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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): 063B–Southern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains
MLRA Notes:
The Southern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains (MLRA 63B) is approximately 4,460 square miles in size. The majority of the MLRA is located in South Dakota (82 percent), and the remaining 18 percent is located in Nebraska. Interstate 90 crosses the northern portion through Chamberlin, SD. There are several Indian Reservations, including the Lower Brule, Crow Creek, Santee, and Yankton Reservations.
This MLRA is an area of old plateaus and terraces that have been deeply eroded, with nearly level to rolling long slopes and well-defined dendritic drainage systems. The rivers and creek valleys have smooth floors and steep walls. The majority of the MLRA is located in the unglaciated section of the Missouri Plateau, Great Plains Province. The northeast corner of the MLRA, east of the Missouri River, is located in the glaciated section with higher areas having deposits of glacial drift. The southwestern tip is located in the High Plains Section. Elevations range from 1,310 feet to 1,640 feet on the bottom lands along the Missouri River, and from 1,310 feet to 1,970 feet on the shale plains uplands.
The Missouri and Niobrara Rivers, and the confluence of the White and Missouri Rivers, occur within this MLRA. Lake Francis Case, Fort Randall Dam, and Lewis and Clark Lake are also within MLRA’s borders.
Cretaceous Pierre Shale underlies most of the area. This is a marine sediment with layers of volcanic ash that has been altered to smectitic clays. These clays shrink as they dry and swell as they become wet, causing significant problems for road and structural foundations. Younger Niobrara chalk occurs in the southern part of the MLRA. Alluvial sand and gravel underlie the valley floors along major streams.
Soils are shallow to very deep, generally well drained, and with loamy or clayey textures. Annual precipitation is 19 to 26 inches, mostly falling during the growing season, as frontal storms during the spring and convective thunderstorms in summer. The average annual temperature is 45°-50°F. The freeze-free period averages 165 days, and ranges from 145 to 185 days.
Vegetation is a transition between tall prairie grasses and mixed prairie grasses. Green needlegrass, porcupinegrass, western wheatgrass, and big bluestem are the major species. Little bluestem, buffalograss, sideoats grama, and sedges are dominant on the shallow soils. Buffaloberry, skunkbush sumac, and prairie rose are common on steep slopes along the major streams. Prairie cottonwood and a variety of willow species are common on flood plains along the major streams. Green ash, boxelder, chokecherry, bur oak, and buffaloberry occur in draws and narrow valleys. Encroachment of Rocky Mountain juniper and eastern redcedar on to the river breaks is becoming a concern.
The majority of the land is utilized for ranching (60 percent) and farming (27 percent). Major resource concerns for the area are wind erosion, water erosion, maintenance of the content of organic matter and soil productivity, and management of soil moisture.
Classification relationships
USDA - Land Resource Region G – Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region, Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 63B – Southern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains (USDA-NRCS, Ag Handbook 296).
EPA - Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States:
Northwestern Glaciated Plains - 42f – Southern Missouri Coteau Slopes, 42g – Ponca Plains, 42h – Southern River Breaks, 42p – Holt Tablelands
North Western Great Plains - 43C – River Breaks, 43f – Subhumid Pierre Shale Plains, 43r – Niobrara River Breaks.
Ecological site concept
The Shallow ecological site occurs throughout MLRA 63B. It is located on hills and ridges, and does not receive additional moisture from run off or overflow. Typical slopes range from 0 to 60 percent. The soils are formed in residuum derived from siltstone or calcareous shales. They are shallow, between 10 and 20 inches deep, with a loam to silty clay loam surface textures, 4 to 7 inches thick. Soils are typically calcareous to the surface.
The vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) consists of a mix of warm- and cool-season grasses. Little bluestem, sideoats grama, and blue grama are dominant. Cool-season grasses and grass-like species including needle and thread, rhizomatous wheatgrass, and threadleaf sedge, make up a significant portion of the composition. Forbs are common and diverse, and shrubs are common, and trees can occur but in minor amounts.
Associated sites
R063BY010SD Loamy
The Loamy site can be found adjacent to the Shallow site but usually on a lower landscape position and less steep slopes.
