Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R053AE061MT
Clayey (Cy) (Legacy) RRU 53AE
Last updated: 6/14/2023
Accessed: 11/21/2024
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.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
This site usually consists of deep soils on flood plains and fans, tills from heavy clay shales on the till plain, and moderately deep soils on uplands. Slopes vary from 1- 15%, but are usually less than 8%. Elevations generally range from 2,000 to 3,500 feet.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Flood plain
(2) Alluvial fan (3) Terrace |
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) |
| Flooding frequency | None to rare |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 1,875 – 4,000 ft |
| Slope | 1 – 15% |
| Water table depth | 72 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
A semi-arid, temperate climate characterizes the Glaciated Plains. The predominance of cool season species has evolved to take advantage of the precipitation regime that peaks in late spring-early summer (June). Seventy-five percent of the annual precipitation usually falls as steady, soaking, frontal system rains. Summer rains usually come with thunderstorms. Precipitation is the most important factor influencing production (Heitschmidt et al 2005). Severe drought occurs on average in two out of every ten years (Cooper, et al., 2001).
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 129 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 104 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 12 in |
Figure 2. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 3. Annual average temperature pattern
Influencing water features
Soil features
These soils formed in place in glacial till underlain by shale. Some of the soils formed in material derived from shale or in alluvium derived from glacial till or shale. The alluvium was deposited in the valleys on some of the bordering uplands, low terraces, fans and flood plains. The light brownish gray clay surface layer of these soils is usually less than 5 inches in depth. The clay soils are more than 20 inches deep. Soils are well drained. Permeability is very slow. Soil ph varies from 6.1-8.4. This site is characterized by the following soil components: Abor, Lohler, Marias, Bacovey, and Marvan.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Clay loam (2) Silty clay loam (3) Silty clay |
|---|---|
| Drainage class | Moderately well drained to well drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow |
| Soil depth | 20 – 72 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
4 – 6 in |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
2 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.1 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
11% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
2% |
Ecological dynamics
This ecological site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, geological parent materials, fire, biotic factors, and under the natural influence of herbivory. Research consistently shows that precipitation is the principle factor altering productivity on ecological sites in the Northern Great Plains (Heitschmidt et al. 2005). The same authors concluded that grazing reduces herbage standing crop, whereas its effects on above ground net primary production varies with timing of grazing and precipitation events, along with the functional and structural composition of the plant community.
It is theorized that these lands burned on a natural interval of 10-12 years (Frost 1998). Fires were ignited by lightning and by early Americans whom were striving to manipulate their environment. Periodic burns would have favored grasses over shrubs, adversely impacted dense clubmoss, attracted herbivory into an area, and altered nutrient cycling and the hydrologic cycle.
The resultant historic climax plant community (HCPC) is the basis for plant community interpretations. The HCPC was determined by evaluating relic areas, and other areas protected from excessive disturbance. The HCPC is comprised of a mixture of tall and medium height cool and warm season grasses, native forbs and native shrubs. About 80% of the annual production is from grasses and grasslike plants, most of which are produced during the cool season. Forbs and shrubs contribute 15% and 5%, respectively to total annual production. Total vegetative production averages 1300 lbs/ac in normal years, 1800 lbs/ac during favorable years, and 900 lbs/ac during unfavorable years.
This ecological site is highly resistant and resilient to disturbance as it has only minor soil limitations for plant growth. Departures from HCPC generally result from management actions, drought, colonization and recruitment of noxious weeds, and a change in the natural fire regime. Under continued adverse impacts, vegetative vigor declines and the HCPC species are gradually out-competed by lower-successional species. This shift in species composition is most evident as the deep-rooted cool season perennial grasses (such as green needlegrass and western/thickspike wheatgrasses) are replaced by short warm season grasses (blue grama, sandberg bluegrass), fringed sagewort (a half-shrub), and forbs including western wallflower, scarlet globemallow, western yarrow and biscuitroot. The dominance of these short grasses, non-nitrogenous-fixing forbs, and warm season half-shrubs disrupts ecological processes, impairs the biotic integrity of the site, and restricts the system’s ability to recover to higher seral states. Thus, the site loses much of its resiliency.
State and Transition Diagram
Traditional theories of plant succession leading to a single climax community are inadequate for understanding the complex successional pathways of this ecological site in the glaciated plains (Briske et al 2005). This site is more aptly described using state-and-transition vegetation dynamics in a non-linear framework. A “state” is an alternative, persistent vegetation community that is not simply reversible in the linear successional framework. States are depicted as seral stages, while pathways between states are “transitions.” The latter can be transient or persisting (crosses a threshold). Transitions are triggered by climatic events, fire, grazing, farming, burning, etc.
