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Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 106X–Nebraska and Kansas Loess-Drift Hills
Named the “Nebraska and Kansas Loess-Drift Hills,” Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 106 is divided almost evenly between southeastern Nebraska (52%), and northeastern Kansas, (48%). The approximately seven-million-acre landscape covers all or parts of thirty counties between the two states. The northern border is located on the north end of Saunders County, Nebraska, and the MLRA extends into Douglas County, Kansas in the south. The Nebraska cities of Beatrice and Lincoln are the major population centers in the north, while Topeka and Lawrence in Kansas are the primary cities in the south. The Platte, Little Nemaha, and the North Fork of the Big Nemaha Rivers flow through the Nebraska side of the MLRA, while the Black Vermillion, the Soldier, and the Delaware Rivers are the major waterways on the Kansas side. The Big Blue River runs through both states, while the Salt Creek hydrologic system located near Lincoln, Nebraska provides habitat for the only known population of the Federally listed endangered Salt Creek Tiger Beetle.
This dissected glacial drift plain primarily consists of broad, smooth ridgetops, and slopes ranging from nearly level to steep. The elevation in MLRA 106 decreases from west to east, and ranges from nearly 1,650 feet to less than 790 feet above sea level. Stream valleys in this landscape are narrow and bordered by steep hills, with 10 to 20 feet of local relief. The river valleys are broader and may drop up to over 160 feet below the adjacent hilltops. The uplands are primarily comprised of glacial drift underlying a mantle of loess, while alluvial deposits are found in the stream and river valleys. Limestone and shale quarries are also located in MLRA 106. The predominant soil orders in this MLRA are mesic, udic, Mollisols, Alfisols, and Entisols. Loams and clays are the primary soil textures in this landscape.
Sixty-two percent of the land in this MLRA has been broken out of native prairie and farmed, while only 23 percent of the grasslands remain. Livestock grazing, primarily by cattle, is the main industry on these remnants. Corn, wheat, soybeans, and grain sorghum are the primary commodity crops, but a significant number of acres are also planted to alfalfa for harvest as hay. With annual precipitation averaging from 40 inches in the southeast, to 28 inches in the northwest, irrigation for crop production is not a critical factor in most years.
The historical matrix vegetation type is Tallgrass Prairie, and big and little bluestem, switchgrass, Indiangrass, sideoats, and blue grama make up the bulk of the warm-season species. Historically, western wheatgrass was the dominant cool-season grass but today the dominant cool-season grasses are introduced grasses, smooth brome in the north and tall fescue in the south. Large and small patch vegetative communities are found primarily along the riparian zones, and on both upland and lowland saline sites. Woodlands make up about six percent of MLRA 106, consisting primarily of green ash, oak, hackberry, boxelder, and maple trees.
Wildlife flourishes in this combination of crop and grassland environments. In a landscape historically occupied by bison herds, white-tailed deer are now the most abundant wild ungulates. A variety of smaller species, including coyote, raccoon, opossum, porcupines, muskrat, beaver, squirrel, and mink thrive in the region. Native grassland bird populations are limited by the lack of contiguous native prairie and the fragmented habitat created by the farmland. The rivers, streams, and lakes harbor excellent fisheries, and migrating and local waterfowl use the wetland complexes. These complexes provide ideal habitat for wading and shore bird species as well.
This landscape serves as a backdrop for a disturbance driven ecosystem, evolving under the influences of herbivory, fire, and variable climate. Historically, these processes created a heterogeneous mosaic of plant communities and structure heights across the region. Any given site in this landscape experienced fire every three to four years. Fires were caused by lightning strikes and also were set by Native Americans, who used fire for warfare, signaling, and to refresh the native grasses. The Indigenous inhabitants understood the value of fire as a tool and that the highly palatable growth following a fire provided excellent forage for their horses and attracted grazing game animals such as bison and elk.
Land use patterns by post European settlers have fragmented the native grasslands through conversion to cropland, transportation corridors, and other developments. This has significantly altered the natural fire regime allowing encroachment by native and introduced shrubs and trees into the native prairie remnants throughout the MLRA. Aggressive fire suppression policies have exacerbated this process to the point that shrub and tree encroachment is a major ecological threat in the majority of both native and reseeded grasslands. Introduction of eastern red cedar as a windbreak species further facilitates invasion by this species. While eastern red cedar is native to the landscape, the historic population in MLRA 106 was limited to isolated pockets in rugged river drainageways that were protected from fire. Widespread plantings of windbreaks with eastern red cedar as a primary component have provided a seed source for the aggressive woody plant. The ensuing encroachment into the native grasslands degrades the native wildlife habit and causes significant forage loss for domestic livestock. Since it is not a root-sprouter, eastern red cedar is very susceptible to fire when under six feet tall. Management with prescribed fire is exceedingly effective if applied before this stage. Larger eastern red cedars can also be controlled with fire, but successful application requires the use of specifically designed ignition and holding techniques.Classification relationships
►USDA-NRCS (2022)◄
Land Resource Region – M, Central Feed Grains and Livestock Region
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) – 106
►Fenneman (1916) Physiographic Regions ◄
Division – Interior Plains
Province – Central Lowland
Section – Dissected Till Plains
►USDA-USFS (2007) Ecoregions◄
Domain – Humid Temperate
Division – Prairie
Province – Prairie Parkland (Temperate)
Section – Central Dissected Till Plains (251C)
►EPA Ecoregions (Omernik 1997)◄
I – Great Plains (9)
II – Temperate Prairies (9.2)
III – Western Corn Belt Plains (9.2.3)
IV – Loess and Glacial Drift Hills (47i)
►Associated Counties◄
Nebraska: Butler, Cass, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline, Saunders, Seward
Kansas: Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Leavenworth, Marshall, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Washington, WyandotteEcological site concept
The Sandy Lowland ecological site is located on flood plain steps and terraces of river valleys and receives run on moisture from runoff. The typical slope range is from 0 to 2 percent. Soils are very deep (greater than 60 inches) with surface textures of sand, loamy sand, or sandy loam that are typically 9 inches thick. These excessively drained soils are formed in stratified sandy alluvium and have a high sand content and 10 percent or less clay in the control section. The vegetation of the Reference Community is a mixture of warm-season, tall and mid grasses. Big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass are the dominant grasses with little bluestem, sideoats grama and blue grama as grasses of secondary importance. The site often has an open canopy of deciduous trees. A significant portion of this site has been converted to production agriculture.
