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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 Shallow Gravel ecological site typically occurs in the upland areas, but some maybe located on a higher floodplain. Soils are somewhat excessively drained and has sand and gravel within 10 to 20 inches of the soil surface. In some areas the surface layer may consist of stony to extremely stony. The water holding capacity of the sand and gravel is low, leaving less soil moisture for plant growth, production is lower, and species composition will tend towards more drought tolerant. Slopes can range from 0 to 40 percent. Vegetation in the Reference State includes needleandthread, little bluestem, and prairie dropseed. Forbs include cudweed sagewort, prairie coneflower, and western ragweed. Non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome may invade the site due to changes in disturbance regime.
Associated sites
R102DY009SD Sandy
These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well to moderately well drained and have surface and subsoil textures which are sandy loam, fine sandy loam, and loamy very fine sand.
R102DY016SD Very Shallow
These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are excessively drained and have sand and gravel within 10 inches of the soil surface.
R102DY010SD Loamy
These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well drained and have sand and gravel at a depth of greater than 20 inches below the soil surface.
R102DY012SD Thin Upland
These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well drained and will effervesce with acid at or near the surface.
Similar sites
R102DY009SD Sandy
The Sandy site occurs in a similar landscape position and does not have sand and gravel within 10 to 20 inches of the soil surface. The Sandy site will have more big bluestem and higher production than the Shallow Gravel site.
R102DY010SD Loamy
The Loamy site occurs in a similar landscape position and does not have sand and gravel within 10 to 20 inches of the soil surface. The Loamy site will have more big bluestem, less needleandthread and higher production than the Shallow Gravel site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata
(2) Schizachyrium scopariumPhysiographic features
This site primarily occurs on outwash plains in uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Outwash plain
Runoff class Low to high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 1000 – 2000 ft Slope 0 – 12 % Water table depth 0 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) 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) ROY LAKE [USC00397326], Lake City, SD
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(2) WAUBAY NWR [USC00398980], Waubay, SD
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(3) WEBSTER [USC00399004], Webster, SD
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(4) WATERTOWN 1W [USC00398930], Watertown, SD
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(5) WATERTOWN RGNL AP [USW00014946], Watertown, SD
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(6) CASTLEWOOD [USC00391519], Castlewood, SD
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(7) CLEAR LAKE [USC00391777], Clear Lake, SD
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(8) ARLINGTON 1 W [USC00390281], Arlington, 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 typically formed in alluvium over outwash. Surface textures range from loam to silt loam. Soils are somewhat excessively drained and typically have gravel within 10 to 20 inches of the surface. In some areas, the surface layer may be stony.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium
Surface texture (1) Loam
(2) Silt loam
Drainage class Somewhat excessively drained Permeability class Moderately rapid to rapid Soil depth 0 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 2 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)2.9 – 3.6 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)6.1 – 7.8 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-60in)15 – 30 % 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 Needleandthread-Little Bluestem-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. Heavy continuous grazing (season-long grazing during the typical growing season of April through October and/or repeated seasonal grazing during the same time of year each year) without adequate recovery periods following grazing events causes departure from the 2.1 Needleandthread-Little Bluestem-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase. Sedge (Carex) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) will increase and eventually develop into a sod. Little bluestem will increase initially and then begin to decrease. Needleandthread, porcupine grass (Hesperostipa spartea), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipenula), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), 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 (Poa pratensis) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis).
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 T1B - Tillage T2A - Non-use, no fire, heavy continuous grazing T2C - Tillage R3A - Long-term prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, seeding 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 2.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 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 codominated by warm- and cool-season grasses. The primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included frequent fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Mid- and tall-stature grass species can decline and a corresponding increase in short-stature warm-season grasses and cool-season grass-like species will occur.
Dominant plant species
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leadplant (Amorpha canescens), shrub
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snowberry (Symphoricarpos), shrub
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needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
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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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blacksamson echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), other herbaceous
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blazing star (Liatris), other herbaceous
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false boneset (Brickellia eupatorioides), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Needleandthread-Little Bluestem-Prairie DropseedInterpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Needleandthead-Little Bluestem-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). This community phase was the most dominant both temporally and spatially. The prevailing climate and weather patterns favored the development of this community phase dominated by mid- and tall cool- and warm-season grasses such as needleandthread, little bluestem, prairie dropseed, and blue grama. Other grass and grass-likes species occurring include big bluestem, threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), porcupine grass (Hesperostipa spartea), plains muhly (Muhlenbergia cuspidata), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha), and sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus). The vegetation consisted of about 75 percent grass and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. A variety of leguminous and nonleguminous perennial forbs are present in minor amounts. This is a naturally nitrogen deficient plant community.
