Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R053BY010ND
Shallow Gravel
Last updated: 1/11/2024
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.
Classification relationships
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States: 42a – Missouri Coteau; 42b – Collapsed Glacial Outwash; 42c – Missouri Coteau Slope; 42d – Northern Missouri Coteau; 42f – Southern Missouri Coteau Slope; 42g – Ponca Plains; and 42h – Southern River Breaks.
Associated sites
R053BY008ND |
Sandy |
---|---|
R053BY011ND |
Loamy |
R053BY017ND |
Very Shallow |
Similar sites
R053BY017ND |
Very Shallow [Excessively well drained soils less than 10 inches to scoria, gravels, shales, siltstone or sandstone bedrock that restricts root penetration, upslope of Shallow loamy site. Indicator species are blue grama, sideoats grama, purple coneflower, pasqueflower and creeping juniper. This site has similar species but more needleandthread, blue grama and less plains muhly, green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, restrictive layer above 10 inches is scoria or gravels, less production.] |
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Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
Not specified |
Herbaceous |
(1) Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on stream terraces and uplands where gravelly sediments are deposited.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Outwash plain
(2) Terrace (3) Beach ridge |
---|---|
Flooding frequency | None |
Ponding frequency | None |
Elevation | 1,600 – 2,000 ft |
Slope | 9% |
Water table depth | 80 in |
Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
MLRA 53B is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature are characteristic. The climate is the result of this MLRA’s location in the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the northern Great Plains. The air masses move unobstructed across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.
Annual precipitation ranges from 15 to 20 inches per year. The normal average annual temperature is about 41° F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 4° F (Powers Lake, ND) to about 10° F (Pollock, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 67° F (Powers Lake, ND) to about 72° F (Pollock, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 62° F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of this MLRA's climate. Winds average about 11 miles per hour annually, ranging from about 13 miles per hour during the spring to about 10 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 miles per hour.
Growth of native cool-season plants begins in late March and continues to early to mid July. Native warm-season plants begin growth in mid May and continue to the end of August. Green up of cool-season plants can occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) | 135 days |
---|---|
Freeze-free period (average) | 156 days |
Precipitation total (average) | 20 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
No significant water features influence this site.
Soil features
These soils are very deep and well to somewhat excessively drained. Soil textures include moderately coarse and medium textured soils over sand or sand and gravel between the depths of 14 to 25 inches. Saturated hydraulic conductivity is moderately rapid to moderate in the upper part and very rapid in the lower part. Available water capacity is moderate in the upper part and low to very low in the lower part. Salinity and sodicity are none. This site occurs on flats, rises, and side slopes on outwash plains and terraces. Slope ranges from 0 to 9 percent. Runoff as evidenced by patterns of rill, gully or other water flow is negligible to low, in spite of the slopes, due to the very high intake rate of these soils. Some pedestalling of plants occurs, but it is not very evident on casual observation and occurs on less than 5% of the plants.
Major soil series correlated to this ecological site can be found in Section II of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide or the following web sites:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture |
(1) Loam |
---|---|
Family particle size |
(1) Sandy |
Drainage class | Well drained to somewhat excessively drained |
Permeability class | Moderate to moderately rapid |
Soil depth | 80 in |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | 15% |
Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
4 – 5 in |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
20% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
Not specified |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
10 – 60% |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
25% |
Ecological dynamics
The site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, and included natural influence of large herbivores and occasional fire. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to climatic conditions and/or management actions. Due to the nature of the soils, the site is considered moderately resilient. Under continued adverse impacts, a decline in vegetative vigor and composition will occur. Under favorable vegetative management treatments the site can return to the Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC).
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Historic Climax Plant Community. The HCPC has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts also have been considered. Subclimax plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
As this site deteriorates, species such as blue grama, sand dropseed, red threeawn and club moss will increase. Grasses such as little bluestem, needleandthread, green needlegrass and western wheatgrass will decrease in frequency and production. Perennial forbs increase under poor management, and if management persists, annual forbs and shrubs will also increase as grasses decrease.