Associated sites
R106XY068NE Loamy Floodplain
The Loamy Floodplain ecological site is often located in the same landscape position as Sandy Lowland ecological site.
R106XY070NE Loamy Terrace
The Loamy Terrace ecological site is often found adjacent to, but on a higher landscape position than the Sandy Lowland ecological site.
Similar sites
R106XY068NE Loamy Floodplain
The Loamy Floodplain ecological site is found in the same landscape position as the Sandy Lowland ecological site. The Loamy Floodplain ecological site occurs on silty clay loam and silt loam textured soils while the Sandy Lowland ecological site occurs on sand, loamy fine sand, and sandy loam textured soils.
R106XY083NE Saline Lowland
The Saline Lowland ecological site is found on similar landscape positions as the Sandy Lowland ecological site but the Saline Lowland site has the presence of salts at or near the soil surface while the Sandy Lowland site does not.
Figure 1. Block Diagram for the Sandy Lowland site in MLRA 106.
Table 2. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Populus
(2) SalixShrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Andropogon gerardii
(2) Sorghastrum nutansPhysiographic features
The Sandy Lowland ecological site is a run on site located in river valleys on terraces and flood plain steps. Slopes typically range from 0 to 2 percent. The sites experience flooding which may occur rarely to frequently for brief periods of time.
Table 3. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) River valley > Terrace
(2) River valley > Flood-plain step
Runoff class Negligible Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency Rare to occasional Ponding frequency None Elevation 750 – 1660 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Water table depth 80 – 0 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
Like most Great Plains landscapes, the climate in this MLRA is under the sway of the continental effect. This creates a regime of extremes, with summer highs often in the triple digits and winter lows plunging well below zero. Blizzards can occur anytime between early fall and late spring, dropping the temperature more than 50 degrees in just a few hours. These events can pile up several feet of snow, often driven by winds in excess of 50 miles an hour. The resulting huge snow drifts can cause serious hardship for livestock, wildlife, and humans. Winters can be open, with bare ground for most of the season, or closed, with several feet of snow persisting until March. Most winters have a number of warm days interspersed with dropping temperatures, usually associated with approaching cold fronts. Spring brings violent thunderstorms, hail, and high winds. Tornadoes occur frequently.
About three-fourths of the precipitation falls as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms from late in spring through early in autumn. The average annual precipitation gradient trends higher from northwest (28”) to southeast (40”), and the average annual temperature gradient trends higher from north (50°F) to south (55°F). Daily winds range from an average of 14 miles per hour during the spring to 11 miles per hour during the late summer. Occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 80 miles per hour.
Native cool-season plants begin growth in early April and continue to about mid-June. Native warm-season plants begin growth in early June and continue to early August. Green up of cool-season plants may occur in September and October.Table 4 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 150-160 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 190-190 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 40-40 in Frost-free period (actual range) 140-180 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 190-200 days Precipitation total (actual range) 40-40 in Frost-free period (average) 160 days Freeze-free period (average) 190 days Precipitation total (average) 40 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Climate stations used
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(1) CLINTON LAKE [USC00141612], Lawrence, KS
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(2) LAWRENCE [USC00144559], Lawrence, KS
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(3) BONNER SPRINGS [USC00140957], Bonner Springs, KS
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(4) PERRY LAKE [USC00146333], Perry, KS
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(5) TOPEKA MUNI AP [USW00013996], Topeka, KS
">Influencing water features
This site occurs on nearly level flood plain steps and terraces. These areas receive additional water from overflow of intermittent or perennial streams and runoff from adjacent slopes but are not impacted by a water table.
Soil features
The soils associated with the Sandy Lowland ecological site are located on flood-plain steps and terraces. Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent. These soils were formed in stratified sandy alluvium. The soils are very deep (60 inches or greater) with sand, loamy sand, or sandy loam surface textures which are typically 9 inches thick. Soils are excessively drained. Weighted average of the clay content in the particle size control section ranges from 0 to 10 percent, while the sand content ranges from 50 to 90 percent. The saturated hydrologic conductivity is very high, and the reaction in the A horizon ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Stonehouse is the major soil series correlated to the Sandy Lowland site. More information can be found in the various soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center for soil survey reports that include more detail specific to your location or visit Web Soil
Survey (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov).
Figure 6. Stonehouse Series Profile
Table 5. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium
Surface texture (1) Loamy sand
(2) Sand
(3) Sandy loam
Drainage class Excessively drained Permeability class Moderate Soil depth 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)2 – 4.4 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 5 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)5.6 – 8.1 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-40in)Not specified Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-40in)Not specified Ecological dynamics
The Sandy Lowland ecological sites developed under Central Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man caused wildfires, and other biotic and abiotic factors which typically influence soil/site development. This continues to be a disturbance driven site, by herbivory, fire, and variable climate. Changes occur in the plant communities due to weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions.
