Natural Resources
Conservation Service

Ecological site R055BY076ND

Saline Subirrigated

Accessed: 11/21/2024

Home / Esd catalog / MLRA 055B / Ecological site R055BY076ND

USC

Metric

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.

Click to explore map

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

R055BY056ND	Clayey
R055BY060ND	Saline Lowland
R055BY064ND	Loamy
R055BY070ND	Shallow Marsh
R055BY071ND	Wet Meadow

Similar sites

R055BY058ND	Limy Subirrigated (R055BY058ND) – Limy Subirrigated [less switchgrass & prairie cordgrass, more needlegrasses]

R055BY058ND

Limy Subirrigated

(R055BY058ND) – Limy Subirrigated [less switchgrass & prairie cordgrass, more needlegrasses]

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Andropogon gerardii (2) Schizachyrium scoparium

Download full description

Physiographic features

This site occurs on nearly level flood plains or swales.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Swale (2) Flood plain
Flooding duration	Brief (2 to 7 days)
Flooding frequency	None to frequent
Elevation	305 – 640 m
Slope	1 – 2%
Water table depth	30 – 152 cm
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

MLRA 55B 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 16 to 21 inches per year. The normal average annual temperature is about 41.5° F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 2° F (Maddock, ND) to about 11° F (Mellette, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 67° F (Maddock, ND) to about 73° F (Redfield 2 NE, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 64° 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)	140 days
Freeze-free period (average)	161 days
Precipitation total (average)	533 mm

Bar

Line

Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Bar

Line

Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Soil features

The soils in this site are poorly to somewhat poorly drained and formed in alluvium and loamy till. The loam to silty clay loam surface layer is 6 to 24 inches thick and typically has a granular structure. Dark colors are very deep in these soils. The soils have a slow to moderate infiltration rate. This site should show no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas or pedestalled plants. If present, water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance or discontinuous. The soil surface is stable and intact. These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases where vegetative cover is not adequate. A drastic loss of the soil surface layer on this site can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.

Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/) for specific local soils information.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Surface texture	(1) Loam (2) Silty clay loam (3) Silt loam
Family particle size	(1) Loamy
Drainage class	Poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained
Permeability class	Slow to moderate
Soil depth	203 cm
Surface fragment cover <=3"	0 – 2%
Surface fragment cover >3"	0%
Available water capacity (0-101.6cm)	15.24 – 17.78 cm
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-101.6cm)	5 – 30%
Electrical conductivity (0-101.6cm)	4 – 16 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-101.6cm)	2 – 10
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-101.6cm)	6.6 – 9
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	0 – 5%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	0%

Ecological dynamics

This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused wildfire (often of light intensities), and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions describe more typical transitions that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well-below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition that may not be described within this document.

Heavy continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence over several years causes this site to depart from the interpretive plant community. Species such as little bluestem and sedge will initially increase. Big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass will decrease in frequency and production. Heavy continuous grazing causes inland saltgrass to increase and eventually develop into a sod condition. Extended periods of non-use and no fire will result in a plant community having high litter levels, which favors an increase in species such as spikerush, sedge, foxtail barley, and prairie cordgrass. Grazing, especially if adequate recovery periods are not allowed, may be more detrimental on this site than haying. Biotic integrity on this site may be maintained more readily through periodic haying than through grazing.

Interpretations are primarily based on the 1.1 Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase. It 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 used. Plant community phases, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.

The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant community phases that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities. These are the most common plant community phases based on current knowledge and experience, and changes may be made as more data is collected. Narratives following the diagram contain more detail pertaining to the ecological processes.

State and transition model

Custom diagram

Standard diagram

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
Reference

This state represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site. This state is dominated by warm-season grasses. 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. In some locations, this site likely received relatively heavy grazing pressure. Tall warm-season grasses would have declined, and shorter statured grass and grass-likes would have increased. Today, this state 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.

