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Ecological site R053AY711MT

Recharge Closed Depression (CdR)

Last updated: 11/22/2023
Accessed: 11/13/2024

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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.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 053A–Northern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains

The Northern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, MLRA 53A, is a large, agriculturally and ecologically significant area. It consists of approximately 6.1 million acres and stretches 140 miles from east to west and 120 miles from north to south, encompassing portions of 8 counties in northeastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota. This region represents part of the southern edge of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during maximum glaciation. It is one of the driest and westernmost areas within the vast network of glacially derived prairie pothole landforms of the Northern Great Plains and falls roughly between the Missouri Coteau to the east and the Brown Glaciated Plains to the west. Elevation ranges from 1,800 feet (550 meters) to 3,300 feet (1,005 meters).

Soils are primarily Mollisols, but Inceptisols and Entisols are also common. Till from continental glaciation is the predominant parent material, but alluvium and bedrock are also common. Till deposits are typically less than 50 feet thick (Soller, 2001). Underlying the till is sedimentary bedrock largely consisting of Cretaceous shale, sandstone, and mudstone (Vuke et al., 2007). The bedrock is commonly exposed on hillslopes, particularly along drainageways. Significant alluvial deposits occur in glacial outwash channels and along major drainages, including portions of the Missouri, Poplar, and Big Muddy Rivers. Large eolian deposits of sand occur in the vicinity of the ancestral Missouri River channel east of Medicine Lake (Fullerton et al., 2004). The northwestern portion of the MLRA contains a large unglaciated area containing paleoterraces and large deposits of sand and gravel known as the Flaxville gravel.

Much of this MLRA was glaciated towards the end of the Wisconsin age, and the maximum glacial extent occurred approximately 20,000 years ago (Fullerton and Colton, 1986; Fullerton et al., 2004). Subsequent erosion from major stream and river systems has created numerous drainageways throughout much of the MLRA. The result is a geologically young landscape that is predominantly a dissected till plain interspersed with alluvial deposits and dominated by soils in the Mollisol and Inceptisol orders. Much of this area is typic ustic, making these soils very productive and generally well suited to production agriculture.

Dryland farming is the predominant land use, and approximately 50 percent of the land area is used for cultivated crops. Winter, spring, and durum varieties of wheat are the major crops, with over 48 million bushels produced annually (USDA-NASS, 2017). Areas of rangeland typically are on steep hillslopes along drainages. The rangeland is mostly native mixed-grass prairie similar to the Stipa-Agropyron, Stipa-Bouteloua-Agropyron, and Stipa-Bouteloua faciations (Coupland, 1950, 1961). Cool-season grasses dominate and include rhizomatous wheatgrasses, needle and thread, western porcupine grass, and green needlegrass. Woody species are generally rare; however, many of the steeper drainages support stands of trees and shrubs, such as green ash and chokecherry. Seasonally ponded, prairie pothole wetlands may occur throughout the MLRA, but the greatest concentrations are in the east and northeast where receding glaciers stagnated and formed disintegration moraines with hummocky topography and numerous areas of poorly drained soils.

Classification relationships

NRCS Soil Geography Hierarchy
• Land Resource Region: Northern Great Plains
• Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 053A Northern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains

National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units (Cleland et al., 1997; McNab et al., 2007)
• Domain: Dry
• Division: Temperate Steppe
• Province: Great Plains-Palouse Dry Steppe Province 331
• Section: Glaciated Northern Grasslands Section 331L
• Subsection: Glaciated Northern Grasslands Subsection 331La
• Landtype association/Landtype phase: N/A

National Vegetation Classification Standard (Federal Geographic Data Committee, 2008)
• Class: Mesomorphic Shrub and Herb Vegetation Class (2)
• Subclass: Shrub and Herb Wetland Subclass (2.C)
• Formation: Temperate to Polar Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow & Shrubland (2.C.4)
• Division: Eastern North American Temperate & Boreal Freshwater Marsh, Wet Meadow and Shrubland (2.C.4.Nd)
• Macrogroup: Great Plains Marsh, Wet Meadow, Shrubland & Playa (2.C.4.Nd.5)
• Group: Great Plains Wet Prairie, Wet Meadow & Seepage Fen (2.C.4.Nd.5.b)

EPA Ecoregions
• Level 1: Great Plains (9)
• Level 2: West-Central Semi-Arid Prairies (9.3)
• Level 3: Northwestern Glaciated Plains (42)
• Level 4: Glaciated Dark Brown Prairie (42i)
Glaciated Northern Grasslands (42j)

USFWS (Cowardin et al., 1979)
• Palustrine Emergent Temporarily Flooded and Palustrine Emergent Seasonally Flooded

Classification of natural ponds and lakes in the Glaciated Prairie Region (Stewart and Kantrud, 1971)
• Ephemeral Pond, Temporary Pond, and Seasonal Pond

Ecological site concept

Recharge Closed Depression is a somewhat extensive ecological site occurring in depressions on till plains and moraines. The distinguishing characteristics of this ecological site are that it is located in closed depression landforms, receives surface water runoff from adjacent uplands, and contains hydric soils. The ponding duration is typically temporary or seasonal, however, it is highly variable depending on catchment size and annual precipitation. Soils for this ecological site are typically very deep (more than 60 inches), poorly drained, derived from alluvium, and are typically non-saline. Characteristic vegetation is western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris), and needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis).

