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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 Thin Upland ecological site occurs on the shoulder slopes in the upland areas. Soils are well drained and will effervesce with acid at or near the surface. Precipitation tends to runoff, leaving less soil moisture for plant growth, production is lower, and species composition will tend towards more drought tolerant. In some areas the surface layer may consist of stony to extremely stony. Slopes can range from 0 to 45 percent. Vegetation in the Reference State includes little bluestem, needlegrasses, and prairie dropseed. Forbs include goldenrods, sageworts, heath aster, and scurfpeas. Non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome and quackgrass may invade the site due to changes in disturbance regime.
Associated sites
R102DY010SD Loamy
These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well drained and have less than 40 percent clay in the surface and subsoil.
R102DY020SD Loamy Overflow
These sites occur in upland swales. The Soils are moderately well drained, which have water flow into and over/through the site.
R102DY011SD Clayey
These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well drained and have greater than 40 percent clay in the surface and subsoil.
Similar sites
R102DY001SD Shallow Marsh
The Loamy site occurs in a backslope landscape position and do not effervesce with acid at or near the surface. A Loamy site will have more big bluestem, less little bluestem and higher production than a Thin Upland site.
R102DY011SD Clayey
The Clayey site occurs in a backslope landscape position and do not effervesce with acid at or near the surface. A Clayey site will have more needlegrasses, less little bluestem, and higher production than a Thin Upland site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Schizachyrium scoparium
(2) Hesperostipa sparteaPhysiographic features
This site occurs on moraines and plains in upland areas.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Upland > Moraine
(2) Upland > Plain
Runoff class Medium to very high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 1000 – 2000 ft Slope 3 – 40 % 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) 110-130 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) ASTORIA 4S [USC00390422], White, SD
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(2) CLEAR LAKE [USC00391777], Clear Lake, SD
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(3) ROY LAKE [USC00397326], Lake City, SD
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(4) WAUBAY NWR [USC00398980], Waubay, SD
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(5) WEBSTER [USC00399004], Webster, SD
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(6) WATERTOWN RGNL AP [USW00014946], Watertown, SD
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(7) WATERTOWN 1W [USC00398930], Watertown, SD
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(8) CASTLEWOOD [USC00391519], Castlewood, SD
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(9) BROOKINGS 2 NE [USC00391076], Brookings, SD
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(10) TYLER [USC00218429], Tyler, MN
">Influencing water features
No wetland features are associated with this site.
Soil features
Soils are primarily formed in till. Surface textures are primarily loam, but may also be clay loam, silty clay loam, or silt loam. Soils are well drained.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Till
Surface texture (1) Loam
(2) Clay loam
(3) Silty clay loam
(4) Silt loam
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderately rapid Soil depth 0 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)6.6 – 6.9 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)7.4 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-60in)2 – 5 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-60in)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 for this site are based primarily on the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie Dropseed 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 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. Continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October) and/or repeated seasonal grazing (e.g., every spring, every summer) without adequate recovery periods following grazing events causes departure from the 2.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase. Little bluestem, western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) will increase. Eventually blue grama, quackgrass (Elymus repens), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) may develop into a sod. Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), porcupine grass, green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), sideoats grama, and little bluestem 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, smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis), and green needlegrass.
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 textT1A - Heavy continuous grazing, non-use, no fire, invasion T1C - Non-native encroachment/seeding T1B - Tillage T2A - Non-use, no fire, heavy continuous grazing T2C - 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 1.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods, prescribed burning State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 2.2B - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods, prescribed burning 2.2A - Heavy continuous grazing 2.3A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods, prescribed burning State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 3.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods 3.3A - Time without 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, periodic fire, and herbivory by insects and large ungulates. Timing of fires and herbivory coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. In some locations, this site likely received relatively heavy grazing pressure. Tall warm-season grasses would have declined and cool-season bunchgrasses and short to mid-statured warm-season grasses would have increased. Today, a similar state, the Native/Invaded State (State 2) 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.
