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Approved. An approved ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model, enough information to identify the ecological site, and full documentation for all ecosystem states contained in the state and transition model.
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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 Shallow Limy ecological site is located on nearly level to sloping upland landscapes and does not receive additional moisture from runoff or overflow. The site supplies runoff water to those sites lower in the landscape. Slopes typically range from 3 to 20 percent but may be as steep as 70 percent. The soils associated with the Shallow Limy ecological site are shallow to very shallow to bedrock. Surface textures are primarily silty clay loam and silt loam. These somewhat excessively drained soils formed in residuum weathered from calcareous silty shales and limestone. The vegetation of the Reference Community is mixed grass prairie. The primary grasses include big bluestem, little bluestem, and sideoats grama. Secondary grasses include switchgrass, Indiangrass, and blue grama. Forbs are common and diverse. Vegetative production is lower on the Shallow Limy ecological site than that of associated upland sites due to the proximity of bedrock to the soil surface. This site is more intact than many other upland sites within the MLRA as it is better suited to grazing than to farming due to the shallowness of the site.
Associated sites
R106XY074NE Clayey Upland
The Clayey Upland ecological site is often found adjacent to the Shallow Limy site.
R106XY075NE Loamy Upland
The Loamy Upland ecological site is often located adjacent to the Shallow Limy site.
Similar sites
R106XY074NE Clayey Upland
The Clayey Upland ecological site is an upland site that is often found adjacent to the Shallow Limy ecological site. Clayey Upland sites are moderately deep to very deep and are not calcareous near the surface while Shallow Limy sites are calcareous at or near the surface and bedrock is within 20 inches of the surface.
R106XY076NE Limy Upland
The Limy Upland ecological site is an upland site that is often found adjacent to the Shallow Limy ecological site. While both sites are calcareous at or near the surface, Limy Upland sites are very deep while bedrock is within 20 inches of the surface on Shallow Limy sites.
R106XY075NE Loamy Upland
The Loamy Upland ecological site is an upland site that is often found adjacent to the Shallow Limy ecological site. Loamy Upland sites are deep to very deep and are not calcareous near the surface while Shallow Limy sites are calcareous at or near the surface and bedrock is within 20 inches of the surface.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Andropogon gerardii
(2) Schizachyrium scopariumPhysiographic features
The Shallow Limy ecological site occurs on nearly level to steeply sloping uplands, often on rock outcrops between overlaying loess deposits. While slopes typically range from 3 to 20 percent, inclines of up to 70 percent have been recorded. The extreme depth to the water table dictate that the associated vegetative communities rely solely on precipitation water.
Figure 2.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Upland > Hillslope
Runoff class Medium to high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 730 – 2000 ft Slope 3 – 70 % Water table depth 72 – 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 spring through early 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 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 140-150 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 160-190 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 30-40 in Frost-free period (actual range) 130-150 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 150-190 days Precipitation total (actual range) 30-40 in Frost-free period (average) 140 days Freeze-free period (average) 170 days Precipitation total (average) 30 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 8 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) PERRY LAKE [USC00146333], Perry, KS
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(2) BEATRICE 1N [USC00250622], Beatrice, NE
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(3) CRETE [USC00252020], Crete, NE
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(4) SYRACUSE [USC00258395], Syracuse, NE
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(5) TABLE ROCK 4 N [USC00258410], Table Rock, NE
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(6) ASHLAND NO 2 [USC00250375], Ashland, NE
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(7) MEAD 6S [USC00255362], Ithaca, NE
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(8) RAYMOND 2NE [USC00257055], Raymond, NE
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(9) VIRGINIA [USC00258875], Virginia, NE
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(10) LINCOLN MUNI AP [USW00014939], Lincoln, NE
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(11) LINCOLN UNIV PWR PLT [USW00014971], Lincoln, NE
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(12) CLINTON LAKE [USC00141612], Lawrence, KS
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(13) HIAWATHA 9 ESE [USC00143634], Robinson, KS
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(14) LAWRENCE [USC00144559], Lawrence, KS
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(15) OSKALOOSA 4 NE [USC00146100], Mc Louth, KS
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(16) PAWNEE CITY [USC00256570], Pawnee City, NE
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(17) WAHOO [USC00258905], Wahoo, NE
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(18) FALLS CITY BRENNER FLD [USW00094957], Falls City, NE
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(19) BONNER SPRINGS [USC00140957], Bonner Springs, KS
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(20) CENTRALIA [USC00141408], Centralia, KS
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(21) HOLTON [USC00143759], Holton, KS
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(22) HORTON [USC00143810], Horton, KS
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(23) MARYSVILLE [USC00145063], Marysville, KS
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(24) TECUMSEH 1S [USC00258465], Tecumseh, NE
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(25) WEEPING WATER [USC00259090], Weeping Water, NE
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(26) TOPEKA MUNI AP [USW00013996], Topeka, KS
">Influencing water features
No water features are associated with this site.