One of the primary impacts to this site introduced by European settlers is season long continuous grazing by domestic livestock. This management practice causes the repeated removal of the growing point and excessive defoliation of the leaf area of individual tall warm-season grasses. The resulting reduction of the ability of the plants to harvest sunlight depletes the root reserves, subsequently decreasing the root mass. This negatively impacts the ability of the plants to compete for life sustaining nutrients, resulting in declining vigor and eventual mortality. The space created in the vegetative community is then occupied by a species that evades the negative grazing impacts by a growing season adaptation such as a cool season, shorter structure, or reduced palatability mechanism.
The State and Transition Model (STM) is depicted following this section and includes a Reference State (1), a Native/Invaded Grass State (2), a Sod-busted State (3), and an Invaded Woody State (4). Each state represents the crossing of a major ecological threshold due to alteration of the functional dynamic properties of the ecosystem. The main properties observed to determine this change are the soil and vegetative communities and the hydrologic cycle. The STM illustrates the common plant communities that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities (Bestelmeyer, 2010). The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.
Each state may have one or more vegetative communities which fluctuate in species composition and abundance within the normal parameters of the state. Within each state, communities may degrade or recover in response to natural and man caused disturbances such as variation in the degree and timing of herbivory, presence or absence of fire, and climatic and local fluctuations in the precipitation regime.
Interpretations are primarily based on the Reference State and 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 have been interpreted from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
T1A - Heavy, continuous grazing or haying without adequate recovery periods. T1B - Tillage to facilitate production agriculture. T1C - Woody encroachment with no fire, timber harvest, or brush management. T2A - Tillage to facilitate production agriculture. T2B - Woody encroachment with no fire, timber harvest, or brush management. T3A - Woody encroachment with no fire, timber harvest, or brush management. R4A - Prescribed burning, wildfire, harvest, and brush management. R4B - Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest and brush management. R4C - Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest and brush management. State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Grazing or haying with inadequate growing season recovery periods. 1.1B - Prolonged (>5 years) absence of herbivory and fire. 1.2A - Prescribed grazing during the cool-season portion of the growing season. 1.2B - Grazing or haying with inadequate growing season recovery. 1.2C - Prolonged (>5 years) absence of herbivory and fire. 1.3A - Prescribed grazing with high intensity grazing during the cool-season portion of the growing season. 1.3B - Prolonged (> 5 years) absence of herbivory and fire. 1.4A - Reintroduction of grazing and fire. 1.4B - Reintroduction of grazing and fire. 1.4C - Reintroduction of grazing and fire. State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
4.1A - No fire or other woody species management. 4.2A - Brush management or prescribed fire designed to remove eastern red cedar. State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State (1) describes the range of vegetative community phases that occur on the Sandy Lowland site where the natural processes are mostly intact. The Reference Community (1.1) is a representation of the native plant community phase that occupies a site that has been minimally altered by management. The Degraded Native Grass (1.2), the At-Risk (1.3), and the Excessive Litter (1.4) Communities are the phases that result from management decisions that are unfavorable for a healthy Reference Community (1.1). High perennial grass cover and production allows for increased soil moisture retention, vegetative production, and overall soil quality.
Dominant plant species
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eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), tree
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big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
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Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), grass
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switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Community 1.1
Reference Community
Figure 7. Sandy Lowland ecological site, Reference Community (1.1), eastern Kansas, MLRA 106. Photo courtesy of Dave Kohake.
The Reference or Tallgrass Native Prairie Community (1.1) serves as a description of the native plant community that naturally occurs on the site when the natural disturbance regimes are intact, or closely mimicked by management practices. This phase is dynamic, with fluid relative abundance and spatial boundaries between the dominant structural vegetative groups. These fluctuations are primarily driven by different responses of the species to changes in precipitation timing and abundance, and fire and grazing events.
The potential vegetation consists of approximately 70 to 85 percent grasses and grass-likes, 5 to15 percent forbs, 0 to 5 percent shrubs, and 0 to 2 percent deciduous trees. Big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass are the primary herbaceous species in this community. Secondary species include little bluestem, sideoats grama, and blue grama. Elm, willow, and cottonwood are often part of this community as well. The site has a fairly diverse forb population.
This plant community is highly productive, diverse, and resistant to short term stresses such as drought and short periods of heavy stocking. The well-developed root systems support resiliency when allowed adequate recovery periods between grazing events. When exposed to long term or frequent over grazing events without adequate rest, this plant community will degrade.
The annual vegetative production of this community averages 6,000 lbs/acre.Dominant plant species
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cottonwood (Populus), tree
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big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
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Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), grass
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switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE1068 , MLRA 106 Warm-season. *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 3 7 18 30 22 12 6 2 0 0 Community 1.2
Degraded Native Grass Community
Figure 9. Sandy Lowland ecological site, Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2), eastern Kansas, MLRA 106. Photo Courtesy of Dave Kohake
In the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2), warm-season tall grasses, such as big bluestem, switchgrass, and Indiangrass, lose productive capacity through loss of vigor and reproductive potential. The proximity of the water table for the deep-rooted tall grasses on this site helps to sustain species as subdominant. However, mid grasses such as little bluestem and sideoats grama increase to become the dominant functional group. Thin paspalum, sand lovegrass, blue grama, and sand dropseed begin to increase in abundance. Forb diversity is reduced.
This community phase signals a significant loss of production as warm-season tall grasses decrease while warm-season mid and short grasses and cool-season grasses increase. The composition of the forb component remains diverse, and the woody component may increase. While this plant community is less productive and less diverse than the representative plant community, it remains sustainable in regard to site and soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.Dominant plant species
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cottonwood (Populus), tree
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willow (Salix), tree
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elm (Ulmus), tree
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switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
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sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), grass
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thin paspalum (Paspalum setaceum), grass
Community 1.3
At-Risk Community
Figure 10. Sandy Lowland ecological site, At-Risk Community (1.3), eastern Kansas, MLRA 106. Photo courtesy of Dave Kohake.
