithiiPhysiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level areas that receive additional water from overflow of streams or runoff from adjacent slopes.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Alluvial fan
(2) Flood plain
(3) Stream terrace
Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency Occasional to frequent Ponding frequency None Elevation 1600 – 2700 ft Slope 0 – 5 % Water table depth 42 – 80 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 (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
The Loamy Overflow Site does receive periodic flooding.
Soil features
The soils in this site are moderately well to well drained and formed in alluvium. The silt loam to silty clay loam surface layer is 4 to 12 inches thick. The soils have a moderate to slow infiltration rate. This site should show no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. If present, 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 mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases where vegetative cover is not adequate. A drastic loss of the soil surface layer on this site can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.
Soils correlated the Loamy Overflow Ecological Site include: Haverson, Lohmiller, Nimbo, Onita and Bigbend.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/) for specific local soils information.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Silt loam
(2) Silty clay loam
(3) Silty clay
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Moderately well drained to well drained Permeability class Slow to moderate Soil depth 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 10 % Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)5 – 8 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 20 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 4 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 10 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 9 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 10 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, natural influences of large herbivores, occasional fire, and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions describe 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.
In the upper reaches of this site, continuous season-long grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence over several years causes this site to depart from the Reference State. Species such as western wheatgrass and blue grama will initially increase. Big bluestem, little bluestem, and green needlegrass will decrease in frequency and production. Heavy continuous grazing causes Kentucky bluegrass to increase and eventually develops into a sod condition. Extended periods of nonuse and no fire will result in a plant community having high litter levels, which favors an increase in Kentucky bluegrass, annual bromes and invasive forbs. Tree and shrub species, such as western snowberry, American plumb and choke cherry, occur naturally on this site but in minor amounts.
On the lower reaches of this site, trees and shrubs are very common and make up a substantial part of the plant communities. Flooding or no flooding, grazing or no grazing, fire and wildlife browse are the primary drivers of the system.
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Big Bluestem-Western Wheatgrass/Scattered Shrubs/ Scattered Trees Plant Community. This is considered to be the Reference Plant Community. This Plant Community has been determined by studying rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts also have been used. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant communities that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.
State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 8. Loamy Overflow - R063AY020SD
Figure 9. Loamy Overflow - R063AY020SD
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 3 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThis State represents what is believed to exist prior to European settlement. The Reference State may exist but is unlikely to function within the natural rage of variability due to the spread of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome in this MLRA. In Reference, this site is dominated by warm-and cool-season grasses, and various shrub and tree species that are scattered across the site. Grazing or the lack of grazing, flooding or lack of flooding, fire, excessive haying and invasion of non-native cool-season grasses are the major drivers of State. Flooding and no fire on this site can cause a transition to a Woody Overstory State.
Community 1.1
Big Bluestem-Western Wheatgrass/Scattered Shrubs/Scattered Trees Plant CommunityThis plant community is considered to be the reference plant community. This community of plants may be found on areas that are properly managed with prescribed grazing that allows for adequate recovery periods following each grazing event.
The potential vegetation is about 70 to 95 percent grasses and grass-like plants, 5 to 10 percent forbs, 2 to 8 percent shrubs, and 0 to 3 percent trees. Major grasses include big bluestem, wheatgrasses, little bluestem, green needlegrass, and switchgrass. Prairie sandreed may be prevalent on the more sandy textured sites. Other grasses occurring on this community include blue grama, Canada wildrye, needleandthread, sideoats, and prairie sandreed. Major forbs include cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, and scurfpea. Common shrubs include American plum, chokecherry, western snowberry, currents and willow. Green ash, bur oak, boxelder, American elm and plains cottonwood are scattered throughout the 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 properly. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement off-site and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. Runoff from adjacent sites and moderate or high available water capacity provides a favorable soil-water-plant relationship.
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 2385 2924 3375 Forb 150 255 400 Shrub/Vine 65 170 315 Tree 0 51 110 Total 2600 3400 4200 Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6308 , Pierre Shale Plains, lowland cool-season/warm-season codominant. Cool-season, warm-season codominant, 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 4 11 19 23 20 12 6 5 0 0 State 2
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. In this State, Kentucky bluegrass makes up less than 30 percent of the plant community composition (by weight). This State is at risk of transitioning to a bluegrass dominated state (Invaded State 3.0).