Associated sites

R053AY720MT	Swale (Se) The Swale ecological site is in upland coulees and swales. It is typically upslope from the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site on till plains and moraines. It contributes surface water to the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site.
R053AY706MT	Loamy (Lo) The Loamy ecological site is in uplands surrounding the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site on till plains and moraines. It contributes surface water to the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site.
R053AY708MT	Loamy Steep (LoStp) The Loamy Steep ecological site is on slopes greater than 15 percent surrounding the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site on till plains and moraines. It contributes surface water to the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site.
R053AY703MT	Discharge Closed Depression (CdD) The Discharge Closed Depression ecological site is on landforms similar to those of the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site. It typically is in lower topographic positions and receives ground-water discharge from the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site.

Similar sites

R053AY718MT	Slough (Sl) The Slough ecological site is on flood plains, commonly in oxbows or channels where flooding is very frequent and a water table is shallow and persistant. Its hydroperiod is typically much longer than that of the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site. This site typically contains deep marsh vegetation.
R053AY709MT	Overflow (Ov) The Overflow ecological site occurs on flood plains, commonly on higher terraces that receive additional moisture from runoff and stream overflow. Vegetation is dominated by facultative upland species.
R053AY703MT	Discharge Closed Depression (CdD) The Discharge Closed Depression ecological site differs from the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site in that it receives a significant amount of moisture from ground-water discharge as well as surface runoff. Water and soils are typically more saline, and salt-tolerant vegetation is common.

R053AY718MT

Slough (Sl)

The Slough ecological site is on flood plains, commonly in oxbows or channels where flooding is very frequent and a water table is shallow and persistant. Its hydroperiod is typically much longer than that of the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site. This site typically contains deep marsh vegetation.

R053AY709MT

Overflow (Ov)

The Overflow ecological site occurs on flood plains, commonly on higher terraces that receive additional moisture from runoff and stream overflow. Vegetation is dominated by facultative upland species.

R053AY703MT

Discharge Closed Depression (CdD)

The Discharge Closed Depression ecological site differs from the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site in that it receives a significant amount of moisture from ground-water discharge as well as surface runoff. Water and soils are typically more saline, and salt-tolerant vegetation is common.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Pascopyrum smithii (2) Eleocharis acicularis

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Physiographic features

The Recharge Closed Depression ecological site occurs in closed depressions on till plains. It is typically found on disintegration moraines but may also occur on ground moraines.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Geomorphic position, flats	(1) Dip
Landforms	(1) Till plain > Disintegration moraine > Closed depression (2) Till plain > Ground moraine > Closed depression
Ponding duration	Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days)
Ponding frequency	Occasional to frequent
Elevation	1,800 – 3,300 ft
Slope	2%
Ponding depth	12 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The Northern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains is a semi-arid region with a temperate continental climate that is characterized by frigid winters and warm to hot summers (Coupland, 1958; Richardson and Hanson, 1977; Heidel et al., 2000). The majority of precipitation occurs as steady, soaking, frontal system rains in late spring to early summer. Summer rainfall comes mainly from convection thunderstorms that typically deliver scattered amounts of rain in intense bursts. These storms may be accompanied by damaging winds and large-diameter hail and result in flash flooding along low-order streams. Approximately 80 percent of the annual precipitation occurs during the growing season. June is the wettest month, followed by July and May (Richardson and Hanson, 1977; Heidel et al., 2000). Average annual precipitation ranges from 11 inches (280 mm) near Richey, Montana, to 15 inches (380 mm) in the Little Muddy drainage near Williston, North Dakota, but precipitation varies greatly from year to year. On average, severe drought and very wet years occur with the same frequency, which is 1 out of 10 years (Coupland, 1958; Heidel et al., 2000). Extreme climatic variations, especially droughts, have the greatest influence on species cover and production (Coupland, 1958, 1961; Biondini et al., 1998). The frost-free period for this ecological site ranges from 90 to 130 days, and the freeze-free period ranges from 115 to 155 days.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	90-130 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	115-155 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	11-15 in
Frost-free period (average)	110 days
Freeze-free period (average)	135 days
Precipitation total (average)	13 in