Soil features
The soils associated with the Shallow Limy ecological site are located on uplands. Slopes typically range from 6 to 40 percent but may be up to 70 percent. These soils formed in residuum weathered from calcareous silty shales and from limestone. Soils are shallow and very shallow, somewhat excessively drained, typically with silty clay loam or silt loam surface textures. In the particle size control section, the weighted average of the clay content ranges from 15 to 35 percent, while that of the sand normally ranges from 2 to 15 percent. The saturated hydraulic conductivity rating is moderately high, and para lithic or lithic contact usually occurs in the top 20 inches of the soil.
Kipson, Sogn, and Bendena are the major soil series associated with this ecological site. Additional 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 9. Sogn series profile
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Residuum – limestone and shale
Surface texture (1) Silty clay loam
(2) Silt loam
Drainage class Somewhat excessively drained Permeability class Very slow Depth to restrictive layer 4 – 20 in Soil depth 4 – 20 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" 2 – 6 % Available water capacity
(0-20in)0.7 – 4.5 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-20in)0 – 60 % Electrical conductivity
(0-20in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-20in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-20in)6.1 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-20in)0 – 14 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-20in)1 – 8 % Ecological dynamics
the Shallow Limy ecological site developed under Central Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or human 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 warm season tall 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 State (2), and an Invaded Woody State (3). 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 human 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 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 textT1A - Heavy grazing or haying with inadequate growing season recovery periods. T1B - Woody encroachment and no fire or woody species management. T2A - Woody encroachment and no fire or woody species management. R3A - Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, and brush management. R3B - Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, and brush management. State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - Continuous season long grazing or rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery time. 1.1B - Prolonged absence (>5 years) of herbivory and fire. 1.2A - Prescribed grazing during the cool season portion of the growing season. 1.2B - Continued season long grazing or rotational grazing or haying with inadequate, growing season recovery periods. 1.2C - Prolonged absence (>5 years) of herbivory and fire. 1.3A - Prescribed grazing with high intensity grazing during the early and late portions of the growing season. 1.3B - Prolonged absence (>5 years) of herbivory and fire. 1.4A - Reintroduction of herbivory and fire. 1.4B - Reintroduction of herbivory and fire. 1.4C - Reintroduction of herbivory and fire. State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State (1) describes the range of vegetative community phases that occur on the Shallow Limy ecological 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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big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
Community 1.1
Reference Community
Figure 10. Shallow Limy ecological site Reference Community (1.1) in Douglas County, Kansas MLRA 106.
The Reference Community or Native Mixedgrass Prairie Community (1.1) is dominated by warm-season, tall and mid grass native prairie species. This community 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 to fire and grazing events.
The potential vegetation consists of approximately 80 to 90 percent grasses and grass-likes, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 0 to 10 percent shrubs. Big and little bluestem and sideoats grama are the primary species in this community. Secondary species include switchgrass, Indiangrass, and blue grama. The site has a diverse forb population.
This plant community is less productive than similar upland sites, and species diversity is limited as well. It is a resilient community, and resistant to short term stresses such as drought and short periods of heavy stocking. The well-developed root systems support this resiliency when allowed adequate recovery periods between grazing events. When exposed to long term or frequent overgrazing events without adequate rest, this plant community will degrade.
The annual vegetative production of this community averages about 2,400 lbs. per acre.Dominant plant species
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big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
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sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
Figure 11. 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 1500 2040 2690 Shrub/Vine 45 180 275 Forb 105 180 275 Total 1650 2400 3240 Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE1061 , Mid and Tall Warm Season Grasses. This plant community is dominated by warm-season, tall and midgrasses in MLRA 106.
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 0 5 25 35 20 10 5 0 0 0 Community 1.2
Degraded Native Grass Community
Figure 13. Shallow Limy ecological site, Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2), Marshall County, Kansas, MLRA 106.