R063BY011SD Clayey
The Clayey site can be found adjacent to the Shallow site but usually on a lower landscape position and less steep slopes.
R063BY012SD Thin Upland
The Thin Upland site can be found on slopes below the Shallow site.
Similar sites
R063BY011SD Clayey
The Clayey site will have less big bluestem and higher forage production.
R063BY012SD Thin Upland
The Thin Upland site will have more little bluestem, less needlegrass, and higher production.
R063BY010SD Loamy
The Loamy site will have less little bluestem, less big bluestem, and higher forage production.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Andropogon gerardii
(2) Schizachyrium scopariumPhysiographic features
This site occurs on moderately to steeply sloping uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
(2) Ridge
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 1300 – 2000 ft Slope 3 – 60 % Water table depth 80 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
MLRA 63B is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and ample sunshine. Extremes in temperature may also abound. 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 typically ranges from 18 to 25 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 48°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 15°F (Stephan, SD), to about 22°F (Winner, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 73°F (Stephan, SD), to about 76°F (Winner, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 56°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 (mph) annually, ranging from about 13 mph during the spring to about 10 mph 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 mph.
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) 130-150 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 20-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) 110-130 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 130-160 days Precipitation total (actual range) 20-30 in Frost-free period (average) 120 days Freeze-free period (average) 140 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) LYNCH [USC00255040], Lynch, NE
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(2) NIOBRARA [USC00255960], Niobrara, NE
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(3) GANN VALLEY 4NW [USC00393217], Gann Valley, SD
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(4) WINNER [USC00399367], Winner, SD
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(5) WOOD [USC00399442], Wood, SD
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(6) PICKSTOWN [USC00396574], Lake Andes, SD
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(7) STEPHAN 2 NW [USC00397992], Highmore, SD
">Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with this site.
Soil features
The common features of soils in this site are the silt loam, loam, or silty clay textured surface soils with slopes of 3 to 45 percent. The soils in this site are shallow (10 to 20 inches in depth), well-drained, and formed in residuum weathered from shale or siltstone. The surface layer is 4 to 7 inches thick and has moderate to slow permeability and moderately high to low saturated hydraulic conductivity. These soils are typically calcareous at or near the surface; however, carbonates are not always distinguishable in the surface layer. The texture of the subsoil ranges from clay to loam to silt loam, depending on parent material. Carbonates, gypsum, or other salts are typically found in the subsoil or underlying layers in these soils. The subsoil has a moderate to slow permeability rate and moderately high to low saturated hydraulic conductivity. The bedrock, which occurs at 10 to 20 inches, is typically made up of siltstone or shale. The siltstone forms a restrictive layer which inhibits plant roots, but the upper part of the shale is typically highly degraded and soft which allows some plant roots to penetrate. Available water capacity ranges from moderate to low throughout the soil depending on the soil and parent material.
This site should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous with numerous debris dams or vegetative barriers. The soil surface is stable and intact. Subsurface soil layers are restrictive to water movement and root penetration.
Major soils correlated to the Shallow ecological site is Bristow and Mariaville.
The Bristow soil is derived from weathered calcareous shale whereas the Mariville soil is derived from calcareous siltstone. The Mariaville soil is correlated to Shallow Limy in the adjoining MLRA 66.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Low available water capacity and slow permeability strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm) for specific local soils information.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Residuum – calcareous siltstone
Surface texture (1) Loam
(2) Sandy loam
(3) Sandy clay
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderately slow Soil depth 16 – 18 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 4 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)3 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)3 – 15 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.4 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 4 % Ecological dynamics
This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, natural influences of large herbivores, occasional fire, and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions specify more typical transitions between communities that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well-below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition.
This ecological site is naturally resilient and quite resistant to change. Due to the relatively steep slopes and naturally low fertility of the soils, this site generally avoids more intensive disturbances such as farming. However, 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 can cause this site to depart from the Bluestem-Grama-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1). Sedges and grama species can increase and eventually develop into a sod, while many of the tall and mid-statured grasses will decrease (e.g., big bluestem, little bluestem, green needlegrass, needle and thread, porcupine grass, and western wheatgrass). Even with these disturbances, many of the tall and mid-statured grasses will remain in the community at reduced levels, allowing recovery to occur once the disturbances are removed. This site is also susceptible to encroachment of conifer species, primarily eastern redcedar and Rocky Mountain juniper, but ponderosa pine can also occur in some areas of the MLRA.