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

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Figure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 3. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 4. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) BREDETTE [USC00241088], Poplar, MT
(2) CULBERTSON [USC00242122], Culbertson, MT
(3) OPHEIM 10 N [USC00246236], Opheim, MT
(4) OPHEIM 12 SSE [USC00246238], Opheim, MT
(5) PLENTYWOOD [USC00246586], Plentywood, MT
(6) SCOBEY 4 NW [USC00247425], Scobey, MT
(7) SIDNEY [USC00247560], Sidney, MT
(8) VIDA 6 NE [USC00248569], Vida, MT
(9) WILLISTON SLOULIN INTL AP [USW00094014], Williston, ND

Influencing water features

This is a depressional wetland site that receives additional moisture via surface runoff. Hydrology is most similar to a recharge depressional hydrogeomorphic (HGM) model, although water rarely reaches a ground-water table because evapotranspiration greatly exceeds precipitation. Runoff from surrounding uplands enters the site and is unable to infiltrate rapidly due to the high clay content of the soils. Water ponds on the surface for a brief time, then is lost by evapotranspiration. The ponding duration is typically 4 weeks or less, but some areas may pond water for 3 to 4 months. In the latter case, there may be some subsurface flow of water into lower landscape positions or ground water. Ponding depth is typically 1 foot or less.

Wetland description

Palustrine Emergent Temporarily Flooded and Palustrine Emergent Seasonally Flooded

Soil features

Soils for this ecological site are typically very deep (more than 60 inches to bedrock), poorly drained, and derived from clayey alluvium. They are episaturated, meaning that they receive additional moisture from surface water, and have hydric features. Ponding frequency varies from occasional to frequent and duration varies from brief to long depending on catchment size and annual precipitation. They have an aquic moisture regime, which means that the soils are saturated within 40 inches (100 cm) of the mineral soil surface for some time during the year, and a frigid soil temperature regime (Soil Survey Staff, 2014).

Soil textures in the surface horizon on this site are typically loam, silt loam, clay loam, or clay; the underlying horizons are typically clay. Hydric features such as redox or gleying may be present in any horizon. In the upper 20 inches, electrical conductivity is less than 4 and the sodium absorption ratio is less than 13. Calcium carbonate equivalent is typically less than 5 percent in the upper 5 inches of soil. Soil pH classes are slightly acid to neutral in the surface horizon and neutral to strongly alkaline in the subsurface horizons. Typically, the upper 20 inches of soil does not contain coarse fragments.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium – igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock
Surface texture	(1) Loam (2) Silt loam (3) Clay loam (4) Clay
Drainage class	Poorly drained
Soil depth	60 – 72 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-5in)	5%
Electrical conductivity (0-20in)	3 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-20in)	12

Ecological dynamics

The information in this ecological site description, including the state-and-transition model (STM), was developed based on historical data, current field data, professional experience, and a review of the scientific literature. As a result, all possible scenarios or plant species may not be included. Key indicator plant species, disturbances, and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.

The Recharge Closed Depression provisional ecological site in MLRA 53A consists of six vegetative states: The Historic Reference State (1), the Contemporary Reference State (2), the Invaded State (3), the Undrained Cropland State (4), the Impounded State (5) and the Drained Cropland State (6). Plant communities associated with the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site evolved under the combined influences of climate, grazing, hydrology, and fire. Extreme climatic variability results in frequent droughts, which can have great influence on the relative contribution of species cover and production (Coupland, 1958, 1961; Biondini et al., 1998).

Hydrology is a crucial dynamic on this site. The site receives water surface runoff primarily from spring snowmelt and from high intensity thunderstorms. The duration of ponding, or hydroperiod, dramatically influences the vegetation of the site. The hydroperiod varies depending by the catchment size and by annual precipitation patterns. The majority of sites in MLRA 53A contain water for only a few weeks in the spring. Larger catchment basins, above average precipitation cycles, or a combination of these factors may increase the hydroperiod to several months. Plant communities vary depending on the hydroperiod.

The historic ecosystem experienced periodic lightning-caused fires with estimated fire return intervals of 6 to 25 years (Bragg, 1995). Historically, Native Americans also set periodic fires. The majority of lightning-caused fires occurred in July and August, whereas Native Americans typically set fires during spring and fall to correspond with the movement of bison (Higgins, 1986). The precise effects of the historic fire return interval are not definitive, but in general the mixedgrass ecosystem was resilient to fire. Potential effects are generally temporary and may include reduction of litter, fluctuations in production, and changes in species composition (Vermeire et al., 2011, 2014).