Three important plant communities and the successional pathways that commonly occur within the reference state (State #1), are shown in the following diagram. In addition, the transition from Plant Community B (State #1) to Plant Community C (State #2), and a transition from State #1 to State #3 are also illustrated. Ecological processes are discussed in the plant community descriptions which follow the diagram.
State and transition model
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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 1
State #1: Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC)
Community 1.1
State #1: Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC)
State #1: Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC) The interpretive plant community for this site is the Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC). Cool season, tall and mid-grasses (such as bluebunch wheatgrass, green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, and thickspike wheatgrass) dominate the HCPC. Prairie junegrass is the most common short grass. Other short grasses and sedges include plains reedgrass, threadleaf sedge and needleleaf sedge. Bluebunch wheatgrass is not a dominant species on the Clayey 10-14” p.z. site in the eastern Glaciated Plains. Species such as western and thickspike wheatgrass and green needlegrass are able to out-compete bluebunch wheatgrass on this and other ecological sites in Northeastern Montana. Blue grama is the only common warm season grass. The range inventories on Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Reservations (2001-2004) did not report any sideoats grama or little bluestem on this site. Grasses represent about 80% of the total annual production in the community. Dotted gayfeather, American vetch, white prairie clover and purple prairie clover are warm season forbs that commonly occur on these Clayey 10-14” p.z. sites. American vetch and the prairie clovers are nitrogen-fixing species, and are also valuable forage producing plants. Groundplum milkvetch, scurfpea and prairie thermopsis are lower-successional forbs that have the ability to fix nitrogen. White milkwort, biscuitroot, wild onion and western yarrow may be present as minor components of the plant community. Forbs represent about 15% of the total annual production. Winterfat and Nuttall’s saltbush are common warm and cool season shrubs, respectively. They are valuable forage for wildlife and livestock. Silver sagebrush and fringed sagewort, two additional warm season shrub species, may represent a minor component of the HCPC. One would not expect to find more than a trace of broom snakeweed and pricklypear cactus in the HCPC. Very few cool season shrubs grow on the site. Overall, shrubs account for about 5% of the annual plant production. Range inventory data collected (in 2001 and 2004) on the Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Indian Reservations, and previous clipping studies by the NRCS indicate total annual production averages 1300 lbs/ac during normal years. Production varies from 900 to 1800 lbs/ac in unfavorable and favorable years, respectively. Average annual production is expected to increase and decrease, respectively on more mesic and xeric portions of the Glaciated plains. Although similarity indices (SI) >75% are expected to be associated with the HCPC, none were recorded during the recent range inventories on the two Reservations. This plant community is well adapted to the semi-arid, temperate climate that characterizes the glaciated plains. The predominance of cool season species has evolved to take advantage of the precipitation regime that peaks in late spring-early summer (June). Seventy-five percent of the annual precipitation usually falls as steady, soaking, frontal system rains. Summer rains usually come with thunderstorms. Precipitation is the most important factor influencing production. Severe drought occurs on average in two out of every ten years (Cooper, et al., 2001). Annual bromes and other annual species may invade the HCPC following a drought or period of non-prescriptive grazing. Continual adverse impacts over a period of several years will cause a shift in species composition from the mid and tall cool season grasses to warm season grasses and forbs/half-shrubs such as prairie junegrass, plains reedgrass, white milkwort, fringed sagewort, etc. With proper grazing management and/or normal precipitation, the desirable perennial plants regain vigor and competitiveness. The annual opportunistic species normally do not persist for more than a few years. Litter is in contact with 50-60% of the soil surface. Less than 5-10% of the soil surface should be bare, or unprotected by litter, rock, moss, and plant canopy. Rills should not be present and water flow patterns should be barely observable. Soil erosion by wind and water should be minimal.