Dominant plant species
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leadplant (Amorpha canescens), shrub
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rose (Rosa), shrub
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prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), shrub
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
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porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea), grass
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threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
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blacksamson echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), other herbaceous
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stiff sunflower (Helianthus pauciflorus), other herbaceous
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blazing star (Liatris), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie DropseedInterpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). The potential vegetation was about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 8 percent shrubs. The community was dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The major grasses included little bluestem, porcupine grass, prairie dropseed, big bluestem, Indiangrass, sideoats grama, and green needlegrass. Other grass or grass-like species included plains muhly (Muhlenbergia cuspidata), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Canada wildrye (Elymus Canadensis), needleandthread (Hesperostipa comata), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus), western wheatgrass, blue grama, and threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia). 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 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 1980 2610 3180 Forb 135 225 345 Shrub/Vine 85 165 275 Total 2200 3000 3800 Figure 8. 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
Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Porcupine GrassThis plant community evolved under heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 75 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses included little bluestem, sideoats grama, and porcupine grass. Grasses of secondary importance included big bluestem, porcupine grass, blue grama, western wheatgrass, prairie dropseed, and threadleaf sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included goldenrod (Solidago), cudweed sagewort (Artemisia ludoviciana), heath aster (Symphotrichum ericoides), scurfpea (Psoralidium), western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), and western yarrow (Achillea millefolium). This plant community had similar plant composition to the 2.2 Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Porcupine Grass-Kentucky Bluegrass 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 and smooth bromegrass.
When compared to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase, little bluestem and sideoats grama increased. Production of tall warm-season grasses 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. Most of the components of the ecological processes would have been functioning at optimum levels. However, the vigor and reproductive capability of the tall warm-season grasses would have been reduced due to grazing pressure or a combination of stressors. A reduction of this dominant functional group allowed for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species.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 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 Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Porcupine Grass 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 would have converted this plant community to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie Dropseed 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 cool- and warm-season grasses. 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. Taller warm-season species can decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass will occur.
Dominant plant species
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snowberry (Symphoricarpos), shrub
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smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), shrub
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rose (Rosa), shrub
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
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sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
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green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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goldenrod (Solidago), other herbaceous
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white heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), other herbaceous
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scurfpea (Psoralidium), other herbaceous
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Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), other herbaceous
Community 2.1
Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie DropseedThis plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase but it also contains minor amounts of non-native invasive grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass (up to about 10 percent by air-dry weight). The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 8 percent shrubs. This community is dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The major grasses include little bluestem, porcupine grass, prairie dropseed, big bluestem, Indiangrass, sideoats grama, and green needlegrass. Other grass or grass-like species include plains muhly, switchgrass, Canada wildrye, needleandthread, slender wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, blue grama, Kentucky bluegrass, and threadleaf sedge. 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 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 2.2
Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Porcupine Grass-Kentucky BluegrassThis plant community is a result of heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 75 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses include little bluestem, sideoats grama, and Porcupine Grass. Grasses of secondary importance include big bluestem, porcupine grass, blue grama, western wheatgrass, prairie dropseed, and threadleaf sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include goldenrod, cudweed sagewort, heath aster, scurfpea, western ragweed, and western yarrow.
When compared to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase, little bluestem, sideoats grama, and Kentucky bluegrass have increased. Production of tall warm-season grasses 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. Most of the components of the ecological processes are functioning at optimum levels. However, the vigor and reproductive capability of the tall warm-season grasses are reduced due to grazing pressure or a combination of stressors. A reduction of this dominant functional group allows for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species. The introduction of non-native invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass results in alterations to the soil profile. Organic matter levels tend to decrease and begin to be concentrated more in the surface layers, and the structure will begin to be modified. These changes favor the shallow-rooted species and hasten their eventual dominance if steps are not taken to reduce these species.Figure 11. 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 1590 1980 2305 Forb 105 240 420 Shrub/Vine 105 180 275 Total 1800 2400 3000 Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0203 , Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 10 20 28 21 10 5 3 0 0 Community 2.3
Little Bluestem-Kentucky BluegrassThis plant community is a result of heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 75 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses include little bluestem and Kentucky bluegrass. Grass and grass-like species of secondary importance include sideoats grama, blue grama, western wheatgrass, threadleaf sedge, green needlegrass, big bluestem, and quackgrass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include goldenrod, cudweed sagewort, heath aster, scurfpea, western ragweed, and western yarrow.
When compared to the 1.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase, little bluestem and Kentucky bluegrass have increased. Production of mid- and tall warm- and cool-season grasses 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. A reduction of the dominant functional groups as found in the interpretive plant community phase allows for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species. The introduction of nonnative invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass results in alterations to the soil profile. Organic matter levels tend to decrease and begin to be concentrated more in the surface layers, and the structure will begin to be modified. These changes favor the shallow-rooted species and hasten their eventual dominance if steps are not taken to reduce these species.Figure 13. 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 1400 1815 2165 Forb 100 220 385 Shrub/Vine 100 165 250 Total 1600 2200 2800 Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0203 , Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 10 20 28 21 10 5 3 0 0 Pathway 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 Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Porcupine Grass-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 2.2B
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 and/or prescribed burning with late season fire or at infrequent intervals (greater than 5 years) will convert this plant community to the 2.1 Little Bluestem-Porcupine Grass-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.3Heavy 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 2.3 Little Bluestem-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.2Prescribed 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 2.2 Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Porcupine Grass-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing 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 green up 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 and energy capture into the system is restricted to early season low producing species. Nutrient cycling is limited by root depth of the dominant species.
