Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R043BY404WY
Clayey (Cy) 15-19” Northern Plains Precipitation Zone
Accessed: 11/13/2024
General information
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.
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.
Associated sites
| R043BY428WY |
Lowland (LL) 15-19” Northern Plains Precipitation Zone |
|---|---|
| R043BY430WY |
Overflow (Ov) 15-19” Northern Plains Precipitation Zone |
| R043BY458WY |
Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 15-19” Northern Plains Precipitation Zone |
Similar sites
| R058BY104WY |
Clayey (Cy) 10-14” PZ Clayey 10-14" Northern Plains P.Z. has lower production. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level to 30% slopes.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Hill
(2) Alluvial fan (3) Ridge |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 3,700 – 7,500 ft |
| Slope | 30% |
| Ponding depth |
Not specified |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Annual precipitation ranges from 15" to 19" per year. May is generally the wettest month. July, August and September are somewhat drier with daily amounts rarely exceeding one inch. Snowfall is quite heavy in the mountainous area. Annual snowfall averages close to 70 inches.
Sunshine is abundant in the latter part of the summer, the greatest amount being in July and August. Sunshine possibility during these two months averages 70 to 75% possibility with only a 65% possibility for June and September. Winter averages about 40% sunshine.
Because of the varied topography, the wind will vary considerably for different parts of the area. The wind is usually much lighter at the lower elevations and in the valleys as compared with the higher terrain. The average winter wind velocity is 8.5 mph, while the summer wind velocity averages 7.5 mph. Winds during storms and on ridges may exceed 45 mph.
Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter, and between daily maximums and minimums. Summer nights are cool and temperatures drop into the forties at most places before sunrise. Summer daytime temperatures are usually in the seventies and occasionally reach eighty, but rarely reach the mid nineties. Winters are cold with daily lows below freezing most of the time. January has the coldest temperatures with a range of near 10 deg. F at night to the mid thirties in the afternoon. Temperatures of well below zero to –30 deg. F are not uncommon in the winter months.
The growing season for the cool season plants will generally start about April 15 to May 1 and continue to about October 10.
The following information is from the “Sheridan Airport” climate station:
Frost-free period (32 °F): 95-156 days; (5 yrs. out of 10, these days will occur between May 21 – September 19)
Freeze-free period 28 °F): 116-187 days; (5 yrs. out of 10, these days will occur between May 4 – September 29)
Mean annual precipitation: 14.7 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 45.0 °F (31.2 °F Avg. Min. – 58.8 °F Avg. Max.)
For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ website. Other climate station(s) representative of this precipitation zone include: “Parkman 5 WNW”
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 156 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 187 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 19 in |
Influencing water features
Stream type: None
Soil features
The soils of this site are deep (greater than 20”to bedrock), well-drained, moderately to slowly permeable and usually occur on slopes less than 10%. The topsoil must be at least 2-5 inches deep and one of the following textures: silty clay, the finer portions of sandy clay loam, silty clay loam and clays which do not develop severe cracks or become extremely hard when dry and very sticky when wet.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Gravelly clay loam (2) Cobbly sandy clay loam (3) Clay |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Clayey |
| Drainage class | Moderately well drained to well drained |
| Permeability class | Slow to moderately slow |
| Soil depth | 20 – 60 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 10% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
2.8 – 5.7 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
4 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
5 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
15% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
10% |
Ecological dynamics
As this site deteriorates from improper grazing management, species such as blue grama, birdfoot sagebrush and big sagebrush will increase. Species such as cheatgrass will invade. Cool season grasses such as green needlegrass and western wheatgrass will decrease in frequency and production.
Big sagebrush may become dominant on some areas with an absence of fire. Wildfires are actively controlled in recent times so chemical control using herbicides has replaced the historic role of fire on this site. Recently, prescribed burning has regained some popularity.
The Historic Climax Plant Community (description follows the plant community diagram) has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, or areas protected from excessive disturbance. Trends in plant communities going from heavily grazed areas to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts have also been used.