Figure 4. 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 | 720 | 1040 | 1440 |
| Forb | 135 | 195 | 270 |
| Shrub/Vine | 45 | 65 | 90 |
| Total | 900 | 1300 | 1800 |
Table 6. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 0% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 0% |
| Forb foliar cover | 0% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0-5% |
| Biological crusts | 0-2% |
| Litter | 60-70% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0-3% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0-2% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0-1% |
| Bare ground | 0-5% |
Table 7. Soil surface cover
| Tree basal cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana basal cover | 1-5% |
| Grass/grasslike basal cover | 20-25% |
| Forb basal cover | 5-10% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 0% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 0% |
Table 8. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | 15-25% | 5-15% | 35-45% |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | 35-45% | 25-35% | 45-55% |
| >1 <= 2 | – | 25-35% | 35-45% | 5-10% |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 5-15% | 15-25% | 1-5% |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Community 1.2
Plant community A
*Successional Pathway to Plant Community A Non-prescribed grazing, drought, insect infestations (grasshopper, etc) and/or a cessation of fire will cause regression from HCPC to Community A. Plant Community A (State #1) A plant height shift to lower stature plants distinguishes Community A from the HCPC. Although cool season perennial grasses (western/thickspike wheatgrass and green needlegrass) still dominate the vegetative community, the percentage of short stature cool and warm season perennial plants such as prairie junegrass and blue grama has increased. Fringed sagewort and silver sagebrush often increase in abundance and contribute more than 5% of the total production. Total vegetative production decreases to about 1050 lbs/ac, or 80% of HCPC. Basal cover provided by plants decreases to 25%, while litter cover decreases to 40%. Careful examination will yield slight evidence of rills and surface water runoff. *Successional Pathway from Plant Community A to HCPC Favorable growing conditions, the implementation of prescribed grazing, or the reintroduction of periodic fire into the system will move Plant Community A to the HCPC. This succession can occur within a couple of years. *Successional Pathway from Plant Community A to Plant Community B Community A will regress to Community B under non-prescribed grazing, prolonged drought (5 to 7 years), or an extended period of no fire (greater than 7 years). The rate of regression varies with the intensity and frequency of disturbances
Community 1.3
Plant Community B - Pre Threshold
Plant Community B (State 1) Vegetative production averages about 800 lbs/ac in this Community. The community is dominated by short, warm and cool season perennial grasses. Production of western and thickspike wheatgrass and green needlegrass is greatly reduced. The production, composition and diversity of cool season mid and tall grasses in the plant community have been significantly reduced. Production of hairy goldenaster, western yarrow, hoods phlox, scurfpea, and other lower-successional native forbs increased. Fringed sagewort and silver sagebrush make up more than 5% of the total vegetative production. Plant replacement (seedlings and young plants) will be weighted in favor of opportunistic warm season species. Recruitment of mid and tall height cool season grasses is limited to only be a few seedlings and young plants. Japanese brome and other annual grasses occur on the site. Japanese brome density will be highest in microsites, where there is excess moisture or an abundance of litter, or in disturbed areas (rodent mounds, roads, trails, etc.). This community is characterized by a functional shift from a cool season dominant to a mix of warm and cool season species. The warm season plants are less well-adapted to exploit the precipitation and temperature conditions during May and June. Consequently, less solar energy is captured and converted to carbohydrates. The transfer of energy through the site has been adversely impacted. The site also tends to be more xeric as evaporation and runoff increases. Plant community B is called the “pre-threshold community.” It is critical that this community be recognized and management strategies implemented to prevent further regression. Although this community can improve to either Community A or HCPC through successional processes, further disturbances will result in regression to a lower state. Succession from a lower state (State #2) to State #1 is unlikely without significant inputs into the system. *Successional Pathways from Community B to Community A and HCPC The Clayey 10-14” p.z. site is resistant within the reference state. It is also resilient. Prescribed grazing, the re-implementation of the natural fire regime and/or a period of favorable precipitation will induce successional changes toward the HCPC. Succession will normally occur within a few years. *Transition from Community B to State 2 Community B is not highly resistant to regression. In comparison to higher seral stages there is less vegetative production, less litter, and increased bare ground. Extended drought (longer than 7 consecutive years) and non-prescribed grazing can quickly cause regression to a lower state (State #2).