Community 2.1
Western Wheatgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Remnant Big Bluestem/Scattered Tree Plant CommunityThis plant community results from continuous season-long grazing without adequate recovery periods between each grazing event during the growing season or excessive haying, and invasion of non-native cool-season grasses.
Western wheatgrass is the dominant species, Kentucky bluegrass is subdominant. Big bluestem, little bluestem, green needlegrass, and switchgrass are greatly reduced. Significant forb species include American licorice, cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, heath aster, scurfpea, and western yarrow. Leadplant is greatly reduced while other shrub species would tend to be heavily browsed. Rose and western snowberry are the dominant shrub species. Scattered American elm, boxelder, bur oak, and green ash are common on this site.
This plant community is relatively stable and less productive than the Big Bluestem-Western Wheatgrass/Scattered Shrub/Scattered Trees Plant Community (1.1). Reduction of litter and short plant heights result in higher soil temperatures, poor water, infiltration rates and increased runoff. This plant community can occur throughout the site, on spot grazed areas, and around water sources where season-long grazing patterns occur. Soil erosion will be minimal due to the sod forming habit of Kentucky bluegrass.
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 1570 2145 2465 Forb 115 221 360 Shrub/Vine 115 195 295 Tree 0 39 80 Total 1800 2600 3200 Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6307 , Pierre Shale Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant, 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 5 13 20 25 18 11 5 3 0 0 Community 2.2
Western Wheatgrass-Bluegrass/Snowberry/Scattered Trees/Excessive Litter Plant CommunityThis plant community develops after an extended period of nonuse and exclusion of fire. This plant community will also develop with moderate or heavy continuous seasonal grazing. In either case, shrubs increase and can sometimes dominate the plant community. Cool-season grasses make up the majority of the understory with the balance made up of short warm-season grasses and miscellaneous forbs. Western wheatgrass and bluegrass are the dominant grasses. Grasses of secondary importance include big bluestem, little bluestem, Canada wildrye, green needlegrass, and needleandthread. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include American licorice, cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, and verbena. Woody plants such as American plum and western snowberry can be found on the site and can comprise up to 12 percent of the total canopy.
This plant community is resistant to change without prescribed grazing and/or fire. The combination of both grazing and fire or other means to reduce shrub cover is most effective in moving this plant community toward the climax plant community. Soil erosion is low. Runoff is similar to the Reference Plant Community (1.1). Once the advanced stage of this plant community is reached, time and external resources will be needed to see recovery in the diversity of the site.
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 1590 1956 2265 Forb 105 204 330 Shrub/Vine 105 204 330 Tree 0 36 75 Total 1800 2400 3000 Figure 15. 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 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2Nonuse and no fire will move this plant community to the Western Wheatgrass-Bluegrass/Snowberry/Scattered Trees/Excessive Litter Plant Community (2.2).
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1Prescribed grazing that includes proper stocking, change in season of use and adequate time for recovery, and/or prescribed burning followed with prescribed grazing, can help transition plant community back to Plant Community Phase 2.1.
State 3
Invaded StateThis state is the result of invasion and dominance of introduced species. This state is characterized by the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome, and an increasing thatch layer that effectively blocks introduction of other plants into the system. Plant litter accumulation tends to favor the more shade tolerant, introduced grass species. The nutrient cycle is also impaired, and the result is typically a higher level of nitrogen which also favors the introduced species. Increasing plant litter decreases the amount of sunlight reaching plant crowns thereby shifting competitive advantage to shade tolerant, introduced grass species. Studies indicate that soil biological activity is altered, and this shift apparently exploits the soil microclimate and encourages growth of the introduced grass species. Once the threshold is crossed, a change in grazing management alone cannot cause a reduction in the invasive grass dominance. Preliminary studies would tend to indicate this threshold may exist when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30 percent of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40 percent of the plant community composition. Plant communities dominated by Kentucky bluegrass have significantly less cover and diversity of native grasses and forb species (Toledo, D. et al., 2014).
Community 3.1
Kentucky Bluegrass/Shrubs/Weedy Annual and Perennial Forbs Plant CommunityThis plant community developed with continuous season-long grazing and or excessive haying. Kentucky bluegrass dominates the community and can develop into a “sodbound” appearance. Low vigor western wheatgrass can be found scattered throughout the community. Green needlegrass has been greatly reduced. Big bluestem may persist in minor amounts, greatly reduced in vigor and not readily seen. Western yarrow, scurfpea, ragweed, and common mullein have increased. Nonnative grasses and forbs such as annual bromes, curlycup gumweed, thistle, and cocklebur will invade this plant community. Western snowberry. American plum and chokecherry may persist in the plant community if not removed during haying activities.
