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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): 102A–Rolling Till Prairie
The Rolling Till Prairie (102A) is located within the Central Feed Grains and Livestock Land Resource Region. It spans 3 states (Minnesota 58 percent, South Dakota 42 percent, and small part in North Dakota), encompassing over 16,000 square miles (Figure 1). The elevation ranges from approximately over 2,000 feet above sea level (ASL) on the Prairie Coteau in Northeastern South Dakota to about 1,000 feet ASL on lowlands. The dominate landform in this area are stagnation moraines, end moraines, glacial outwash plains, terraces, and flood plains. The area is dominated by till covered moraines. The stagnation moraines are gently undulating to steep and have many depressions and poorly defined drainages. Small outwash areas are adjacent to the watercourses. The Cretaceous Pierre Shale underlies the till in the most of the area. Precambrian rocks also occur at depth. Granite is quarried near Milbank, South Dakota and outcrops of Sioux Quartzite are common. (USDA-NRCS 2006).
The dominant soil order in this MLRA is Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a frigid soil temperature regime, an aquic or udic soil moisture regime, and mixed mineralogy. They generally are very deep, well drained to very poorly drained. This area supports true prairie vegetation characterized by big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea), and green needlegrass (Nassella viridula). Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) commonly grows in wet areas. (USDA-NRCS 2006).Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Rolling Till Prairie (102A) (USDA-NRCS 2006)
USFS Subregions: North Central Glaciated Plains Section (251B); Upper Minnesota River-Des Moines Lobe Subsection (251Ba); Outer Coteau des Prairies Subsection (251Bb); Northwest Iowa Plains Subsection (251Bd); Minnesota and Northeast Iowa Morainal-Oak Savannah Section (222M); Alexandria Moraine-Hardwood Hills Subsection (222Ma) (Cleland et al. 2007).
US EPA Level IV Ecoregion: Tewaukon/Big Stone Stagnation Moraine (46e), Prairie Coteau (46k), Prairie Coteau Escarpment (46l), Big Sioux Basin (46m), Minnesota River Prairie (46o), Des Moines Lobe (47b) , Lake Agassiz Plains (48d), Alexandria Moraines and Detroit Lakes Outwash Plain (51j) (USEPA 2013)Ecological site concept
The Sands ecological site typically occurs in an upland area. Soils vary from moderately well drained to excessively drained. The surface and subsoil textures are sand, loamy sand, loamy fine sand. Slopes can range from 0 to 40 percent. Vegetation in the Reference State is dominated by warm season grasses such as sand bluestem and prairie sandreed, and cool-season needlegrasses. Forbs include sageworts, ragweed, and scurfpea. Non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass, and/or annual bromes may invade due to shifts in disturbance regime.
Associated sites
R102AY009SD Sandy
These sites occur on upland areas. Soils vary from moderately well drained to somewhat excessively well drained. The surface and subsoil textures are sandy loam, fine sandy loam, and loamy very fine sand. The central concept soil series is Egeland, Embden, and Swenoda, but other series are included.
R102AY010SD Loamy
These sites occur on upland areas. Soils are well drained. The surface and subsoil textures are loam, silt loam, silty clay loam, clay loam, sandy clay loam, and very fine sandy loam. The central concept soil series is Barnes, Forman, and Poinsett, but other series are included.
R102AY012SD Thin Upland
These sites occur on uplands. Soils are well drained and will effervesce with acid at or near the surface. The central concept soil series is Buse, Langhei, and Zell, but other series are included.