In the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) big bluestem, little bluestem, and sideoats grama lose productive capacity through loss of vigor and reproductive potential. Switchgrass and Indiangrass are significantly reduced, and forb diversity is reduced. Sideoats grama and little bluestem are still the dominant grasses but as growing season defoliation continues, there is an increase in the warm-season short grass species, such as blue and hairy grama, and tall dropseed. This community phase signals a significant loss of production. The change is due to continuous season long grazing with inadequate recovery periods. Warm-season short grasses and cool-season grasses increase, and Kentucky bluegrass or other non-native cool-season grasses begin to invade the plant community. The composition of the forb component favors less palatable species and the potential for encroachment by invasive woody species becomes more likely. Fewer high biomass producing deep rooted species result in a reduced fire friendly fuel load. While this plant community is less productive and less diverse than the representative plant community, it remains sustainable in regard to site/soil stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity.
Dominant plant species
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sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
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little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
Community 1.3
At-Risk Community
Figure 14. Shallow Limy ecological site, At-Risk Community (1.3), Pawnee County, Nebraska, MLRA 106.
In the At-Risk Community (1.3) the more palatable warm-season tall grasses have been reduced to a minor component of the plant community due to continued defoliation during their critical growth periods. Warm-season short grasses and cool-season grasses have increased significantly. Sideoats grama, tall dropseed, and warm-season short grasses are dominant. Nonnative grasses including Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, or tall fescue are present in the community at a minor level.
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. This may result in formation of a compacted layer in the soil, and 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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sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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composite dropseed (Sporobolus compositus), grass
Figure 15. 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.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 with rotational grazing with inadequate recovery periods (deferment) during the growing season. Repeated haying without adequate growing season recovery will also cause this shift.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.4Prolonged interruption (greater than five years) 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 implementation of prescribed grazing. Implementing a grazing strategy that incorporates recovery periods during the growing season that allows the native, warm-season tall grasses adequate time to recover from defoliation will facilitate this shift. 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 CommunityContinued season long grazing or rotational grazing or haying with inadequate recovery periods during the growing season degrades the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) to the At-Risk Community (1.3).
Pathway 1.2C
Community 1.2 to 1.4Prolonged (greater than 5 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 CommunityThe At-Risk Community (1.3) can be shifted to the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) with prescribed grazing early and late in the growing season to reduce cool-season grass component. Targeting the peak growth period of cool-season grasses with high intensity grazing events followed by rest will allow the native, warm-season tall and mid grasses to rejuvenate. Appropriately timed prescribed fire will accelerate this process.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.4Prolonged interruption (greater than five years) 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 through implementation of prescribed grazing and prescribed burning, will return 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 through implementation of prescribed grazing and prescribed burning, will return the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) 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 through implementation of prescribed grazing and prescribed burning, will return the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) to the A-Risk Community (1.3).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning Prescribed Grazing State 2
Native/Invaded Grass StateThe Native/Invaded Grass State (2) exhibits a co-dominance of both native and introduced species. Native, warm-season tall grasses, such as big bluestem and Indiangrass, may be present as trace functional group. The plant community consists of the more grazing tolerant native species and a significant component of introduced, cool-season grasses such as smooth brome, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. Forb diversity is limited to species with low palatability. Plant diversity is low. The Shortgrass Sod/Invaded Grass Community (2.1) is the component of the Native/Invaded Grass State (2).
The loss of warm-season, tall and mid grasses has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced due to the shallow root system and rapid runoff characteristics of the grazing evasive plant communities. Impaired energy capture and altered hydrologic function are reflected in reduced vegetative productivity, shallower rooting depth and degraded soil quality. Continuous and heavy grazing pressure will maintain this plant community in a sod bound condition. Grazing management practices that allow for adequate periods of recovery between grazing events and grazing timed early and late during the growing season will reduce the vigor of the nonnative cool-season grasses and may allow the warm-season tall and mid grasses to increase in abundance and productivity. Return to the Reference State (1) is unlikely due to the loss of plant diversity, overall soil disturbance, and alterations to hydrology.Dominant plant species
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
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composite dropseed (Sporobolus compositus), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
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tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), grass
Community 2.1
Shortgrass Sod/Invaded Grass CommunityThe 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, hairy grama, composite dropseed, annual bromes, and Kentucky bluegrass will become the dominant plant species. Trace remnants of the more palatable warm-season grasses such as little bluestem and sideoats grama may remain. Smooth brome or tall fescue may invade the site. As grazing pressure continues, these grasses may dominate the site. Continuous and heavy grazing pressure will maintain this plant community in a sod bound condition. Forb richness and diversity will decrease. In the areas with deeper soils, with the decline and loss of deeper penetrating root systems, a compacted layer (or pan) may form in the soil profile below the shallower replacement root systems.