This plant community is resistant to change due to grazing tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass. A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1). The dominance of non-native cool-season grasses and the loss of other desirable species has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced significantly and soil loss may be accelerated where concentrated flows occur.
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 1070 1650 1965 Forb 95 200 345 Shrub/Vine 35 120 225 Tree 0 30 65 Total 1200 2000 2600 Figure 17. 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 State 4
Woody Overstory StateThis State is the result of the establishment of a tree over-story and shrub mid-story canopy. This State is more common on the lower reaches of the site. The dynamics of this State are largely due to flooding and successional changes starting with cottonwood and shrub establishment and eventually the development of a green ash and boxelder plant community. The successional process can restart following another flooding event. Water control structures which limit flooding, livestock grazing, heavy wildlife browse, fire and the introduction of non-native, cool-season grasses can alter the dynamics of this site resulting in old remnant stands of trees with little, if any regeneration.
Community 4.1
Cottonwood/Prunus-Snowberry/Forbs/Grasses Plant CommunityThis plant community typically occurs after a flooding event. Flooding reduces herbaceous competition through scouring of the soil surface, which provides a site for regeneration and establishment of cottonwood and shrubs. Prescribed grazing which prevents targeted grazing of cottonwood seedlings is necessary for this plant community to establish. Trees will range from seedlings to saplings, and the herbaceous understory will still be productive as a result of the filtered canopy of the deciduous trees. Understory shrubs, primarily plum and/or chokecherry, and snowberry will likely establish. However, other species, including silver buffaloberry, silver sagebrush and currants can occur and make up a significance percent of the shrub layer.
Community 4.2
Mature Cottonwood-Immature Green Ash-Boxelder/Prunus-Snowberry/Forbs/Grass Understory Plant CommunitMature cottonwood trees and woody shrubs provide a suitable microclimate for establishment of other deciduous trees. Green ash and boxelder are typically the first trees to establish, but other species such as hackberry and possibly bur oak will established as well. The herbaceous plant community will remain relatively productive, but will be reduced somewhat from the Reference Plant Community (1.1). This is due mainly to the competition from the woody shrub understory.
Community 4.3
Green Ash-Boxelder/Prunus-Snowberry/Grass Understory Plant CommunityThis plant community develops over time, with prescribed grazing and no flooding. Cottonwood trees will likely remain in lesser numbers, but the dominant trees will normally be green ash, boxelder, and/or hackberry. At times there will be a mix of all three species. However, some areas will be dominated by one or two of these species. Woody shrubs will remain in the understory, but typically in lesser amounts than in the previous two plant communities. While somewhat reduced, the herbaceous understory will remain relatively productive. The trees will mostly be in the mature stage, but regeneration will normally be evident (i.e., seedlings and saplings should be present).
Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2No flooding and prescribed grazing that manages the herbaceous understory but is not detrimental to woody regeneration will cause this plant community to develop into the Mature Cottonwood-Immature Green Ash-Boxelder/Prunus-Snowberry/Forbs/Grass Understory Plant Community (4.2). Existing saplings must be large enough to avoid damage by livestock and wildlife for this pathway to occur.
Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1Flooding which opens up the herbaceous understory and allows for woody regeneration, followed by long-term prescribed grazing that manages for woody regeneration and establishment will shift this plant community back to the Cottonwood/Prunus-Snowberry/Forbs/Grasses Plant Community (4.1).
Pathway 4.2B
Community 4.2 to 4.3No flooding, prescribed grazing that manages the herbaceous understory but is not detrimental to woody regeneration and time will transition this plant community to the Green Ash-Boxelder/Prunus-Snowberry/Forbs/Grass Understory (4.3).
Pathway 4.3A
Community 4.3 to 4.1Flooding which opens up the herbaceous understory and allows for woody regeneration, followed by long-term prescribed grazing that manages for woody regeneration and establishment will shift this plant community back to the Cottonwood/Prunus-Snowberry/Forbs/Grasses Plant Community (4.1).