Similar sites
R102AY009SD Sandy
The Sandy site is in a similar landscape position, but the surface and subsoil textures are sandy loam, fine sandy loam, and loamy very fine sand. A Sandy site will have more needlegrass, less prairie sandreed and higher production than a Sands site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Andropogon hallii
(2) Calamovilfa longifoliaPhysiographic features
This site occurs on gently to moderately steeply sloping uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Upland
Elevation 1000 – 2000 ft Slope 0 – 40 % Water table depth 80 – 0 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
MLRA 102A is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and relatively hot summers, low to moderate humidity, light rainfall, and much 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 21 to 27 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 43°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 5°F (Mahnomen 1 W, Minnesota (MN)), to about 14°F (Tracy, MN). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 69°F (Mahnomen 1 W, MN), to about 73°F (Tracy, MN). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 62°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. Greenup 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) 120-130 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 140-150 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 30-30 in Frost-free period (actual range) 110-130 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 140-160 days Precipitation total (actual range) 20-30 in Frost-free period (average) 120 days Freeze-free period (average) 150 days Precipitation total (average) 30 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) FOSSTON 1 E [USC00212916], Fosston, MN
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(2) MAHNOMEN [USC00215012], Mahnomen, MN
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(3) ROTHSAY [USC00217149], Rothsay, MN
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(4) WADENA 3 S [USC00218579], Deer Creek, MN
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(5) FERGUS FALLS [USC00212768], Fergus Falls, MN
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(6) ORWELL DAM [USC00216228], Fergus Falls, MN
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(7) DALTON 3S [USC00212015], Dalton, MN
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(8) ALEXANDRIA MUNI AP [USW00014910], Alexandria, MN
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(9) MELROSE [USC00215325], Melrose, MN
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(10) GLENWOOD 2 WNW [USC00213174], Glenwood, MN
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(11) MORRIS WC EXP STN [USC00215638], Hancock, MN
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(12) ARTICHOKE LAKE [USC00210287], Correll, MN
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(13) BENSON [USC00210667], Benson, MN
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(14) NEW LONDON [USC00215842], New London, MN
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(15) MILAN 1 NW [USC00215400], Milan, MN
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(16) MONTEVIDEO 1 SW [USC00215563], Dawson, MN
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(17) SISSETON [USC00397742], Sisseton, SD
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(18) SISSETON MUNI AP [USW00094993], Sisseton, SD
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(19) BROWNS VALLEY [USC00211063], Beardsley, MN
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(20) WILMOT [USC00399337], Wilmot, SD
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(21) MILBANK 4 NW [USC00395536], Milbank, SD
">Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with this site.
Soil features
The Sands ecological site typically occurs in an upland area. Soils vary from moderately well drained to excessively drained. The surface and subsoil textures are sand, loamy sand, loamy fine sand. The central concept soil series is Hecla and Serden, but other series are included.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Sand
(2) Loamy sand
(3) Loamy fine sand
Family particle size (1) Sandy
Drainage class Moderately well drained to excessively drained Permeability class Moderately rapid to rapid Soil depth 80 – 0 in Available water capacity
(0-40in)4 – 5 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 10 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 4 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
The site which is located in the Prairie Pothole Region developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions and included natural influence of large herding herbivores and occasional fire. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to weather fluctuations and/or management actions. Under adverse impacts, a relatively rapid decline in vegetative vigor and composition can occur. Under favorable conditions the site has the potential to resemble the Reference State. Interpretations are primarily based on the 1.1 Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase. 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.
This ecological site (ES) has been grazed by domestic livestock since they have been introduced into the area. The introduction of domestic livestock and the use of fencing and reliable water sources have changed the ecological dynamics of this site. Heavy continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence causes this site to depart from the Reference State due to the compaction and overgrazing. Sedge (Cyperaceae) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) will increase and eventually develop into a sod. Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) will increase initially and then begin to decrease. Needleandthread, porcupine grass (Hesperositpa spartea), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), sand bluestem, and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) will decrease in frequency and production. Extended periods of nonuse and/or lack of fire will result in excessive litter and a plant community dominated by cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa partensis), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis), and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum).
