Ecological site R053CY013SD

3. Native/Invaded State

4. Invaded State

States 1, 5 and 2 (additional transitions)

1.1. Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Blue Grama

T1A	-	Heavy continuous grazing
T1B	-	Heavy continuous grazing, non-use, no fire, invasion
T1C	-	Tillage
T2A	-	Tillage
T3A & T3B	-	Non-use, no fire, heavy continuous grazing
T3C	-	Tillage
T4A	-	Long-term prescribed grazing
T4B	-	Tillage
T5A	-	Seeding
T5B & T5C	-	Seeding, cropping followed by abandonment

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.2. Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama-Buffalograss

1.1A	-	Heavy continuous grazing
1.2A	-	Prescribed grazing with recovery periods, prescribed burning

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Blue Grama-Buffalograss

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Blue Grama

3.2. Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass

3.1A	-	Heavy continuous grazing
3.2A	-	Prescribed grazing with recovery periods

State 4 submodel, plant communities

4.1. Blue Grama-Kentucky Bluegrass-Crested Wheatgrass

4.2. Kentucky Bluegrass-Blue Grama

4.3. Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer

4.1A	-	Heavy continuous grazing
4.2A	-	Prescribed grazing with recovery periods
4.3A	-	Time, w/wo disturbances

State 5 submodel, plant communities

5.1. Annual Crops

State 1
Reference State

The Claypan site typically occurs on nearly level slopes in the upland areas. Soils are moderately well drained and has a claypan (columnar structure) between 6 and 16 inches of the soil surface. The central concept soil series is Cavo and DeGrey, but other series are included. This state represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state was dominated by cool-season grasses, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periods of below and/or above average precipitation, periodic fire, and herbivory by insects and large ungulates. Timing of fires and herbivory coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Cool-season and taller warm-season grasses would have declined and a corresponding increase in short, warm-season grasses would have occurred. Today, a similar state, the Native/Invaded State (State 3) can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. These sites are differentiated by the presence of exotic species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass. On most Claypan ESs within this MLRA, these species have invaded and are now present. It is likely that attaining the reference state as it is described here (without the presence of exotic herbaceous species) is not possible.

Community 1.1
Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Blue Grama

Interpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). The potential vegetation was about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The community was dominated by cool-season grasses. The major grasses included western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and blue grama. Other grass or grass-like species included needleandthread, sideoats grama, slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus), and porcupine grass. This plant community was resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allowed for high drought tolerance. This was a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity. Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:

Figure 11. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	1010	1700	2350
Shrub/Vine	95	150	225
Forb	95	150	225
Total	1200	2000	2800

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5301, Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, 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	4	12	25	36	10	5	4	4	0	0

Community 1.2
Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama-Buffalograss

This plant community evolved under heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses included western wheatgrass, blue grama, buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), green needlegrass, sideoats grama, and needleandthread. Grasses of secondary importance included porcupine grass and sedge (Carex). Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort (Artemisia ludoviciana), prairie coneflower (Ratibida columnifera), and western yarrow (Achillea millefolium). This plant community had similar plant composition to the 3.1 Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase. The main difference is that this plant community phase did not have the presence of nonnative invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass. When compared to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Big Bluestem Plant Community Phase, blue grama and buffalograss increased. Green needlegrass and porcupine grass decreased and production of mid and tall warm-season grasses was also reduced. This plant community was moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing; however, species composition could be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component was intact, it tended to be resilient if the disturbance was not long-term.

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5303, Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, cool-season/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant..

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	10	20	28	21	10	5	3	0	0

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 1.2 Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama-Buffalograss Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Prescribed grazing, and/or prescribed burning occurring at relatively frequent intervals (3 to 5 years) and a return to normal disturbance regime levels and frequencies or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase.

State 2
Shortgrass Sod State

This state is the result of heavy continuous grazing, and in the absence of periodic fire due to fire suppression. This state is dominated by blue grama and buffalograss forming a dense sod layer that effectively blocks introduction of other plants into the system. Taller cool-season species will decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass will occur. Once the threshold is crossed, a change in grazing management alone cannot cause a reduction in the sod grass dominance.

Community 2.1
Blue Grama-Buffalograss

This plant community evolved under heavy continuous season grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses typically included blue grama and buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides). Grasses of secondary importance included sedge and western wheatgrass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort, scurfpea (Psoralidium), and western yarrow. When compared to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase, blue grama and buffalograss were dominant on this plant community. Cool-season grasses decreased significantly. This vegetation state was very resistant to change. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing. This plant community was less productive than other phases. The thick sod prevented other species from getting established.