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 1450 2016 2505 Forb 105 240 420 Shrub/Vine 45 144 275 Total 1600 2400 3200 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
Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge-NeedleandthreadThis plant community evolved under heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 75 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Dominant grass and grass-like species included blue grama, Threadleaf sedge, needleandthread and sideoats grama. Grasses of secondary importance included porcupine grass, sand dropseed, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), and threeawn (Aristida). Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort (Artemisia ludoviciana), prairie coneflower (Ratibida columnifera), and western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya).
This plant community had similar plant composition to the 2.2 Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge-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 Needleandthread-Little Bluestem-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase, sedge, and blue grama increased. Big bluestem and needlegrasses decreased and production of mid- and tall warm-season grasses was also reduced. This plant community was moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing; however, species composition could be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component was intact, it tended to be resilient if the disturbance was not long-term.Figure 9. 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 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 Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed grazing, and/or prescribed burning returned to normal disturbance regime levels and frequencies or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 1.1 Needlandthread-Little Bluestem-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase.
State 2
Native/Invaded StateThis state is very similar to the Reference State. The invasion of introduced cool-season sod grasses has altered the natural range of variability for this ecological site (ES). This state still has strong components of both warm- and cool-season grass species, but invasive introduced cool-season sod grasses are now present in all community phases of this state. The primary disturbance mechanisms for this state include grazing by domestic livestock and a lack of fire. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictate the dynamics that occur within this state. The mid- and tall warm- and cool-season native grasses can decline and an increase in introduced sod grasses will occur. Many times, this state appears as a mosaic of community phases caused primarily by continuous season-long grazing.
Dominant plant species
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prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), shrub
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pricklypear (Opuntia), shrub
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snowberry (Symphoricarpos), shrub
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
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threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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field sagewort (Artemisia campestris), other herbaceous
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white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
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blazing star (Liatris), other herbaceous
Community 2.1
Needleandthread-Little Bluestem-Prairie DropseedThis community phase most closely resembles the Reference State in appearance and ecological functions (e.g., hydrologic, biotic, and soil/site stability). The warm- and cool-season codominated community is maintained with grazing systems that allow for adequate recovery periods following grazing events and potentially the combination of grazing and prescribed burning which closely mimics the natural disturbance regime.
This community phase closely resembles the 1.1 Needleandthread-Little Bluestem-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase. The basic difference is the presence of minor amounts of introduced cool-season grasses and forbs. This is likely a naturally nitrogen deficient plant community. A change in the nutrient cycle on this ES possibly due to the introduction of nonnative species may be a causative factor leading to the eventual dominance of cool-season introduced grasses in the Invaded State.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
Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge-Kentucky BluegrassGrazing pressure reduces the mid/tall, less grazing tolerant species, while the shorter more grazing tolerant species increase. Litter amounts are reduced and energy capture shifts to slightly earlier in the growing season due to a decline in the later maturing native grass component and an increase in the earlier maturing grass-likes and nonnative grasses. Kentucky bluegrass increases and may approach dominance in this community. Vegetation consists of about 75 percent grass and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Blue grama, sedge, Kentucky bluegrass, and fringed sagewort (Artemisia frigida) are the dominant species in the early stages of this community phase. Significant grass species include Kentucky bluegrass, needleandthread, threeawn, and sand dropseed. Other grasses present include western wheatgrass, porcupine grass, and prairie Junegrass. The common forbs include cudweed sagewort, goldenrod (Oligoneuron), green sagewort (Artemisia campestris), heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), and scurfpea. Fringed sagewort (Artemisia frigida), cactus (Cactaceae), and rose (Rosa) are the principal shrubs.
This community phase is often dispersed throughout the pasture, in an overgrazed/undergrazed pattern, typically referred to as patch grazing. Some areas (overgrazed) will exhibit the impacts of heavy use, while other areas (undergrazed) will have a build-up of litter and a high amount of plant decadence. This is a typical pattern found in properly stocked pastures grazed season-long. In the undergrazed patches, litter buildup reduces plant vigor and density and native seedling recruitment declines. Due to a lack of tiller stimulation and sunlight, native bunchgrasses typically develop dead centers and native rhizomatous grasses are limited to small colonies. In the overgrazed patches, plant vigor is reduced and the competitive advantage goes towards the grazing tolerant short-statured species such as Kentucky bluegrass and sedge.
This community phase is approaching the threshold which would readily lead to the Invaded State. If management is significantly altered, this community phase can still be reverted back to the 2.1 Needleandthread-Little Bluestem-Prairie Dropseed community phase. Grazing management that allows for adequate recovery periods will tend to restore the ecological functions of this site.