Native grazers also shaped these plant communities. American bison (Bison bison) were the dominant historic grazer, but pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), elk (Cervus canadensis), and deer (Odocoileus spp.) were also common. Additionally, small mammals such as prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) and ground squirrels (Urocitellus spp.) influenced this plant community (Salo et al., 2004). Grasshoppers and periodic outbreaks of Rocky Mountain locusts (Melanoplus spretus) also played an important role in the ecology of these communities (Lockwood, 2004). The mixedgrass ecosystem was resilient to grazing, although localized areas could experience shifts in species composition due to heavy grazing.

Following European settlement, fire was largely eliminated, domestic livestock replaced native ungulates as the primary grazers, and non-native species were introduced to the ecosystem. Aside from drought, livestock grazing is now the principle disturbance on the landscape.

Plant communities on the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site are very complex. Much of the dynamics of this site are still under investigation and are not fully understood. Frequently, sites contain multiple plant community zones that correspond to the hydroperiod for that portion of the site. In the ephemeral communities (1.1, 2.1) the hydroperiod is only 7 to 10 days early in the spring and the site supports facultative upland species. The wheatgrass/forb plant community is the typically the only one present. Periods of above average precipitation or depressions with a moderate catchment size will transition to the temporarily ponded communities (1.2, 2.2). In this phase the hydroperiod increases to 1.5 to 4 weeks and the site begins to support more hydrophytic vegetation. There are typically two distinct vegetation zones with a wheatgrass-spikerush plant community occupying the center of the depression. The rim of the depression transitions to wheatgrass/forb plant community. The seasonally ponded communities (1.3, 2.3) occur primarily in depressions that have large catchment basins, although they can occur in moderate-sized catchment basins during periods of above average precipitation. The hydroperiod for these communities is much longer, typically 1 to 4 months, and is sufficient for a significant amount of hydrophytic vegetation to establish. The center of the depression frequently supports a spikerush-sedge plant community, this is surrounded by a wheatgrass-spikerush plant community, and a rim of wheatgrass and forbs. All plant communities are often dynamic and diversity varies from site to site. Further study is needed to fully describe all major species and plant community dynamics.

Disturbances to the Recharge Closed Depression ecological site can have significant effects on hydrology and vegetation. Disturbances that directly affect the site include, but are not limited to, excavation, draining, impoundment, conversion to cropland, and grazing. The effects of improper grazing of this site have not been documented in detail, but improper grazing is known to cause a reduction in palatable forage species and an increase in unpalatable species such as white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana) and mountain rush (Juncus arcticus ssp. littoralis), also known as Baltic rush. Improper grazing practices include any practices that do not allow sufficient opportunity for plants to physiologically recover from a grazing event or multiple grazing events within a given year and/or may not be providing adequate cover to prevent soil erosion over time. This may include, but is not limited to, overstocking, continuous grazing, and/or inadequate seasonal rotation moves over multiple years.

The most common disturbance on this site is most likely conversion to cropland. Smaller depressions, particularly those with ephemeral hydroperiods, are frequently farmed through with no further alteration. Seasonally ponded depressions are typically too wet to farm without artificial drainage. Typically, water is drained by ditching, then the site is converted to cropland. In these cases, the natural hydrology is severely altered and the site is unlikely to return to reference conditions without significant restoration. Another common alteration of hydrology is impoundment of water for livestock or wildlife. Impoundment increases the hydroperiod and effectively converts the site from a temporarily or seasonally ponded wetland to a semi-permanent wetland.

Most, if not all, extant examples of this site have some degree of invasion by non-native species. Non-native perennial grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and smooth brome (Bromus inermis), are widespread throughout the Great Plains (Toledo et al., 2014) and sites that are ephemeral or temporarily ponded are particularly prone to invasion. Wetter, seasonally ponded sites appear to have fewer non-native species but may still be affected by more ponding-tolerant species, such as reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and creeping meadow foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus). Noxious weeds such as Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) have also been documented on this site.

The state-and-transition model (STM) diagram and legend suggests possible pathways that plant communities on this site may follow as a result of a given set of ecological processes and management. The site may also support vegetative states not displayed in the STM diagram. Landowners and land managers should seek guidance from local professionals before prescribing a particular management or treatment scenario. Plant community responses vary across this MLRA due to variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The reference community phase may not necessarily be the management goal. The lists of plant species and species composition values are provisional and are not intended to cover the full range of conditions, species, and responses for the site. Species composition by dry weight is provided when available and is considered provisional based on the sources identified in the narratives associated with each community phase.