The following is a State and Transition Model Diagram that illustrates the common plant communities (states) that can occur on the site and the transitions between these communities. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community narratives following the diagram.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
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More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses, Idaho Fescue, Green Needlegrass Community
Community 1.1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses, Idaho Fescue, Green Needlegrass Community
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Historic Climax Plant Community. This state evolved with grazing by large herbivores and is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock. Potential vegetation is about 75% grasses or grass-like plants, 15% forbs, and 10% woody plants. The state is dominated by cool season midgrasses. The major grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrass, Idaho fescue and green needlegrass. Other grasses occurring on the state include side oats grama, spike fescue, Cusick and Sandberg bluegrass, threadleaf sedge, blue grama, and plains reedgrass. Big sagebrush is a conspicuous element of this state, occurs in a mosaic pattern, and makes up 5 to 10% of the annual production. Big sagebrush may become dominant on some areas with absence of fire. Natural fire occurred frequently in this community and prevented sagebrush from being the dominant landscape. Wildfires are actively controlled in recent times so chemical control using herbicides has replaced the historic role of fire on this site. Recently controlled burning has regained some popularity. This state produces between 1400 and 2900 pounds annually, depending on the growing conditions. This plant community is extremely stable and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity). Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Protection from grazing and fire, will convert this plant community to the Heavy Sagebrush Vegetation State. • Moderate, continuous season-long grazing will convert the plant community to the Mixed Sagebrush/Grass Vegetation State. • Long-term, heavy, continuous season-long grazing will convert the plant community to the Big sagebrush/Birdfoot sage Vegetation State. • When cropped annually and then abandoned without reseeding, the state is converted to the Go-back Land Vegetation State.
Figure 2. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1301, 15-19NP Upland sites.
| 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 | 45 | 35 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 2
Mixed Sagebrush/Grass Plant Community
Community 2.1
Mixed Sagebrush/Grass Plant Community
Historically, this plant community evolved under grazing by bison and a low fire frequency. Currently, it is found under moderate, season-long grazing by livestock in the absence of fire or brush control. Big sagebrush is a significant component of this plant community. Cool-season grasses make up the majority of the understory with the balance made up of short warm-season grasses, annual cool-season grass, and miscellaneous forbs. Dominant grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrass, and green needlegrass. Grasses of secondary importance include blue grama, prairie junegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass. Forbs, commonly found in this plant community, include Louisiana sagewort (cudweed), plains wallflower, hairy goldaster, slimflower scurfpea, and scarlet globemallow. Sagebrush canopy ranges from 20% to 30%. Fringed sagewort is commonly found. Plains pricklypear can also occur. This state produces between 900 and 2400 pounds annually, depending on the growing conditions. When compared to the Historical Climax Plant Community, sagebrush and blue grama have increased. Green needlegrass has decreased, often occurring only where protected from grazing by the sagebrush canopy. Production of cool-season grasses has also been reduced. Cheatgrass (downy brome) has invaded the site. The overstory of sagebrush and understory of grass and forbs provide a diverse plant community which will support domestic livestock and wildlife such as mule deer and antelope. The state is stable and protected from excessive erosion. The biotic integrity of this plant community is usually intact. However, it can be at risk depending on how far a shift has occurred in plant composition toward blue grama, sagebrush, and/or cheatgrass. The watershed is usually functioning. However, it can become at risk when canopy cover of sagebrush, blue grama sod, and/or bare ground increases. A significant reduction of big sagebrush can only be accomplished through fire or brush management. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. This plant community is resistant to change Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Brush control followed by prescribed grazing, will result in a plant community very similar to the Historic Climax Plant Community. • Brush management followed by heavy,continuous season-long grazing, will result in a Big Sagebrush, Birdfoot sage Vegetation State
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1301, 15-19NP Upland sites.
| 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 | 45 | 35 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 3
Heavy Sagebrush Plant Community
Community 3.1
Heavy Sagebrush Plant Community
This plant community is the result of protection from grazing and fire. Sagebrush dominates this plant community with canopy cover often exceeding 60%. The understory of grass includes rhizomatous wheatgrass, green needlegrass, sideoats grama, Sandberg bluegrass, and prairie junegrass. With complete protection from grazing and fire, the site will become dominated by big sagebrush. The cool season grasses are protected by the sagebrush canopy, but this protection makes them unavailable for grazing. Big sagebrush is long-lived and will persist for a long period. A significant reduction of big sagebrush can only be accomplished through fire or brush management. Annual production ranges from 900 to 2000 pounds depending on climatic conditions. This plant community is not resistant to change and is more vulnerable to severe disturbance than the HCPC. The introduction of grazing or fire quickly changes the plant community. Soil erosion is accelerated because of increased bare ground. Water flow patterns and pedestaling are obvious. Infiltration is reduced and runoff is increased. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Brush control followed by deferment for 1 to 2 years and prescribed grazing thereafter will return this state to near Historical Climax Plant Community. Care should be taken when planning brush control to exclude critical winter ranges. • Heavy, continuous,season-long grazing will convert this state to Big sagebrush, Birdfoot sage Vegetation State.
