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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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 102D–Prairie Coteau
This area makes up about 7,867 square miles (20,375 square kilometers), consisting mostly of nearly level to undulating till plains with potholes and moraines. Elevation ranges from 1,150 to 2,130 feet (350 to 650 meters). The average annual precipitation is 22 to 29 inches (559 to 734 millimeters). The average annual temperature is 42 to 45 degrees F (6 to 7 degrees C). The dominant soil order in this MLRA is Mollisols. The soils in this area dominantly have a frigid temperature regime, and an aquic or udic moisture regime. They are generally very deep and loamy. Soils range from well drained to very poorly drained. Parent materials are dominantly fine-loamy till to clayey material, with smaller amounts of outwash, glaciofluvial deposits, eolian deposits, alluvium, and, to a lesser extent, loess and organic materials.
Classification relationships
*Fenneman (1916) Physiographic Regions*
Division - Interior Plains
East:
Province - Central Lowland
Section - Western Lake / Dissected Till Plains (12b/12e)
*USFS (2007) Ecoregions*
Domain - Humid Temperate
Division - Prairie
Province - Prairie Parkland (Temperate)
Section - North-Central Glaciated Plains (251B)
*EPA Ecoregions (Omernik 1997)*
I - Great Plains (9)
II - Temperate Prairies (9.2)
III - Aspen Parkland/Northern Glaciated Plains (9.2.1)Ecological site concept
The Wet Meadow ecological site typically occurs in a basin or closed depression, and receives water directly from precipitation, surface overland flow, and groundwater discharge. Soils are poorly drained and formed in local alluvium. Permeability is very slow due to the clayey subsoil and the site will pond water 4 to 8 weeks in the spring of the year. Ponded water conditions and very slow permeability strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship. Vegetation in the Reference State is codominated by grass-likes, warm-season, and cool-season grasses including woolly sedge, reedgrasses, and prairie cordgrass as well as switchgrass, fowl bluegrass, and a variety of other sedges and rushes. Key forbs include Rydberg’s sunflower, Canada goldenrod, Indian hemp, and cinquefoil. Non-native species such as reed canarygrass and creeping meadow foxtail may invade due to change in disturbance regime.
Associated sites
R102DY001SD Shallow Marsh
These sites occur in a basin or closed depression. Soils are very poorly drained and the site will pond water until early summer in most years.
R102DY003SD Subirrigated
These sites occur in drainageways. Soils are somewhat poorly drained which have a water table within 2 to 5 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season typically until the month of August.
R102DY006SD Limy Subirrigated
These sites occur along the edges of drainageways. Soils are somewhat poorly drained which have a water table within 2 to 5 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season typically until the month of August. Soils will effervesce with acid at or near the surface.
R102DY020SD Loamy Overflow
These sites occur in upland swales. Soils are moderately well drained which have water flow into and over/through the site.
Similar sites
R102DY001SD Shallow Marsh
The Shallow Marsh site is in a similar landscape position, but the site ponds water until early summer in most years. A Shallow marsh site will have less prairie cordgrass and higher production than a wet meadow.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Carex pellita
(2) Spartina pectinataPhysiographic features
This site typically occurs in potholes and closed depressions.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Pothole
(2) Closed depression
Runoff class Negligible Flooding frequency None Ponding duration Long (7 to 30 days) Ponding frequency Frequent Elevation 1000 – 2100 ft Slope 0 – 1 % Water table depth 0 – 20 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The average annual precipitation is 22 to 28 inches. Half or more of the precipitation falls during the growing season. Rainfall typically occurs during high-intensity, convective thunderstorms in summer. In the western part of the MLRA, rainfall is less abundant and not always adequate for full maturation of crops. Precipitation in winter is typically snow. The average annual temperature is 42 to 45 degrees F. The freeze-free period averages 142 days and ranges from 131 to 150 days.
