Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R055CY002SD
Linear Meadow
Last updated: 1/31/2024
Accessed: 11/23/2024
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 055C–Southern Black Glaciated Plains
The Southern Black Glaciated Plains (55C) is located within the Northern Great Plains Region. It is entirely within South Dakota encompassing about 10,835 square miles (Figure 1). The elevation ranges from 1,310 to 1,970 square feet. The MLRA is on nearly level to undulating glacial till plains interrupted by steeper slopes adjacent to streams and moraines. The James River is an under-fit stream. Its valley was carved by floodwaters draining glacial Lake Dakota and is filled with glacial outwash and alluvial deposits. (USDA-NRCS, 2006).
The dominant soil order in this MLRA is Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a mesic soil temperature regime, an ustic soil moisture regime, and mixed or smectitic mineralogy. They generally are very deep, well drained to very poorly drained, and clayey or loamy. This area supports natural prairie vegetation characterized by western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata), and porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea) with Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) as the dominant vegetation on the poorly drained soils. (USDA-NRCS, 2006).
Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Southern Black Glaciated Plains (55C) (USDA-NRCS, 2006)
USFS Subregions: North Central Glaciated Plains Section (251B); Yankton Hills and Valleys Subsection (251Bf); Western Glaciated Plains Section (332B); James River Lowland Subsection (332Bb); North Central Great Plains Section (332D); Southern Missouri Coteau Slope Subsection (332Dd); Southern Missouri Coteau Subsection (332De) - (Cleland et al., 2007).
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States: 42e – Southern Missouri Coteau, 42f – Southern Missouri Coteau Slope, 46n – James River Lowland.
Ecological site concept
The Linear Meadow ecological site typically occurs in drainageways which can receive excessive run off moisture from within the watershed. Soils are formed in local alluvium and are poorly and very poorly drained, and have a water table within 0 to 2 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season, typically until the month of August. Vegetation in the Reference State is typically co-dominated by cool-season grass and grass-like species and warm-season grasses including prairie cordgrass, reedgrasses, and a variety of sedges and rushes. Key forb species include asters and goldenrods. Non-native species such as reed canarygrass may invade the site due to change in disturbance regime.
Associated sites
| R055CY001SD |
Shallow Marsh These sites occur in a basin or closed depression. Soils are very poorly drained and the site will pond water until early summer in most years. The central concept soil series is Worthing, but other series are included. |
|---|---|
| R055CY003SD |
Subirrigated These sites occur in drainageways. Soils are somewhat poorly drained and have a water table within 2 to 5 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season, typically until the month of August. The central concept soil series is Crossplain, but other series are included. |
| R055CY004SD |
Wet Meadow These sites occur in a basin or closed depression. Soils are poorly drained and the site ponds water for 4 to 8 weeks in the spring of the year or after a heavy rain. The central concept soil series is Tetonka, but other series are included. |
Similar sites
| R055CY001SD |
Shallow Marsh The Shallow Marsh site occurs in a basin or closed depression. Soils are very poorly drained and the site will pond water until early summer in most years. The Shallow Marsh site will have less prairie cordgrass and higher production than the Linear Meadow. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Spartina pectinata |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level drainageways
Figure 2. Distribution Map of the Linear Meadow Site within MLRA 55C. In many cases, data is not spatially consistent across political boundaries due to the method with which soils were mapped; e. g. county subsets.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Flood plain
|
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days) |
| Flooding frequency | Occasional to frequent |
| Elevation | 396 – 610 m |
| Slope | 0 – 1% |
| Water table depth | 8 – 46 cm |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
MLRA 55C is considered to have a continental climate: Cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature may also abound. The climate is the result of this MLRA’s location near the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the Northern Great Plains, and air masses move freely across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.
Annual precipitation typically ranges from 19 to 25 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 47°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 15°F (Howard, South Dakota [SD]), to about 20°F (Wagner, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 73°F (Howard, SD), to about 77°F (Wagner, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 58°F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of this area's climate. Hourly winds are estimated to average about 12 miles per hour (mph) annually, ranging from about 13 mph during the spring to about 11 mph 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 mph.