Dominant plant species
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE1067 , Nebraska and Kansas Loess Drift Hills. Invaded 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 5 13 28 28 12 5 6 3 0 0 State 3
Invaded Woody StateThe Invaded Woody State (3) 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. This state consists of the Invaded Woody Community (3.1).
Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest and brush management will move this state toward a grass dominated state. If the Invaded Woody State (3) transitioned from the Native/Invaded Grass State (2), the land cannot be restored to the Reference State (1) as the native plant community, soils, and hydrologic function had been too severely impacted prior to the woody encroachment to allow restoration to the Reference State (1).Dominant plant species
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eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), 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 3.1
Invaded Woody Community
Figure 17. Post-treatment mortality of invading eastern redcedar following a prescribed burn.
The Invaded Woody Community (3.1) has at least 15 percent canopy cover consisting of trees generally 5 feet or taller and shrubs. Roughleaf dogwood, smooth sumac and honey locust are some of the deciduous invaders, while eastern red cedar is the primary coniferous encroacher. Cedars can eventually dominate the site, resulting in a closed canopy monoculture, which drastically reduces forage production and has limited value for either livestock grazing or wildlife habitat.
In the absence of fire and brush management, this ecological site is very susceptible to eastern red cedar seedling invasion, especially when adjacent to a seed source. Eastern red cedar can eventually dominate the site resulting in a closed canopy monoculture which drastically reduces forage production, and which 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. 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).
Resprouting brush and trees such as honey locust, smooth sumac, and Siberian elm 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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honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), tree
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roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii), tree
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smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), shrub
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blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Heavy grazing or haying with inadequate growing season recovery periods (deferment) 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 Grass 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 catastrophically 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 3Disruption of natural fire regime and encroachment of exotic and invasive native woody species with no woody species management will cause the Reference State (1) to shift to the Invaded Woody State (3).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Disruption of natural fire regime and encroachment of exotic and invasive native woody species will shift the Native/Invaded Grass State (2) to the Invaded Woody State (3).
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State (3) toward the Reference State (1). The forb component of a site with heavy tree density or canopy cover may initially increase following tree removal through mechanical brush management treatments and prescribed fire. If resprouting brush is present, stumps must be chemically treated immediately after mechanical removal. Ongoing brush management such as hand cutting, chemical spot treatments, or periodic prescribed burning is required to prevent a return to the Invaded Woody State (4). Land that transitioned to the Invaded Woody State (4) from the Native/Invaded Grass State (2) cannot be restored to the Reference State (1) through removal of woody species.
Conservation practices
Brush Management Prescribed Burning Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State (3) toward the Native/Invaded Grass State (2). The forb component of a site with heavy tree density or canopy cover may initially increase following tree removal through mechanical brush management treatments and prescribed fire. If resprouting brush is present, stumps must be chemically treated immediately after mechanical removal. Ongoing brush management such as hand cutting, chemical spot treatments, or periodic prescribed burning is required to prevent a return to the Invaded Woody State (4). Land that transitioned to the Invaded Woody State (4) from the Native/Invaded Grass State (2) cannot be restored to the Reference State (1) through removal of woody species.
