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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 Loamy Overflow ecological site occurs in upland swales which receive additional run off moisture from adjoining slopes. Soils are moderately well drained which have water flow into and over/through the site and have less than 40 percent clay in the surface and subsoil.
Vegetation in the Reference State includes big bluestem, Indiangrass, and Switchgrass. Forbs include goldenrods, cudweed sagewort, heath aster, western yarrow. Non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass smooth bromegrass 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.
R102DY012SD Thin Upland
These sites occur on uplands. Soils are well drained and will effervesce with acid at or near the surface.
Similar sites
R102DY010SD Loamy
The Loamy site occurs in a backslope landscape position. Soils are well drained and do not have water flow into and over/through the site. The Loamy site will have less big bluestem, more needlegrass and lower production than the Loamy Overflow site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Andropogon gerardii
(2) Sorghastrum nutansPhysiographic features
This site occurs on upland swales which receive additional run-on moisture from adjoining slopes.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Swale
Runoff class Low to medium Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 1000 – 2000 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Water table depth 30 – 60 in Aspect W, NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW 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 143 days and ranges from 131 to 151 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) WEBSTER [USC00399004], Webster, SD
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(3) WAUBAY NWR [USC00398980], Waubay, SD
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(4) WATERTOWN RGNL AP [USW00014946], Watertown, SD
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(5) WATERTOWN 1W [USC00398930], 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 riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with this site.
Soil features
Soils are typically formed in loess or till. Surface textures are silty clay loam or loam. Soils are moderately well-drained.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Loess
(2) Till
Surface texture (1) Silty clay loam
(2) Loam
Drainage class Moderately well drained Permeability class Moderately rapid Soil depth 0 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)7.3 – 8.2 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-10in)5.6 – 7.8 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-60in)0 – 2 % 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 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass 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 grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence over several years causes this site to depart from the interpretive plant community. Species such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), and sedge (Carex) will initially increase. Big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass will decrease in frequency and production. Heavy continuous grazing causes Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) to increase and eventually develop into a sod condition. Extended periods of nonuse and no fire will result in a plant community having high litter levels which favors an increase in Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis). In time, shrubs such as western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) will also increase.
Following the state and transition diagram are narratives for each of the described states and community phases. These may not represent every possibility, but they are the most prevalent and repeatable states/community phases. The plant composition tables shown below have been developed from the best available knowledge at the time of this revision. As more data are collected, some of these community phases and/or states may be revised or removed, and new ones may be added. The main purpose for including the descriptions here is to capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
States 1, 5 and 2 (additional transitions)
T1A - Heavy continuous grazing T1B - Heavy continuous grazing, non-use, no fire, invasion T1C - Tillage T2A - Non-native encroachment/seeding T2B - Tillage T3A - Non-use, no fire, heavy continuous grazing T3C - Tillage R4A - Long-term prescribed grazing, prescribed burning T4A - Tillage R5A - Seeding R5B - 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
State 3 submodel, plant communities
3.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 3.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods State 4 submodel, plant communities
4.1A - Heavy continuous grazing 4.2A - Prescribed grazing with recovery periods 4.3A - Time without disturbances State 5 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. 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 shorter warm-season grasses would have increased. Today, a similar state, the Native/Invaded State (State 3) 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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snowberry (Symphoricarpos), shrub
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leadplant (Amorpha canescens), shrub
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big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
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Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass
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slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus), grass
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American licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota), other herbaceous
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Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani), other herbaceous
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blazing star (Liatris), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-SwitchgrassInterpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass 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 10 percent shrubs. The community was dominated by warm-season grasses. The major grasses included big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Other grass or grass-like species included porcupine grass (Hesperostipa spartea), green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus), and little bluestem. 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 3400 3910 4300 Forb 200 345 550 Shrub/Vine 200 345 550 Total 3800 4600 5400 Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0205 , Rolling Till Prairie, warm-season dominant.. Warm-season dominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 2 5 15 25 30 15 7 1 0 0 Community 1.2
Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Big Bluestem-ForbsThis 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 big bluestem. Grasses of secondary importance included Indiangrass, switchgrass, green needlegrass, tall dropseed (Sporobolus compositus), and slender wheatgrass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included Canada goldenrod (Solidago Canadensis), cudweed sagewort (Artemisia ludoviciana), heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), scurfpea (Psoralidium), stiff goldenrod (Oligoneuron rigidum), and western yarrow (Achillea millefolium). This plant community had similar plant composition to the 3.2 Little Bluestem-Kentucky Bluegrass-Big Bluestem 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 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase, sideoats grama and little bluestem 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). SD0205 , Rolling Till Prairie, warm-season dominant.. Warm-season dominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 2 5 15 25 30 15 7 1 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 1.2 Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Big Bluestem-Forbs 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 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase.