Figure 14. 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	870	1155	1405
Shrub/Vine	65	140	240
Forb	65	105	155
Total	1000	1400	1800

Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5305, Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, 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	2	5	15	25	30	15	7	1	0	0

State 3
Native/Invaded State

This state represents the more common range of variability that exists with higher levels of grazing management but in the absence of periodic fire due to fire suppression. This state is dominated by cool-season grasses. It can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. Taller cool-season species can decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass will occur.

Community 3.1
Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Blue Grama

This plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase but it also contains minor amounts of nonnative invasive grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass (up to about 15 percent by air-dry weight). Crested wheatgrass may also be present. The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The community is dominated by cool-season grasses, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. The major grasses include western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and blue grama. Other grass or grass-like species include needleandthread, and sideoats grama. This plant community is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.

Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5301, Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, 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	4	12	25	36	10	5	4	4	0	0

Community 3.2
Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass

This plant community is a result of heavy continuous grazing, continuous season-long grazing, or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses include western wheatgrass, blue grama, and Kentucky bluegrass. Grasses of secondary importance include sideoats grama, little bluestem, green needlegrass, needleandthread, porcupine grass, buffalograss, and sedge. Smooth bromegrass and crested wheatgrass may also be present. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort, prairie coneflower, and western yarrow. When compared to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase, blue grama has increased. Green needlegrass and sideoats grama have decreased and production of mid- and tall warm-season grasses has also been reduced. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term.

Figure 17. 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	1040	1403	1720
Shrub/Vine	80	169	290
Forb	80	128	190
Total	1200	1700	2200

Figure 18. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5302, Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant..

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	10	23	34	15	6	5	4	0	0

Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2

Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 3.2 Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1

Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 3.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Grazing

State 4
Invaded State

This state is the result of invasion and dominance of introduced species. This state is characterized by the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass and an increasing thatch layer that effectively blocks introduction of other plants into the system. Plant litter accumulation tends to favor the more shade tolerant introduced grass species. The nutrient cycle is also impaired and the result is typically a higher level of nitrogen which also favors the introduced species. Increasing plant litter decreases the amount of sunlight reaching plant crowns thereby shifting competitive advantage to shade tolerant introduced grass species. Studies indicate that soil biological activity is altered and this shift apparently exploits the soil microclimate and encourages growth of the introduced grass species. Once the threshold is crossed, a change in grazing management alone cannot cause a reduction in the invasive grass dominance. Preliminary studies would tend to indicate this threshold may exist when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30 percent of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40 percent of the plant community composition. Once the state is well established, even drastic events such as high intensity fires driven by high fuel loads of litter and thatch will not result in more than a very short-term reduction of Kentucky bluegrass. These events may reduce the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass but due to the large amount of rhizomes in the soil there is no opportunity for the native species to establish and dominate before Kentucky bluegrass rebounds and again dominates the system.

Community 4.1
Blue Grama-Kentucky Bluegrass-Crested Wheatgrass

This plant community phase is a result of extended periods of nonuse and no fire. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass. The dominance is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A thick duff layer also accumulates at or above the soil surface. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. Crested wheatgrass is present as well, but usually comprises less than 20 percent of the plant community. Blue Gama is present and may comprise nearly half of the plant community. Production can be equal to or higher than the interpretive plant community. However, when dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production in this case will likely be significantly less. In either case, the period that palatability is high is relatively short, as these cool-season species mature rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced.

Figure 19. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 8. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	600	935	1260
Shrub/Vine	50	82	120
Forb	50	83	120
Total	700	1100	1500

Figure 20. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5302, Southern Dark Brown Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant..

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	10	23	34	15	6	5	4	0	0

Community 4.2
Kentucky Bluegrass-Blue Grama

This plant community phase is a result of heavy, continuous seasonal grazing or heavy, continuous season-long grazing. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and blue grama. The dominance is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A relatively thick duff layer can sometimes accumulate at or above the soil surface and eventually a thatch-mat layer may develop at the surface as well. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. Infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production will be significantly reduced when compared to the interpretive plant community. The period that palatability is high is relatively short as Kentucky bluegrass matures rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced. Biological activity in the soil is likely reduced significantly in this phase.

Community 4.3
Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer

This plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 40 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 20 to 60 percent forbs, and 0 to 5 percent shrubs. The species present in this phase are highly variable but often include non-native invasive and/or early seral species. Plant diversity is low (plant richness may be high, but areas are often dominated by a few species). The ecological processes are difficult to restore because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. Soil erosion is potentially very high because of the bare ground and shallow rooted herbaceous plant community. Water runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease due to animal related soil compaction and loss of root mass due to low plant diversity and vigor. This plant community will require significant economic inputs and time to move towards another plant community. This movement is highly variable in its succession. This is due to the loss of diversity (including the loss of the seed bank), within the existing plant community, and the plant communities on adjacent sites. This community can be renovated to improve the production capability; however, if management changes are not made the vegetation could revert back to early seral species.