In the At-Risk Community (1.3), the more palatable warm-season tall grasses have been reduced to a minor component by continued defoliation during their critical growth periods. Warm-season short grasses and cool-season grasses increase significantly. Blue grama grasses, hairy grama, sand dropseed, sand paspalum, and sand lovegrass become the dominant species. Cheatgrass and other non-native cool-season grasses may begin to invade the site. The deciduous tree component may increase significantly and if a seed source is present, eastern red cedar may begin to encroach.
Soil health is affected by reduced efficiency in the nutrient, mineral, and hydrologic cycles as a result of decreases in plant litter and rooting depths. Total annual vegetative production declines significantly. Without a management change, this community is at risk to degrade to the Native/Invaded Grass State (2).Dominant plant species
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cottonwood (Populus), tree
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willow (Salix), tree
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prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), shrub
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
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sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), grass
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Cuman ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), other herbaceous
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE1069 , MLRA 106 Warm/cool-season mix.
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 1 4 10 23 26 17 8 6 4 1 0 Community 1.4
Excessive Litter CommunityThe Excessive Litter Community (1.4) develops when the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire are removed from the system for extended periods of time (five years or more). Litter significantly exceeds the amount expected on the site and the species present can tolerate a thatch layer. Individual plants tend to be clumped and there is an excessive amount of litter. Species that cannot tolerate an extensive litter layer have low vigor and reduced productivity.
Once the undisturbed litter layer develops to a certain level, a significant amount of precipitation is held in this layer increasing evaporation, limiting soil available moisture, and simulating drought conditions. If herbivory or fire are not reintroduced, the plant community will experience a significant amount of death loss.Dominant plant species
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cottonwood (Populus), tree
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willow (Salix), tree
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big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
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switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
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Cuman ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), other herbaceous
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Reference Community
Degraded Native Grass CommunityA shift from the Reference Community (1.1) to the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) occurs with continuous, season long grazing or rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods (deferment). Haying with inadequate recovery periods between cuttings will also cause this change.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.4Prolonged (greater than five years) interruption of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will convert the Reference Community (1.1) to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Degraded Native Grass Community
Reference CommunityA shift from the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) toward the Reference Community (1.1) can be achieved through prescribed grazing. Applying grazing pressure during the rapid growth period of the less productive cool-season grasses while allowing rest during the warm-season portion of the growing season favors the more productive warm-season tall grasses. This grazing strategy will enable the deeply rooted, warm-season tall grasses to out compete the shallower rooted warm-season mid and short grasses and the cool season grasses. Appropriately timed prescribed fire will accelerate this process.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Degraded Native Grass Community
At-Risk CommunityLong-term, continuous season long grazing, rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods (deferment) further degrades the site and moves the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) to the At-Risk Community (1.3). Haying with inadequate recovery periods between cuttings will also cause this change.
Pathway 1.2C
Community 1.2 to 1.4Prolonged (greater than five years) interruption of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will convert the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4).
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.2
At-Risk Community
Degraded Native Grass CommunityReversing the downward trend that moved the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) to the At-Risk Community (1.3) can be achieved with prescribed grazing early and late in the growing season to reduce undesirable cool-season grasses. Targeting the peak growth period of cool-season grasses with high intensity grazing events followed by rest will allow the tall native warm-season grasses to rejuvenate. Appropriately timed prescribed fire will accelerate this process.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Access Control Prescribed Grazing Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.4Prolonged (greater than five years) interruption of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will convert the At-Risk Community (1.3) to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4).
Pathway 1.4A
Community 1.4 to 1.1Reintroduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire will allow the vegetation to return of the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) to the Reference Community (1.1).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing Pathway 1.4B
Community 1.4 to 1.2Reintroduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire will allow the vegetation of the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) to return to the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing Pathway 1.4C
Community 1.4 to 1.3Reintroduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire will allow the vegetation of the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) to return to the At-Risk Community (1.3).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing State 2
Native/Invaded Grass StateThe Native/Invaded Grass State (2) has been degraded from the Reference State (1) and most of the native, warm-season, tall and mid grasses have been replaced by less productive warm-season short grasses and cool-season grasses. The loss of warm-season, tall and mid grasses has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Patches of open sand may be present.
Dominant plant species
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cottonwood (Populus), tree
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
Community 2.1
Shortgrass Sod/Invaded Grass Community
Figure 12. Sandy Lowland ecological site, Shortgrass Sod/Invaded Grass Community (2.1) with areas of open sand, MLRA 106.Photo courtesy of Dave Kohake,
Figure 13. Sandy Lowland, Shortgrass Sod/Invaded Grass Community (2.1) with patches of invasive woody species, MLRA 106 Photo courtesy of Dave Kohake.
The Shortgrass Sod/Invaded Grass Community (2.1) represents a shift from the Reference State (1) across a plant community threshold. With continued grazing pressure, blue grama, sand dropseed, and annual grasses will become the dominant grasses. Kentucky bluegrass may be co-dominant and cheatgrass, windmill grass, sandbur, or other annuals may become dominant in patches. Only trace remnants of the more palatable warm-season mid grasses such as sideoats grama and little bluestem will be present, if at all. Open sand may be present.
Dominant plant species
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
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sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), grass
State 3
Sod-busted StateThe threshold to the Sod-busted State (3) is crossed as a result of mechanical disturbance to facilitate production agriculture. Extensive areas of this ecological site were plowed and converted to crop production by early European settlers and their subsequent generations. In addition to permanently altering the existing vegetative community, repeated tillage negatively impacted soil properties. Reductions in organic matter, mineral levels, soil structure, oxygen levels, and water-holding capacity along with increased runoff and erosion as well as shifts in the populations of soil dwelling organisms were common on these sites. The extent of these changes depended upon the duration of cropping as well as crops grown and other management practices.