This site is extremely responsive to high moisture years when additional moisture is received during the growing season. The associated coarse textured soils have low moisture holding capability, which generally limits plant growth. With additional moisture, the interpretive plant community can significantly increase its production when compared to the production of a normal year.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant communities that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
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 1
Needleandthread/Blue Grama/Sedge (HCPC)
Community 1.1
Needleandthread/Blue Grama/Sedge (HCPC)
This is the interpretive plant community and is considered to be the Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC). This community evolved with grazing by large herbivores and occasional prairie fire. It is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock and can be found on areas that are properly managed with prescribed grazing that allows for proper utilization, changes in season of use and adequate recovery periods following each grazing event. The potential vegetation is about 89% grasses or grass-like plants, 5% forbs, 5% shrubs and 1% cryptogams. The major grasses & grass-likes include needleandthread, blue grama, western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, porcupine grass, plains muhly and sedge. Other grasses occurring on this plant community include sand dropseed, prairie junegrass, little bluestem and prairie dropseed. This plant community is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a healthy and sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity).
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 | 740 | 1480 | 1910 |
Forb | 30 | 56 | 85 |
Shrub/Vine | 30 | 56 | 85 |
Moss | 0 | 8 | 20 |
Total | 800 | 1600 | 2100 |
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5303, Missouri Coteau, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant..
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 21 | 40 | 20 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
State 2
Blue Grama/Sedge/Club Moss
Community 2.1
Blue Grama/Sedge/Club Moss
This is the interpretive plant community and is considered to be the Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC). This community evolved with grazing by large herbivores and occasional prairie fire. It is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock and can be found on areas that are properly managed with prescribed grazing that allows for proper utilization, changes in season of use and adequate recovery periods following each grazing event. The potential vegetation is about 89% grasses or grass-like plants, 5% forbs, 5% shrubs and 1% cryptogams. The major grasses & grass-likes include needleandthread, blue grama, western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, porcupine grass, plains muhly and sedge. Other grasses occurring on this plant community include sand dropseed, prairie junegrass, little bluestem and prairie dropseed. This plant community is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a healthy and sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity).
Figure 6. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 315 | 632 | 1145 |
Moss | 15 | 48 | 85 |
Shrub/Vine | 35 | 60 | 85 |
Forb | 35 | 60 | 85 |
Total | 400 | 800 | 1400 |
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5305, Missouri Coteau, warm-season dominant.. Warm-season dominant..
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 18 | 36 | 29 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 3
Low Plant Density, Sedge
Community 3.1
Low Plant Density, Sedge
This plant community develops after an extended period of 15 or more years of non-use by herbivores and exclusion of fire. This plant community is dispersed throughout the pasture, encircling spot grazed areas, and areas distant from water sources. This is a typical pattern found in properly stocked pastures grazed season-long. Plant litter may accumulate as this plant community first develops. Due to a lack of tiller stimulation and sunlight, native bunchgrasses typically develop dead centers and native rhizomatous grasses are limited to colonies. Standing decadent plants and moderate litter covers shorter understory species (i.e. short grasses and sedges), restricting their ability to capture adequate sunlight for photosynthesis. Vigor and diversity of native plants are reduced. Annual and/or biennial forbs and annual grasses commonly fill interspaces once occupied by desirable species. Initially, species such as sedge, sand dropseed and threeawn will dominate this plant community. Eventually, species such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass, cheatgrass and sweetclover tend to invade and may dominate this plant community. Other grasses present include western wheatgrass, needleandthread, and green needlegrass. The common forbs include green sagewort, cudweed and heath aster. Fringed sagewort and brome snakeweed are the principal shrubs. This plant community is resistant to change without prescribed grazing or fire. The combination of both grazing and fire is most effective in moving this plant community towards the HCPC. Soil erosion is low. Runoff is similar to the HCPC. Once this plant community is reached, any of the preferred treatments can readily return the diversity and production of the site.
Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 725 | 1050 | 1370 |
Forb | 55 | 90 | 125 |
Shrub/Vine | 10 | 36 | 65 |
Moss | 10 | 24 | 40 |
Total | 800 | 1200 | 1600 |
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5301, Missouri Coteau, cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant..