Interpretations are based on the Bluestem-Grama-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1). 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 community phases, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant community phases that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities. These are the most common plant community phases based on current knowledge and experience, and changes may be made as more data is collected. Narratives following the diagram contain more detail pertaining to the ecological processes.
State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagramMore interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThis State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this site. This State is dominated by warm-season grasses and subdominant cool-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included relatively frequent fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, this State can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. The dominant tall and mid-grass species can decline and a corresponding increase in short-statured species will occur.
Community 1.1
Bluestem-Grama-Needlegrass
Interpretations are based primarily on the Bluestem-Grama-Needlegrass Plant Community. This is also considered to be Reference Plant Community. The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, 10 percent shrubs and a trace amount of trees. The community is dominated by tall and mid-stature warm-season grasses, and needlegrasses. The major grasses include big bluestem, little bluestem, porcupine grass, needle and thread, green needlegrass, and sideoats grama. Other grass and grass-like species include prairie sandreed, western wheatgrass, blue grama, sedges, switchgrass, Canada wildrye, and buffalograss. This plant community is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 1000 1593 2065 Forb 85 135 200 Shrub/Vine 15 54 95 Tree 0 18 40 Total 1100 1800 2400 Figure 9. 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 Community 1.2
Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-GramaThis plant community developed under continuous seasonal grazing, continuous season-long grazing, or from over utilization during extended drought periods. This community can also develop where this site occurs near to water sources. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 75 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs and a trace amount of trees. Dominant grass and grass-like species include little bluestem, needle and thread, sideoats grama, blue grama, and threadleaf sedge. Grasses of secondary importance include big bluestem, green needlegrass, porcupine grass, hairy grama, western wheatgrass, and buffalograss. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, heath aster, scurfpea, and western ragweed.
When compared to the Bluestem-Grama-Needlegrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), little bluestem, blue grama, sideoats grama, sedge, and buffalograss have increased. Tall warm-season grasses have decreased and production has also been reduced. Needle and thread will persist in this phase. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. This is due in part to the shallow rooted nature of the shortgrass species which decreases infiltration especially to the deeper rooted tall and mid-grass species. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through continued overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term.
Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 860 1238 1680 Forb 70 150 255 Shrub/Vine 70 113 165 Total 1000 1501 2100 Figure 11. 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 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels at the same time of year each year), continuous season-long grazing (grazing at light to moderate stocking levels for the entire growing season), or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic heavy grazing will shift this community to the Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Grama Plant Community (1.2). In all cases, recovery periods are inadequate for health and vigor of dominant grass species.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the Bluestem-Grama-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1). A return to normal precipitation patterns will help with recovery.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 2
Shortgrass StateThis State is dominated by shortgrass species, upland sedges, and fringed sagewort. It is the result of grazing practices that remove the mid- and tall warm-season grasses and mid-stature cool-season grasses, giving a competitive advantage to shortgrasses and grass-like species that are grazing resistant. Water infiltration has decreased and runoff has increased in this state. This state is very resilient and resistant to change.
Community 2.1
Sedge/GramaThis plant community evolved under heavy, continuous seasonal grazing, heavy continuous season-long grazing, or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 75 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, 15 percent shrubs and a trace amount of trees. Dominant grass and grass-like species include threadleaf sedge, blue grama, sideoats grama, threeawn, and buffalograss. Grasses of secondary importance include big bluestem, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, and needle and thread. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort, green sagewort, and western ragweed. When compared to the Bluestem-Grama-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1), short-statured species are dominant on this plant community. Tall and mid-grasses have decreased significantly. This vegetation state is very resistant to change due to the increase in the root mat near the surface of the soil which further reduces infiltration. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, composition can be altered through long-term prescribed grazing.