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) 20-30 in Frost-free period (actual range) 110-130 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 130-150 days Precipitation total (actual range) 20-30 in Frost-free period (average) 120 days Freeze-free period (average) 140 days Precipitation total (average) 30 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) WAUBAY NWR [USC00398980], Waubay, SD
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(2) WEBSTER [USC00399004], Webster, SD
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(3) WATERTOWN RGNL AP [USW00014946], Watertown, SD
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(4) WATERTOWN 1W [USC00398930], Watertown, SD
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(5) CASTLEWOOD [USC00391519], Castlewood, SD
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(6) CLEAR LAKE [USC00391777], Clear Lake, SD
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(7) ASTORIA 4S [USC00390422], White, SD
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(8) TYLER [USC00218429], Tyler, MN
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(9) ARLINGTON 1 W [USC00390281], Arlington, SD
">Influencing water features
This site typically ponds for four to eight weeks in Spring. Ponded conditions and slow permeability drive vegetation dynamics.
Soil features
Soils are typically formed in clayey alluvium or clayey alluvium over till. Soils of this site have silty clay loam surface textures.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium
Surface texture (1) Silty clay loam
Drainage class Poorly drained Permeability class Slow Soil depth 0 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)7.1 – 7.7 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)5.6 – 7.8 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-60in)1 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-60in)0 – 1 % 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 for this site are based primarily on the 1.1 Woolly Sedge-Northern Reedgrass-Prairie Cordgrasss Plant Community Phase. This community phase and the Reference State have 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 considered.
This ecological site (ES) has been grazed by domestic livestock since introduced into the area. The introduction of domestic livestock and the use of fencing and reliable water sources have changed the disturbance regime of this site. Heavy continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence causes this site to depart from the Reference State. Species such as fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris), spikerush (Eleocharis), and Baltic rush (Juncus balticus) will initially increase. Prairie cordgrass and northern reedgrass will decrease in frequency and production. Continued heavy grazing eventually causes quackgrass (Elymus repens), foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), spikerush and unpalatable forbs such as curly dock (Rumex crispus) to increase and dominate.
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
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
T1A - Non-use, no fire, heavy continuous grazing T1C - Tillage, artificial drainage R2A - Long term prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, seeding, wetland restoration T2 - Tillage, artificial drainage R3 - Seeding, wetland restoration, abandonment of cropping State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 1.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 2.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods 2.3A - Time without disturbances State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ES. This state is typically dominated by cool-season grass and grass-like species. Before European settlement, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periodic fire, grazing by large herding ungulates, and fluctuations in the water table and ponding frequency and duration. Frequent surface fires (3 to 5 years) and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire, concentrated livestock grazing, and weather fluctuations. Species that are desirable for livestock and wildlife can decline and a corresponding increase in less desirable species will occur.
Dominant plant species
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willow (Salix), shrub
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woolly sedge (Carex pellita), grass
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wheat sedge (Carex atherodes), grass
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northern reedgrass (Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa), grass
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reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), grass
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prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), grass
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switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
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Indianhemp (Apocynum cannabinum), other herbaceous
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Flodman's thistle (Cirsium flodmanii), other herbaceous
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Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis), other herbaceous
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Canadian anemone (Anemone canadensis), other herbaceous
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goldenrod (Solidago), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Woolly Sedge-Northern Reedgrass-Prairie CordgrassInterpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Woolly Sedge-Northern Reedgrass-Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). This community evolved with grazing by large herbivores, occasional prairie fires, and relatively frequent ponding events and 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 potential vegetation is about 50 percent grass-like species, 35 percent grasses, and 15 percent forbs by air-dry weight. Prairie cordgrass is the dominant tall warm-season grass occupying this plant community. Northern reedgrass is the dominant tall cool-season species. A variety of sedges and rushes occur throughout this community, as well as, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris). Key forbs include Rydberg’s sunflower (Arnica rydbergii), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canacensis), Indian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), and cinquefoil (Potentilla).
This plant community phase is diverse, stable, and productive, and is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains. The high water table supplies much of the moisture for plant growth. Community dynamics, nutrient cycle, water cycle, and energy flow are functioning properly. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement offsite and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in plant species allows for the variability of both the fluctuations of water table and reoccurring ponding. This is a sustainable plant community in terms of soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.Figure 7. 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 3785 4425 4935 Forb 215 500 900 Shrub/Vine 0 75 165 Total 4000 5000 6000 Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0208 , Rolling Till Prairie, lowland cool-season/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant, lowland..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 4 11 19 23 20 12 6 5 0 0 Community 1.2
Fowl Bluegrass-Spikerush-Baltic Rush-ForbsThis community develops with periods of heavy continuous grazing with lack of adequate recovery periods during the growing season following periods of below normal precipitation. Lack of litter and reduced plant heights result in higher soil temperatures and reduced water infiltration rates. Recognition of this plant community will enable the land user to implement key management decisions before a significant ecological threshold is crossed.