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1301, 15-19NP Upland sites.
| 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 | 45 | 35 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 4
Big sagebrush, Birdfoot sage Plant Community
Community 4.1
Big sagebrush, Birdfoot sage Plant Community
This plant community is the result of long-term, heavy, continuous season-long grazing. It is dominated by big sagebrush, birdfoot sage, rhizomatous wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass and cheatgrass. When compared to the historic climax plant community there are hardly any perennial grasses left and the dominant shrubs are big sagebrush and birdfoot sage. Much bare ground is present. Plains prickly pear has increased. This community has lost some of its value for grazing wildlife and livestock. It is susceptible to erosion and increased runoff due to the bare ground. The total annual production ranges from 600 to 1400 pounds This plant community is relatively stable with the rhizomatous wheatgrasses being somewhat resistant to overgrazing and the cheatgrass effectively competing against the establishment of perennial cool-season grasses. An increase in bare ground reduces water infiltration and increases soil erosion. The watershed is usually functioning. The biotic integrity is reduced by the lack of diversity in the plant community. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Long-term prescribed grazing may improve this state, but it may be difficult to return to the Historic Climax Plant Community.
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1301, 15-19NP Upland sites.
| 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 | 45 | 35 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 5
Go-back Land Plant Community
Community 5.1
Go-back Land Plant Community
This plant community occurs on land that has been cropped annually in the past and then abandoned without reseeding. Natural succession has resulted in a plant community dominated by varying combinations of red threeawn, cheatgrass, blue grama, Sandberg bluegrass, and rhizomatous wheatgrass. Forage production is low since grasses such as red threeawn and cheatgrass are not used efficiently by livestock. Annual production ranges from 800-1200 pounds. The potential for accelerated erosion can be highly variable depending on amount of bare ground present. Biological diversity is low. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Prescribed grazing may increase desirable native cool season grass production. It may be difficult to return to near Historic Climax Plant Community condition, in a timely manner, because of past soil loss. • Mechanical range renovation (i.e., chiseling) may improve forage production where significant rhizomatous wheatgrass is present to respond to the treatment. • Where there is a lack of perennial grass, reseeding to tame or native species may be necessary to return these lands to production in the form of pastureland. These pastures are normally seeded to crested wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, or Russian wildrye. They require considerable investment to establish and have a variable life expectancy. They do produce up to 50% more than native range, but their value as forage is somewhat limited due to the single species usually seeded. In some cases, the single species or certain groups of species (e.g., wheatgrasses) may be more vulnerable to infestation by associated insects and/or diseases (e.g., black grass bugs).
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1301, 15-19NP Upland sites.
| 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 | 45 | 35 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | 420–840 | |||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 420–840 | – | ||
| 2 | 210–420 | |||||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 210–420 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 210–420 | – | ||
| 3 | 105–210 | |||||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 105–210 | – | ||
| 4 | 105–210 | |||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 105–210 | – | ||
| 5 | 105–210 | |||||
| plains reedgrass | CAMO | Calamagrostis montanensis | 105–210 | – | ||
| 6 | 105–210 | |||||
| Cusick's bluegrass | POCU3 | Poa cusickii | 105–210 | – | ||
| 7 | 105–210 | |||||
| spike fescue | LEKI2 | Leucopoa kingii | 105–210 | – | ||
| 8 | 105–420 | |||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–105 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–105 | – | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–105 | – | ||
| Richardson's needlegrass | ACRI8 | Achnatherum richardsonii | 0–105 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–105 | – | ||
| nodding brome | BRAN | Bromus anomalus | 0–105 | – | ||
| Pumpelly's brome | BRINP5 | Bromus inermis ssp. pumpellianus var. pumpellianus | 0–105 | – | ||
| mountain brome | BRMA4 | Bromus marginatus | 0–105 | – | ||
| threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 0–105 | – | ||
| onespike danthonia | DAUN | Danthonia unispicata | 0–105 | – | ||
| bearded wheatgrass | ELCA11 | Elymus caninus | 0–105 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–105 | – | ||
| blue wildrye | ELGL | Elymus glaucus | 0–105 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–105 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–105 | – | ||
| fowl bluegrass | POPA2 | Poa palustris | 0–105 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–105 | – | ||
| spike trisetum | TRSP2 | Trisetum spicatum | 0–105 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 9 | 105–315 | |||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–105 | – | ||
| yarrow | ACHIL | Achillea | 0–105 | – | ||
| rosy pussytoes | ANRO2 | Antennaria rosea | 0–105 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–105 | – | ||
| field chickweed | CEAR4 | Cerastium arvense | 0–105 | – | ||
| prairie clover | DALEA | Dalea | 0–105 | – | ||
| buckwheat | ERIOG | Eriogonum | 0–105 | – | ||
| aster | EUCEP2 | Eucephalus | 0–105 | – | ||
| hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 0–105 | – | ||
| flax | LINUM | Linum | 0–105 | – | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–105 | – | ||
| lupine | LUPIN | Lupinus | 0–105 | – | ||
| bluebells | MERTE | Mertensia | 0–105 | – | ||
| silverleaf Indian breadroot | PEAR6 | Pediomelum argophyllum | 0–105 | – | ||
| phlox | PHLOX | Phlox | 0–105 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–105 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–105 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 10 | 0–105 | |||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–105 | – | ||
| 11 | 0–105 | |||||
| big sagebrush | ARTR2 | Artemisia tridentata | 0–105 | – | ||
| 12 | 0–105 | |||||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 0–105 | – | ||
| 13 | 0–105 | |||||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–105 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses, Idaho Fescue, Green Needlegrass (HCPC): The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as bison, elk, and antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for deer may be limited due to the low quantities of woody plants. However, topographical variations could provide some escape cover. When found adjacent to sagebrush dominated states, this plant community may provide brood rearing/foraging areas for sage grouse, as well as lek sites. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles. Many grassland obligate small mammals would occur here.