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 (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Warm-Season Tallgrass 960–1440 big bluestem ANGE Andropogon gerardii 720–1200 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 24–240 – Indiangrass SONU2 Sorghastrum nutans 24–240 – silver beardgrass BOLAT Bothriochloa laguroides ssp. torreyana 0–120 – 1 Warm-Season Midgrass 720–960 little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 360–840 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 360–600 – purple lovegrass ERSP Eragrostis spectabilis 0–120 – composite dropseed SPCO16 Sporobolus compositus 0–120 – 1 Warm-Season Shortgrass 72–120 blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 72–120 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–120 – buffalograss BODA2 Bouteloua dactyloides 0–72 – 2 Cool-Season Grasses 24–240 porcupinegrass HESP11 Hesperostipa spartea 0–120 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–120 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 0–120 – Canada wildrye ELCA4 Elymus canadensis 0–120 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 0–120 – Virginia wildrye ELVI3 Elymus virginicus 0–72 – needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 0–72 – green needlegrass NAVI4 Nassella viridula 0–48 – 3 Grasslikes 0–120 sedge CAREX Carex 0–120 – Forb4 Forbs 120–240 Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–72 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–48 – purple prairie clover DAPU5 Dalea purpurea 0–48 – blacksamson echinacea ECAN2 Echinacea angustifolia 0–24 – scarlet beeblossom GACO5 Gaura coccinea 0–24 – rose mock vervain GLCA2 Glandularia canadensis 0–24 – willowleaf sunflower HESA2 Helianthus salicifolius 0–24 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–24 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–24 – Nuttall's sensitive-briar MINU6 Mimosa nuttallii 0–24 – evening primrose OENOT Oenothera 0–24 – stiff goldenrod OLRI Oligoneuron rigidum 0–24 – smooth forked nailwort PACA11 Paronychia canadensis 0–24 – prairie groundsel PAPL12 Packera plattensis 0–24 – white prairie clover DACA7 Dalea candida 0–24 – field pussytoes ANNE Antennaria neglecta 0–24 – western yarrow ACMIO Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis 0–24 – silverleaf Indian breadroot PEAR6 Pediomelum argophyllum 0–24 – cobaea beardtongue PECO4 Penstemon cobaea 0–24 – large Indian breadroot PEES Pediomelum esculentum 0–24 – large beardtongue PEGR7 Penstemon grandiflorus 0–24 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 0–24 – upright prairie coneflower RACO3 Ratibida columnifera 0–24 – compassplant SILA3 Silphium laciniatum 0–24 – Missouri goldenrod SOMI2 Solidago missouriensis 0–24 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–24 – aromatic aster SYOB Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 0–24 – longbract spiderwort TRBR Tradescantia bracteata 0–24 – nettleleaf noseburn TRUR2 Tragia urticifolia 0–24 – hoary verbena VEST Verbena stricta 0–24 – Shrub/Vine5 Shrubs 48–240 leadplant AMCA6 Amorpha canescens 0–120 – smooth sumac RHGL Rhus glabra 0–120 – prairie rose ROAR3 Rosa arkansana 0–72 – western snowberry SYOC Symphoricarpos occidentalis 0–72 – Jersey tea CEHE Ceanothus herbaceus 0–72 – pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 0–48 – coralberry SYOR Symphoricarpos orbiculatus 0–48 – fragrant sumac RHAR4 Rhus aromatica 0–24 – 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 (%) 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 (Big Bluestem-Little Bluestem Community): 2,400 lbs/acre, 0.76 AUM/acre
*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 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
The soil series associated with the Limy Upland site have medium to very high runoff and are rated as hydrologic class D.
Recreational uses
This 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
None.
Other products
None of significance
Other information
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Additional data collection and evaluation may be needed to develop this ESD to the Correlated level. This could include field activities to collect 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
The inventory data consists of three 417s and one NRI data point, as well as additional recent and historical data collection. These data sets are supplemented by expert opinions from resource professionals. Sample ID Data source Number Year State code County code State County R-417 0038320085 1983 20 085 Kansas Jackson 0018531097 1985 31 097 Nebraska Johnson 0118031133 1980 31 133 Nebraska Pawnee
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.
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.
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. Natural Resources Conservation Service (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.