Dominant plant species
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snowberry (Symphoricarpos), shrub
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smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), shrub
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smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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quackgrass (Elymus repens), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass
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white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
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goldenrod (Solidago), other herbaceous
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white heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), other herbaceous
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Cuman ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), other herbaceous
Community 3.1
Smooth Brome-Kentucky Bluegrass-Forbs/ShrubsThis plant community phase is a result of extended periods of nonuse and no fire or occasionally light levels of grazing over several years. It is characterized by dominance of smooth bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. The dominance is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A thick duff layer also accumulates at or above the soil surface and eventually a thatch-mat layer may develop at the surface. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. When dominated by smooth bromegrass, infiltration is moderately reduced and runoff is moderate. Production can be equal to or higher than the interpretive plant community. However, when dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production in this case will likely be significantly less. In either case, the period that palatability is high is relatively short as these cool-season species mature rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced.
The dominance of these introduced species has been shown to alter the biotic component of the soil, as well as, organic matter levels and eventually the soil structure. These alterations perpetuate the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass and tend to make establishment of native species extremely difficult.Figure 15. 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 1750 2240 2600 Forb 125 280 500 Shrub/Vine 125 280 500 Total 2000 2800 3600 Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0201 , Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season dominant.. Cool-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 4 12 25 36 10 5 4 4 0 0 Community 3.2
Kentucky Bluegrass-Quackgrass-Little BluestemThis plant community phase is a result of heavy continuous grazing or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below-average precipitation combined with heavy continuous grazing. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and quackgrass and occasionally with significant levels of little bluestem. The dominance 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 17. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 9. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 1080 1512 1890 Forb 85 180 310 Shrub/Vine 35 108 200 Total 1200 1800 2400 Figure 18. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0201 , Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season dominant.. Cool-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 4 12 25 36 10 5 4 4 0 0 Community 3.3
Annual Pioneer-Perennial PioneerThis plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances. 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.
Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2Heavy 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 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Quackgrass-Little Bluestem Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1Prescribed 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 3.1 Smooth Bromegrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Forbs/Shrubs Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 3.3A
Community 3.3 to 3.2This 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 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Quackgrass-Little Bluestem Plant Community Phase.
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.
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 T1C
State 1 to 3Encroachment of non-native invasive/noxious species, abandonment of cropping, or seeding of introduced and/or native improved varieties of forage species may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3) and more specifically to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial Plant Community Phase. In the case of a seeding, refer to the corresponding Forage Suitability Group (FSG) description for adapted species and expected production (production estimates in the FSG description may be unrealistically high due to the degraded condition of the site at this phase).
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 3Non-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, will likely lead this state over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Smooth Bromegrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Forbs/Shrubs Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3). 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 likely lead this state over a threshold leading to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Quackgrass-Little Bluestem Plant 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 T2C
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).
Restoration pathway 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 this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing 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 3.3 Annual Pioneer- Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3).
Additional community tables
Table 10. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid Warm-season Grasses 750–1500 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 450–1050 – prairie dropseed SPHE Sporobolus heterolepis 150–450 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 150–450 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 30–150 – 2 Tall Warm-season Grasses 300–750 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 150–450 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 150–450 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–150 – 3 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 300–600 porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 150–450 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 90–300 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 30–150 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 30–90 – 4 Wheatgrass 60–150 slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 60–150 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–90 – 5 Other Native Grasses 60–150 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–150 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 30–90 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 30–90 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–60 – 6 Grass-likes 30–90 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 30–90 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–60 – Forb7 Forbs 150–300 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 30–90 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 30–90 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 30–60 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 30–60 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–60 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 30–60 – cutleaf anemone PUPAM Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida 30–60 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 30–60 – compassplant SILA3 Silphium laciniatum 30–60 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 30–60 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 30–60 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 30–60 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 30–60 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 30–60 – Nuttall's sensitive-briar MINU6 Mimosa nuttallii 30–60 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–30 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–30 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–30 – aromatic aster SYOB Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 0–30 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–30 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 0–30 – onion ALLIU Allium 0–30 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–30 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–30 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 0–30 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 90–240 leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 30–120 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–60 – Saskatoon serviceberry AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia 0–60 – smooth sumac RHGL Rhus glabra 0–60 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 30–60 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 30–60 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–30 – Table 11. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid Warm-season Grasses 600–1080 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 480–960 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 120–480 – prairie dropseed SPHE Sporobolus heterolepis 0–120 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–48 – 2 Tall Warm-season Grasses 24–240 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 24–192 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 0–72 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–48 – 3 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 120–360 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 48–240 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–192 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–96 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–48 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–144 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–144 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–48 – 5 Other Native Grasses 24–168 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 24–144 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 24–120 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–48 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–48 – 6 Grass-likes 24–120 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 24–120 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–72 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 24–288 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 24–240 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–120 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–72 – Forb8 Forbs 120–360 goldenrod SOLID Solidago 24–72 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 24–72 