Prairie cordgrass has been reduced in this plant community but still persists. Fowl bluegrass, spikerush (Eleocharis), other grass-likes, and forbs are the dominant species. Spikerush and Baltic rush (Juncus balticus), as well as, other grass-likes have increased. Northern reedgrass has been significantly reduced. Switchgrass may be removed at this stage. Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) may begin to increase significantly. Forb species would include asters (Asteraceae), goldenrod (Solidago) and cinquefoil, as well as, a possible invasion of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). Plant production and frequency have been reduced. The water cycle, nutrient cycle, and energy flow are slightly reduced but continue to function adequately.Figure 9. 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 2825 3660 4440 Forb 175 300 475 Shrub/Vine 0 40 85 Total 3000 4000 5000 Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0207 , Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant, lowland..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 5 13 20 25 18 11 5 3 0 0 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 Fowl Bluegrass-Spikerush-Baltic Rush-Forbs Plant Community Phase.
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 1.1 Woolly Sedge-Northern Reedgrass-Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community Phase. This pathway could also occur with a return to more normal precipitation levels and frequencies.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 2
Invaded StateThis state is characterized by the dominance of invasive and/or nonnative species as a result of disturbance regimes outside the normal variability. Loss or reduction of native cool- and warm-season grasses and the forb component have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Infiltration is reduced and native plant mortality is increased. As the disturbance level increases, native plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species and invasive perennial species, as well as, an increase in bare ground.
Dominant plant species
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wheat sedge (Carex atherodes), grass
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spikerush (Eleocharis), grass
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rush (Juncus), grass
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woolly sedge (Carex pellita), grass
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reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), grass
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fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris), grass
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quackgrass (Elymus repens), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum), other herbaceous
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cinquefoil (Potentilla), other herbaceous
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giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea), other herbaceous
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Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), other herbaceous
Community 2.1
Reed Canarygrass-Woolly Sedge-Prairie Cordgrass-InvasivesThis plant community phase develops with a long-term lack of grazing and/or fire. Eventually litter levels become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density. Years of accumulated litter will tend to make this community wetter. Sedges, Baltic rush, spikerush, and bulrush (Scheonplectus) will increase. Hydrophytic forbs will also increase. Reed canarygrass often will increase to the point of dominance, while prairie cordgrass will diminish significantly. Other invasive plants such as creeping meadow foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus) may become prevalent if a seed source is present or nearby.
Nutrient cycling will be greatly diminished and the energy flow will shift significantly and be reduced as well due to the increase in plant litter. Infiltration will be reduced somewhat compared to the Reference State. This plant community is somewhat resistant to change. The combination of both grazing and fire is most effective in moving this plant community towards the Reference State.Figure 11. 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 2435 3290 4090 Forb 65 210 410 Total 2500 3500 4500 Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0206 , Rolling Till Prairie, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 6 15 20 26 17 9 4 3 0 0 Community 2.2
Quackgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Foxtail Barley-InvasivesThis plant community phase occurs after prolonged heavy disturbance such as described above in the community pathway (i.e., heavy grazing pressure without adequate recovery). The prolonged nature of this disturbance will tend to increase soil temperatures and evaporation, causing this site to become drier than normal. This allows the increase/invasion of typically less hydrophytic vegetation such as quackgrass (Elymus repens) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference State. Loss or reduction of native cool- and warm-season grasses, and the native forb component have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling.
It will take an extended period of time to restore this plant community back to the Reference State with improved management. Renovation is typically not practical but may be the only means to significantly restore the ecological processes on this site.Figure 13. 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 1490 2250 2955 Forb 110 250 445 Total 1600 2500 3400 Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0206 , Rolling Till Prairie, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 6 15 20 26 17 9 4 3 0 0 Community 2.3
Annual Pioneer-Perennial PioneerThis plant community develops under severe disturbance, typically abandonment after cropping. The dominant vegetation includes pioneer annual or perennial grasses, forbs, invaders, and early successional biennial and perennial species. Grasses may include inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), barnyardgrass (Echinochloa), quackgrass, fowl bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Baltic rush, and sedges. The dominant forbs include curlycup gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa), Canada thistle, and other early successional species. The community is susceptible to invasion of nonnative species due to severe soil disturbances and relatively high percent of bare ground. This plant community is resistant to change, as long as soil disturbance or severe vegetation defoliation persists, thus holding back secondary plant succession.