Growth of cool-season plants begins in early to mid-March, slowing or ceasing in late June. Warm-season plants begin growth about mid-May and continue to early or mid-September. Green-up of cool-season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 122-130 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 137-150 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 559-660 mm |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 114-131 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 133-155 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 533-686 mm |
| Frost-free period (average) | 125 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 144 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 610 mm |
Figure 3. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 8. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) FAULKTON 1 NW [USC00392927], Faulkton, SD
-
(2) REDFIELD [USC00397052], Redfield, SD
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(3) MILLER [USC00395561], Miller, SD
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(4) HURON RGNL AP [USW00014936], Huron, SD
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(5) DE SMET [USC00392302], De Smet, SD
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(6) FORESTBURG 4 NNE [USC00393029], Artesian, SD
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(7) HOWARD [USC00394037], Howard, SD
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(8) MITCHELL MUNI AP [USW00094950], Mitchell, SD
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(9) MITCHELL 2 N [USC00395671], Mitchell, SD
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(10) CHAMBERLAIN MUNI AP [USW00094943], Chamberlain, SD
-
(11) CHAMBERLAIN 5 S [USC00391621], Chamberlain, SD
-
(12) ACADEMY 2NE [USC00390043], Platte, SD
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(13) ARMOUR [USC00390296], Armour, SD
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(14) WAGNER [USC00398767], Wagner, SD
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(15) TYNDALL [USC00398472], Tyndall, SD
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(16) MENNO [USC00395481], Menno, SD
-
(17) BRIDGEWATER [USC00391032], Bridgewater, SD
-
(18) ALEXANDRIA [USC00390128], Alexandria, SD
Influencing water features
This section is under construction.
Wetland description
This section is under construction.
Soil features
The Linear Meadow site typically occurs in drainageways. The central concept soil series are Clamo and Arlo, but others are included. These are very deep, poorly to very poorly drained, coarse to fine textured soils. Salinity and sodicity are none to slight. Water tables on this site range from about 3 to 18 inches below the surface during most of the growing season. This site occurs mainly along drainageways. Slope ranges from 0 to 1 percent. This site should show no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. The soil surface is stable and intact. Subsurface soil layers are nonrestrictive to water movement and root penetration. These soils are not susceptible to water erosion. The high water table and slow permeability strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm) for specific local soils information.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Loam (2) Sandy clay loam (3) Sandy clay |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Poorly drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow to moderately slow |
| 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) |
0 – 30% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-101.6cm) |
0 – 4 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-101.6cm) |
0 – 2 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-101.6cm) |
6.1 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
0 – 30% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
0 – 2% |
Ecological dynamics
State and Community Phases
The information in this Ecological Site Description, including the state-and-transition model (STM), was developed based on historical data, current field data, professional experience, and a review of the scientific literature. As a result, all possible scenarios or plant species may not be included. Key indicator plant species, disturbances, and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.
The Linear Meadow site developed under Southern Black Glaciated Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused wildfire (often of light intensities), fluctuating water tables, and flooding events, and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil and site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and 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 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 fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris), spikerush (Eleocharis), and rush (Juncus) will initially increase. Prairie cordgrass and northern reedgrass will decrease in frequency and production. Heavy, continuous grazing causes reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) to increase and eventually dominate the site. Extended periods of non-use and no fire will result in a plant community having high litter levels, which also favors an increase in reed canarygrass, spikerush, and fowl bluegrass.
Interpretations are primarily based on the 1.1 Prairie Cordgrass-Northern Reedgrass-Woolly Sedge 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 and community pathways between them. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.
State and Community Phases
The information in this Ecological Site Description, including the state-and-transition model (STM), was developed based on historical data, current field data, professional experience, and a review of the scientific literature. As a result, all possible scenarios or plant species may not be included. Key indicator plant species, disturbances, and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.
State and transition model
Figure 9. State-And-Transition model
Figure 10. Matrix
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available.
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The Linear Meadow site typically occurs in drainageways. The Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state is typically co-dominated by cool-season grass and grass-like species, and warm-season grasses. Before European settlement in North America, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included sporadic fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Frequent surface fires (3 to 5 years) and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire and concentrated livestock grazing. Grasses that are desirable for livestock and wildlife can decline and a corresponding increase in less desirable grasses will occur.