Following the state and transition diagram are narratives for each of the described states and community phases. These may not represent every possibility, but they are the most prevalent and repeatable states/community phases. The plant composition tables shown below have been developed from the best available knowledge at the time of this revision. As more data are collected, some of these community phases and/or states may be revised or removed, and new ones may be added. The main purpose for including the descriptions here is to capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.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 textT1A - Heavy continuous grazing, no use, no fire, invasion T1B - Tillage T2A - Heavy continuous grazing T2B - Tillage R3 - Long term prescribed grazing, prescribed burning T3 - Tillage R4A - Seeding R4B - Seeding, abandonment of cropping State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 1.1B - Prescribed Burning, 1.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods, prescribed burning 1.3A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods, prescribed burning State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 2.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.2A - Time w/wo disturbances State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state was dominated by warm-season grasses with cool-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periods of below and/or above average precipitation, sporadic fire, and herbivory by insects and large ungulates. Frequent surface fires (3 to 5 years) and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. The less grazing tolerant tall warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses would have declined. Prairie sandreed would have increased with ongoing disturbance. With severe, prolonged disturbance plant vigor can rapidly decline and this state can move towards an active blowout. Today, a similar 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.
Community 1.1
Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-NeedleandthreadInterpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needleandthead Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). The potential vegetation was about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The community was dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses subdominant. The major grasses included sand and/or big bluestem, prairie sandreed, needleandthread, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), little bluestem, and porcupine grass. Other grass or grass-like species included sideoats grama, western wheatgrass, blue grama, hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), and sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus). This plant community was resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allowed for high drought tolerance. This was 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 2100 2954 3560 Forb 145 248 385 Shrub/Vine 55 98 155 Total 2300 3300 4100 Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0204 , Rolling Till Prairie, 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
Prairie Sandreed-Switchgrass-NeedleandthreadThis plant community evolved under heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses included prairie sandreed, switchgrass, needleandthread, blue grama, sand dropseed, and threadleaf sedge. Grasses of secondary importance included little bluestem, purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis), hairy grama, western wheatgrass, sand and/or big bluestem, and porcupine grass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort, green sagewort, western ragweed, and scurfpea. This plant community had similar plant composition to the 2.1 Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase. The main difference is that this plant community phase did not have the presence of nonnative invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass.
When compared to the 1.1 Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase, prairie sandreed, needleandthread, sand dropseed, threadleaf sedge, and blue grama increased. Bluestems and porcupine grass decreased and production was reduced. This plant community was moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing; however, species composition could be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component was intact, it tended to be resilient if the disturbance was not long-term.Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0204 , Rolling Till Prairie, 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 1.3
Sand Bluestem-Switchgrass-Prairie SandreedThis plant community was a result of fire occurring at relatively frequent intervals (3 to 5 years). This phase could have also resulted from a combination of grazing events immediately following early season fire (i.e., large ungulates attracted to highly nutritious vegetative growth following a fire). These events would have caused a reduction in cool-season grasses and an increase in warm-season grasses. The warm-season grasses were more tolerant of shorter return intervals of fire and would have increased in vigor and production leading to a temporary shift to this phase. Needlegrasses would have decreased most significantly amongst the cool-season grasses. The potential vegetation was about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 15 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The community was dominated by warm-season grasses. The major grasses included sand and/or big bluestem, switchgrass, prairie sandreed, Indiangrass, little bluestem, and sideoats grama. Other grass or grass-like species included blue grama, hairy grama, sand dropseed, needleandthread, porcupine grass, and threadleaf sedge. This plant community was not resistant to change and would have readily shifted back to the 1.1 Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass Plant Community Phase with a return of more normal fire return intervals.
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0205 , Rolling Till Prairie, warm-season dominant.. Warm-season dominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 2 5 15 25 30 15 7 1 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 1.2 Prairie Sandreed-Switchgrass-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3Prescribed burning occurring at relatively frequent intervals (3 to 5 years), and occasional grazing events immediately following early season fire caused a reduction in cool-season grasses and an increase in warm-season grasses. The warm-season grasses were more tolerant of shorter return intervals of fire, and would increase in vigor and production leading to a temporary shift to the 1.3 Sand Bluestem-Switchgrass-Prairie Sandreed Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing, and/or prescribed burning returned to normal disturbance regime levels and frequencies or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 1.1 Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest and/or prescribed burning with late season fire or at infrequent intervals (greater than 5 years) will convert this plant community to the 1.1 Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass Plant Community Phase.