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 24–72 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 24–72 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–72 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 24–72 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 24–48 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 24–48 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–48 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 24–48 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 0–48 – cutleaf anemone PUPAM Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida 0–24 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–24 – compassplant SILA3 Silphium laciniatum 0–24 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–24 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–24 – Nuttall's sensitive-briar MINU6 Mimosa nuttallii 0–24 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–24 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–24 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 0–24 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–24 – onion ALLIU Allium 0–24 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–24 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–24 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–24 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 120–240 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 24–120 – smooth sumac RHGL Rhus glabra 0–72 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 24–48 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–48 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–48 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–48 – Saskatoon serviceberry AMAL2 Amelanchier alnifolia 0–24 – Table 14. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid Warm-season Grasses 550–1100 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 550–1100 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 44–330 – 2 Tall Warm-season Grasses 0–110 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–110 – 3 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 0–176 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–132 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–66 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–44 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–154 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–154 – 5 Other Native Grasses 44–176 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 44–176 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–110 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–22 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–22 – 6 Grass-likes 22–154 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 22–154 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–110 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 110–440 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 44–440 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–110 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–66 – Forb8 Forbs 110–330 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 22–132 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 22–110 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 22–110 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 22–88 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 22–88 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 22–88 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–66 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 0–66 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 22–66 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–22 – onion ALLIU Allium 0–22 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–22 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–22 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–22 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 0–22 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 110–220 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 22–154 – smooth sumac RHGL Rhus glabra 0–88 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–66 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 22–44 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–44 – Table 15. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid Warm-season Grasses 0–280 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–224 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–140 – 2 Tall Warm-season Grasses 0–140 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–140 – 3 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 0–224 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–224 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–84 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–56 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–196 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–196 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–84 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–140 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–140 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–112 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–28 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–28 – 6 Grass-likes 28–140 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 28–140 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–56 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 840–1680 smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 420–1540 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 140–980 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–168 – Forb8 Forbs 140–420 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 28–280 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 28–168 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 28–168 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 28–112 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 28–112 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 28–112 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–84 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 0–56 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–28 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 0–28 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–28 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 0–28 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 140–420 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 140–420 – smooth sumac RHGL Rhus glabra 0–280 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–56 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–56 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–28 – Table 16. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid Warm-season Grasses 18–216 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 18–216 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–54 – 2 Tall Warm-season Grasses 0–54 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–54 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–36 – 3 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 0–54 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–54 – needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–36 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–36 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–36 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–90 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–90 – Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–54 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–18 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–18 – 6 Grass-likes 36–180 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 36–180 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–36 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 630–1260 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 360–1080 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 90–540 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 18–126 – Forb8 Forbs 90–270 goldenrod SOLID Solidago 18–108 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 18–108 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 18–108 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 18–72 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 18–72 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 18–72 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 18–54 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–36 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–36 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 0–36 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 36–180 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 18–108 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 18–72 – smooth sumac RHGL Rhus glabra 0–72 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–36 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–18 – Table 17. Community 3.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 18. Community 4.1 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.
Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed (1.1 & 1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.82
Little Bluestem/Grama/Needlegrass/Bluegrass (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.66
Little Bluestem/Bluegrass (2.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.60
Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Forbs/Shrubs (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.77
Kentucky Bluegrass/Quackgrass/Little Bluestem (3.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.49
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (3.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.27
*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 B. Infiltration is typically moderate to moderately slow and runoff potential for this site varies from medium to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama, bluegrass, and/or smooth bromegrass 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
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 (1008546039) 1985 SD Deuel SCS-RANGE-417 (0018646029) 1986 SD Codington SCS-RANGE-417 (0018746029) 1987 SD Codington NP-ESC-1 (0120746039) 2007 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 12/07/2004 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 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 6. Typically high root content. 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 warm-season bunch grass > tall warm-season rhizomatous grassSub-dominant:
> tall cool-season bunch grass > mid warm-season rhizomatous grass >> short cool-season grass = short warm-season grass = forb = shrubsOther:
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):
2600 – 3300 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 3,000 lbs./acre air-dry weight -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Refer to State and Local Noxious Weed List -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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