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, and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas.Contributors
Stu McFarland
Joseph May
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:
Typically, none. Water flow patterns are not expected on this site except on slopes exceeding 15 percent. When present, water flow patterns will be rare, short (6 to 12 inches or 15 to 30 cm) and disrupted by perennial vegetation. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Typically, none. Pedestals and/or terracettes are not expected to occur on this site. Occasionally, bunch grasses may be pedestalled on slopes greater than 15 percent with no exposed roots. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 5 percent or less. 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. Litter movement is not expected on this site except on slopes exceeding 15 percent and due to high intensity storms. In this case, fine litter movement will be short distances of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) and be associated with water flow patterns. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil stability ratings will be 5 to 6, typically 6. High root content and organic matter will be present in the soil surface. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
The surface horizon (A) typically is 6 to 12 inches thick. Soil colors in the surface horizon are typically very dark gray or black (hue: 10YR, value: 2 or 3, chroma: 1) when moist and dark gray to very dark gray (hue: 10YR, value: 3or 4, chroma: 1) when dry. Soil structure in the upper horizon typically ranges from weak medium granular, moderate medium granular, weak medium subangular blocky structure parting to moderate fine granular, or moderate medium subangular blocky. See Official Soils Descriptions (OSD) for additional details. Kipson and Sogn are the 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 80 to 90 percent grasses and grass-likes, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 2 to 10 percent shrubs will optimize infiltration on the site. The grass and grass-like component consist of native, perennial, warm-season, tall grasses (40-60%); native, perennial, warm-season, mid grasses (30-40%); native, perennial, cool-season grasses (1-10%); native, perennial, warm-season, short grasses (3-5%); and grass-likes (0-5%). Infiltration can be adversely impacted by the invasion of Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, tall fescue, and 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, 960-1200 #/ac, 40-50% (3 species minimum): big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass, silver beard grass. 2. Native, perennial, warm season, mid grass, 480-720 #/ac, 20-30% (2 species minimum): little bluestem, composite dropseed, sideoats grama, purple lovegrass. Phase 1.2: 1. Native, perennial, warm season, mid grass (2 species minimum): little bluestem, composite dropseed, sideoats grama, purple lovegrass. Phase 1.3: 1. Native, perennial, warm season, mid grass (2 species minimum): little bluestem, composite dropseed, sideoats grama, purple lovegrass. 2. Native, perennial, warm-season, short grass (1 species minimum) blue grama, hairy grama, buffalograss.Sub-dominant:
Phase 1.2: 1. Native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass (2 species minimum): big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass, silver beard grass. 2. Native, perennial, warm-season, short grass (1 species minimum) blue grama, hairy grama, buffalograss. 3. Native, perennial, cool-season grasses (2 species minimum): porcupinegrass, prairie junegrass, Scribner’s rosette grass, Canada wildrye, western wheatgrass, Virginia wildrye, needleandthread, green needlegrass. Phase 1.3: 1. Native, perennial, cool-season grasses (2 species minimum): porcupinegrass, prairie junegrass, Scribner’s rosette grass, Canada wildrye, western wheatgrass, Virginia wildrye, needleandthread, green needlegrass.Other:
Minor - Phase 1.1: 1. Native forbs, 120-240 #/ac, 5-10%: forbs present vary from location to location. 2. Shrubs, 48-240 #/ac, 2-10%: shrubs present vary from location to location. 3. Native, perennial, cool-season grasses, 24-240 #/ac, 1-10%: porcupinegrass, prairie junegrass, Scribner’s rosette grass, Canada wildrye, western wheatgrass, Virginia wildrye, needleandthread, green needlegrass. 4. Native, perennial, warm-season, short grass, 72-120 #/ac, 3-5%: blue grama, hairy grama, buffalograss. 5. Grass-likes, 0-120 #/ac, 0-5%: sedges. Minor - Phase 1.2: 1. Native forbs: forbs present vary from location to location. 2. Grass-likes: sedges. 3. Shrubs: shrubs present vary from location to location. Minor - Phase 1.3: 1. Native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass: big bluestem, switchgrass, silver beard grass. 2. Non-native, cool-season grass: Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, tall fescue. 3. Native forbs: forbs present vary from location to location. 4. Grass-likes: sedges. 5. Shrubs: shrubs present vary from location to location. Trace - Phase 1.2: 1. Non-native, cool-season grass: Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, tall fescue.Additional:
The Reference Community (1.1) includes seven F/S groups. These groups in order of abundance are native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass; native, perennial, warm-season, mid grass; native forbs; shrubs; native, perennial cool-season grass; native, perennial, warm-season, short grass; grass-likes. The Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) includes eight F/S groups. These groups in order of abundance are native, perennial, warm-season, mid grass; native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass; native, perennial, warm-season, short grass; native, perennial, cool-season grass; native forbs; grass-likes; shrubs; non-native, cool-season grass. The At-Risk Native Grass Community (1.3) includes eight F/S groups. These groups in order of abundance are native, perennial, warm-season, mid grass; native, perennial, warm-season, short grass; native, perennial, cool-season grass; native, perennial, warm-season, tall grass; non-native, cool-season grass; native forbs; grass-likes; shrubs. -
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 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 50 to 60 percent cover, at a depth of approximately 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) and evenly distributed throughout the site. Kentucky bluegrass is known to produce excessive litter accumulations that negatively impact site functionality. -
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) = 2,400 pounds per acre Low production years = 1,650 pounds per acre. High production years = 3,240 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 nonnative invasive species are present. Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, Caucasian bluestem, tall fescue, eastern red cedar, honey locust, roughleaf dogwood, Siberian elm, Osage orange, sericea lespedeza, annual brome grasses, and others as they become 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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PrintThe Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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