Fire can play a role in reducing the introduced cool-season species. The combination of grazing and fire may be the most effective in moving this community phase towards a community resembling the interpretive plant community. Soil erosion is low. Infiltration is reduced, while runoff is increased compared to the interpretive plant community.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 965 1503 1990 Forb 85 180 310 Shrub/Vine 50 117 200 Total 1100 1800 2500 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 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 Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 2.1 Needleandthread-Little Bluestem-Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 3
Invaded StateThis state is the result of invasion and dominance of introduced cool-season sod grasses. This state is characterized by the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and/or smooth bromegrass and an increasing thatch layer that effectively blocks introduction of other plants into the system. Once the state is well established, even drastic events such as high intensity fires driven by high fuel loads of litter and thatch will not result in more than a very short-term reduction of these two species. These events may reduce the dominance of the sod grasses, but due to the large amount of rhizomes in the soil, there is no opportunity for the native species to establish and dominate before the sod grasses rebound and again dominate the system. Plant litter accumulation tends to favor the more shade tolerant introduced grass species. The nutrient cycle is also impaired and the result is typically a higher level of nitrogen which also favors the introduced species. Increasing plant litter decreases the amount of sunlight reaching plant crowns thereby shifting competitive advantage to shade tolerant introduced grass species. Studies indicate that soil biological activity is altered and this shift apparently exploits the soil microclimate and encourages growth of the introduced grass species. Once the threshold is crossed, a change in grazing management alone cannot cause a reduction in sodgrass dominance. Preliminary studies would tend to indicate this threshold may exist when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30 percent of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40 percent of the plant community composition.
Dominant plant species
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snowberry (Symphoricarpos), shrub
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rose (Rosa), shrub
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smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
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Cuman ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), other herbaceous
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field sagewort (Artemisia campestris), other herbaceous
Community 3.1
Kentucky Bluegrass-Smooth BromeThis plant community phase is a result of extended periods of non-use and no fire. It is characterized by a 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.
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 1200 1815 2365 Forb 100 220 385 Shrub/Vine 100 165 250 Total 1400 2200 3000 Figure 14. 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 Sod-ForbsThis plant community phase is a result of heavy, continuous seasonal grazing or heavy, continuous season-long grazing. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass, sedge, and blue grama. 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 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 710 1085 1525 Forb 125 210 320 Shrub/Vine 65 105 155 Total 900 1400 2000 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 3.3
Annual Pioneer-Perennial PioneerThis plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances (e.g., heavy use areas, defoliation by rodents, etc.). The potential plant community is made up of approximately 40 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 20 to 60 percent forbs, and 0 to 5 percent shrubs. The species present in this phase are highly variable, but often include nonnative invasive and/or early seral species. Plant diversity is low (plant richness may be high but areas are often dominated by a few species). The ecological processes are difficult to restore because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. Soil erosion is potentially very high because of the bare ground and shallow rooted herbaceous plant community. Water runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease due to animal related soil compaction and loss of root mass due to low plant diversity and vigor. This plant community will require significant economic inputs and time to move towards another plant community. This movement is highly variable in its succession. This is due to the loss of diversity (including the loss of the seed bank), within the existing plant community, and the plant communities on adjacent sites. This community can be renovated to improve the production capability; however, if management changes are not made the vegetation could revert back invasive or early seral species.
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 Sod-Forbs 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 Sod-Forbs 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 T1B
State 1 to 4Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 4.1 Annual Crops 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 Kentucky Bluegrass-Smooth Bromegrass 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 Sod-Forbs 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 within the Crop Production State (State 4).
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high-density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) coupled with prescribed burning may lead the 3.1 Kentucky Bluegrass-Smooth Bromegrass Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2). 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 Invaded State (State 3) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Transition T3
State 3 to 4Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 4.1 Annual Crops within the Crop Production State (State 4).
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 4) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2).