State 5
No Tree Regeneration StateThis State developed as a result of no flooding, continuous season-long grazing or continuous seasonal grazing, or fire. With time, the cottonwood, boxelder and ash trees that survive become mature, and little or no regeneration occurs due mainly to grazing of seedlings and saplings. Wildlife browse can also contribute to the loss of tree and shrub regeneration. The type of grazing that limits regeneration also results in a reduction of the desirable native herbaceous species, often resulting in a dominance of species such as bluegrass and/or smooth brome, and forbs such as western ragweed, Canada thistle, burdock, and hound’s tongue.
Community 5.1
Scattered Mature Boxelder-Green Ash-Cottonwood-/Forbs/Bluegrass Plant CommunityThis plant community developed due to the lack of woody regeneration, natural occurrences of flooding events, and continuous season-long grazing without adequate recovery periods. Older mature trees, including cottonwood, boxelder and green ash remain. The trees are scattered, and the site may have a “park-like” appearance with few trees and reduced understory. If grazed during the winter, the increased durations of livestock loitering can result in manure accumulations and soil compaction which will reduce the vigor of the native understory plant community. Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome continue to persist as dominant grass species at reduced production rates. The presence of non-desirable forb species such as Canada thistle, burdock and hound’s tongue can be prolific and difficult to control.
Transition 1A
State 1 to 2Continuous season-long grazing and/or excessive haying and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will convert this plant community to the Native/Invaded State (2.0).
Transition 1B
State 1 to 4Flooding, followed by long-term prescribed grazing, and no fire can transition this plant community to a woody dominated; Woody Overstory State (4.0). State 4.0 is more likely to occur on the mid to lower reaches of a drainage.
Transition 2A
State 2 to 3Continuous season-long grazing and/or excessive haying will result in a transition to the Invaded State.
Transition 2B
State 2 to 4Flooding followed by long-term prescribed grazing, including proper stocking, change in season of use and adequate time for recovery will likely transition this site to the Woody Overstory State. Timed grazing is very important and must be followed for many years in order for saplings to attain a height where livestock will not damage and/or kill the trees. Wildlife browse can also be a concern if the management objective are to improve the over-story canopy. The Woody Overstory State (4.0) is more likely to occur on the mid to lower reaches of a drainage.
Transition 3A
State 3 to 1Prescribed grazing and/or prescribed burning may transition the plant community to the Native/Invaded State (3.0). This is assuming an adequate seed/vegetative source is available. This transition my take an extended period of time and in the end my not meet management objectives.
Transition 4B
State 4 to 3Fire, invasion of non-native, cool-season grasses, continuous season-long grazing or continuous seasonal grazing resulting in little woody regeneration and time, will transition this state to the Native/Invaded State (3.0).
Transition 4A
State 4 to 5No flooding, continuous season-long grazing, continuous seasonal grazing, heavy wildlife browse or fire can cause any of the plant communities in the Woody Overstory State (4.0) to transition to the No Regeneration State (5.0).
Transition 5A
State 5 to 3Fire, continuous season-long grazing, continuous seasonal grazing and invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will transition this plant community to the Invaded State (3.0).
Restoration pathway 5A
State 5 to 4Flooding followed by long-term prescribed grazing which manages for woody regeneration and establishment and no fire can transition this State to the Cottonwood/Prunus-Snowberry/Forbs/Grasses Plant Community (4.1).