If farming operations are suspended, the site can be abandoned or seeded to permanent vegetation. Seedings are either a tame pasture forage mixture, the Seeded Pasture Community (3.2), or a mixture of native grasses and forbs, the Reseeded Native Grass Community (3.1). Abandonment results in the Natural Reclamation Community (3.3). Permanent alterations of the soil, plant community, and the hydrologic cycle make restoration to the Reference State (1) extremely difficult, if not impossible.Community 3.1
Reseeded Native Grass CommunityThe Reseeded Native Grass Community (3.1) does not contain native remnants, and varies considerably depending upon the seed mixture, the degree of soil erosion, the age of the stand, fertility management, and past grazing management. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods will be required to maintain productivity and desirable species.
Native range and grasslands seeded to native species are ecologically different and should be managed separately. Factors such as functional group, species, stand density, and improved varieties all impact the production level and palatability of the seedings. Species diversity is often limited, and when grazed in conjunction with native rangelands, uneven forage utilization may occur.
Total annual production during an average year varies significantly depending upon precipitation, management, and grass species seeded.Community 3.2
Seeded Pasture CommunityThe Seeded Pasture Community (3.2) does not contain native remnants and varies considerably depending upon the extent of soil erosion, the species seeded, the quality of the stand that was established, the age of the stand, and management of the stand since establishment.
There are several factors that make seeded tame pasture a different grazing resource than native rangeland and land seeded to a native grass mixture. Factors such as species selected, stand density, improved varieties, and harvest efficiency all impact production levels and palatability. Species diversity on seeded tame pasture is often limited to a few species. When seeded pasture and native rangelands or seeded pasture and seeded rangeland are in the same grazing unit, uneven forage utilization will occur. Improve forage utilization and stand longevity by managing this community separately from native rangelands or land seeded to native grass species.
Total annual production during an average year varies significantly depending on the level of management and species seeded. Improved varieties of warm-season or cool-season grasses are recommended for optimum forage production.Community 3.3
Natural Reclamation CommunityThe Natural Reclamation Community (3.3) consists of annual and perennial weeds and less desirable grasses. These sites have been farmed and abandoned without being reseeded. Soil organic matter and carbon reserves are reduced, soil structure is changed, and a plowpan or compacted layer can form, which decreases water infiltration. Residual synthetic chemicals may remain from farming operations. In early successional stages, this community is not stable. The hazard of erosion is a concern.
Total annual production during an average year varies significantly depending on the succession stage of the plant community and any management applied to the system.State 4
Invaded Woody StateThe Invaded Woody State (4) is the result of woody encroachment. Once the tree canopy cover reaches 15 percent with an average tree height exceeding five feet, the threshold is crossed. Woody species are encroaching due to lack of prescribed fire and other brush management practices. Typical ecological impacts are a loss of native grasses, degraded forage productivity, and reduced soil quality.
Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, and brush management will move this state toward a grass dominated state. If the Invaded Woody State (4) transitioned from the Native/Invaded Grass State (2) or the Sod-busted State (3), the land cannot be restored to the Reference State (1) as the native plant community, soils, and hydrologic function have been too severely impacted prior to the woody encroachment to allow restoration to the Reference State (1). The Invaded Woody State (4) includes the Deciduous Woody Community (4.1) and the Eastern Red Cedar Community (4.2).Dominant plant species
-
Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), tree
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honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), tree
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cottonwood (Populus), tree
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willow (Salix), tree
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roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii), tree
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smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), shrub
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Community 4.1
Deciduous Woody Community
Figure 14. Sandy Lowland ecological site, Deciduous Woody Community (4.1), MLRA 106, eastern Kansas. Photo courtesy of Dave Kohake.
The Deciduous Woody Community (4.1) has at least a 15 percent woody canopy cover. Willow, elm, and cottonwood are the primary species in this community but invasive deciduous trees including Siberian elm, honeylocust, and roughleaf dogwood may be present.
Re-sprouting brush must be chemically treated immediately after mechanical removal to achieve effective treatment. The forb component will initially increase following tree removal. To prevent return to a woody dominated community, ongoing brush management such as hand cutting, chemical spot treatments, or periodic prescribed burning is required. In higher canopy cover situations, the soil erosion will increase in relation to most of the plant communities from which this plant community originated. The water cycle is also significantly altered under higher canopy cover. Infiltration is reduced and runoff is typically increased because of a lack of herbaceous cover and the rooting structure provided by the herbaceous species. Total annual production during an average year varies significantly, depending on the production level prior to encroachment and the percentage of canopy cover.
In the absence of fire and brush management, this site is very conducive to eastern red cedar seedling invasion, especially when adjacent to a seed source. Eastern red cedar can eventually dominate the site, resulting the Eastern Red Cedar Community (4.2), which drastically reduces forage production and has limited value for either livestock grazing or wildlife habitat.Dominant plant species
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Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), tree
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roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii), tree
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honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), tree
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willow (Salix), tree
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cottonwood (Populus), tree
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
Community 4.2
Eastern Red Cedar CommunityWillow, elm, and cottonwood may be present, but have generally been replaced by eastern red cedars. Eastern red cedar will eventually dominate the entire site, resulting in a closed canopy monoculture which drastically reduces forage production and has limited value for either livestock grazing or wildlife habitat. Due to fire suppression over many years, this plant community will develop extensive ladder fuels which can lead to a removal of most tree species with a wildfire. With properly managed intensive grazing, encroachment of deciduous trees will be minimal; however, this will not impact encroachment of conifer species. The herbaceous component decreases proportionately in relation to the percent canopy cover, with the reduction being greater under a conifer overstory. Eastern red cedar control can usually be accomplished with prescribed burning while the trees are six feet tall or less and fine fuel production is greater than 1,500 pounds per acres. Larger red cedars can also be controlled with prescribed burning, but successful application requires the use of specifically designed ignition and holding techniques (https://www.loesscanyonsburngroup.com).