Significant economic inputs, management, and time would be required to move this plant community toward a higher successional stage. Secondary succession is highly variable, depending upon availability and diversity of a viable reproductive source of higher successional species. This plant community may be renovated to improve the production capability but management changes would be needed to maintain the new plant community.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 Quackgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Foxtail Barley-Invasive Plants 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 Reed Canarygrass-Woolly Sedge-Invasive Plants-Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community Phase. This pathway could also occur with a return to more normal precipitation levels and frequencies.
Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.2This 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 2.2 Quackgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Foxtail Barley-Invasive Plants Plant Community Phase.
State 3
Crop Production StateThis state is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices. Cropping on this site is enabled during years with drier than normal precipitation or with artificial drainage (surface or subsurface).
Community 3.1
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.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 years or more) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity will eventually cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 2.1 Reed Canarygrass-Woolly Sedge-Invasive Plants-Prairie cordgrass Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 2). Grazing repeatedly in the early growing season can expedite this shift by causing mechanical disturbance due to trampling. Heavy 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 eventually cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 2.2 Quackgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Foxtail Barley-Invasive Plants Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 2). Grazing repeatedly in the early growing season can expedite this shift by causing mechanical disturbance due to trampling.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 3Tillage, Artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).
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) coupled with prescribed burning may lead this 2.1 Reed Canarygrass-Wooly Sedge-Invasive Plants-Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 2) over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). Seeding followed by long-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) may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). Wetland restoration techniques may be necessary to restore biotic integrity and plant diversity and productivity.
Transition T2
State 2 to 3Tillage, Artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).
Restoration pathway R3
State 3 to 2Wetland restoration along with seeding of perennial species adapted to the site may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 2). Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 2) and more specifically to the 2.2 Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase.
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Grass-likes 1000–2500 woolly sedge CAPE42 Carex pellita 250–2000 – wheat sedge CAAT2 Carex atherodes 250–1250 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 100–750 – fox sedge CAVU2 Carex vulpinoidea 50–250 – Bicknell's sedge CABI3 Carex bicknellii 50–250 – shortbeak sedge CABR10 Carex brevior 0–250 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 50–250 – water sedge CAAQ Carex aquatilis 0–250 – spikerush ELEOC Eleocharis 50–150 – rush JUNCU Juncus 50–150 – green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens 0–50 – bulrush SCHOE6 Schoenoplectus 0–50 – 2 Cool-season Grasses 500–1750 northern reedgrass CASTI3 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa 250–1500 – reed canarygrass PHAR3 Phalaris arundinacea 50–250 – fowl bluegrass POPA2 Poa palustris 50–250 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 50–250 – American sloughgrass BESY Beckmannia syzigachne 50–250 – prairie wedgescale SPOB Sphenopholis obtusata 0–150 – 3 Warm-season Grasses 100–500 prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 50–250 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–150 – spiked muhly MUGL3 Muhlenbergia glomerata 50–150 – Mexican muhly MUME2 Muhlenbergia mexicana 0–100 – mat muhly MURI Muhlenbergia richardsonis 0–50 – Forb4 Forbs 250–750 Forb (herbaceous, not grass nor grass-like) 2FORB Forb (herbaceous, not grass nor grass-like) 50–150 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 50–150 – Flodman's thistle CIFL Cirsium flodmanii 0–100 – Illinois bundleflower DEIL Desmanthus illinoensis 50–100 – swamp milkweed ASIN Asclepias incarnata 50–100 – Canadian anemone ANCA8 Anemone canadensis 50–100 – mint MENTH Mentha 50–100 – swamp smartweed POHY2 Polygonum hydropiperoides 50–100 – Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum 50–100 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 50–100 – Macoun's buttercup RAMA2 Ranunculus macounii 50–100 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 0–100 – blackeyed Susan RUHI2 Rudbeckia hirta 50–100 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 50–100 – Rydberg's sunflower HENUR Helianthus nuttallii ssp. rydbergii 50–100 