State 2
Native/Invaded StateThis state represents the more common range of variability that exists with higher levels of grazing management but in the absence of periodic fire due to fire suppression. This state is dominated by warm-season grasses with cool-season grasses being subdominant. It 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. Grazing tolerant will increase with disturbance.
Community 2.1
Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-NeedleandthreadThis plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase but it also contains minor amounts of nonnative invasive grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass (up to about 15 percent by air-dry weight). The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The community is dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses subdominant. The major grasses include sand and/or big bluestem, prairie sandreed, switchgrass, little bluestem, needleandthread, and porcupine grass.
Other grass or grass-like species include sideoats grama, western wheatgrass, blue grama, hairy grama, threadleaf sedge, Indiangrass, and sand dropseed. 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 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0205 , Rolling Till Prairie, warm-season dominant.. Warm-season dominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 2 5 15 25 30 15 7 1 0 0 Community 2.2
Prairie Sandreed-Switchgrass-Needleandthread-Kentucky BluegrassThis plant community is a result of heavy continuous grazing, continuous season-long grazing, or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses include prairie sandreed, switchgrass, needleandthread, blue grama, sand dropseed, and threadleaf sedge. Grasses of secondary importance include little bluestem, purple lovegrass, hairy grama, western wheatgrass, sand and/or big bluestem, and porcupine grass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort (Artemisia ludoviciana), green sagewort (Artemisia dracunculus), western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), and scurfpea (Psoralidium).
When compared to the 1.1 Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase, prairie sandreed, needleandthread, sand dropseed, threadleaf sedge, and blue grama increase. Bluestems and porcupine grass decrease and production is reduced. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term.Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 2.2 Prairie Sandreed-Switchgrass-Needleandthread-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1Prescribed 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 2.1 Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase.
State 3
Invaded StateThis state is a result of encroachment mainly by invasive introduced cool-season grasses. The ecological processes are not functioning, especially the biotic processes and the hydrologic functions. The introduced cool-season grasses cause reduced infiltration and increased runoff. 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. The opportunity for high intensity spring burns is severely reduced by early greenup and increased moisture and humidity at the soil surface and grazing pressure cannot cause a reduction in sodgrass dominance. Production is limited to the sod forming species. Infiltration continues to decrease and runoff increases, energy capture into the system is restricted to early season low producing species. Nutrient cycling is limited by root depth of the dominate species.
Community 3.1
Kentucky Bluegrass-Prairie Sandreed-NeedleandthreadThis plant community phase is a result of heavy, continuous seasonal grazing or heavy, continuous season-long grazing. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass, prairie sandreed, needleandthread, sedge, and blue grama. The dominance of Kentucky bluegrass is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A relatively thick duff layer can sometimes accumulate at or above the soil surface and a thatch-mat layer often develops at the surface. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. Infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production will be significantly reduced when compared to the interpretive plant community. The period that palatability is high is relatively short, as Kentucky bluegrass matures rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced. Biological activity in the soil is likely reduced significantly in this phase.
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0204 , Rolling Till Prairie, 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 3.2
Annual Pioneer-Perennial PioneerThis plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances (e.g., heavy use areas, defoliation by rodents, etc.). The potential plant community is made up of approximately 40 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 20 to 60 percent forbs, and 0 to 5 percent shrubs. The species present in this phase are highly variable, but often include nonnative invasive and/or early seral species. Plant diversity is low (plant richness may be high but areas are often dominated by a few species). The ecological processes are difficult to restore because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. Soil erosion is potentially very high because of the bare ground and shallow rooted herbaceous plant community. Water runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease due to animal related soil compaction and loss of root mass due to low plant diversity and vigor. This plant community will require significant economic inputs and time to move towards another plant community. This movement is highly variable in its succession. This is due to the loss of diversity (including the loss of the seed bank), within the existing plant community, and the plant communities on adjacent sites. This community can be renovated to improve the production capability; however, if management changes are not made the vegetation could revert back invasive or early seral species.