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 text

Ecosystem states

1. Historic Reference State

2. Contemporary Reference State

3. Invaded State

4. Undrained Cropland State

5. Impounded State

6. Drained Cropland State

States 2, 5 and 6 (additional transitions)

2. Contemporary Reference State

5. Impounded State

6. Drained Cropland State

T1A	-	Introduction of non-native invasive species such as introduced gasses, forbs, or noxious weeds.
T2C	-	Displacement of native species by invasive species (introduced grasses, noxious weeds, etc.)
T2A	-	Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops
T2B	-	Artificial impoundment of water
T2D	-	Artificial drainage, tillage or herbicide application, and seeding of annual crops
T3A	-	Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops
T3B	-	Artificial impoundment of water
R4B	-	Cessation of annual cropping combined with reestablishment of native species
T4A	-	Cessation of annual cropping combined with introduction of invasive species
R5A	-	Restoration of natural hydrology and reestablishment of native species (labor intensive and costly)
R6A	-	Restoration of natural hydrology and reestablishment of native species (labor intensive and costly)

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Western Wheatgrass Community

1.2. Wheatgrass-Spikerush Community

1.3. Spikerush-Sedge Community

P1.1a	-	2 to 3 consecutive years of above average precipitation.
P1.2a	-	Drought
P1.2b	-	2 to 3 consecutive years of above average precipitation: larger catchment area.
P1.3a	-	Drought

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Ephemeral Community

2.2. Temporarily Ponded Community

2.3. Seasonally Ponded Community

P2.1a	-	2 to 3 consecutive years of above average precipitation
P2.2a	-	Drought
P2.2b	-	2 to 3 consecutive years of above average precipitation: larger catchment area
P2.3a	-	Drought

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Invaded Community

State 4 submodel, plant communities

4.1. Annual Crops Community

4.2. Wet/Foxtail Barley Community

P4.1a	-	1 more years of above average precipitation.
P4.2a	-	Average or below average precipitation

State 5 submodel, plant communities

5.1. Cattail-Bulrush Community

State 6 submodel, plant communities

6.1. Drained Cropland Community

State 1
Historic Reference State

The Historic Reference State (1) contained three community phases characterized by varying degrees of seasonal ponding. This state is considered extinct and is included here for historical reference purposes. Seasonal ponding was a key dynamic on this site and varied depending on annual precipitation patterns and catchment size. Vegetation was characterized concentric rings, or zones, within the depression that correspond to the hydroperiod of that particular zone. Some phases only exhibited one vegetation zone dominated by facultative upland species while other phases exhibited two or more zones with the most hydrophytic vegetation in the center of the depression and subsequent, drier plant communities toward the edges.

Community 1.1
Western Wheatgrass Community

The Western Wheatgrass Phase (1.1) typically occurred in depressions with small catchment areas but may also have occurred in depressions with moderate catchment areas during drought years. The hydroperiod in this phase was very short, typically 10 days or less. The western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) plant community was typically the only one present, although a wheatgrass/forb association may occur along the depression rim.

Community 1.2
Wheatgrass-Spikerush Community

The Wheatgrass-Spikerush Phase (1.2) typically occurred in depressions with moderate-sized catchment areas during normal years but may have also occurred in small catchment areas during wet cycles or large catchment areas during drought. In this phase the hydroperiod ranged from 1.5 to 4 weeks. Vegetation exhibited zonation in this phase. The center of the depression was a wheatgrass-spikerush plant community surrounded by a western wheatgrass/forb plant community on the rim of the depression.

Community 1.3
Spikerush-Sedge Community

The Spikerush-Sedge Phase (1.3) typically occurred in depressions with large catchment areas, although it could occur in moderate-sized catchment areas during wet cycles. The hydroperiod in this phase was 1 to 4 months and the vegetation typically exhibited three or more zones. The wettest zone in this phase was frequently a spikerush-sedge plant community. This transitioned into a middle zone of wheatgrass-spikerush, then to a western wheatgrass/forb plant community on the rim.

Pathway P1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2

In small catchment areas, 2 to 3 years of above-average precipitation transitioned the Western Wheatgrass Phase (1.1) to the Wheatgrass-Spikerush Phase (1.2). Moderate-sized catchment areas transitioned to this phase during average precipitation years.

Pathway P1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

In moderate-sized catchment areas, drought transitioned the Wheatgrass-Spikerush Phase (1.2) to the Western Wheatgrass Phase (1.1). Small catchment areas transitioned to this phase during average precipitation years.

Pathway P1.2b
Community 1.2 to 1.3

In moderate-sized catchment areas, 2 to 3 years of above-average precipitation transitioned the Wheatgrass-Spikerush Phase (1.2) to the Spikerush-Sedge Phase (1.3).

Pathway P1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.2

On large catchment areas, drought transitioned the Spikerush-Sedge Phase (1.3) to the Wheatgrass-Spikerush Phase (1.2). Moderate-sized catchment areas transitioned to this phase during average-precipitation years.