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
0 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 24 | 45 | 10 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Needleandthread | 320–480 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 320–480 | – | ||
2 | Blue Grama | 80–208 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 80–208 | – | ||
3 | Western Wheatgrass | 80–160 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 80–160 | – | ||
4 | Plains Muhly | 48–128 | ||||
plains muhly | MUCU3 | Muhlenbergia cuspidata | 48–128 | – | ||
5 | Needlegrass | 48–128 | ||||
porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 48–128 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 48–128 | – | ||
6 | Other Native Grasses | 80–160 | ||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 16–80 | – | ||
prairie dropseed | SPHE | Sporobolus heterolepis | 0–48 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–48 | – | ||
Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 16–48 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 16–32 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 16–32 | – | ||
7 | Grass-Likes | 80–160 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 32–128 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 32–80 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
9 | Forbs | 32–80 | ||||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 16–48 | – | ||
prairie clover | DALEA | Dalea | 16–48 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 16–48 | – | ||
scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 16–32 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 16–32 | – | ||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–32 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 16–32 | – | ||
lacy tansyaster | MAPI | Machaeranthera pinnatifida | 16–32 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 16–32 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 16–32 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 16–32 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 16–32 | – | ||
tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 16–32 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 16–32 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–16 | – | ||
onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–16 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–16 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–16 | – | ||
blanketflower | GAAR | Gaillardia aristata | 0–16 | – | ||
eastern pasqueflower | PUPA5 | Pulsatilla patens | 0–16 | – | ||
spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–16 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
10 | Shrubs | 32–80 | ||||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 16–32 | – | ||
pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–32 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 16–32 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–16 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–16 | – | ||
spinystar | ESVIV | Escobaria vivipara var. vivipara | 0–16 | – | ||
broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–16 | – | ||
Moss
|
||||||
11 | Crytogams | 0–16 | ||||
lesser spikemoss | SEDE2 | Selaginella densa | 0–16 | – |
Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Needleandthread | 8–64 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 8–64 | – | ||
2 | Blue Grama | 40–160 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 40–160 | – | ||
3 | Western Wheatgrass | 8–40 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 8–40 | – | ||
5 | Needlegrass | 0–32 | ||||
porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–32 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–32 | – | ||
6 | Other Native Grasses | 16–64 | ||||
Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 8–40 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 8–40 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–24 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–16 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–16 | – | ||
7 | Grass-Likes | 40–120 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 40–120 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 16–48 | – | ||
8 | Non-Native Grasses | 16–80 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 16–80 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–48 | – | ||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–40 | – | ||
crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–24 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
9 | Forbs | 40–80 | ||||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 8–40 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 8–40 | – | ||
sweetclover | MELIL | Melilotus | 0–40 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 8–24 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 8–24 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 8–24 | – | ||
common dandelion | TAOF | Taraxacum officinale | 8–24 | – | ||
yellow salsify | TRDU | Tragopogon dubius | 0–24 | – | ||
tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 8–24 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 8–24 | – | ||
prairie clover | DALEA | Dalea | 8–16 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–16 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 8–16 | – | ||
scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 8–16 | – | ||
eastern pasqueflower | PUPA5 | Pulsatilla patens | 0–16 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 8–16 | – | ||
lacy tansyaster | MAPI | Machaeranthera pinnatifida | 0–16 | – | ||
spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–8 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–8 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–8 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–8 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
10 | Shrubs | 40–80 | ||||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 8–32 | – | ||
pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 8–32 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 8–32 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–24 | – | ||
broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–24 | – | ||
spinystar | ESVIV | Escobaria vivipara var. vivipara | 0–8 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–8 | – | ||
Moss
|
||||||
11 | Crytogams | 16–80 | ||||
lesser spikemoss | SEDE2 | Selaginella densa | 16–80 | – |
Table 10. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Needleandthread | 24–144 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 24–144 | – | ||
2 | Blue Grama | 12–60 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 12–60 | – | ||
3 | Western Wheatgrass | 24–96 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 24–96 | – | ||
4 | Plains Muhly | 0–24 | ||||
plains muhly | MUCU3 | Muhlenbergia cuspidata | 0–24 | – | ||
5 | Needlegrass | 12–60 | ||||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 12–60 | – | ||
porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–36 | – | ||
6 | Other Native Grasses | 60–180 | ||||
Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 24–120 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–60 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 12–60 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–48 | – | ||
prairie dropseed | SPHE | Sporobolus heterolepis | 0–24 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 12–24 | – | ||
7 | Grass-Likes | 120–240 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 120–240 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 24–96 | – | ||
8 | Non-Native Grasses | 60–180 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 60–180 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–120 | – | ||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–96 | – | ||
crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–36 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
9 | Forbs | 60–120 | ||||
sweetclover | MELIL | Melilotus | 0–96 | – | ||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 12–60 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 12–60 | – | ||
tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 12–60 | – | ||
yellow salsify | TRDU | Tragopogon dubius | 0–60 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 12–48 | – | ||
common dandelion | TAOF | Taraxacum officinale | 12–48 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 12–48 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 12–36 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 12–36 | – | ||
scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 12–24 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 12–24 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 12–24 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–12 | – | ||
lacy tansyaster | MAPI | Machaeranthera pinnatifida | 0–12 | – | ||
spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 0–12 | – | ||
eastern pasqueflower | PUPA5 | Pulsatilla patens | 0–12 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–12 | – | ||
prairie clover | DALEA | Dalea | 0–12 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–12 | – | ||
blanketflower | GAAR | Gaillardia aristata | 0–12 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–12 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
10 | Shrubs | 12–60 | ||||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 12–36 | – | ||
pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–36 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 12–36 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–36 | – | ||
broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–24 | – | ||
spinystar | ESVIV | Escobaria vivipara var. vivipara | 0–12 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–12 | – | ||
Moss
|
||||||
11 | Crytogams | 12–36 | ||||
lesser spikemoss | SEDE2 | Selaginella densa | 12–36 | – |
Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations:
Under development.