Community 1.1
Prairie Cordgrass/Northern Reedgrass/Woolly Sedge Community
This community evolved with grazing by large herbivores, frequent surface fires and relatively frequent flooding, and 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. The potential vegetation is about 65 percent grasses, 20 percent grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs by air-dry weight. Prairie cordgrass is the dominant tall warm-season grass occupying this plant community. Reedgrasses (Calamagrostis) are the dominant tall cool-season species. A variety of sedges (Cyperaceae) and rushes (Juncaceae) occur throughout this community as well as fowl mannagrass (Glyceria striata), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), reed canarygrass, plains bluegrass (Poa arida), and fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris). Key forbs include broadfruit bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum), giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea), New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani), white panicle aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum), and cinquefoil (Potentilla). This plant community phase is diverse, stable, and productive, and is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains. The high-water table supplies much of the moisture for plant growth. The community dynamics, nutrient and water cycles, and energy flow are functioning properly. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement off-site and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in plant species allows for the variability of both the fluctuations of water table and reoccurring flooding. This is a sustainable plant community in terms of soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 11. 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 | 5257 | 6019 | 6652 |
| Forb | 286 | 504 | 807 |
| Total | 5543 | 6523 | 7459 |
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5508, Southern Black Glaciated Plains, lowland cool-season/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant, 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 | 4 | 11 | 19 | 23 | 20 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Woolly Sedge/Green Bulrush/Prairie Cordgrass/Reed Canarygrass Community
This plant community will slowly develop from the adverse effects of continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods during the growing season, particularly following periods of below normal precipitation. Lack of litter and reduced plant heights result in higher soil temperatures and reduced water infiltration rates. Recognition of this plant community will enable the land user to implement key management decisions before a significant ecological threshold is crossed. When compared to the 1.1 Prairie Cordgrass-Northern Reedgrass-Woolly Sedge Plant Community Phase, prairie cordgrass has decreased. Sedge (Carex), rush, and other grass-like species are dominant. The grass-like species have increased while the reedgrass species have been significantly reduced. Switchgrass may be removed at this stage. Reed canarygrass may begin to increase significantly. Forb species would include asters (Aster), goldenrod (Solidago), and cinquefoil, as well as, a possible invasion of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). Plant production and frequency have been reduced. The water and nutrient cycles, and energy flow are slightly reduced but continue to function adequately.
Figure 13. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 4192 | 4876 | 5397 |
| Forb | 241 | 560 | 1009 |
| Shrub/Vine | 50 | 168 | 319 |
| Total | 4483 | 5604 | 6725 |
Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5507, Southern Black Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant, 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 | 5 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 18 | 11 | 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 Woolly Sedge-Green Bulrush-Prairie Cordgrass-Reed Canarygrass 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 Prairie Cordgrass-Northern Reedgrass-Woolly Sedge Plant Community Phase. This pathway could also occur with a return to more normal precipitation levels and frequencies.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
State 2
Invaded State
The Invaded State is characterized by the degradation of the biotic integrity of the site due to excessive disturbance resulting in dominance by highly competitive species such as reed canarygrass, and possibly the invasion of non-native species. Loss of diversity and reduction of plant vigor and production have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Infiltration is reduced and native plant mortality is increased. As the disturbance level increases, native plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species, invasive perennial species, and an increase in bare ground.
Community 2.1
Reed Canarygrass/Spikerush/Fowl Bluegrass Plant Community
This plant community phase develops either with increased sedimentation, heavy continuous grazing, or with a long-term lack of grazing and/or no surface fire. In each case, native plant vigor is reduced allowing the increase of competitive species and eventually the introduction of nonnative species. Spikerush and other grass-like species, as well as, bluegrasses will increase. The more competitive forbs will also increase. Reed canarygrass often will increase to the point of dominance while prairie cordgrass will diminish significantly. Other invasive plants such as creeping meadow foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus) or Canada thistle may become prevalent if a seed source is present or nearby. Nutrient cycling will be greatly diminished and the energy flow will shift significantly and be reduced as well. Infiltration will be reduced somewhat compared to the Reference State. This plant community is somewhat resistant to change. The combination of both grazing and fire is most effective in moving this plant community towards the Reference State.
Figure 15. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 3166 | 3968 | 4652 |
| Forb | 196 | 448 | 807 |
| Shrub/Vine | – | 67 | 146 |
| Total | 3362 | 4483 | 5605 |
Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5506, Southern Black Glaciated Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-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 | 6 | 15 | 20 | 26 | 17 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Community 2.2
Annual Pioneer/Pioneer Perennial
This plant community developed with heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events, or abandonment after cropping. The dominant vegetation includes pioneer annual or perennial grasses, forbs, invaders, and early successional biennial and perennial species. Grasses may include inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), quackgrass (Elymus repens), fowl bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), Baltic rush (Juncus balticus), and sedges. The dominant forbs may include cocklebur (Xanthium), Canada thistle, and other early successional species. The community is susceptible to invasion of non-native species due to severe soil disturbances and a relatively high percentage of bare ground. This plant community is resistant to change as long as soil disturbance or severe vegetation defoliation persists, thus holding back secondary plant succession. Significant economic inputs, management, and time would be required to move this plant community toward a higher successional stage. Secondary succession is highly variable, depending upon availability and diversity of a viable reproductive source of higher successional species. This plant community may be renovated to improve the production capability but management changes would be needed to maintain the new plant community.
Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2
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 2.2 Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer 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 Reed Canarygrass-Spikerush-Fowl Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
State 3
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. Cropping on this site is enabled during years with drier than normal precipitation or with artificial drainage (surface or subsurface).
Community 3.1
Annual Crops
This plant community developed with the use of a variety of tillage 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
Sedimentation beyond normal levels due to increased flooding, or non-use and no 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, or heavy continuous grazing will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the 2.1 Reed Canarygrass/Spikerush/Blue-grass Plant Community Phase within the Degraded State (State 2).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Tillage and artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).
Restoration pathway R2A
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.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing | |
|---|---|
| Wetland Restoration |
Transition T2B
State 2 to 3
Tillage and artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2
Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 2), and more specifically to the 2.2 Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase.
Additional community tables
Table 8. 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 | 1345–3363 | ||||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 1345–3026 | – | ||
| spiked muhly | MUGL3 | Muhlenbergia glomerata | 0–336 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–336 | – | ||
| 2 | Cool-season Grasses | 673–1681 | ||||
| northern reedgrass | CASTI3 | Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa | 269–807 | – | ||
| bluejoint | CACA4 | Calamagrostis canadensis | 202–673 | – | ||
| slimstem reedgrass | CASTS5 | Calamagrostis stricta ssp. stricta | 67–538 | – | ||
| fowl mannagrass | GLST | Glyceria striata | 67–336 | – | ||
| reed canarygrass | PHAR3 | Phalaris arundinacea | 67–336 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–202 | – | ||
| 3 | Grass-Likes | 673–1345 | ||||
| woolly sedge | CAPE42 | Carex pellita | 135–673 | – | ||
| fox sedge | CAVU2 | Carex vulpinoidea | 135–673 | – | ||
| bottlebrush sedge | CAHY4 | Carex hystericina | 67–336 | – | ||
| smoothcone sedge | CALA12 | Carex laeviconica | 67–336 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 67–336 | – | ||
| bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–202 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 67–202 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–202 | – | ||
| 4 | Other Native Grasses | 67–673 | ||||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–336 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 67–336 | – | ||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–202 | – | ||
| fowl bluegrass | POPA2 | Poa palustris | 0–202 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | Forbs | 336–673 | ||||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 67–269 | – | ||
| giant goldenrod | SOGI | Solidago gigantea | 67–202 | – | ||
| broadfruit bur-reed | SPEU | Sparganium eurycarpum | 0–202 | – | ||
| New England aster | SYNO2 | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae | 0–202 | – | ||
| broadleaf cattail | TYLA | Typha latifolia | 0–135 | – | ||
| prairie ironweed | VEFA2 | Vernonia fasciculata | 67–135 | – | ||
| meadow zizia | ZIAP | Zizia aptera | 67–135 | – | ||
| white panicle aster | SYLA6 | Symphyotrichum lanceolatum | 67–135 | – | ||
| Canadian anemone | ANCA8 | Anemone canadensis | 67–135 | – | ||
| nodding beggartick | BICE | Bidens cernua | 67–135 | – | ||
| spotted water hemlock | CIMA2 | Cicuta maculata | 0–135 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 67–135 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 67–135 | – | ||
| wild mint | MEAR4 | Mentha arvensis | 67–135 | – | ||
| water knotweed | POAM8 | Polygonum amphibium | 0–135 | – | ||
| Macoun's buttercup | RAMA2 | Ranunculus macounii | 0–135 | – | ||
| marsh skullcap | SCGA | Scutellaria galericulata | 67–135 | – | ||
| marsh fleabane | SECO2 | Senecio congestus | 0–67 | – | ||
| hemlock waterparsnip | SISU2 | Sium suave | 0–67 | – | ||
| western dock | RUAQ | Rumex aquaticus | 0–67 | – | ||
| brook cinquefoil | PORI3 | Potentilla rivalis | 0–67 | – | ||
| rough bugleweed | LYAS | Lycopus asper | 0–67 | – | ||
| common boneset | EUPE3 | Eupatorium perfoliatum | 0–67 | – | ||
| Virginia strawberry | FRVI | Fragaria virginiana | 0–67 | – | ||
| silverweed cinquefoil | ARAN7 | Argentina anserina | 0–67 | – | ||
| northern water plantain | ALTR7 | Alisma triviale | 0–67 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 6 | Shrubs | 67–336 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–202 | – | ||