Re-sprouting brush must be chemically treated immediately after mechanical removal to achieve effective treatment. The forb component will initially increase following tree removal. To prevent return to a woody dominated community, ongoing brush management such as hand cutting, chemical spot treatments, or periodic prescribed burning is required. This plant community is resistant to change and resilient given normal disturbances. In higher canopy cover situations, the soil erosion will increase in relation to most of the plant communities from which this plant community originated. The water cycle is also significantly altered under higher canopy cover. Infiltration is reduced and runoff is typically increased because of a lack of herbaceous cover and the rooting structure provided by the herbaceous species. Total annual production during an average year varies significantly depending on the production level prior to encroachment and the percentage of canopy cover.Dominant plant species
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eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), grass
Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2Continued absence of fire and brush management will allow eastern red cedar to increase in abundance and become dominant in the understory. The eastern red cedar will out compete the deciduous seedlings and eastern red cedar will eventually become a near monoculture, moving the Deciduous Woody Community (4.1) to the Eastern Red Cedar Community (4.2).
Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1Brush management or prescribed fire designed to control the eastern red cedar while leaving the deciduous trees intact will move the Eastern Red Cedar Community (4.2) to the Deciduous Woody Community (4.1).
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Heavy, continuous grazing or haying without adequate recovery periods will cause the Reference State (1) to lose a significant proportion of warm-season, tall and mid grass species and cross a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (2). Water infiltration and other hydrologic functions will be reduced due to the root matting presence of sod-forming grasses. With the decline and loss of deeper penetrating root systems, soil structure and biological integrity are degraded to the point that recovery is unlikely. Once this occurs, it is highly unlikely that grazing management alone will return the community to the Reference State (1).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3The Reference State (1) is significantly altered by mechanical tillage converting site to the Sod-busted State (3) to facilitate production agriculture. The disruption to the plant community, the soil, and the hydrology of the system make restoration to a true reference state unlikely.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4Disruption of the natural fire regime and the encroachment of invasive exotic and native woody species can cause the Reference State (1) to shift to the Invaded Woody State (4).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3The Native/Invaded State (2) is significantly altered by mechanical tillage converting site to the Sod-busted State (3) to facilitate production agriculture. The disruption to the plant community, the soil, and the hydrology of the system make restoration to a true reference state unlikely.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4Disruption of the natural fire regime and the encroachment of invasive exotic and native woody species can cause the Native/Invaded State (2) to transition to the Invaded Woody State (4).
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Disruption of the natural fire regime and the encroachment of invasive exotic and native woody species can cause the Sodbusted State (3) to shift to the Invaded Woody State (4).
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 1Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State (4) toward the Reference State (1). Land that transitioned to the Invaded Woody State (4) from the Native/Invaded State (2) or the Sod-busted State (3) cannot be restored to the Reference State (1) as the native plant community, soils, and hydrologic function have been too severely impacted prior to the woody encroachment to allow restoration to the Reference State.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning Restoration pathway R4B
State 4 to 2Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State (4) toward the Native/Invaded State (2). Land that transitioned to the Invaded Woody State (4) from the Native/Invaded State (2) or the Sod-busted State (3) cannot be restored to the Reference State (1) as the native plant community, soils, and hydrologic function have been too severely impacted prior to the woody encroachment to allow restoration to the Reference State.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning Restoration pathway R4C
State 4 to 3Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State (4) toward the Sod-busted State (3). Land that transitioned to the Invaded Woody State (4) from the Native/Invaded State (2) or the Sod-busted State (3) cannot be restored to the Reference State (1) as the native plant community, soils, and hydrologic function have been too severely impacted prior to the woody encroachment to allow restoration to the Reference State.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 1.4 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 15. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
LIVESTOCK – GRAZING INTERPRETATIONS:
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the protein levels of the forage may be lower than the minimum needed to meet livestock (primarily cattle and sheep) requirements. The following table lists suggested stocking rates for cattle under continuous season long grazing under normal growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using this information along with animal preference data, 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.
Production and Carrying Capacity*
Community 1.1, Reference Community
*Based upon the following conditions: continuous season long grazing with cattle under average growing conditions, 25 percent harvest efficiency. Air dry forage requirements are based on 3 percent of animal body weight or 790 lbs per animal unit (AU) per month (M). An AU is generally one mature cow of approximately 1,000 pounds and a calf as old as 6 months or their equivalent.
WILDLIFE INTERPRETATIONS:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 106 lies primarily within the tall grass prairie ecosystem. Prior to European settlement of North America, this area consisted of diverse grassland habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional wetlands and limited woody riparian corridors. These habitats provided critical life cycle components for the grassland birds, prairie dogs, and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn that historically occupied this landscape. Diverse populations of small mammals and insects provided a bountiful prey base for raptors and omnivores such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and opossums. Bobcats, wolves, and mountain lions occupied the apex predator niche. In addition, a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians thrived in this landscape.
The tall grass prairie was a disturbance driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary disturbances. Following European settlement of North America, elimination of fire, widespread conversion to cropland, and other sources of habitat fragmentation significantly altered the appearance and functionality of the entire ecosystem. The reduced stability of the system is reflected by major changes in the composition and abundance of the native flora and fauna. Introduced and invading species further degrade the ecological integrity of the plant and animal communities. Bison and prairie dogs were historically keystone species, but free roaming bison herds and nearly all prairie dogs have been extirpated in this region. The loss of bison and fire as ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native grasslands and the habitats that they provide.