This plant community is less productive than other plant community phases. The thick sod prevents other species from getting established. Lack of litter and reduced plant vigor causes higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and high evapotranspiration which gives the short statured species a competitive advantage. Soil erosion will be minimal due to the sod forming habit of dominant species in this phase.
Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 520 743 1155 Shrub/Vine 40 89 150 Forb 40 68 95 Total 600 900 1400 Figure 13. 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
Conifer StateThis State occurs when, eastern redcedar, and/or Rocky Mountain juniper, and possibly ponderosa pine encroach onto the site. As the juniper/pine become established, the herbaceous component declines and more bare ground is exposed. As bare ground increases juniper/pine establishes more readily. Grazing can contribute to this transition but it can also occur independently without human influence other than through fire suppression.
Community 3.1
Juniper-Ponderosa PineHistorically, juniper and ponderosa pine were confined to rocky ridges and steep shallow slopes with rock outcrops, located adjacent to this ecological site. Currently, juniper and to a lesser extent, ponderosa pine are expanding onto this ecological site due to the suppression of fire. The juniper/ponderosa pine canopy is greater than 15 percent of mature trees. The understory is made up of about 60 to 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 2 to 10 percent shrubs.
Dominant grasses and grass-likes include needle and thread, little bluestem, sideoats grama, blue grama, and sedge. Grasses of secondary importance include Canada wildrye, green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, and big bluestem. As the canopy increases, warm-season grasses tend to decrease as the cool-season grasses initially increase. Forbs commonly found in this community include green sagewort, western yarrow, and pussytoes. Non-native species such as cheatgrass and bluegrass will tend to invade this plant community.
When compared to the Bluestem-Grama-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1), juniper and/or ponderosa pine increases significantly. The grass component decreases dramatically as the buildup of needles increases. Annual herbaceous production also decreases significantly. While the tree canopy provides excellent protection from the weather for both livestock and wildlife, it is not capable of supporting large numbers of wildlife or livestock due to decreased herbaceous production.
This plant community is resistant to change. A significant reduction of juniper can be accomplished through brush management or fire. Eastern redcedar mortality, due to fire, decreases as tree size increases. This is due to the relatively thicker bark, sparse fine fuels beneath the canopy, and greater vertical distance of the upper foliage from lethal temperatures. Prescribed burning can result in an 88 percent mortality when juniper are less than 4 feet in height but only a 35 percent mortality when trees exceed 7 feet in height (Owensby et.al. 1973, Ortmann et.al. 1998). Because eastern redcedar and Rocky Mountain are non-sprouting species, mechanical removal is near 100 percent effective if the stem is cut at ground level.
Reclamation of tree dominated areas can be costly and prove to be temporary without proper management (i.e., prescribed burning, and prescribed grazing).Figure 14. 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 405 666 990 Tree 220 390 600 Shrub/Vine 55 90 125 Forb 20 54 85 Total 700 1200 1800 Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6311 , Pierre Shale Plains, heavy conifer canopy.. Mature eastern redcedar overstory..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 1 3 7 11 24 27 12 5 4 3 2 1 Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Heavy, continuous seasonal grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and at the same time of year each year, typically beginning early in the season) or heavy, continuous season-long grazing, and/or drought, will convert this plant community (1.2) to the Shortgrass State (2.0).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Non-use, and no fire, and encroachment (or escaped) of conifer species will lead to the Conifer State (3.0). This occurs when this plant community is protected from natural fires, or controlled burning.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high-density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) and a return to normal precipitation patterns, may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (1.0). This will likely take a long period of time, possibly up to 10 years or more, and recovery may not be attainable.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1Mechanical brush management, wildfire (hot, crown fires) or prescribed burning, followed with prescribed grazing can move this plant community to the Reference State (1.0). This transition may not be feasible or meet management goals unless treatment occurs early in the encroachment phase, prior to trees reaching a height of five feet.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing 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 360–540 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 270–540 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 36–180 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–90 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 0–90 – 2 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 270–540 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 180–450 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 90–270 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 18–90 – prairie dropseed SPHE Sporobolus heterolepis 0–90 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 180–540 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 90–450 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 36–450 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 90–450 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–90 – 4 Wheatgrass 90–180 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 90–180 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–90 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 18–90 buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–90 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 18–90 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–90 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–36 – 6 Other Native Grasses 18–90 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–90 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 18–54 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–36 – 7 Grass-likes 18–90 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 18–90 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–54 – Forb8 Forbs 90–180 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 18–72 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 18–36 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 18–36 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 18–36 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 18–36 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 0–36 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 18–36 – Nuttall's sensitive-briar MINU6 Mimosa nuttallii 18–36 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–36 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–36 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 18–36 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 18–36 – compassplant SILA3 Silphium laciniatum 0–36 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 18–36 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 18–36 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–18 – yellow sundrops CASE12 Calylophus serrulatus 