| false indigo bush | AMFR | Amorpha fruticosa | 67–202 | – | ||
| Missouri River willow | SAER | Salix eriocephala | 0–202 | – | ||
| sandbar willow | SAIN3 | Salix interior | 0–202 | – | ||
| meadow willow | SAPE5 | Salix petiolaris | 0–202 | – | ||
Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 280–1401 | ||||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 280–1401 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–112 | – | ||
| 2 | Cool-season Grasses | 280–841 | ||||
| reed canarygrass | PHAR3 | Phalaris arundinacea | 112–673 | – | ||
| northern reedgrass | CASTI3 | Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa | 0–280 | – | ||
| bluejoint | CACA4 | Calamagrostis canadensis | 0–224 | – | ||
| slimstem reedgrass | CASTS5 | Calamagrostis stricta ssp. stricta | 0–168 | – | ||
| fowl mannagrass | GLST | Glyceria striata | 0–112 | – | ||
| 3 | Grass-Likes | 841–2522 | ||||
| woolly sedge | CAPE42 | Carex pellita | 56–841 | – | ||
| fox sedge | CAVU2 | Carex vulpinoidea | 56–841 | – | ||
| bottlebrush sedge | CAHY4 | Carex hystericina | 56–560 | – | ||
| smoothcone sedge | CALA12 | Carex laeviconica | 56–560 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 112–448 | – | ||
| bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–224 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 112–196 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–168 | – | ||
| 4 | Other Native Grasses | 280–841 | ||||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 56–448 | – | ||
| fowl bluegrass | POPA2 | Poa palustris | 56–448 | – | ||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–280 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–112 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | Forbs | 280–841 | ||||
| giant goldenrod | SOGI | Solidago gigantea | 56–336 | – | ||
| broadfruit bur-reed | SPEU | Sparganium eurycarpum | 0–280 | – | ||
| New England aster | SYNO2 | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae | 56–280 | – | ||
| broadleaf cattail | TYLA | Typha latifolia | 0–224 | – | ||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 56–224 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–168 | – | ||
| white panicle aster | SYLA6 | Symphyotrichum lanceolatum | 56–168 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 56–168 | – | ||
| water knotweed | POAM8 | Polygonum amphibium | 0–112 | – | ||
| spotted water hemlock | CIMA2 | Cicuta maculata | 0–112 | – | ||
| brook cinquefoil | PORI3 | Potentilla rivalis | 0–56 | – | ||
| Macoun's buttercup | RAMA2 | Ranunculus macounii | 0–56 | – | ||
| marsh skullcap | SCGA | Scutellaria galericulata | 0–56 | – | ||
| silverweed cinquefoil | ARAN7 | Argentina anserina | 0–56 | – | ||
| nodding beggartick | BICE | Bidens cernua | 0–56 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–56 | – | ||
| wild mint | MEAR4 | Mentha arvensis | 0–56 | – | ||
| prairie ironweed | VEFA2 | Vernonia fasciculata | 0–56 | – | ||
| meadow zizia | ZIAP | Zizia aptera | 0–56 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 6 | Shrubs | 56–280 | ||||
| false indigo bush | AMFR | Amorpha fruticosa | 56–280 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–112 | – | ||
| Missouri River willow | SAER | Salix eriocephala | 0–56 | – | ||
| meadow willow | SAPE5 | Salix petiolaris | 0–56 | – | ||
Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 0–224 | ||||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 0–224 | – | ||
| 2 | Cool-season Grasses | 673–1569 | ||||
| reed canarygrass | PHAR3 | Phalaris arundinacea | 673–1569 | – | ||
| 3 | Grass-Likes | 673–2018 | ||||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 448–1121 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 224–897 | – | ||
| bottlebrush sedge | CAHY4 | Carex hystericina | 0–224 | – | ||
| woolly sedge | CAPE42 | Carex pellita | 0–224 | – | ||
| fox sedge | CAVU2 | Carex vulpinoidea | 0–224 | – | ||
| smoothcone sedge | CALA12 | Carex laeviconica | 0–135 | – | ||
| bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–90 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–45 | – | ||
| 4 | Other Native Grasses | 224–673 | ||||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 90–448 | – | ||
| fowl bluegrass | POPA2 | Poa palustris | 90–448 | – | ||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–224 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | Forbs | 224–673 | ||||
| giant goldenrod | SOGI | Solidago gigantea | 45–359 | – | ||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 45–314 | – | ||
| New England aster | SYNO2 | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae | 45–269 | – | ||
| broadleaf cattail | TYLA | Typha latifolia | 45–269 | – | ||
| white panicle aster | SYLA6 | Symphyotrichum lanceolatum | 45–179 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–90 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–90 | – | ||
| water knotweed | POAM8 | Polygonum amphibium | 0–45 | – | ||
| spotted water hemlock | CIMA2 | Cicuta maculata | 0–45 | – | ||