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 680–1530 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 680–1360 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 68–340 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–170 – marsh muhly MURA Muhlenbergia racemosa 0–102 – 2 Wheatgrasses 340–850 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 340–680 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 34–340 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 170–510 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 170–510 – Nuttall's alkaligrass PUNU2 Puccinellia nuttalliana 0–170 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–170 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–170 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–170 – 4 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 68–340 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 68–340 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 34–170 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 34–102 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 34–170 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 34–170 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–102 – 6 Other Native Grasses 34–238 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–170 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 34–102 – scratchgrass MUAS Muhlenbergia asperifolia 0–68 – 7 Grass-likes 34–170 Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–170 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 34–170 – Forb9 Forbs 170–340 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 34–170 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 34–102 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 34–102 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 34–102 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 34–68 – vervain VERBE Verbena 34–68 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 34–68 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 34–68 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 34–68 – Maximilian sunflower HEMA2 Helianthus maximiliani 0–68 – aster ASTER Aster 0–68 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–68 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–68 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–68 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 34–68 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 34–68 – great ragweed AMTR Ambrosia trifida 0–68 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 0–34 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–34 – starry false lily of the valley MAST4 Maianthemum stellatum 0–34 – meadow zizia ZIAP Zizia aptera 0–34 – nettle URTIC Urtica 0–34 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 68–272 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 34–170 – western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 34–170 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 34–102 – American plum PRAM Prunus americana 34–102 – chokecherry PRVI Prunus virginiana 0–102 – golden currant RIAU Ribes aureum 0–68 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 34–68 – silver buffaloberry SHAR Shepherdia argentea 0–68 – Tree11 Trees 0–102 Tree 2TREE Tree 0–102 – boxelder ACNE2 Acer negundo 0–102 – green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica 0–102 – bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa 0–102 – American elm ULAM Ulmus americana 0–102 – Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 130–390 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 130–390 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–130 – 2 Wheatgrasses 520–910 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 390–780 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 52–390 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 130–390 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 52–312 – Nuttall's alkaligrass PUNU2 Puccinellia nuttalliana 26–208 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–130 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–130 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–78 – 4 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 26–130 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 26–130 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–78 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–78 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 52–208 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 52–208 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–130 – 6 Other Native Grasses 26–182 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 26–182 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–78 – scratchgrass MUAS Muhlenbergia asperifolia 0–78 – 7 Grass-likes 26–130 Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–130 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 26–130 – 8 Non-Native Grasses 130–390 bluegrass POA Poa 130–390 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–130 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 0–130 – Forb9 Forbs 130–312 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–130 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 26–130 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 26–104 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 26–104 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 26–78 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 26–78 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 26–78 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 26–78 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 26–78 – great ragweed AMTR Ambrosia trifida 0–78 – vervain VERBE Verbena 26–78 – common mullein VETH Verbascum thapsus 0–78 – burdock ARCTI Arctium 0–52 – aster ASTER Aster 0–52 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–52 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 26–52 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–52 – nettle URTIC Urtica 0–52 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 0–26 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–26 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–26 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 130–260 western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 52–182 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–130 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 26–78 – American plum PRAM Prunus americana 0–52 – chokecherry PRVI Prunus virginiana 0–26 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–26 – silver buffaloberry SHAR Shepherdia argentea 0–26 – Tree11 Trees 0–78 Tree 2TREE Tree 0–78 – boxelder ACNE2 Acer negundo 0–78 – green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica 0–78 – bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa 0–78 – American elm ULAM Ulmus americana 0–78 – Table 11. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 48–240 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 48–240 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–72 – marsh muhly MURA Muhlenbergia racemosa 0–48 – 2 Wheatgrasses 360–720 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 360–720 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–240 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 120–360 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 120–360 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–192 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–120 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–120 – Nuttall's alkaligrass PUNU2 Puccinellia nuttalliana 0–120 – 4 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 0–120 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–120 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–72 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–72 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 0–72 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–72 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–24 – 6 Other Native Grasses 0–120 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–120 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–48 – scratchgrass MUAS Muhlenbergia asperifolia 0–24 – 7 Grass-likes 24–120 Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–120 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 24–120 – 8 Non-Native Grasses 360–720 bluegrass POA Poa 240–600 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–240 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 24–240 – Forb9 Forbs 120–288 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–120 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 24–120 