State 2
Contemporary Reference State

The Contemporary Reference State (2) contains three community phases. Seasonal ponding is a key dynamic on this site and varies depending on annual precipitation patterns and catchment size. This state differs from the historical reference state in that it is influenced by nonnative plant species and has altered fire and grazing regimes. Vegetation is characterized concentric rings, or zones, within the depression that correspond to the hydroperiod of that particular zone. The Ephemeral Phase (2.1) may only exhibit one vegetation zone dominated by facultative upland species. Other phases may exhibit two or more zones with the most hydrophytic vegetation in the center of the depression and subsequent, drier plant communities toward the edges.

Community 2.1
Ephemeral Community

The Ephemeral Phase (2.1) typically occurs in depressions with small catchment areas but can also occur in depressions with moderate catchment areas during drought years. The hydroperiod in this phase is very short, typically 10 days or less. The wheatgrass/forb plant community is the typically the only one present. The predominant species is western wheatgrass with forbs such as common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and cudweed sagewort (Artemisia ludoviciana) intermixed. Occasionally scattered plants of fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris) may also occur. Nonnative species such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) comprise 1 to 3 percent of the plant community.

Community 2.2
Temporarily Ponded Community

The Temporarily Ponded Phase (2.2) typically occurs in depressions with moderate-sized catchment areas during normal years, but may also occur in small catchment areas during wet cycles, or large catchment areas during drought. In this phase the hydroperiod ranges from 1.5 to 4 weeks. Vegetation begins to exhibit zonation in this phase. At the center of the depression, ponding is longest and a wheatgrass-spikerush plant community appears. The most common species in this zone are western wheatgrass and needle spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis), although common spikerush (Eleocharis palustris) may also be present. A western wheatgrass/forb plant community is usually present around the rim of the depression. A number of minor graminoid species such as rough bentgrass (Agrostis scabra), slimstem reedgrass (Calamagrostis stricta), and woolly sedge (Carex pellita) may also be present. Non-native species such as Kentucky bluegrass are present at low cover.

Community 2.3
Seasonally Ponded Community

The Seasonally Ponded Phase (2.3) typically occurs in depressions with large catchment areas, although it can occur in moderate-sized catchment areas during wet cycles. The hydroperiod in this phase is 1 to 4 months and the vegetation typically exhibits three or more zones. The wettest zone in this phase is frequently a spikerush-sedge plant community. This transitions into a middle zone of wheatgrass-spikerush. The rim of the depression in this phase is typically a western wheatgrass/forb dominated plant community. Common species are needle spikerush, woolly sedge, beaked sedge (Carex rostrata), and western wheatgrass. A number of minor species such as slimstem reedgrass, rush (Juncus spp.), and water knotweed (Polygonum amphibium) may also be present. Non-native species such as Kentucky bluegrass are present at low cover.

Pathway P2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2

In small catchment areas, 2 to 3 years of above-average precipitation will transition the Ephemeral Phase (2.1) to the Temporarily Ponded Phase (2.2). Moderate-sized catchment areas will transition to this phase during average precipitation years.

Pathway P2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1

In moderate-sized catchment areas, drought will transition the Temporarily Ponded Phase (2.2) to the Ephemeral Phase (2.1). Small catchment areas will transition to this phase during average precipitation years.

Pathway P2.2b
Community 2.2 to 2.3

In moderate-sized catchment areas, 2 to 3 years of above-average precipitation will transition the Temporarily Ponded Phase (2.2) to the Seasonally Ponded Phase (2.3).

Pathway P2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.2

On large catchment areas, drought will transition the Seasonally Ponded Phase (2.3) to the Temporarily Ponded Phase (2.2). Moderate-sized catchment areas will transition to this phase during average-precipitation years.