Historically, an ecological mosaic of the sites provided habitat for species requiring unfragmented grasslands. Important habitat features and components found commonly or exclusively on modern day remnants include upland nesting habitat for grassland birds and game birds; nesting and escape cover for waterfowl; forbs and insects for brood rearing habitat; and a forage source for small and large herbivores. Fragmentation has reduced habitat quality for numerous area sensitive species, as highlighted by the decline of the greater prairie chicken. Grassland nesting bird populations such as dickcissel and Henslow's sparrow are also declining. In this fragmented landscape, native grassland bird populations face increasing competition from the opportunistic European starlings and house sparrows and are subject to nest parasitism from brown headed cowbirds. Tree encroachment creates habitat that favors generalist species such as American robin and mourning dove, and provides perches for raptors, increasing the predation mortality. Introduced species such as smooth bromegrass, reed canarygrass, Kentucky bluegrass, nodding plumeless thistle (musk thistle), and Canada thistle further degrade the biological integrity of many of these remnant prairies.
1. REFERENCE STATE: The predominance of tall and mid grasses and forbs in this community makes it ideal for grazers and mixed feeders. Pollinating insects play a significant role in maintaining the forb community and provide a food source for grassland birds and other grassland dependent species. The vegetative structural diversity provides habitat for reptiles, amphibians, and a wide array of native and introduced bird species. The abundant prey base supports populations of Swainson’s hawk, short eared, and great horned owls, and other grassland raptors. The grasses, forbs, and shrubs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including moles, mice, ground squirrels, and white-tailed deer. The structure of this plant community provides suitable thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores and grassland birds. Many wide-ranging predators utilize this plant community, including coyote, badger, red fox, and least and long tailed weasels. As the plant community degrades to more mid grasses and fewer tall grasses, less winter and escape cover are provided. It also provides less cover for predators.Hydrological functions
This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group A. Infiltration potential is high and runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to low depending on ground cover. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff. (Refer to NRCS Section 4, National Engineering Handbook (NEH-4) for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
The Sandy Lowland ecological site provides hunting for upland game species and white-tailed deer, along with hiking, photography, and bird watching. The wide varieties of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
Deciduous species are often present on this site and can often be harvested for firewood. In some cases, cottonwoods are large enough to harvest for pallet production.
Other products
None of significance.
Other information
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work is needed to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description. Additional data collection and evaluation may also be needed to develop this ESD to the Approved, then Correlated level. This could include field activities to collect low, medium, and high intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Field reviews of the project plan should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document.Supporting information
Inventory data references
This information was supplied by NRCS specialists and experts from partner organizations. These observations are based on extensive experience, training and education in each respective discipline.
Other references
Harms, R. 2009. Recovery Outline for the Salt Creek tiger beetle (Cicindela nevadica lincolniana). Available online. http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/invertebrates/saltcreektiger/FinalRecoveryOutlineFeb2009.pdf. Accessed 1/02/2018.
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. Available online. http://hpcc.unl.edu. Accessed 12/05/16.
Johnsgaard, P.A. 2001. “The Nature of Nebraska.” University of Nebraska Press.
Muhs, Daniel R., E. Bettis III, J. Aleinikoff, J. McGeehin, J. Beann, G. Skipp, B. Marshall, H. Roberts, W. Johnson, and R. Benton. "Origin and paleoclimatic significance of late Quaternary loess in Nebraska: Evidence from stratigraphy, chronology, sedimentology, and geochemistry" (2008). USGS Staff -- Published Research, Paper 162. Available online. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsstaffpub/162. Accessed 12/05/16.
Spomer, S. and L. Higley. 2001. The Salt Creek Tiger Beetle. Bio-graphica International. Available online. http://drshigley.com/lgh/sctb/default.htm. Accessed 1/02/2018.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. NRCS National Ecological Site Handbook. Available online. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/soils/ref/?cid=nrcseprd1291232 Accessed January, 2014.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. NRCS National Engineering Handbook, Section 4. Available online. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21422.
Accessed August, 2011.
Personal communications with professional ecologists and wildlife experts.
Rolfsmeier, S.B. and G. Steinauer. 2010. "Terrestrial Ecological Systems and Natural Communities of Nebraska", (version IV). Nebraska Natural Heritage Program.
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, Portland, OR. Available online. http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov. Accessed 12/05/16.
USDA, NRCS.1997. National Range and Pasture Handbook.
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, Fort Collins, CO. Available online. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov. Accessed 12/05/16.
USDA, NRCS. 2002. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5. Available online. http://plants.usda.gov. Accessed 12/05/16.