Mixed Sagebrush/Grass Plant Community: The combination of an overstory of sagebrush and an understory of grasses and forbs provide a very diverse plant community for wildlife. The crowns of sagebrush tend to break up hard crusted snow on winter ranges, so mule deer and antelope may use this state for foraging and cover year-round, as would cottontail and jack rabbits. It provides important winter, nesting, brood-rearing, and foraging habitat for sage grouse. Brewer’s sparrows’ nest in big sagebrush plants, and hosts of other nesting birds utilize stands in the 20-30% cover range.
Heavy Sagebrush Plant Community: This plant community can provide important winter foraging for elk, mule deer and antelope, as sagebrush can approach 15% protein and 40-60% digestibility during that time. This community provides excellent escape and thermal cover for large ungulates, as well as nesting and brood rearing habitat for sage grouse.
Big sagebrush, Birdfoot sage Plant Community: This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat equals good foraging for birds.
Go-back Land Plant Communities: These communities provide limited foraging for antelope and other grazers. They may be used as a foraging site by sage grouse if proximal to woody cover and if the Historic Climax Plant Community or the Western Wheatgrass/Cheatgrass Plant Community is limiting. Generally, these are not target plant communities for wildlife habitat management.
Introduced Pasture: These communities are highly variable depending on the species planted. Refer to Forage Suitability Groups for more information.
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
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. Under more intensive grazing management, improved harvest efficiencies can result in an increased carrying capacity. If distribution problems occur, stocking rates must be reduced to maintain plant health and vigor.
Plant Community Production Carrying Capacity*
(lb./ac) (AUM/ac)
Rhiz. WG, Idaho Fescue, Green needlegrass 1400-2900 .6
Heavy Sagebrush 900-2000 .35
Mixed Sagebrush/Grass 900-2400 .5
Big sagebrush, Birdfoot sage 600-1400 .30
Go-back Land 800-1200 .35
* - Continuous, season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions.
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 forage for livestock use needs to be supplemented with protein because the quality does not meet minimum livestock requirements.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. Infiltration ranges from slow to moderately slow. Runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where short-grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrologic information).
Rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present. Pedestals are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1-2% of the soil surface.
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
None noted.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Inventory Data References (narrative)
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel was also used. Other sources used as references include USDA NRCS Water and Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, and USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties.
Inventory Data References
Data Source Number of Records Sample Period State County
SCS-RANGE-417 1971-1994 WY
Ocular estimates 1990-1999 WY
Contributors
G. Mitchell
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) | |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | |
| Date | 04/01/2005 |
| Approved by | E. Bainter |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially non-existent -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 15-25% occurring in small areas throughout site -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Plant cover and litter is at 75% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Soil Stability class is anticipated to be 5 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use Soil Series description for depth and color of A-horizon -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Grass canopy and basal cover should reduce raindrop impact and slow overland flow providing increased time for infiltration to occur. Healthy deep rooted native grasses enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. Infiltration is Slow. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer or soil surface crusting should be present. -
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:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
Mid stature Cool Season Bunch Grasses > Mid stature Cool Season Rhizomatous Grasses > Short stature Grasses/grasslikes > Shrubs = Forbs -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very Low -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Average litter cover is 30-40% with depths of 0.5 to 1.0 inches -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
2100 lbs/ac -
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:
Blue grama, big sagebrush, birdfoot sagebrush, cheatgrass, and Species found on Noxious Weed List -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing
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The 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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