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 24–120 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 24–96 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 24–72 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 24–72 – great ragweed AMTR Ambrosia trifida 0–72 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 0–72 – vervain VERBE Verbena 24–72 – common mullein VETH Verbascum thapsus 0–72 – nettle URTIC Urtica 0–48 – burdock ARCTI Arctium 0–48 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 24–48 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–48 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 24–48 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 24–48 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 24–48 – aster ASTER Aster 0–48 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–24 – Maximilian sunflower HEMA2 Helianthus maximiliani 0–24 – starry false lily of the valley MAST4 Maianthemum stellatum 0–24 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 0–24 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–24 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 0–24 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–24 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–24 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 120–288 western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 48–240 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–120 – American plum PRAM Prunus americana 0–72 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–48 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 24–48 – silver buffaloberry SHAR Shepherdia argentea 0–48 – chokecherry PRVI Prunus virginiana 0–24 – golden currant RIAU Ribes aureum 0–24 – Tree11 Trees 0–72 Tree 2TREE Tree 0–72 – boxelder ACNE2 Acer negundo 0–72 – green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica 0–72 – bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa 0–72 – American elm ULAM Ulmus americana 0–72 – Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 0–60 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–60 – 2 Wheatgrasses 0–300 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–300 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 0–80 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–60 – Nuttall's alkaligrass PUNU2 Puccinellia nuttalliana 0–40 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–40 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 40–200 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 40–200 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–100 – 6 Other Native Grasses 0–100 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–100 – scratchgrass MUAS Muhlenbergia asperifolia 0–60 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–20 – 7 Grass-likes 20–60 Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–60 – needleleaf sedge CADU6 Carex duriuscula 20–60 – 8 Non-Native Grasses 500–1200 bluegrass POA Poa 400–900 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–300 – cheatgrass BRTE Bromus tectorum 40–300 – Forb9 Forbs 100–300 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–140 – common mullein VETH Verbascum thapsus 20–120 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 20–100 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 20–100 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 20–100 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 20–80 – vervain VERBE Verbena 20–80 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 20–80 – yellow salsify TRDU Tragopogon dubius 20–60 – nettle URTIC Urtica 0–60 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–60 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 20–60 – burdock ARCTI Arctium 0–60 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–40 – great ragweed AMTR Ambrosia trifida 0–40 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 0–40 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–20 – aster ASTER Aster 0–20 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–20 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 40–200 western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 20–160 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–60 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 20–40 – American plum PRAM Prunus americana 0–20 – Tree11 Trees 0–60 Tree 2TREE Tree 0–60 – boxelder ACNE2 Acer negundo 0–60 – green ash FRPE Fraxinus pennsylvanica 0–60 – bur oak QUMA2 Quercus macrocarpa 0–60 – American elm ULAM Ulmus americana 0–60 – Table 13. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 15. Community 4.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 16. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
The following table lists annual, suggested initial stocking rates with average growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). 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.
Big Bluestem/Western Wheatgrass/Scattered Shrubs and Trees Plant Community (1.1)
Average Annual Production lbs/acre air-dry: 3400
Stocking rate* (AUM/acre): 0.87
Western Wheatgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Remnant Big Bluestem/Scattered Trees Plant Community (2.1)
Average Annual Production lbs./acre air dry: 2600
Stocking rate* (AUM/acre): 0.65
Western Wheatgrass-Bluegrass/Snowberry/Scattered Trees/Excessive Litter Plant Community (2.2)
Average Annual Production lbs./acre air-dry: 2400
Stocking rate* (AUM/acre): 0.60
Kentucky Bluegrass/Weedy Annual and Perennial Forbs Plant Community (3.1)
Average Annual Production lbs./acre air dry: 2000
Stocking rate* (AUM/acre): 0.35
Other Plant Community Phases have highly variable forage production levels. Actual on-site forage inventories will need to be conducted to determine average annual production, stocking rates and timing of grazing.
*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).
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 B and C. Infiltration and runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An exception would be where shortgrasses form a dense 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, 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
Downed hardwood on this site are often utilized for firewood.
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 forms have been collected and 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
Betty Bisch
Stan Boltz
Rick PetersonApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/26/2024
Acknowledgments
Rick L. Peterson updated ESD - 8/16/16
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 05/08/2010 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:
Typically none or barely visible. Evidence of water flow may be present after high overland flow events or flooding from adjacent streams, but vegetation normally remains intact. -
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. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None typical, however limited headcutting may form after high runoff or flooding events. Existing gullies should be stabilized with good vegetative cover. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None typical, but limited deposition may occur after major runoff or flooding events. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter of small and medium size classes will move after average to high rainfall events. Litter does not travel far, typically being trapped in small bunches by the extensive vegetative cover. Litter movement may be fairly extensive after major runoff or flooding events. -
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 4 to 12 inches thick with mollic (dark) colors when moist. Structure typically is medium to fine granular in the upper A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Combination of shallow and deep rooted species (mid & tall rhizomatous and tufted perennial cool- and warm-season grasses) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None – when dry, B horizons can be hard and appear to be compacted, but no platy structure will be present. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Tall warm-season rhizomatous >> Mid cool-season rhizomatous grasses >Sub-dominant:
Mid/tall cool-season bunchgrasses >Other:
Mid warm-season grasses = Forbs > Shrubs > Short warm-season grasses = Grass-likes > TreesAdditional:
-
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 2,600-4,200 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 3,400 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
State and local noxious weeds, Kentucky bluegrass, snowberry, smooth bromegrass -
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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