Community 1.1
Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass

Interpretations are based primarily on the Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). The potential vegetation is about 90 percent grasses or grass-like plants and 10 percent forbs. The community is dominated by warm-season grasses. The major grasses include big bluestem, little bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Other grass or grass-like species include prairie cordgrass, slender wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, sideoats grama, alkali sacaton, plains bluegrass, and sedge. 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 4. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (kg/hectare)	Representative value (kg/hectare)	High (kg/hectare)
Grass/Grasslike	3598	4562	5464
Forb	213	370	588
Total	3811	4932	6052

Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5510, Central Black Glaciated Plains, lowland warm-season dominant.. Warm-season dominant, lowland..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	1	28	31	25	10	3	2	0	0

Community 1.2
Little Bluestem/Wheatgrass/Foxtail Barley/Inland Saltgrass

This plant community evolves under heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 90 percent grasses and grass-like species and 10 percent forbs. Dominant grass and grass-like species include little bluestem, western wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass, inland saltgrass, and foxtail barley. Grass and grass-like species of secondary importance include big bluestem, sedge, spikerush, plains bluegrass, prairie cordgrass, and switchgrass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include Pursh seepweed, goldenrod, cudweed sagewort, silverleaf cinquefoil, alkali plantain, western ragweed, and annual marshelder. When compared to the Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), slender wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, foxtail barley, inland saltgrass, sedge, and grass-like species increase. Production of tall warm-season grasses is 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. Most of the components of the ecological processes will be functioning at optimum levels. However, the vigor and reproductive capability of the tall warm-season grasses will be reduced due to grazing pressure or a combination of stressors. A reduction of this dominant functional group allows for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species.

Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5508, Central Black Glaciated Plains, lowland cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant, lowland..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	3	35	35	15	5	5	2	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 a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic or chronic heavy grazing will shift this community to the 1.2 Little Bluestem/Wheatgrass/Foxtail Barley/Inland Saltgrass Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

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 1.1 Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase.

State 2
Degraded

This state is characterized by the dominance of the shorter-statured, more saline tolerant species such as foxtail barley and inland saltgrass, the increase in bare ground, and the increased presence of salt accumulations on the soil surface. Infiltration is reduced, which allows the moisture and the salts carried by the moisture to be wicked up to the soil surface. The short-statured and shallow rooted species are more capable of withstanding the higher concentrations of salts in the soil surface. As the disturbance level increases, plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species and invasive perennial species, and bare ground increases.

Community 2.1
Foxtail Barley/Inland Saltgrass, Bare Ground

This plant community developed with heavy continuous season-long grazing where adequate recovery periods between grazing events were not allowed. Patches of inland saltgrass sod are typical and foxtail barley is well distributed throughout the community. Tall warm-season grasses are nearly absent and little bluestem, slender wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass have been greatly reduced and may persist only in remnant amounts, reduced in vigor. Bare ground may develop in micro lows where salt concentrations are highest. A white salt crust may form on the soil surface. The forb component is comprised of salt tolerant species such as Pursh seepweed and silverleaf cinquefoil. This plant community is resistant to change due to the grazing tolerance of inland saltgrass and increased surface salts. A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to community phase 1.1. Loss of key warm-season grasses and increased bare ground has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced significantly due to the shallow rooting depth of inland saltgrass, and increased bare ground.

Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5508, Central Black Glaciated Plains, lowland cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant, lowland..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	3	35	35	15	5	5	2	0	0

Community 2.2
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial, Bare Ground

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 and 20 to 60 percent forbs. 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.

Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Heavy continuous grazing (stocking rates well above capacity for extended portions of the growing season without adequate recovery) or heavy seasonal grazing (stocking rates well above capacity for a portion of the growing season, but at the same time of year every year and without adequate recovery) will shift the plant community phase to the 2.2 Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial, Bare Ground Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1

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 2.1 Foxtail Barley/Inland Saltgrass, Bare Ground Plant Community Phase.

Transition T1
State 1 to 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 a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic or chronic heavy grazing will shift this community to the 2.1 Foxtail Barley/Inland Saltgrass, Bare Ground Plant Community Phase within the Degraded State (State 2).

Transition T3
State 1 to 2

Encroachment of non-native invasive/noxious species, abandonment of cropping, or seeding of introduced and/or native improved varieties of forage species may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Degraded State (State 2) and more specifically to the 2.2 Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial, Bare Ground Plant Community Phase. In the case of a seeding, refer to the corresponding Forage Suitability Group description for adapted species and expected production (production estimates in the Forage Suitability Group description may be unrealistically high due to the degraded condition of the site at this phase).

Transition T3
State 1 to 2

Restoration pathway R2
State 2 to 1

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) may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). Wetland restoration techniques may be necessary to restore biotic integrity and plant diversity and productivity.