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Pathway to Community 1.2
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Pathway to Community 1.1
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Pathway to Community 1.3
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Pathway to community 1.2
State 2
State #2 Plant Community C
Community 2.1
Early-Mid Seral State
State #2: Early-mid Seral State: State 2 is dominated by warm season species (blue grama, prairie junegrass, sandberg bluegrass and other short grasses). Both the percentage of total forbs on the site and the percentage of warm season forbs, with respect to percent of cool season forbs have increased. Curlycup gumweed, a warm season biennial plant will often establish in disturbed areas. Silver sagebrush may either increase or decrease in this State; however fringed sagewort normally increases. Prickly pear and brittle cacti usually increase in abundance. Broom snakeweed may encroach onto the site. Annual grasses such as Japanese brome and cheatgrass often increase in abundance until they actually dominate portions of the community. Dense clubmoss, a low growing, vascular cryptogam forms a carpet-like mat that provides up to 30% ground cover in some of these communities. Total vegetative production in a normal year is usually less than 500 lbs/ac. Many resource concerns exist in this State. There is little or no regeneration of cool season perennial grasses and cool season forbs/shrubs. Litter is inadequate to protect the soil from erosion by wind and water. Surface erosion is moderate to severe, and there is more bare ground than expected. Rills, water flow patterns, and pedestals are evident. R2A*Transition from State #2 to higher successional state This plant community is resistant to change, it is a steady state. The short grasses tend to form a sod that prevents seedling establishment of higher successional species. Less than 10% of the seed bank in State #2 is comprised of seed from cool season perennial plants (Romo and Bai 2004). Thus, potential for succession is limited without significant inputs. Prescribed grazing minimizes the risk of further regression and enhances the potential for succession to State #1. The combination of prescribed grazing, a natural fire regime, and a prolonged period of favorable precipitation may allow significant succession in communities that have less than 20% clubmoss cover. This potential is depicted with the dashed line in the state and transition model. . Mechanical treatments may be feasible in areas where potential erosion is not a concern. However, mechanical treatments are not normally recommended on soils with a clay content > 60%. Grazing management practices following a mechanical treatment must be prescribed to address deferment, stocking rates, season of grazing, and other considerations (NRCS Conservation Practice 548). Failure to do so will adversely affect economic returns and is likely to result in retrogression rather than plant succession. T1B*Transition from State #1 to State #3 (Introduced Species) More than one million acres of former cropland in the Glaciated Plains have been seeded to introduced and native species. These seedings resulted from society’s concerns regarding land stewardship and erosion, and have been largely funded by the Federal Government. The government programs have spanned from the 1940s (Bankhead Jones Act) to the present (Conservation Reserve Program - CRP). Crested wheatgrass was the primary species seeded under the direction of the Bankhead Jones Act. Crested wheatgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, smooth brome and some native grasses were seeded during several Soil Bank Programs of the 1960-1970 era. Both introduced species and native species were seeded during the CRP (1985-present). There are over 220,000 acres of CRP in Valley County alone. The future of these Communities is not predicted in the S&T model. Depending on government programs and agricultural prices, these lands could stay in permanent vegetation with limited haying and grazing, be used as pasture for grazing livestock, or be converted to cropland.
State 3
State #3 Formerly Croped
Community 3.1
State 3
Formerly croped land
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
Restoration Pathway to State 1
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Native perennial grasses | 1–850 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 390–650 | – | ||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 1–200 | – | ||
| 2 | Native perennial grasses | 390–650 | ||||
| tufted wheatgrass | ELMA7 | Elymus macrourus | 195–325 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 195–325 | – | ||
| 3 | Native perennial grasses and grasslikes | 13–130 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 13–40 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 13–40 | – | ||
| needleleaf sedge | CADU6 | Carex duriuscula | 13–40 | – | ||
| threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 13–40 | – | ||
| plains reedgrass | CAMO | Calamagrostis montanensis | 13–40 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 13–40 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 13–40 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 4 | Native perennial forbs | 26–130 | ||||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 13–65 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 13–65 | – | ||
| 5 | Native perennial forbs | 26–130 | ||||
| white prairie clover | DACA7 | Dalea candida | 13–65 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 13–65 | – | ||
| 6 | Native perennial forbs | 1–40 | ||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 1–25 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 1–25 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 1–25 | – | ||
| groundplum milkvetch | ASCR2 | Astragalus crassicarpus | 1–25 | – | ||
| aster | ASTER | Aster | 1–25 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 1–25 | – | ||
| bastard toadflax | COUM | Comandra umbellata | 1–25 | – | ||
| buckwheat | ERIOG | Eriogonum | 1–25 | – | ||
| hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 1–25 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 1–25 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 1–25 | – | ||
| white milkwort | POAL4 | Polygala alba | 1–25 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 1–25 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 1–25 | – | ||
| Missouri goldenrod | SOMI2 | Solidago missouriensis | 1–25 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 1–25 | – | ||
| prairie thermopsis | THRH | Thermopsis rhombifolia | 1–25 | – | ||
| lesser spikemoss | SEDE2 | Selaginella densa | 0–1 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Native shrubs and half-shrubs | 26–65 | ||||
| Nuttall's saltbush | ATNU2 | Atriplex nuttallii | 13–65 | – | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 13–65 | – | ||
| 8 | Native shrubs and half-shrubs | 1–40 | ||||
| Shrub, broadleaf | 2SB | Shrub, broadleaf | 1–15 | – | ||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 1–15 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 1–15 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNAN5 | Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa | 1–15 | – | ||
| creeping juniper | JUHO2 | Juniperus horizontalis | 1–15 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 1–15 | – | ||
| snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 1–15 | – | ||
| 9 | Native shrubs and half-shrubs | 0–1 | ||||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–1 | – | ||
| brittle pricklypear | OPFR | Opuntia fragilis | 0–1 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 0–1 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock Management
This site evolved with trampling, defoliation (grasshoppers, jackrabbits, deer, elk, bison, antelope, prairie dogs and other herbivores), fire and drought. The site is highly resistant and resilient to disturbances which may alter its ecological processes. Following perturbations such as drought, which allows blue grama and other short grasses to increase at the expense of the mid and tall grasses, succession occurs during years of favorable precipitation. The site has the potential to produce 900-1800 lbs of forage per acre. Under typical grazing practices, very few livestock losses are reported from poisonous plants.