Grazing Interpretations:
This site is well adapted to managed grazing by domestic livestock. The predominance of herbaceous plants across all plant community phases best lends these sites to grazing by cattle but other domestic grazers with differing diet preferences may also be a consideration depending upon management objectives. Often, the current plant community does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in the ecological site description). Because of this, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. Proper interpretation of this inventory data will permit the establishment of a safe, initial stocking rate for the type and class of animals and level of grazing management. More accurate stocking rate estimates should eventually be calculated using actual stocking rate information and monitoring data.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting herbage production on this site. The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups A and B. Infiltration varies from moderately rapid to rapid and runoff potential varies from negligible to medium for this site depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An exception would be where short grasses form a dense 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 Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
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
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping and other inventory data. Also, field knowledge of range-trained personnel was used. All descriptions were peer reviewed and/or field-tested by various private, state and federal agency specialists. Those involved in developing this site description include: Stan Boltz, NRCS Range Management Specialist; Michael D. Brand, State Land Dept., Director Surface Management; David Dewald, NRCS State Biologist; Paul Drayton, NRCS District Conservationist; Jody Forman, NRCS Range Management Specialist; Dennis Froemke, NRCS Range Management Specialist; Jeff Printz, NRCS State Range Management Specialist; Josh Saunders, NRCS Range Management Specialist; Kevin Sedivec, Extension Rangeland Management Specialist; Darrell Vanderbusch, NRCS Resource Soil Scientist; and Lee Voigt, NRCS Range Management Specialist.
Data Source Number of Records Sample Period State County
SCS-RANGE-417 2 1968 – 1969 ND Burke
Other references
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, 830728 Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728. (http://hprcc.unl.edu)
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97204-3224. (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
USDA, NRCS, Various Published Soil Surveys.
Contributors
Jeff Printz
Jeff Printz/Stan Boltz
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 1/11/2024
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) | Jeff Printz, Stan Boltz, Lee Voigt, Jody Forman |
---|---|
Contact for lead author | Jeff.printz@nd.usda.gov 701-530-2080 |
Date | 03/09/2012 |
Approved by | Suzanne Mayne-Kinney |
Approval date | |
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
5 to 15%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Plant litter remains in place. Slight movement may be visible following intense thunderstorm events particularly after extended periods of below normal precipitation. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability ratings should typically be 5 or greater. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure indefinitely when dipped in distilled water. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use soil series description for depth, color and structure of A horizon/surface layer. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Combination of shallow and deep rooted species (mid rhizomatous and tufted perennial cool- and warm-season grasses) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. -
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:
Mid and short cool-season bunchgrasses >Sub-dominant:
Short warm-season grassesOther:
Mid warm-season bunchgrasses = grass-likes > forbs = shrubs > cryptogamAdditional:
Due to differing root structure and distribution, Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass do not fit into reference plant community F/S groups. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
None. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
In contact with soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Representative value = 1600 lbs./ac with a range of 800 to 2100 lbs./ac air dry depending upon growing conditions. -
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:
State and local noxious, Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
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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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