Restoration pathway R4B
State 4 to 3Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 4) over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3). Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3) and more specifically to the 3.3 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 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 240–720 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 120–720 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 120–720 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–72 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–72 – 2 Mid Warm-season Grasses 240–720 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 120–480 – prairie dropseed SPHE Sporobolus heterolepis 48–360 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 24–120 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 24–120 – 3 Tall Warm-season Grasses 48–360 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 48–360 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–120 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–120 – 4 Short Warm-season Grasses 48–240 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 24–240 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 24–240 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–72 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–48 – 5 Grass-likes 48–240 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 48–168 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–120 – 6 Wheatgrass 0–120 slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–120 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–120 – 7 Other Native Grasses 48–120 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–72 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 24–72 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 24–48 – Forb8 Forbs 120–360 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 24–120 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 24–72 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 24–72 – false boneset BREU Brickellia eupatorioides 0–48 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 24–48 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 0–48 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 24–48 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 24–48 – anemone ANEMO Anemone 0–48 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 24–48 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 24–48 – wild bergamot MOFI Monarda fistulosa 0–48 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 24–48 – cutleaf anemone PUPAM Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida 0–48 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 24–48 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 24–48 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 24–48 – aromatic aster SYOB Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 0–48 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–48 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 24–48 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–24 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–24 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–24 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 0–24 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–24 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–24 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 48–240 leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 24–120 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–72 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–72 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 0–48 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–48 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 24–48 – Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 36–270 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 36–270 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–90 – 2 Mid Warm-season Grasses 36–270 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 18–180 – prairie dropseed SPHE Sporobolus heterolepis 0–90 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–90 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–54 – 3 Tall Warm-season Grasses 0–54 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–36 – prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 0–36 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–18 – 4 Short Warm-season Grasses 180–450 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 90–450 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 18–450 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–90 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–72 – 5 Grass-likes 90–360 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 90–324 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–126 – 6 Wheatgrass 0–36 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–36 – 7 Other Native Grasses 36–90 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–54 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 18–36 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 18–36 – 8 Non-Native Grasses 90–360 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 90–360 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–90 – Forb9 Forbs 90–270 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–72 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 18–72 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 18–72 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 18–54 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 18–54 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 18–54 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 18–54 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 18–54 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–36 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 0–36 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–36 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–18 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–18 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–18 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–18 – stiff sunflower HEPA19 Helianthus pauciflorus 0–18 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–18 – aromatic aster SYOB Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 0–18 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–18 – wild bergamot MOFI Monarda fistulosa 0–18 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–18 – Shrub/Vine10 Shrubs 54–180 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 18–72 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 18–54 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–54 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 18–36 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–36 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–36 – Table 13. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 0–110 needle and thread HECOC8 Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata 0–110 – 2 Mid Warm-season Grasses 0–66 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–66 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–44 – 3 Short Warm-season Grasses 22–220 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 22–154 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–88 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–88 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–22 – 4 Grass-likes 44–220 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 44–220 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–110 – 5 Wheatgrass 0–44 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–44 – 6 Other Native Grasses 22–110 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–66 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 22–44 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–22 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 660–1540 smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 330–1210 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 330–1210 – Forb8 Forbs 110–220 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 22–66 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 22–66 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–44 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 22–44 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 22–44 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 22–44 – wild bergamot MOFI Monarda fistulosa 22–44 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 22–44 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 22–44 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 22–44 – aromatic aster SYOB Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 0–22 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–22 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–22 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–22 – purple locoweed OXLA3 Oxytropis lambertii 0–22 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 0–22 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–22 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–22 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–22 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 110–330 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 22–220 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 22–88 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–66 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–66 – prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 22–66 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–44 – Table 14. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Mid Warm-season Grasses 0–70 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–70 – 2 Short Warm-season Grasses 14–210 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–210 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–112 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–84 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 14–70 – 3 Grass-likes 70–182 threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia 70–182 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–70 – 4 Other Native Grasses 0–28 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–28 – fall rosette grass DIWI5 Dichanthelium wilcoxianum 0–14 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–14 – 5 Non-Native Grasses 420–980 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 420–980 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–140 – Forb6 Forbs 140–280 Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 14–98 – field sagewort ARCA12 Artemisia campestris 14–70 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 14–70 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 14–70 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 14–70 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 0–42 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 14–42 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 14–42 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 0–28 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–28 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–14 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 0–14 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–14 – Shrub/Vine7 Shrubs 70–140 prairie sagewort ARFR4 Artemisia frigida 14–84 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 14–70 – snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 0–42 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 14–28 – Table 15. Community 3.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 16. 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.
Needlegrass/Bluestem/Prairie Dropseed (1.1 & 2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.66
Grama/Sedge/Kentucky Bluegrass (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.49
Kentucky Bluegrass/Smooth Bromegrass (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.60
Kentucky Bluegrass Sod/Forbs (3.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.38
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (3.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 900
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.25
*Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25 percent harvest efficiency (refer to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Range and Pasture Handbook).
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements, and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B. Infiltration is typically moderate and runoff potential for this site varies from negligible to medium 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 (1008646037) 1986 SD Day SCS-RANGE-417 (1008746037) 1987 SD Day
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:
Typically not observable. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground 5-15%. -
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. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Stability class usually 5-6. Typically high root content, organic matter, and granular structure. Soil surface is 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:
Tall cool-season bunch grass >> mid warm-season bunch grassSub-dominant:
> tall warm-season bunch grass = short warm-season grass = short cool-season grass = forb = shrubOther:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little to no evidence of decadence or mortality. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
50-60%, less than 0.5 inch thick. Litter cover is in contact with soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
2100 – 2800 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 2,400 lbs./acre air-dry weight -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Refer to State and Local Noxious Weed List, also Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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