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 0–100 – giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea 50–100 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 50–100 – white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 50–100 – New England aster SYNO2 Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 50–100 – Canada germander TECA3 Teucrium canadense 0–50 – broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 50 – northern bog violet VINE Viola nephrophylla 0–50 – wood lily LIPH Lilium philadelphicum 0–50 – American water horehound LYAM Lycopus americanus 0–50 – golden dock RUMA4 Rumex maritimus 0–50 – blue-eyed grass SISYR Sisyrinchium 0–50 – white doll's daisy BOAS Boltonia asteroides 0–50 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–50 – Virginia strawberry FRVI Fragaria virginiana 0–50 – Shrub/Vine5 Shrubs 0–150 willow SALIX Salix 0–150 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–100 – Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Grass-likes 1400–1800 spikerush ELEOC Eleocharis 400–800 – green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens 40–480 – bulrush SCHOE6 Schoenoplectus 40–480 – rush JUNCU Juncus 200–400 – wheat sedge CAAT2 Carex atherodes 80–400 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 40–280 – woolly sedge CAPE42 Carex pellita 80–200 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 40–200 – fox sedge CAVU2 Carex vulpinoidea 0–160 – shortbeak sedge CABR10 Carex brevior 0–160 – water sedge CAAQ Carex aquatilis 0–120 – Bicknell's sedge CABI3 Carex bicknellii 0–40 – 2 Cool-season Grasses 200–1000 fowl bluegrass POPA2 Poa palustris 200–1000 – reed canarygrass PHAR3 Phalaris arundinacea 80–400 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–200 – northern reedgrass CASTI3 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa 0–200 – American mannagrass GLGR Glyceria grandis 0–160 – foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 0–160 – 3 Warm-season Grasses 80–600 prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 200–600 – spiked muhly MUGL3 Muhlenbergia glomerata 0–200 – mat muhly MURI Muhlenbergia richardsonis 80–200 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–80 – 4 Non-Native Grasses 200–600 creeping meadow foxtail ALAR Alopecurus arundinaceus 0–400 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–400 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 80–400 – Forb5 Forbs 200–400 giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea 0–120 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 40–120 – white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 40–120 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 40–120 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–120 – Flodman's thistle CIFL Cirsium flodmanii 40–120 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 40–120 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–80 – Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum 40–80 – mint MENTH Mentha 0–80 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–80 – swamp milkweed ASIN Asclepias incarnata 0–80 – New England aster SYNO2 Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 40–80 – broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 0–80 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 0–80 – blackeyed Susan RUHI2 Rudbeckia hirta 0–40 – golden dock RUMA4 Rumex maritimus 0–40 – blue-eyed grass SISYR Sisyrinchium 0–40 – Canadian anemone ANCA8 Anemone canadensis 0–40 – Rydberg's sunflower HENUR Helianthus nuttallii ssp. rydbergii 0–40 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 0–40 – wood lily LIPH Lilium philadelphicum 0–40 – swamp smartweed POHY2 Polygonum hydropiperoides 0–40 – Illinois bundleflower DEIL Desmanthus illinoensis 0–40 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–40 – Macoun's buttercup RAMA2 Ranunculus macounii 0–40 – Shrub/Vine6 Shrubs 700–1400 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–80 – willow SALIX Salix 0–40 – Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Grass-likes 700–1400 wheat sedge CAAT2 Carex atherodes 70–350 – spikerush ELEOC Eleocharis 70–350 – woolly sedge CAPE42 Carex pellita 70–350 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 70–350 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 35–175 – shortbeak sedge CABR10 Carex brevior 35–175 – rush JUNCU Juncus 35–175 – green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens 0–175 – bulrush SCHOE6 Schoenoplectus 0–175 – fox sedge CAVU2 Carex vulpinoidea 0–140 – Bicknell's sedge CABI3 Carex bicknellii 0–35 – 2 Cool-season Grasses 525–1225 reed canarygrass PHAR3 Phalaris arundinacea 525–1050 – fowl bluegrass POPA2 Poa palustris 70–525 – foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 0–210 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–175 – northern reedgrass CASTI3 Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa 35–175 – American mannagrass GLGR Glyceria grandis 0–105 – 3 Warm-season Grasses 70–350 prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 70–350 – mat muhly MURI Muhlenbergia richardsonis 0–140 – 4 Non-Native Grasses 350–1225 quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–1050 – creeping meadow foxtail ALAR Alopecurus arundinaceus 0–875 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 70–525 – Forb5 Forbs 70–350 Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum 0–70 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 0–70 – giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea 0–70 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 0–70 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 0–70 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–70 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–70 – Flodman's thistle CIFL Cirsium flodmanii 0–70 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–70 – mint MENTH Mentha 0–35 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–35 – swamp milkweed ASIN Asclepias incarnata 0–35 – white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 0–35 – New England aster SYNO2 Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 0–35 – broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia 0–35 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 0–35 – Table 12. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Grass-likes 625–875 spikerush ELEOC Eleocharis 125–625 – rush JUNCU Juncus 250–500 – shortbeak sedge CABR10 Carex brevior 25–125 – fox sedge CAVU2 Carex vulpinoidea 0–75 – woolly sedge CAPE42 Carex pellita 0–50 – Sartwell's sedge CASA8 Carex sartwellii 0–50 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–50 – green bulrush SCAT2 Scirpus atrovirens 0–50 – bulrush SCHOE6 Schoenoplectus 0–50 – 2 Cool-season Grasses 125–500 foxtail barley HOJU Hordeum jubatum 125–375 – reed canarygrass PHAR3 Phalaris arundinacea 0–250 – fowl bluegrass POPA2 Poa palustris 0–125 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–125 – 3 Warm-season Grasses 25–125 mat muhly MURI Muhlenbergia richardsonis 25–125 – prairie cordgrass SPPE Spartina pectinata 0–125 – 4 Non-Native Grasses 375–1125 creeping meadow foxtail ALAR Alopecurus arundinaceus 0–875 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 125–875 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 125–625 – Forb5 Forbs 125–375 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 25–200 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 25–100 – Pennsylvania smartweed POPE2 Polygonum pensylvanicum 25–100 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 25–100 – white panicle aster SYLA6 Symphyotrichum lanceolatum 25–75 – New England aster SYNO2 Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 25–75 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–75 – Flodman's thistle CIFL Cirsium flodmanii 25–75 – giant goldenrod SOGI Solidago gigantea 0–75 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 0–50 – western dock RUAQ Rumex aquaticus 0–25 – smooth horsetail EQLA Equisetum laevigatum 0–25 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–25 – Table 13. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
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 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.
Prairie Cordgrass/Sedge/Northern Reedgrass (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 5000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.37
Fowl Bluegrass/Spikerush/Baltic Rush/Forbs (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.10
Reed Canarygrass/Sedge/Invasive Plants/Prairie Cordgrass (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3500
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.96
Quackgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley/Invasive Plants (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2500
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.69
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (2.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.33
*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 groups C and D. Infiltration is typically slow to very slow and runoff potential for this site is negligible due to the concave shape of the landform this site occupies.
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
MLRA 102D was created in 2022 with Agricultural Handbook 296 updated. This area was MLRA 102A prior to this time . Information was copied from MLRA 102A ESDs to create the MLRA 102D ESDs. Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Bruce Kunze, Soil Scientist, NRCS. Data Source Sample Period State County SCS-Range-417 (0020746039) 1985 SD Clark NP-ESC-1 (0020746039) 2007 SD Deuel NP-ESC-1 (0110746039) 2007 SD Deuel NP-ESC-1 (0020846039 2008 SD Deuel
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.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2022. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook 296.
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
Megan Baxter
Stan Boltz
Lance Howe
Steve WinterApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 8/14/2024
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:
Essentially, non-existent. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground less than 5% 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 6. Typically high root content, and organic matter. Soil surface is very resistant to 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:
Mid & tall cool-season grass-like >> tall warm-season rhizomatous grassSub-dominant:
> tall cool-season rhizomatous grass > mid cool-season rhizomatous grass > forbOther:
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):
85-90%, roughly 1-2 inches. Litter cover is in contact with soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
4000 – 5200 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 4,600 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, also reed canarygrass. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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