| broadfruit bur-reed | SPEU | Sparganium eurycarpum | 0–45 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 6 | Shrubs | 0–135 | ||||
| false indigo bush | AMFR | Amorpha fruticosa | 0–135 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–45 | – | ||
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. Following consultation with the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity. Stocking rates are calculated using Animal-Unit-Month (AUM), which is the amount of air-dry forage required to feed a cow, with or without calf, for one month.
Prairie Cordgrass/Reedgrass/Sedge (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 6,000
Stocking rate (AUM/acre)*: 1.64
Sedge/Rush/Prairie Cordgrass/Reed Canarygrass
(1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 5,000
Stocking rate (AUM/acre)*: 1.37
Reed Canarygrass/Spikerush/Bluegrass
(2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4,000
Stocking rate (AUM/acre)*: 1.10
Annual/Pioneer Perennial (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,500
Stocking rate (AUM/acre)*: 0.41
*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
This section is under construction.
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:
• SD005 Beadle County, SD did not use the (Ln) Lawet loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes (national symbol cz4n) as used in the adjoining SD115 Spink County, SD.
• SD005 Beadle County, SD did not use the (Ce) Clamo silty clay (national symbol cx51) as used in the adjoining SD111 Sanborn County, SD.
• SD059 Hand County, SD did not use the (Ln) Lawet loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes (national symbol cz4n) as used in the adjoining SD115 Spink County, SD.
• SD073 Jerauld County, SD (Ba) Baltic silty clay (national symbol cyvv) some of the polygons are ponded.
• SD087 McCook County, SD did not use the (Ct) Crossplain-Harps complex (national symbol g0x7) as used in the adjoining SD602 Hanson and Hutchinson Counties, SD.
• SD009 Bon Homme County, SD did not use the (Ct) Crossplain-Harps complex (national symbol g0x7) as used in the adjoining SD602 Hanson and Hutchinson Counties, SD.
• SD602 Hanson and Hutchinson Counties, SD (Ct) Crossplain-Harps complex (national symbol g0x7) The Harps soil should not be used in South Dakota. The series was established to be used in MLRA 103. The Lawet or Davison series depending on wetness (Typic or Aeric), have been used in other counties in MLRA 55C in South Dakota in these areas.
• 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
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.
There is one SCS-RANGE-417 collected in 2005 from Beadle County, SD.
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.
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.
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.
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nasis/)
USDA, NRCS. 2019. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 13 March 2019).
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 13 March 2019).
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/)
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center. (http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)
Contributors
Kenzie Cobb
Stan Boltz
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 1/31/2024
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. Officially approved by David Kraft as of 11/12/2020.
Non-discrimination Statement
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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) | David Schmidt, Tim Nordquist, Stan Boltz |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | david.schmidt@sd.usda.gov 605-352-1236 |
| Date | 12/07/2004 |
| Approved by | Stan Boltz |
| 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 five percent and 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. -
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):
Stability class 6. Typically high root content and organic matter. Soil surface is very resistant to erosion. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use soil series description for depth and color of A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Healthy, deep rooted native grasses 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 evident. -
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:
Tall warmseason rhizomatous grass >>Sub-dominant:
Mid and tall cool-season grass-likes > tall cool-season rhizomatous grass >Other:
Tall cool-season bunch grass = short cool-season grass = forb = shrub.Additional:
-
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):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
5,000–7,000 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 6,000 lbs./acre air-dry weight. -
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 reed canarygrass. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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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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