State 2
Shortgrass Sod StateThis state is the result of heavy continuous grazing, and in the absence of periodic fire due to fire suppression. This state is dominated by blue grama and buffalograss forming a dense sod layer that effectively blocks introduction of other plants into the system. Taller cool-season species will decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass will occur. Once the threshold is crossed, a change in grazing management alone cannot cause a reduction in the sod grass dominance.
Dominant plant species
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snowberry (Symphoricarpos), shrub
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leadplant (Amorpha canescens), shrub
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rose (Rosa), shrub
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
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white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
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goldenrod (Solidago), other herbaceous
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western yarrow (Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis), other herbaceous
Community 2.1
Sideoats Grama-Little Bluestem-Sedges-ForbsThis plant community evolved under heavy continuous season grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grass and grass-like species included sideoats grama, little bluestem, and sedge. Grasses of secondary importance included big bluestem, switchgrass, green needlegrass, slender wheatgrass, and tall dropseed. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort, goldenrod (Solidago), and western yarrow.
When compared to the 1.1 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase, tall warm-season grasses were reduced, and the more grazing tolerant species such as sideoats grama, little bluestem and sedge were dominant on this plant community. With the exception of green needlegrass, cool-season grasses decreased significantly. This vegetation state was very resistant to change, especially if the disturbance continued and the short-statured species such as sedge increased. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing. This plant community was less productive than other phases.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 State 3
Native/Invaded StateThis state represents the more common range of variability that exists with higher levels of grazing management but in the absence of periodic fire due to fire suppression. This state is dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. It can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. 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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rose (Rosa), shrub
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big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
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green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass
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goldenrod (Solidago), other herbaceous
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white heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), other herbaceous
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white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
Community 3.1
Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-SwitchgrassThis plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass 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 10 percent shrubs. This community is dominated by warm-season grasses. The major grasses include big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Other grass or grass-like species include porcupine grass, green needlegrass, slender wheatgrass, and little bluestem. 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 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0205 , Rolling Till Prairie, warm-season dominant.. Warm-season dominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 2 5 15 25 30 15 7 1 0 0 Community 3.2
Little Bluestem-Kentucky Bluegrass-Big BluestemThis 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, big bluestem, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Grasses of secondary importance include Indiangrass, switchgrass, smooth bromegrass, sideoats grama, green needlegrass, tall dropseed, slender wheatgrass, and sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort, heath aster, Canada goldenrod, stiff goldenrod, scurfpea, Indian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), and western yarrow.
When compared to the 1.1 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase, little bluestem has increased and Kentucky bluegrass has invaded and become a codominant. 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 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 12. 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 2285 2856 3290 Forb 150 340 610 Shrub/Vine 65 204 400 Total 2500 3400 4300 Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0204 , Rolling Till Prairie, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant.. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 7 17 25 25 15 7 1 0 0 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 Little Bluestem-Kentucky Bluegrass-Big 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 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing State 4
Invaded StateThis state is a result of encroachment mainly by invasive introduced cool-season grasses. The ecological processes are not functioning, especially the biotic processes and the hydrologic functions. The introduced cool-season grasses cause reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Preliminary studies would tend to indicate this threshold may exist when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30 percent of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40 percent of the plant community composition.
The opportunity for high intensity spring burns is severely reduced by early greenup and increased moisture and humidity at the soil surface and grazing pressure cannot cause a reduction in sodgrass dominance. Production is limited to the sod forming species. Infiltration continues to decrease and runoff increases 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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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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big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
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switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
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threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
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goldenrod (Solidago), other herbaceous
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white heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), other herbaceous
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white clover (Trifolium repens), other herbaceous
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white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
Community 4.1
Smooth Bromegrass-Kentucky BluegrassThis 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 to a lesser extent 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 14. 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 2750 3460 4050 Forb 175 300 475 Shrub/Vine 75 240 475 Total 3000 4000 5000 Figure 15. 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 4.2
Kentucky Bluegrass-QuackgrassThis 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 and quackgrass. 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 16. 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 1660 2249 2765 Forb 115 260 460 Shrub/Vine 25 91 175 Total 1800 2600 3400 Figure 17. 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 4.3
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 non-native 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 to early seral species.
Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2Heavy 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 4.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Quackgrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1Prescribed 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 4.1 Smooth Bromegrass-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Pathway 4.3A
Community 4.3 to 4.2This 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 4.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Quackgrass Plant Community Phase.
State 5
Crop Production StateThis state is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices. Cropping on this site is enabled during years with drier than normal precipitation or with artificial drainage (surface or subsurface).
Community 5.1
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 2Heavy 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, typically beginning early in the season) will convert this plant community to the 2.1 Sideoats Grama-Little Bluestem-Sedges-Forbes Plant Community Phase within the Shortgrass Sod State.
Transition T1B
State 1 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, 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 3).
Transition T1C
State 1 to 5Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 5.1 Annual Crops within the Crop Production State (State 5).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 4Encroachment 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 4) and more specifically to the 4.3 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 T2B
State 2 to 5Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 5.1 Annual Crops within the Crop Production State (State 5).
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Non-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 4.1 Smooth Bromegrass-Kentucky Bluegrass Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 4). 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 4.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Quackgrass Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 4). Grazing repeatedly in the early growing season can expedite this shift by causing mechanical disturbance due to trampling.
Transition T3C
State 3 to 5Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 5.1 Annual Crops within the Crop Production State (State 5).
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 3Long-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 3).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Transition T4A
State 4 to 5Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 5.1 Annual Crops Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 5).
Restoration pathway R5A
State 5 to 3Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 5) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 3).
Restoration pathway R5B
State 5 to 4Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 5) over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 4). Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 4) and more specifically to the 4.3 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 Tall Warm-season Grasses 690–2300 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 690–2300 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 460–1380 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 230–690 – spiked muhly MUGL3 Muhlenbergia glomerata 0–230 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–138 – 2 Mid Warm-season Grasses 230–460 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 92–460 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 46–230 – prairie dropseed SPHE Sporobolus heterolepis 0–138 – 3 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 230–460 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 92–460 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 46–230 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–138 – 4 Wheatgrass 92–460 slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 92–460 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–230 – 5 Other Native Grasses 92–230 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 46–230 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 46–92 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–46 – 6 Grass-likes 46–230 sedge CAREX Carex 46–230 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–92 – Forb7 Forbs 230–460 Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 46–138 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–138 – Maximilian sunflower HEMA2 Helianthus maximiliani 46–138 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 46–92 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 46–92 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 46–92 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–92 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 46–92 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 46–92 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 46–92 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 46–92 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 46–92 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 46–92 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 46–92 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 46–92 – ragwort SENEC Senecio 0–46 – golden tickseed COTI3 Coreopsis tinctoria 0–46 – Illinois bundleflower DEIL Desmanthus illinoensis 0–46 – northern bedstraw GABO2 Galium boreale 0–46 – Canadian anemone ANCA8 Anemone canadensis 0–46 – wood lily LIPH Lilium philadelphicum 0–46 – Shrub/Vine8 Shrubs 230–460 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 46–184 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 46–184 – false indigo bush AMFR Amorpha fruticosa 0–92 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–92 – American plum PRAM Prunus americana 0–92 – chokecherry PRVI Prunus virginiana 0–92 – currant RIBES Ribes 0–92 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 46–92 – 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 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-season Grasses 170–850 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 170–680 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 170–340 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 0–340 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–170 – 2 Mid Warm-season Grasses 340–850 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 340–850 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 68–272 – 3 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 34–340 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 34–340 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–68 – porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–68 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–170 slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–170 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–102 – 5 Other Native Grasses 34–170 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–170 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–68 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–34 – 6 Grass-likes 34–170 sedge CAREX Carex 34–170 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–68 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 340–850 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 170–680 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 68–340 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–170 – Forb8 Forbs 170–510 goldenrod SOLID Solidago 34–170 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 34–136 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 34–136 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 34–136 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–102 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 34–102 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–102 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–102 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 34–102 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–68 – blazing star LIATR Liatris 0–68 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 0–68 – common dandelion TAOF Taraxacum officinale 0–68 – white clover TRRE3 Trifolium repens 0–68 – Canada thistle CIAR4 Cirsium arvense 0–68 – wavyleaf thistle CIUN Cirsium undulatum 0–34 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–34 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–34 – Maximilian sunflower HEMA2 Helianthus maximiliani 0–34 – ragwort SENEC Senecio 0–34 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 68–340 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 34–272 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 34–102 – false indigo bush AMFR Amorpha fruticosa 0–102 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–68 – leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–34 – American plum PRAM Prunus americana 0–34 – chokecherry PRVI Prunus virginiana 0–34 – Table 14. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-season Grasses 0–400 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 0–320 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–320 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–170 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 0–80 – 2 Mid Warm-season Grasses 0–200 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–200 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–200 – 3 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 0–320 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–320 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–200 slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–200 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–80 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–200 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–160 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–40 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–40 – 6 Grass-likes 0–200 sedge CAREX Carex 0–200 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–40 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 1200–2800 smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 800–2400 – Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 400–1400 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 0–320 – Forb8 Forbs 200–400 goldenrod SOLID Solidago 40–120 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 40–120 – white clover TRRE3 Trifolium repens 0–120 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 40–120 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 40–120 – Canada thistle CIAR4 Cirsium arvense 0–120 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–80 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–80 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 40–80 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–80 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 40–80 – common dandelion TAOF Taraxacum officinale 0–80 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 0–40 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 80–400 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 40–320 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 40–120 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–80 – false indigo bush AMFR Amorpha fruticosa 0–80 – American plum PRAM Prunus americana 0–80 – Table 15. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Tall Warm-season Grasses 0–130 switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 0–78 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 0–78 – 2 Mid Warm-season Grasses 0–78 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 0–78 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 0–78 – 3 Cool-season Bunchgrasses 0–130 green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–130 – 4 Wheatgrass 0–130 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–104 – slender wheatgrass ELTR7 Elymus trachycaulus 0–52 – 5 Other Native Grasses 0–78 Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 2GRAM Graminoid (grass or grass-like) 0–78 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–26 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–26 – 6 Grass-likes 26–208 sedge CAREX Carex 26–208 – Grass-like (not a true grass) 2GL Grass-like (not a true grass) 0–52 – 7 Non-Native Grasses 910–1950 Kentucky bluegrass POPR Poa pratensis 650–1690 – quackgrass ELRE4 Elymus repens 130–520 – smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–390 – Forb8 Forbs 130–390 Canada thistle CIAR4 Cirsium arvense 26–208 – Forb, introduced 2FI Forb, introduced 26–182 – white clover TRRE3 Trifolium repens 0–156 – common dandelion TAOF Taraxacum officinale 0–130 – goldenrod SOLID Solidago 26–104 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 26–104 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 26–78 – scurfpea PSORA2 Psoralidium 26–78 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 26–78 – American licorice GLLE3 Glycyrrhiza lepidota 0–52 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 0–26 – Indianhemp APCA Apocynum cannabinum 0–26 – Forb, native 2FN Forb, native 0–26 – Shrub/Vine9 Shrubs 26–156 snowberry SYMPH Symphoricarpos 26–130 – rose ROSA5 Rosa 0–52 – Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–26 – American plum PRAM Prunus americana 0–26 – Table 16. Community 4.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 17. Community 5.1 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.
Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass (1.1 & 3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4600
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.26
Little Bluestem/Kentucky Bluegrass/Big Bluestem (3.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.93
Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass (4.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.10
Kentucky Bluegrass/Quackgrass (4.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2600
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.71
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (4.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.33
*Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25 percent harvest efficiency (refer to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Range and Pasture Handbook).
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements, and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B. Infiltration is typically moderate to moderately high and runoff potential for this site varies from low 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 Kentucky 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 NP-ESC-1 (0100746039) 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 12/04/2007 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially, non-existent. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground less than 5% and less than 2 inches in diameter. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Stability class usually 6. Typically high root content, organic matter, and granular structure. 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:
Tall warm-season rhizomatous grass >> tall cool-season bunch grassSub-dominant:
> mid warm-season bunch grass > short cool-season grass = forb > shrub > treeOther:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little to no evidence of decadence or mortality. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
85-90%, roughly 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):
4000 – 5200 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 4,600 lbs./acre air-dry weight -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Refer to State and Local Noxious Weed List, also Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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