Figure 14. 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 2237 2875 Forb 110 188 285 Shrub/Vine 20 75 140 Total 1700 2500 3300 Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0204 , Rolling Till Prairie, 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 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1This community pathway occurs with the passage of time as successional processes take place and perennial plants gradually begin to establish on the site again. This pathway will lead to the 3.1 Kentucky Bluegrass-Prairie Sandreed-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 4
Crop Production StateThis state is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices.
Community 4.1
Annual CropsThis plant community developed with the use of a variety of tillage systems and cropping systems for the production of annual crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, sugar beet and a variety of other crops.
Figure 16. 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 1305 1910 2295 Forb 95 158 240 Shrub/Vine 0 32 65 Total 1400 2100 2600 Figure 17. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0202 , Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-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 10 23 34 15 6 5 4 0 0 Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, and/or heavy continuous grazing or invasion of non-native plant species will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the Native-Invaded State (State 2).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 4Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 4.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 4).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season and often at the same time of year each year), will likely lead this state over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Kentucky Bluegrass-Prairie Sandreed-Needleandthread Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3). Grazing repeatedly in the early growing season can expedite this shift by causing mechanical disturbance due to trampling.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 4.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 4).
Transition R3
State 3 to 2Long-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) coupled with prescribed burning may lead the Invaded State (State 3) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2).
Transition T3
State 3 to 4Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 4.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 4).
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 4) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2).
Restoration pathway R4B
State 4 to 3Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 4) over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3). Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3) and more specifically to the 3.2 Annual-Pioneer, Non-native Perennial Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-season Grasses 825–1815 sand bluestem ANHA Andropogon hallii 495–1320 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 330–990 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 165–660 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–495 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 0–165 – 2 Mid Warm-season Grasses 330–660 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 330–660 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–99 – 3 Needlegrass 330–495 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 165–495 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 165–495 – 4 Short Warm-season Grasses 99–330 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 33–165 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 33–165 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 33–165 – thin paspalum PASE5 Paspalum setaceum 0–99 – 5 Other Native Grasses 66–165 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–165 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 33–99 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 33–99 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 0–66 – 6 Grass-likes 33–165 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 33–165 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–99 – Forb7 Forbs 165–330 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 28–84 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 33–66 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 33–66 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 33–66 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 33–66 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–66 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 33–66 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 33–66 – hoary puccoon LICA12 Lithospermum canescens 33–66 – Carolina puccoon LICA13 Lithospermum caroliniense 0–66 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 33–66 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 33–66 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 33–66 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 33–66 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 33–66 – longbract spiderwort TRBR Tradescantia bracteata 33–66 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–33 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–33 – prairie groundsel PAPL12 Packera plattensis 0–33 – Carolina larkspur DECAV2 Delphinium carolinianum ssp. virescens 0–33 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–33 – yellow sundrops CASE12 Calylophus serrulatus 0–33 – Flodman's thistle CIFL Cirsium flodmanii 0–33 – groundplum milkvetch ASCR2 Astragalus crassicarpus 0–33 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–33 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 56–140 leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 28–84 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 28–56 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–56 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–28 – western sandcherry PRPUB Prunus pumila var. besseyi 0–28 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-season Grasses 500–1125 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 375–1000 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 125–500 – big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–75 – sand bluestem ANHA Andropogon hallii 0–75 – 2 Mid Warm-season Grasses 0–125 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–125 – 3 Needlegrass 250–500 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 250–500 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–75 – 4 Short Warm-season Grasses 125–375 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 50–250 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 50–250 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–200 – 5 Other Native Grasses 25–200 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–125 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–50 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 25–50 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 0–25 – 6 Grass-likes 50–250 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 50–250 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–75 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 75–300 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 50–300 – brome BROMU Bromus 25–200 – Forb8 Forbs 125–250 Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 25–100 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 25–75 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 25–75 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–75 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 25–75 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–75 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–50 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 25–50 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 25–50 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–50 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–50 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 0–25 – prairie groundsel PAPL12 Packera plattensis 0–25 – beardtongue PENST Penstemon 0–25 – Flodman's thistle CIFL Cirsium flodmanii 0–25 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–25 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–25 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 25–125 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–50 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–50 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–25 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–25 – Table 15. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-season Grasses 105–420 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 42–420 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–210 – 2 Needlegrass 0–315 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–315 – 3 Short Warm-season Grasses 42–210 sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 21–168 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–105 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–42 – 4 Other Native Grasses 0–105 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–84 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 0–42 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–21 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–21 – 5 Grass-likes 21–147 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 21–147 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–42 – 6 Non-Native Grasses 525–1155 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 420–1050 – brome BROMU Bromus 21–210 – Forb7 Forbs 105–210 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 21–105 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 21–105 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 21–105 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 21–84 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–63 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–63 – buckwheat ERIOG Eriogonum 0–63 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 21–63 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–63 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–42 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–42 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 0–63 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–21 – 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 ES 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.
Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed/Needlegrass (1.1 & 3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3300
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.90
Sandreed/Switchgrass/Needleandthread/Kentucky Bluegrass (3.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2500
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.69
Kentucky Bluegrass/Prairie Sandreed/Needleandthread (4.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2100
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.58
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (4.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 900
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.25
*Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25 percent harvest efficiency (refer to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Range and Pasture Handbook).
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group A. Infiltration is typically moderate to rapid and runoff potential for this site varies from negligible to low depending on soil hydrologic group, slope, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama and/or bluegrass will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching and other opportunities. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
There is no NRCS clipping data and other inventory currently available for this site. Information presented here has been derived using field observations from range-trained personnel. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Bruce Kunze, Soil Scientist, NRCS.
Other references
Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C. Carpenter, and W.H. McNab. 2007. Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of the Coterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76. Washington, DC. 92 pps.
Gilbert, M. C., Whited, P. M., Clairain Jr, E. J., & Smith, R. D. (2006). A Regional Guidebook for Applying the Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions of Prairie Potholes. Washington DC.
Samson, F. B., & Knopf, F. L. (1996). Prairie Conservation Preserving North America's Most Endagered Ecosystem. Washington D.C.: Island Press.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. Accessed March 2018.
United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook, Revision 1. Grazing Lands Technology Institute. 214 pps.
United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2006. 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. 672pps.
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nasis/)
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 27 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. 2013. Level III and Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States. Corvallis, OR, U.S. EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, map scale 1:3,000,000. Available at http://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- continental-united-states. (Accessed 1 March 2018).Contributors
Lance Howe
Megan Baxter
Stan Boltz
Steve WinterApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 5/05/2025
Acknowledgments
Contact for Lead Authors: Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Redfield Soil Survey Office Redfield, SD; Lance Howe (Lance.Howe@usda.gov), Soil Survey Office Leader, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD; and Steve Winter (Steven.Winter@usda.gov), Soil Scientist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD Additional Information Acknowledgment: Jason Hermann (Jason.Hermann@usda.gov), Area Rangeland Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD.
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) David Schmidt, Tim Nordquist, Stan Boltz Contact for lead author Date 12/04/2007 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Slight pedastalling on bunch grasses. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground less than 10% and less than 2 inches in diameter. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not 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. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Stability class usually 4-6. Typical high root content protects soil surface from erosion. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use soil series description for depth and color of A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Healthy, deep rooted native grasses enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer should be evident. -
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 grass >> mid warm-season bunch grassSub-dominant:
> mid/tall cool-season bunch grass > short warm-season grass = forb = shrubOther:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little to no evidence of decadence or mortality. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
60-70%, roughly 0.5 inch thick or less. Litter cover is in contact with soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
2800 – 3700 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 3,300 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:
Refer to State and Local Noxious Weed List -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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