0–18 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–18 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–18 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 18–90 leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 18–54 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–36 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–36 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 18–36 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 18–36 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 0–36 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 0–18 – smooth sumac RHGL Rhus glabra 0–18 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–18 – Tree10 Trees 0–40 eastern redcedar JUVI Juniperus virginiana 0–36 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–18 – Tree 2TREE Tree 0–18 – Rocky Mountain juniper JUSC2 Juniperus scopulorum 0–18 – Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 75–225 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 75–225 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–75 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–30 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 0–30 – 2 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 225–375 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 150–300 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 75–225 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–30 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 75–300 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 75–300 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–75 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–75 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–75 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–75 – 5 Short Warm-Season Grasses 150–300 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 75–225 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–150 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–120 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 15–75 – 6 Other Native Grasses 15–75 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–75 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 15–45 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–30 – 7 Grass-likes 75–225 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 75–225 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–75 – Forb8 Forbs 75–225 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 15–75 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 15–60 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–45 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 15–45 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 15–45 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–45 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 15–45 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 15–45 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 15–30 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 15–30 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–15 – Nuttall's sensitive-briar MINU6 Mimosa nuttallii 0–15 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–15 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–15 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–15 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–15 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–15 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 0–15 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 75–150 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 15–60 – smooth sumac RHGL Rhus glabra 0–45 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 15–45 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 15–45 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 0–30 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 15–30 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–30 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–15 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–15 – Tree10 Trees 0–35 eastern redcedar JUVI Juniperus virginiana 0–30 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–15 – Tree 2TREE Tree 0–15 – Rocky Mountain juniper JUSC2 Juniperus scopulorum 0–15 – Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-Season Grasses 9–45 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 9–45 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–18 – 2 Mid Warm-Season Grasses 18–90 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 18–90 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–72 – 3 Cool-Season Bunchgrasses 0–45 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–45 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–45 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–45 – 5 Short Warm-Season grasses 180–315 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 135–270 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 18–90 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–90 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–45 – 6 Other Native Grasses 9–45 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–45 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–18 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 9–18 – 7 Grass-likes 135–315 sedge CAREX Carex 135–315 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–90 – Forb8 Forbs 45–90 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 9–45 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 9–36 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–36 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 9–27 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 9–27 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 9–18 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 9–18 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–9 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–9 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–9 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 45–135 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 18–54 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–45 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 9–45 – soapweed yucca YUGL Yucca glauca 9–45 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 9–36 – smooth sumac RHGL Rhus glabra 0–36 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 9–18 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–9 – Tree10 Trees 0–20 eastern redcedar JUVI Juniperus virginiana 0–18 – ponderosa pine PIPO Pinus ponderosa 0–10 – Tree 2TREE Tree 0–10 – Rocky Mountain juniper JUSC2 Juniperus scopulorum 0–10 – Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Grazing Interpretations
The following table lists annual suggested initial stocking rates with average growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this Ecological Site Description). Therefore, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. More accurate carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data and actual stocking records, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. With consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity.
Plant Community: Bluestem-Grama-Needlegrass (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,800
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.49
Plant Community: Little Bluestem-Needlegrass-Grama (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,500
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.41
Plant Community: Sedge/Grama (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 900
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.25
Plant Community: Juniper-Ponderosa Pine (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): Variable
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): Variable
Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species (refer to USDA NRCS, National Range and Pasture Handbook).