Forage production shows far greater variations in response to changes in annual precipitation than to different grazing intensities (Branson, 1985). However, proper stocking rates and a planned grazing system are needed to ensure that the site remains in a high seral or HCPC state. Without proper grazing management the mid-to-tall grass community will regress to an early seral state (blue grama, prairie junegrass, sandberg bluegrass, hoods phlox, wooly plantain, and annual bromes).
Suggested stocking rates decrease from about 2.8 acres/AUM in the HCPC to about 10 acres/AUM in the early seral state (State #2). Plant succession in communities that are inhabited with prairie dogs is unlikely until the prairie dogs are controlled.
This site is usually grazed by livestock from May through October. Some ranchers utilize the Clayey 10-14” p.z. ecological site for fall and early winter grazing. However, storms are a threat. It is recommended that livestock either have access to adjacent wooded draws, or provide a good animal trail leading to headquarters for protection in winter and during storm events. Because of the predominant wheatgrass composition, the site is better-suited for cattle, rather than sheep grazing.
Wildlife Interpretations
The Clayey 10-14” p.z. ecological site that is in the reference state (State #1) provides forage for mule deer and antelope during most of the year. However, the overall forage potential is limited by the relatively low production and diversity of forbs and shrubs. Low shrub cover also limits the potential of the site for thermal and escape cover. Most deer use on the site occurs along the edges where it borders woody draws, badland range sites, etc.
The species diversity and cover associated with the HCPC and with other communities in State #1 provides habitat for sharp-tailed grouse and other upland birds. Much of the use occurs along the ecotones between the Clayey 10-14” p.z. site and wooded draws where deciduous tree and shrub cover increase. The relative absence of big sagebrush limits the potential of this site for sage grouse habitat. The few sage grouse that exist in the Glaciated Plains are usually associated with silver sagebrush.
Species diversity and litter also provide favorable habitats for deer mice, rabbits and other small mammals. Golden eagles, redtail and ferruginous hawks are often circling over the landscape searching for prey.
Sites that are characterized by communities in mid to early seral stages are less suitable for big game, upland birds and small mammals. However, they are more suitable for prairie dogs. Prairie dog towns also have potential for use by burrowing owls, upland plovers, and other wildlife species.
Hydrological functions
Soils series in the Clayey 10-14” p.z. fall into the C and D hydrologic groups. Runoff potential varies from low to high, depending on slope, ground cover, and rangeland health. Infiltration rates also vary with environmental conditions.
Good hydrologic conditions exist on this site when it is in State #1. Canopy cover (grass, forbs and shrubs) is greater than 90% in these communities. Plant cover and litter are adequate to optimize infiltration and minimize runoff and erosion. Sites in early or low seral state (State #2) are generally considered to be in poor hydrologic condition.
Recreational uses
Hunters are probably the most common recreational user of Clayey 10-14” p.z. ecological sites. The site is also used by hikers and photographers.
Wood products
None
Other products
None
Other information
None
Supporting information
Inventory data references
SCS-Range-417 3 1991-1992 MT Phillips
ECS-1
Modified Double Samplings 19 2001-2004 MT Blaine, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Phillips, Valley
Other references
Branson, Farrel A. 1985. Vegetation changes on western rangelands. Society for Range Management. Denver, Colo.
Briske, D. D., S. D. Fuhlendorf, and F. E. Smeins. 2005. State-and-transition models, thresholds, and rangeland health: a synthesis of ecological concepts and perspectives. Rangeland Ecol. Manage. 58:1-10.