State 3
Invaded State

The Invaded State (3) occurs when invasive plant species invade adjacent native grassland communities and displace the native species. Data suggest that native species diversity declines significantly when invasive species exceed 30 percent of the plant community. The most common concerns are non-native perennial grasses, such Kentucky bluegrass and reed canarygrass. Kentucky bluegrass is widespread throughout the Northern Great Plains (Toledo et al., 2014) and mainly affects the ephemeral and temporarily ponded phases of this site. It is very competitive and displaces native species by forming dense root mats, altering nitrogen cycling, and having allelopathic effects on germination (DeKeyser et al., 2013). It may also alter soil surface hydrology and modify soil surface structure (Toledo et al., 2014). Plant communities dominated by Kentucky bluegrass have significantly less cover of native grass and forb species (Toledo et al., 2014; DeKeyser et al., 2009). Reed canarygrass is a vigorous, productive, long-lived, perennial, sod-forming grass that mainly affects the temporarily ponded or seasonally ponded phases of this ecological site. Although native to North America, it may become weedy or invasive in some habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed (USDA-NRCS, 2002). Invasive grass species can invade relatively undisturbed sites, and it is not clear what triggers them to displace native species. In some cases, they have been found to substantially increase under long-term grazing exclusion (DeKeyser et al., 2009, 2013; Grant et al., 2009), but a consistent correlation to grazing management practices cannot be made at this time. Noxious weeds such as leafy spurge and Canada thistle are not widespread in MLRA 53A, but they can be a concern in localized areas. These species are very aggressive perennials. They typically displace native species and dominate ecological function when they invade a site. In some cases, these species can be suppressed through intensive management (herbicide application, biological control, or intensive grazing management). Control efforts are unlikely to eliminate noxious weeds, but their density can be sufficiently suppressed so that species composition and structural complexity are similar to that of the Contemporary Reference State (2). However, cessation of control methods will most likely result in recolonization of the site by the noxious species.

Community 3.1
Invaded Community

Encroachment by introduced grasses, noxious weeds, and other invasive species is common. Reduced plant species diversity, simplified structural complexity, and altered biologic processes result in a state that is substantially departed from both the Reference State (1) and the Contemporary Reference State (2).

State 4
Undrained Cropland State

The Undrained Cropland State (4) occurs when native vegetation is killed out, either by tillage or by herbicide application, and the site is seeded to annual crops. No other alterations are made to the natural hydrology or soils. This state typically only occurs in the Ephemeral Phase (2.1) and the Temporarily Ponded Phase (2.2). In this state the site is suitable for spring seeded crops such as spring wheat and barley, although seeding of crops may be delayed 2 to 3 weeks due to wet soil conditions. In wet years, this state may be too wet to farm and will transition to the Wet/Foxtail Barley Phase (4.2).

Community 4.1
Annual Crops Community

The Annual Crops Phase (4.1) occurs when land is put into cultivation. Major crops include spring wheat, barley, and peas.

Community 4.2
Wet/Foxtail Barley Community

The Wet/Foxtail Barley Phase (4.2) occurs when precipitation is above average and the site is too wet to seed crops. Foxtail barley and annual weeds such as Kochia (Bassia scoparia) may colonize the site.

Pathway P4.1a
Community 4.1 to 4.2

One or more years of above average precipitation transitions the Annual Crops Phase (4.1) to the Wet/Foxtail Barley Phase (4.2)

Pathway P4.2a
Community 4.2 to 4.1

Average or below-average precipitation transitions the Wet/Foxtail Barley Phase (4.2) to the Annual Crops Phase (4.1)

State 5
Impounded State

The Impounded State (5) occurs when water is artificially impounded on the site by damming or excavation. Water may be impounded for livestock water or for wildlife. Impoundment of water typically transitions the site to a semi-permanent wetland with open water, deep marsh, and drawdown vegetation zones. In many cases impoundment creates a larger wetland with high quality habitat for wildlife. In other cases, such as when an excavated pond is constructed in the center of the depression, a small semi-permanent wetland is created in the center while the remainder of the depression is drained, thus reducing total wetland area. In either case the natural hydrology of the site is significantly altered, resulting in a new state with different plant communities and ecological dynamics.

Community 5.1
Cattail-Bulrush Community

The Cattail-Bulrush Phase (5.1) occurs when water is impounded and the site is semi-permanently ponded. The hydroperiod in this phase is typically 6 to 9 months. Vegetation zonation has reached its maximum. Typically, the center of the site is open water, which is surrounded by a deep marsh zone dominated by broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus), and common threesquare (Schoenoplectus pungens). In some cases, a shallow marsh zone supporting sedge and spikerush species may also establish. The rim of the depression is characterized by a drawdown area supporting low prairie vegetation such as western wheatgrass or wheatgrass-spikerush.

State 6
Drained Cropland State

The Drained Cropland State (6) occurs when the site is drained, tilled or sprayed, and seeded to annual crops. Surface water is typically drained by means of surface ditches, diversions, or both. Following drainage, remaining native vegetation is killed out either by tillage or herbicide application, then the site is seeded to annual crops. The hydrology of the site is significantly altered and no longer functions in its natural condition.

Community 6.1
Drained Cropland Community

The Drained Cropland Phase (6.1) occurs when land is drained and put into cultivation. Major crops include spring wheat, winter wheat, and barley.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Introduction of non-native grass and forb species occurred in the early 20th century. The naturalization of these species in relatively undisturbed grasslands, coupled with changes in fire and grazing regimes, transitions the Reference State (1) to the Contemporary Reference State (2).