Total annual production on-site may contain vegetation deemed undesirable or untargeted by the grazing animal. Therefore, AUM values may have been reduced to reflect only preferred or desirable forage species.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements, and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration is moderately slow and runoff potential for this site varies from high to very high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for higher 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, buffalograss, and/or 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 aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
Other information
Revision Notes: “Previously Approved” Provisional
This Provisional ecological site concept has passed Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure that the site meets the 2014 NESH standards for a Provisional ecological site. This is an updated “Previously Approved” ESD which represents a first-generation tier of documentation that, prior to the release of the 2014 National Ecological Site Handbook (NESH), met all requirements as an “Approved” ESD as laid out in the 1997, rev.1, 2003 National Range and Pasture Handbook (NRPH). The document fully described the Reference State and Community Phase in the State-and-Transition model. All other alternative states are at least described in narrative form. The “Previously Approved” ESD has been field-tested for a minimum of five years and is a proven functional document for conservation planning. The “Previously Approved” ESD does not contain all tabular and narrative entries as required in the current “Approved” level of documentation, but it is expected that the “Previously Approved” ESD will continue refinement toward an “Approved” status.
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work, as described in a Project Plan, is necessary to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description. This will include field activities to collect low-, medium-, and high-intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. The final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be required to produce the final document.
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Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: April Boltjes, Range Management Specialist (RMS), NRCS; Stan Boltz, RMS, NRCS; and Dana Larsen, RMS, NRCS. There are 5 SCS-RANGE-417s collected from 1971-1982 in Boyd, and Knox Counties, Nebraska and Tipp County, South Dakota.
Other references
EPA – Level III and Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States. https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- continental-united-states. Available online. Accessed 08/30/17.
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/. Available online. Accessed 10/30/17.
Ortmann, J., Stubbendieck, J., Masters, R., Pheiffer, G., Bragg, T. 1998. Efficacy and costs of controlling eastern redcedar. Journal of Range Management. 51(2): 158-163.
Owensby, C., Blan, K., Eaton, B., Russ, O. 1973. Evaluation of eastern redcedar infestations in the northern Kansas Flint Hills. Journal of Range Management. 26(4): 256-260.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. Accessed 12/5/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Web Soil Survey. Available online. Accessed 12/5/17.
USDA, NRCS. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Ag Handbook 296.
USDA, NRCS. 2014. National Ecological Site Handbook, 1st Ed.
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/. Available online. Accessed 10/30/17.
USDA, NRCS. 1997, rev. 1, 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook.
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov.
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database. http://plants.usda.gov. Available online. Accessed 12/14/17.
USDA, NRCS. Various Published Soil Surveys.
Contributors
Stan Boltz
Rick L. PetersonApproval
David Kraft, 9/10/2018
Acknowledgments
ESD updated by Rick L. Peterson on 12/19/17
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Stan Boltz Contact for lead author Stan Boltz, stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 Date 02/20/2009 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Typically non-existent. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Non-existent or barely visible. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Typically none, few pedestalled plants may be present, but no roots exposed. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is typically less than 10 percent. -
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):
Little to no plant litter movement. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Plant cover and litter is at 60% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Stability class anticipated to be 5 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface structure is typically granular, with mollic (dark, organic matter) colors roughly 4 to 6 inches in depth. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Combination of deep-rooted perennial grasses and forbs enhance infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer would be expected except for the naturally occurring rooting restriction occurring at 10 to 20 inches. -
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 grasses = mid, warm-season grasses = mid and tall, cool-season bunchgrasses >>Sub-dominant:
Wheatgrasses (mid, cool-season rhizomatous) >Other:
Forbs > short, warm-season grasses = grass-like species = shrubsAdditional:
Other grasses in other functional groups occur in minor amounts. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Little to no plant decadence or mortality, bunchgrasses have healthy centers. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover typically 50 to 70 percent. Litter cover is in contact with soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Total annual production ranges from 1,400 to 2,800 pounds/acre, with the reference value being 2,200 pounds/acre (air-dry basis). -
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, Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Rhizomatous grasses have healthy, vigorous rhizomes and tillers.
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