USDA, NRCS Soil Surveys from: Butler, Saunders, Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Nemaha, Johnson, Gage, Pawnee, Saline, Seward, Saunders and Richardson Counties in Nebraska; and Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Leavenworth, Marshall, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wyandotte Counties in Kansas.Contributors
Doug Whisenhunt
Nadine BishopApproval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/09/2025
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) Original Authors: Joseph May and Doug Whisenhunt Version V Authors: Anna Ferguson, Aaron Hird, Justin Linder, Dusty Schwandt, Doug Spencer, Chris Tecklenburg, Nadine Bishop, Jeff Nichols. Contact for lead author jeffrey.nichols@usda.gov Date 11/30/2024 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
None. Rills are not expected on this site. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None. Water flow patterns are not expected on this site. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. Pedestals and terracettes are not expected to occur on this site. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is typically 5 percent or less but may be extensive following flooding events. In those situations, the extent of bare ground is dependent upon the depth and duration of flooding. Bare ground is exposed mineral soil that is not covered by vegetation (basal and/or foliar canopy), litter, standing dead vegetation, gravel/rock, and visible biological crust (e.g., lichen, mosses, algae). -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. Gullies are not expected on this site. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. Wind scoured and/or depositional areas are not expected on this site. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Typically, none but litter movement may be fairly extensive after major runoff or flooding events. In these cases, movement of litter will depend upon the extend of the flooding within the river valley. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil stability ratings will typically be from 3 to 4. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
The surface horizon (A) typically is typically 6 to 9 inches thick but may be as thin as 4 inches. Soil colors in the surface horizon are typically dark grayish brown (hue: 10YR, value: 4, chroma: 2) when moist and light brownish gray (hue: 10YR, value: 6, chroma: 2) when dry. Soil structure in the upper horizon typically ranges as single grain to weak fine granular but some soils have a weak medium subangular blocky structure. See Official Soils Descriptions (OSD) for additional details. Stonehouse is the primary soil series correlated to this site. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Plant community composition of 70 to 85 percent grasses and grass-likes, 5 to 15 percent forbs, 0 to 5 percent shrubs, 0 to 2 percent trees will optimize infiltration on the site. The grass and grass-like component consist of native, perennial, warm-season, tall grasses; native, perennial, warm-season, mid grasses; native, perennial, warm-season, short grasses; and native, perennial cool-season grasses and grass-likes. Infiltration can be adversely impacted by the invasion of trees when present above 10 percent (subdominant designation). -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. No compaction layers are expected for this site. -
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:
Phase 1.1: 1. Native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass (3 species minimum): big bluestem, sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, Indiangrass, switchgrass. 2. Native, perennial, warm season, mid grass (2 species minimum): little bluestem, sand lovegrass, sand dropseed, tall dropseed, sideoats grama. Phase 1.2: 1. Native, perennial, warm season, mid grass (2 species minimum): little bluestem, sand lovegrass, sand dropseed, tall dropseed, sideoats grama. Phase 1.3: 1. Native, perennial, warm-season, short grass (2 species minimum): blue grama, hairy grama, thin paspalum. 2. Native, perennial, cool-season grass (2 species minimum): needleandthread, porcupinegrass, Scribner rosette grass, prairie junegrass, western wheatgrass.Sub-dominant:
Phase 1.1: 1. Native Forbs (6 species minimum): forbs present vary from location to location. Phase 1.2: 1. Native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass (3 species minimum): big bluestem, sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, Indiangrass, switchgrass. 2. Native, perennial, warm-season, short grass (1 species minimum): blue grama, hairy grama, thin paspalum. Phase 1.3: 1. Native, perennial, warm season, mid grass (2 species minimum): little bluestem, sand lovegrass, sand dropseed, tall dropseed, sideoats grama.Other:
Minor - Phase 1.1: 1. Native, perennial, cool-season grass: needleandthread, porcupinegrass, Scribner rosette grass, prairie junegrass, western wheatgrass. 2. Native, perennial, warm-season, short grass: blue grama, hairy grama, thin paspalum. 3. Grass-likes: sedges 4. Shrubs: shrubs present vary from location to location. Minor - Phase 1.2: 1. Native forbs: forbs present vary from location to location. 2. Native, perennial, cool-season grass: needleandthread, porcupinegrass, Scribner rosette grass, prairie junegrass, western wheatgrass. 3. Grass-likes: sedges 4. Shrubs: shrubs present vary from location to location. Minor - Phase 1.3: 1. Grass-likes: sedge. 2. Native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass (3 species minimum): big bluestem, sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, Indiangrass, switchgrass. 3. Native forbs: forbs present vary from location to location. 4. Native, deciduous trees: willow, elm, cottonwood, and other trees which vary from location to location. 5. Shrubs: shrubs present vary from location to location. Trace - Phase 1.1: 1. Native, deciduous trees: willow, elm, cottonwood, and other trees which vary from location to location. Trace - Phase 1.2: 1. Native, deciduous trees: willow, elm, cottonwood, and other trees which vary from location to location. Trace - Phase 1.3: 1. Non-native, cool-season grass: Kentucky bluegrass, annual bromes, tall fescue, smooth brome.Additional:
The Reference Community (1.1) includes eight F/S groups. These groups in order of abundance are native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass; native, perennial, warm-season, mid grass; native forbs; native, perennial, cool-season grass; native, perennial, warm-season, short grass; grass-likes; shrubs; deciduous trees. The Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) also includes eight F/S groups. These groups are native, perennial, warm-season, mid grass; native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass; native, perennial, warm-season, short grass; forbs; native, perennial, cool-season grass; grass-likes; shrubs; deciduous trees. The At-Risk Community contains nine F/S groups. These groups include native, perennial, warm-season, short grass; native, perennial, cool-season grass; native, perennial, warm-season, mid grass; grass-likes; native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass; native forbs; deciduous trees; shrubs; non-native, cool-season grass. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Recruitment of plants is occurring; there is a diverse mixture of age classes among the plants. A few (less than 3 percent) dead centers may occur in bunch grasses. Shrubs and trees may show some dead branches (less than 5 percent) as plants age. Plant mortality may increase to 10 to 15 percent following a multi-year drought, wildfire, or a combination of the two events. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Plant litter is expected to be 60 to 80 percent cover, at a depth of approximately 0.5 to 1.0 inch (1.25 to 2.5cm) and evenly distributed throughout the site. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Production is shown in air-dry values. Representative Value (RV) = 6,000 pounds per acre. Low production years = 4,800 pounds per acre. High production years = 7,200 pounds per acre. -
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:
No non-native invasive species are present. Eastern red cedar, honey locust, rough leaf dogwood, hackberry, and Siberian elm are known invasives that have the potential to be dominant or co-dominant on the site. Consult the state noxious weed and state watch lists for potential invasive species on each ecological site. NOTE: Invasive plants (for the purposes of the IIRH protocol) are plant species that are typically not found on the ecological site or should only be in trace or minor categories under the natural disturbance regime and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the site if their establishment and growth are not actively controlled by natural disturbances or management interventions. Species listed characterize degraded states AND have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All perennial species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Perennial grasses should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers; vegetative and reproductive structures are not stunted. All perennial species should be capable of reproducing annually.
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