Transition T2C
State 2 to 3

The Contemporary Reference State (2) transitions to the Invaded State (3) when aggressive perennial grasses or noxious weeds displace native species. The most common concerns are introduced bluegrasses, which are widespread invasive species in the Northern Great Plains (Toledo et al., 2014), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea). The precise triggers of this transition are not clear, but data suggest that exclusion of grazing and fire may be a contributing factor in some cases (DeKeyser et al., 2013). In addition, other rangeland health attributes, such as reproductive capacity of native grasses and soil quality, have been substantially altered.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 4

Tillage or application of herbicide and seeding of cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, or introduced hay transitions the Contemporary Reference State (2) to the Undrained Cropland State (4). This transition occurs primarily in the Ephemeral Phase (2.1) or the Temporarily Ponded Phase (2.2).

Transition T2B
State 2 to 5

Artificial impoundment of water by damming or excavation transitions the Contemporary Reference State (2) to the Impounded State (5).

Transition T2D
State 2 to 6

The combination of artificial drainage, tillage or herbicide application, and seeding of annual crops transitions the Contemporary Reference State (2) to the Drained Cropland State (6). This transition occurs primarily in the Seasonally Ponded Phase (2.3).

Transition T3A
State 3 to 4

Tillage or application of herbicide and seeding of cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, or introduced hay transitions the Invaded State (3) to the Undrained Cropland State (4). This transition occurs primarily in the Ephemeral Phase (2.1) or the Temporarily Ponded Phase (2.2).

Transition T3B
State 3 to 5

Artificial impoundment of water by damming or excavation transitions the Invaded State (3) to the Impounded State (5).

Restoration pathway R4B
State 4 to 2

Cessation of annual cropping combined with reestablishment of native species transitions the site from the Undrained Cropland State (4) to the Contemporary Reference State (2). Specialized seeding techniques may be necessary, depending on site conditions, as well as intensive weed control to prevent invasion of non-native grasses and noxious weeds. These restoration methods are labor intensive, costly, and may be not be practical in all situations.

Conservation practices

Wetland Restoration
Herbaceous Weed Control

Transition T4A
State 4 to 3

Cessation of annual cropping combined with the introduction of invasive species transitions the site from the Undrained Cropland State (4) to the Invaded State (3).

Restoration pathway R5A
State 5 to 2

Restoration of natural hydrology and reestablishment of native species transitions the site from the Impounded State (5) to the Contemporary Reference State (2). Specialized seeding techniques may be necessary, depending on site conditions, as well as intensive weed control to prevent invasion of non-native grasses and noxious weeds. Restoration of natural hydrology may require removal of dams or refilling of excavated pits. These restoration methods are labor intensive, very costly, and may be impractical, perhaps even detrimental, in some situations.

Conservation practices

Wetland Restoration
Herbaceous Weed Control

Restoration pathway R6A
State 6 to 2

Cessation of annual cropping combined with restoration of natural hydrology and reestablishment of native species transitions the site from the Drained Cropland State (6) to the Contemporary Reference State (2). Specialized seeding techniques may be necessary, depending on site conditions, as well as intensive weed control to prevent invasion of non-native grasses and noxious weeds. Restoration of natural hydrology may require removal of diversions, plugging drainage ditches, or both. These restoration methods are labor intensive, very costly, and may be impractical in some situations.

Conservation practices

Wetland Restoration
Herbaceous Weed Control

Additional community tables

Supporting information

Inventory data references

No field plots were available for this site, but three similar sites from MLRA 53B were available as proxy references. These plots, in conjunction with a review of the scientific literature and professional experience, were used to approximate the plant communities for this provisional ecological site. Information for the state-and-transition model was obtained from the same sources. All community phases are considered provisional based on these plots and the sources identified in this ecological site description.

Other references

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Contributors

Scott Brady
Stuart Veith

Approval

Kirt Walstad, 11/22/2023

Acknowledgments

A number of USDA-NRCS staff supported this project. Staff contributions are as follows:

Soil Concepts, Soils Information, and Field Descriptions
Charlie French, USDA-NRCS (retired)
Steve Sieler, USDA-NRCS

NASIS Reports, Data Dumps, and Soil Sorts
Bill Drummond, USDA-NRCS (retired)
Pete Weikle, USDA-NRCS

Peer Review
Kirt Walstad, USDA-NRCS
Mark Hayek, USDA-NRCS
Kami Kilwine, USDA-NRCS
Robert Mitchell, USDA-NRCS

Quality Control
Kirt Walstad, USDA-NRCS

Quality Assurance
Stacey Clark, USDA-NRCS

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	11/23/2023
Approved by	Kirt Walstad
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production