Additional community tables

Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (kg/hectare)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Tall Warm-season Grasses			1233–1973
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	493–1480	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	247–740	–
	Indiangrass	SONU2	Sorghastrum nutans	247–740	–
	prairie cordgrass	SPPE	Spartina pectinata	49–493	–
2	Mid Warm-season Grasses			740–1233
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	740–1233	–
	alkali sacaton	SPAI	Sporobolus airoides	0–247	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–247	–
3	Cool-season Grasses			247–493
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	49–493	–
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	49–493	–
	plains bluegrass	POAR3	Poa arida	49–247	–
	foxtail barley	HOJU	Hordeum jubatum	0–49	–
4	Short Warm-season Grasses			49–99
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	49–99	–
	mat muhly	MURI	Muhlenbergia richardsonis	0–49	–
5	Other Native Grasses			49–247
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–247	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	49–148	–
	Scribner's rosette grass	DIOLS	Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum	0–49	–
6	Grass-likes			99–395
	sedge	CAREX	Carex	49–395	–
	spikerush	ELEOC	Eleocharis	0–148	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–99	–
Forb
7	Forbs			247–493
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	49–247	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	49–148	–
	Maximilian sunflower	HEMA2	Helianthus maximiliani	49–148	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	49–148	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	49–99	–
	silver cinquefoil	POAR8	Potentilla argentea	49–99	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	49–99	–
	Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	49–99	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	49–99	–
	tall blazing star	LIAS	Liatris aspera	49–99	–
	western marbleseed	ONBEO	Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale	49–99	–
	Flodman's thistle	CIFL	Cirsium flodmanii	49–99	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	49–99	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	49–99	–
	Canadian anemone	ANCA8	Anemone canadensis	0–49	–
	smooth horsetail	EQLA	Equisetum laevigatum	0–49	–
	bluebell bellflower	CARO2	Campanula rotundifolia	0–49	–
	redwool plantain	PLER	Plantago eriopoda	0–49	–
	palespike lobelia	LOSP	Lobelia spicata	0–49	–
	rough bugleweed	LYAS	Lycopus asper	0–49	–
	annual marsh elder	IVAN2	Iva annua	0–49	–
	western dock	RUAQ	Rumex aquaticus	0–49	–
	Norwegian cinquefoil	PONO3	Potentilla norvegica	0–49	–
	prairie violet	VIPE2	Viola pedatifida	0–49	–
	meadow zizia	ZIAP	Zizia aptera	0–49	–
	Pursh seepweed	SUCA2	Suaeda calceoliformis	0–49	–

Interpretations

Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 55B lies within the Northern mixed-grass prairie ecosystem. Prior to European settlement, this area consisted of diverse grassland habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional wetlands and limited woody riparian corridors. These habitats provided critical life cycle components for many of its users. Many species of grassland birds and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn were among the inhabitants. These species, as well as several small mammal and insect species, were the primary consumers linking the grassland resources to predators such as wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears as well as smaller carnivores such as coyotes, bobcats, foxes and raptors. In addition, a wide variety of small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects were adapted to this semi-arid climate.

Historically, the Northern mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory and climate functioning as the primary disturbance factors either singly or in combination. Following European settlement, widespread conversion to cropland, elimination of fire, and habitat fragmentation influenced species composition and abundance. Introduced and invasive species further impacted plant and animal communities. Bison were historically a keystone species but have been extirpated as a free-ranging herbivore. The loss of bison and fire as ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant community and the habitats that they provide. Fragmentation has reduced habitat quality for area-sensitive species.

Animal Community – 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 forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups C and D. Infiltration is typically moderate to moderately slow and runoff potential for this site varies from negligible to low 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 example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by Kentucky bluegrass, and/or smooth bromegrass will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. 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, hiking, photography, bird watching and other opportunities. The wide variety of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic 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.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

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, NRCS; and Bruce Kunze, Soil Scientist, NRCS.

Other references

High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, 830728 Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728. (http://www.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://soils.usda.gov/technical/nasis/)
USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

Contributors

Jeff Printz
Megan Baxter

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
Approved by
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Presence of water flow patterns:
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):

Dominant:

Sub-dominant:

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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:
Perennial plant reproductive capability:

Download reference sheet

Search

Natural ResourcesConservation Service