Cooper, S.V., C. Jean and P. Hendricks. 2001. Biological survey of a prairie landscape in Montana’s glaciated plains. Report to the Bureau of Land Management. Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena.
Heitschmidt, R. K., K. D. Klement, and M. R. Haferkamp. 2005. Interactive effects of drought and grazing on Northern Great Plains rangelands. Rangeland Ecol. Manage. 58:11-19.
Romo, J. T., and Y. Bai. 2004. Seed bank and plant community composition, mixed prairie of Saskatchewan. J. Range Manage. 57:300-304.
USDI BLM USGS and USDA NRCS. 2000. Interpreting indicators of rangeland health. Tech. Ref. 1734-6.
Contributors
JL, MR, JS, RB, GS
JL,MR,JS,RB,GS
John Lacey, Maxine Rasmussen, Jon Siddoway, Rick Bandy, Greg Snell
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 6/14/2023
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) | Dr. John Lacey, Maxine Rasmussen, Jon Siddoway & Rick Bandy |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | |
| Date | 03/30/2005 |
| Approved by | Kirt Walstad |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present in HCPC. If in plant community A, careful examination will yield slight evidence of rills that are less than ½ inch deep, linear, but short in length. If in plant community B, rills would be visible, ½ inch deep or more, linear, rarely exceeding 1 foot in length. Distance between rills is irregular. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns should not be observable in HCPC. If in plant community A, careful examination will yield short discontinuous water flow patterns. If in plant community B, water flow patterns would be visible as long (more than 1feet) and continuous across the landscape. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals or terracettes would essentially be nonexistent in HCPC. If in plant community A, careful examination on slopes > 8% yield occasional pedestals and terracettes approximately ¼ inch above the soil surface. If in plant community B, pedestals and terracettes are frequent and ½ - ¾ inch above the soil surface. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Less than 5-10% of the soil surface should be bare in HCPC. Bare ground should be less than 2” in diameter. If in plant community A, 10-20% of the soil surface can be exposed. If in plant community B, >20% of the soil surface can be exposed. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Gullies are not evident in any of the State 1 reference plant communities. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas are not evident in any of the State 1 reference plant communities. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter movement is not expected with HCPC. If in plant community A, careful examination will yield some fine litter movement for a short distance. If in plant community B, litter, both fine and coarse, movement is visible, especially on slopes > 8%, but the distance moved is less than 1 foot. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Stability class anticipated to be 5 or 6 under plant canopy. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
The light brownish gray clay surface layer is 5-7” deep. The surface texture ranges from clay loam, silty clay, silty clay loam and clay. Soil organic matter is usually 1-2% with a high of 3% and a low of 0.5%. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
In HCPC, 90-95% plant canopy and 80-85% basal cover with small gaps between plants 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 rate is slow. If in plant community A, 50-80% plant canopy and 20-35% basal cover with moderate gaps between plants will intensify raindrop impact and increase overland flow, causing decreased time for infiltration. If in plant community B, 10-40% plant canopy and 10-20% basal cover with sizeable gaps between plants, amplifies raindrop impact and increases overland flow. The site tends to be more xeric as runoff increases. -
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 evident in any of the State 1 plant communities. -
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:
HCPC: Tall and mid-stature, cool season bunch grasses > mid-stature, cool season rhizomatous grasses> short stature, warm season rhizomatous grasses> forbs >shrubs. Plant community A: Tall and mid-stature, cool season bunch grasses > mid-stature, cool season rhizomatous grasses> short stature, warm season rhizomatous > shrubs > forbs.Sub-dominant:
Plant community B: Short warm season perennial grasses > few mid-stature warm and cool season perennial grasses>forbs>shrubs.Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Plant mortality and decadence very low in HCPC and Plant community A. In periods of drought, shrubs would exhibit decadence in the state 1 reference communities. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover is in contact with soil surface. Litter decreases in Plant community A to 10-20% and depth is reduced to 0.5 inch. Litter decreases to less than 20% in Plant community B and is less than ½ inch deep. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
900 - 1800 #/acre from Plant community B to HCPC in the State 1 reference community. -
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, prairie junegrass, needleleaf sedge, curly cup gumweed, Sandberg bluegrass, fringed sagewort, plains prickly pear, broom snakeweed, leafy spurge. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing in HCPC and Plant community A. In Plant community B, plant seedlings will be weighed in favor of marginal and undesirable species. Replacement of desirable species will be very few.
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