Pathway 4.1A
Community 4.1 to 4.2

Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 4.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Blue Gama Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 4.2A
Community 4.2 to 4.1

Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 4.1 Blue Grama-Kentucky Bluegrass-Crested Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 4.3A
Community 4.3 to 4.2

This community pathway occurs with the passage of time as successional processes take place and perennial plants gradually begin to establish on the site again. This pathway will lead to the 4.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Blue Grama Plant Community Phase.

State 5
Crop Production State

This state is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices.

Community 5.1
Annual Crops

This plant community developed with the use of a variety of tillage systems and cropping systems for the production of annual crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, and a variety of other crops.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and often at the same time of year each year, typically beginning early in the season) will convert this plant community to the 2.1 Blue Grama-Buffalograss Plant Community Phase within the Short Grass Sod State (State 2).

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

Non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, and/or heavy continuous grazing or invasion of non-native plant species will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the Native/Invaded State (State 3).

Transition T1C
State 1 to 5

Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 5.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 5).

Transition T2A
State 2 to 5

Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 5.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 5).

Transition T3A & T3B
State 3 to 4

Non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, will likely lead this state over a threshold leading to the 4.1 Blue Grama-Kentucky Bluegrass-Crested Wheatgrass Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 4). Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season and often at the same time of year each year), will likely lead this state over a threshold leading to the 4.2 Kentucky Bluegrass-Blue Grama Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 4). Grazing repeatedly in the early growing season can expedite this shift by causing mechanical disturbance due to trampling.

Transition T3C
State 3 to 5

Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 5.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 5).

Restoration pathway T4A
State 4 to 3

Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high-density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) coupled with prescribed burning occurring at relatively frequent intervals (3 to 5 years) and a return to normal disturbance regime levels may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 3).

Conservation practices

Prescribed Grazing
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Transition T4B
State 4 to 5

Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 5.1 Annual Crops Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 5).

Restoration pathway T5A
State 5 to 3

Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 5) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 3).

Restoration pathway T5B & T5C
State 5 to 4

Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 5) over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 4) Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 4) and more specifically to the 4.3 Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase.

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	Wheatgrass			300–800
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	300–800	–
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	0–100	–
2	Cool-Season Bunchgrasses			300–660
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	300–600	–
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	40–200	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	0–100	–
3	Short Warm-Season Grasses			100–300
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	100–300	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	20–100	–
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	20–60	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	20–40	–
4	Tall/Mid Warm-Season Grasses			40–180
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	20–180	–
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	0–180	–
5	Other Native Grasses			20–100
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–80	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	20–60	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–40	–
	Scribner's rosette grass	DIOLS	Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum	0–40	–
6	Grass-likes			40–160
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	20–160	–
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	20–100	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–60	–
Forb
7	Forbs			100–200
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	20–80	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	20–60	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	20–60	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	20–60	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	20–40	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	20–40	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	20–40	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	20–40	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	20–40	–
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	20–40	–
	American bird's-foot trefoil	LOUNU	Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus	20–40	–
	wavyleaf thistle	CIUN	Cirsium undulatum	0–40	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	20–40	–
	textile onion	ALTE	Allium textile	0–40	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–20	–
	western wallflower	ERAS2	Erysimum asperum	0–20	–
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	0–20	–
	rush skeletonplant	LYJU	Lygodesmia juncea	0–20	–
	curlycup gumweed	GRSQ	Grindelia squarrosa	0–20	–
Shrub/Vine
8	Shrubs			100–200
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	20–100	–
	brittle pricklypear	OPFR	Opuntia fragilis	20–80	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	20–80	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	20–40	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–40	–

Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Wheatgrass			14–56
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	14–56	–
2	Cool-Season Bunchgrasses			0–42
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–28	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	0–14	–
3	Short Warm-Season Grasses			350–770
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	280–560	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	28–280	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	28–140	–
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	14–70	–
4	Tall/Mid Warm-Season Grasses			0–14
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–14	–
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	0–14	–
5	Other Native Grasses			14–70
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–70	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–42	–
	Scribner's rosette grass	DIOLS	Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum	0–28	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	14–28	–
6	Grass-likes			140–280
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	70–210	–
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	28–140	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–70	–
7	Non-Native Grasses			0–140
	bluegrass	POA	Poa	0–140	–
	brome	BROMU	Bromus	0–70	–
Forb
8	Forbs			70–140
	sweetclover	MELIL	Melilotus	0–84	–
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	0–70	–
	curlycup gumweed	GRSQ	Grindelia squarrosa	14–56	–
	yellow salsify	TRDU	Tragopogon dubius	0–42	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	14–42	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	14–42	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	14–42	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	14–28	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	14–28	–
	common dandelion	TAOF	Taraxacum officinale	0–28	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	0–28	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	14–28	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–28	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–14	–
	wavyleaf thistle	CIUN	Cirsium undulatum	0–14	–
Shrub/Vine
9	Shrubs			70–210
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	14–126	–
	brittle pricklypear	OPFR	Opuntia fragilis	14–112	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	14–98	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–42	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	0–28	–

Table 11. Community 3.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Wheatgrass			170–340
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	170–340	–
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	0–51	–
2	Cool-Season Bunchgrasses			17–170
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–170	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	0–170	–
3	Short Warm-Season Grasses			340–595
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	170–425	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	34–170	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	17–85	–
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	0–51	–
4	Tall/Mid Warm-Season Grasses			17–85
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	17–85	–
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	0–34	–
5	Other Native Grasses			17–85
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–85	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	17–51	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–51	–
	Scribner's rosette grass	DIOLS	Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum	0–34	–
6	Grass-likes			34–170
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	17–170	–
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	17–119	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–51	–
7	Non-Native Grasses			170–340
	bluegrass	POA	Poa	85–255	–
	crested wheatgrass	AGCR	Agropyron cristatum	0–170	–
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	0–136	–
	brome	BROMU	Bromus	0–85	–
Forb
8	Forbs			85–170
	sweetclover	MELIL	Melilotus	0–102	–
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	0–85	–
	curlycup gumweed	GRSQ	Grindelia squarrosa	17–68	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	17–51	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–51	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	17–51	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	17–51	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	17–51	–
	yellow salsify	TRDU	Tragopogon dubius	0–51	–
	western wallflower	ERAS2	Erysimum asperum	0–34	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	17–34	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	17–34	–
	common dandelion	TAOF	Taraxacum officinale	0–34	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	0–34	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	0–34	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–17	–
	wavyleaf thistle	CIUN	Cirsium undulatum	0–17	–
	American bird's-foot trefoil	LOUNU	Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus	0–17	–
	rush skeletonplant	LYJU	Lygodesmia juncea	0–17	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	0–17	–
Shrub/Vine
9	Shrubs			85–255
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	17–153	–
	brittle pricklypear	OPFR	Opuntia fragilis	17–136	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	17–119	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–51	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	0–34	–

Table 12. Community 4.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Wheatgrass			0–44
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–44	–
2	Cool-Season Bunchgrasses			0–22
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–11	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	0–11	–
3	Short Warm-Season Grasses			330–550
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	275–495	–
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	11–55	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	22–55	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	22–55	–
4	Tall/Mid Warm-Season Grasses			0–33
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–33	–
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	0–11	–
5	Other Native Grasses			0–55
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–55	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–22	–
	Scribner's rosette grass	DIOLS	Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum	0–11	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–11	–
6	Grass-likes			22–110
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	11–88	–
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	11–55	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–22	–
7	Non-Native Grasses			220–385
	bluegrass	POA	Poa	110–330	–
	brome	BROMU	Bromus	22–165	–
	crested wheatgrass	AGCR	Agropyron cristatum	0–165	–
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	0–88	–
Forb
8	Forbs			55–110
	sweetclover	MELIL	Melilotus	0–99	–
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	11–99	–
	common dandelion	TAOF	Taraxacum officinale	0–55	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	11–33	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	0–33	–
	curlycup gumweed	GRSQ	Grindelia squarrosa	11–33	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–22	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	0–22	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	0–22	–
	yellow salsify	TRDU	Tragopogon dubius	0–22	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	0–22	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–11	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	0–11	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–11	–
	American bird's-foot trefoil	LOUNU	Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus	0–11	–
	rush skeletonplant	LYJU	Lygodesmia juncea	0–11	–
Shrub/Vine
9	Shrubs			55–110
	brittle pricklypear	OPFR	Opuntia fragilis	11–88	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	11–88	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	11–55	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–22	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	0–11	–

Interpretations

Animal community

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
The following table lists annual, suggested initial stocking rates with average growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ES description). Because of this, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. More accurate carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data and actual stocking records, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. With consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity.

Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2,000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.55

Blue Grama/ Buffalograss Sod (2.1):
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.38

Western Wheatgrass/Blue Grama/Kentucky (3.2):
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,700
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.46

Kentucky Bluegrass/Blue Grama/Crested Wheatgrass (4.1):
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,100
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.30

Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial (4.2):
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.22

*Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25 percent harvest efficiency (refer to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) National Range and Pasture Handbook).

Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements, and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.

Hydrological functions

Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration varies from very slow to slow, and runoff potential for this site varies from high to very high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama, buffalograss, bluegrass, and/or smooth bromegrass will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent 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, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other opportunities. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.

Other products

Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.

Other information

Ecological Site Correlation Issues and Questions:

• SD107 Potter County, SD did not use the (OrA) Onita-DeGrey silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes (national symbol cvfk) as used in the adjoining SD119 Sully County, SD.
• SD107 Potter County, SD did not use the (RcA) Raber-Cavo loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes (national symbol 2wkns) as used in the adjoining SD119 Sully County, SD.
• SD059 Hand County, SD did not use the (Fd) Lane-Farmsworth complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded (national symbol 2xhby) as used in the adjoining SD073 Jerauld County, SD.
• Reference and alternative states within the state and transition model are may not be fully documented and may require additional field sampling for refinement.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

There is no NRCS clipping data and other inventory currently available for this site. Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist (RMS), NRCS, Shane Deranleau, RMS, NRCS, Mitch Faulkner, RMS, NRCS, and Bruce Kunze, Soil Scientist, NRCS.

Data Source Sample Period State County
NONE

Other references

Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C. Carpenter, and W.H. McNab. 2007. Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of the Coterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76. Washington, DC. 92 pps.

Gilbert, M. C., Whited, P. M., Clairain Jr, E. J., & Smith, R. D. (2006). A Regional Guidebook for Applying the Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions of Prairie Potholes. Washington DC.

Samson, F. B., & Knopf, F. L. (1996). Prairie Conservation Preserving North America's Most Endagered Ecosystem. Washington D.C.: Island Press.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. Accessed March 2018.
United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook, Revision 1. Grazing Lands Technology Institute. 214 pps.

United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. 672pps.

USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nasis/)

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 27 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. 2013. Level III and Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States. Corvallis, OR, U.S. EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, map scale 1:3,000,000. Available at http://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- continental-united-states. (Accessed 1 March 2018).

Contributors

Stan Boltz

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 1/22/2024

Acknowledgments

Contact for Lead Authors: Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Redfield Soil Survey Office Redfield, SD; Lance Howe (Lance.Howe@usda.gov), Soil Survey Office Leader, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD; and Steve Winter (Steven.Winter@usda.gov), Soil Scientist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD

Additional Information Acknowledgment: Jason Hermann (Jason.Hermann@usda.gov), Area Rangeland Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD.

This Provisional Ecological Site concept has passed both Quality Control and Quality Assurance processes. Quality Assurance was approved by David Kraft, NRCS Regional Ecologist as of 11/12/2020.

Non-discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, available online and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632- 9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

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)	Stan Boltz, Mitch Faulkner, Shane Deranleau
Contact for lead author	Stan Boltz, stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236
Date	03/15/2011
Approved by	Suzanne Mayne-Kinney
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present.
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable.
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially non-existent.
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground less than 15 percent and pathces less than two inches in diameter.
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present.
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None present.
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces.
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability normally a 4 to 6 rating. Typically high root content and organic matter in the soil surface. Soil surface is very resistant to erosion.
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface structure is typically granular, and mollic (higher organic matter) colors of A-horizon down to about 4 to 7 inches. If conditions are other than this, refer to map unit component descriptions for component on which the site occurs.
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Healthy, deep-rooted native grass and grass-like species enhance infiltration and reduce runoff.
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer should be present. At less than eight inches, an extremely dense clay B horizon with round-topped columnar or prismatic structure exists. This pan should not be confused with a compaction layer.
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:
Wheatgrasses (mid, cool-season rhizomatous) > mid and tall, cool-season bunchgrasses >

Sub-dominant:
Short, warm-season grasses >

Other:
Forbs = shrubs > tall & mid, warm-season grasses > grass-like species

Additional:
Other native grasses occur in other functional groups in minor amounts.
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little to no evidence of decadence or mortality.
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
65-75 percent plant litter cover, roughly 0.25 to 0.5 inches in depth. Litter cover is in contact with the soil surface.
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
2,000 pounds/acre (air-dry basis)
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:
Refer to State and local Noxious Weed List; also Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass.
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Perennial grasses have vigorous rhizomes and/or tillers.

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Ecosystem states

3. Native/Invaded State

4. Invaded State

States 1, 5 and 2 (additional transitions)