Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R055CY018SD
Dense Clay
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).
US EPA Level IV Ecoregion: Southern Missouri Coteau (42e); Southern Missouri Coteau Slope (42f); James River Lowland (46n) - (USEPA, 2013)
Ecological site concept
The Dense Clay ecological site typically occurs on nearly level slopes in alluvial fan areas. Soils are moderately well drained and typically has greater than 55 percent clay in the soil surface and a clayey subsoil. The root restriction of the dense clay limits plant growth, production is lower, and species composition will tend towards shallow rooted and more tolerant of the high clay content of the soils. Slopes can range from 0 to 2 percent. Vegetation in the Reference State is dominated by cool-season grasses including western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. Common forbs include biscuitroot, wild parsley, and heath aster. Non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and annual bromes may invade due to shifts in disturbance regime.
Associated sites
| R055CY011SD |
Clayey These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well drained and have between 40 and 55 percent clay in the surface and subsoil. The central concept soil series are Beadle and Lane, but other series are included. |
|---|---|
| R055CY013SD |
Claypan These sites occur on uplands. Soils are moderately well drained and have a claypan (columnar structure) between 6 and 16 inches from the soil surface. The central concept soil series is Dudley, but other series are included. |
Similar sites
| R055CY013SD |
Claypan The Claypan site occurs in a slightly higher landscape position and has a claypan (columnar structure) between 6 and 16 inches of the soil surface. The Claypan site will have more short warm-season grasses, higher diversity, and higher production than a Dense Clay site. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Pascopyrum smithii |
Physiographic features
This site typically occurs on nearly level areas near drainageways.
Figure 2. Site Distribution Map for the Dense Clay Site in MLRA 55C.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Flood plain
|
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 396 – 610 m |
| Slope | 0 – 1% |
| Water table depth | 203 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) | 122-129 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 137-150 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 559-660 mm |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 114-130 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) | 143 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
-
(1) FAULKTON 1 NW [USC00392927], Faulkton, SD
-
(2) REDFIELD [USC00397052], Redfield, SD
-
(3) MILLER [USC00395561], Miller, SD
-
(4) HURON RGNL AP [USW00014936], Huron, SD
-
(5) DE SMET [USC00392302], De Smet, SD
-
(6) HOWARD [USC00394037], Howard, SD
-
(7) FORESTBURG 4 NNE [USC00393029], Artesian, SD
-
(8) CHAMBERLAIN MUNI AP [USW00094943], Chamberlain, SD
-
(9) CHAMBERLAIN 5 S [USC00391621], Chamberlain, SD
-
(10) ACADEMY 2NE [USC00390043], Platte, SD
-
(11) MITCHELL MUNI AP [USW00094950], Mitchell, SD
-
(12) MITCHELL [USC00395669], Mitchell, SD
-
(13) ALEXANDRIA [USC00390128], Alexandria, SD
-
(14) BRIDGEWATER [USC00391032], Bridgewater, SD
-
(15) MARION [USC00395228], Marion, SD
-
(16) MENNO [USC00395481], Menno, SD
-
(17) ARMOUR [USC00390296], Armour, SD
-
(18) WAGNER [USC00398767], Wagner, SD
-
(19) TYNDALL [USC00398472], Tyndall, SD
Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with this site.
Soil features
The soils in this site are well-drained and formed in clayey alluvium. The clay surface layer is about four inches thick. The soils have a very slow infiltration rate except after dry periods when initial uptake may be rapid due to cracking of the surface. When dry these soils crack. Wet surface compaction can occur with heavy traffic. This site should show slight to no evidence of rills or wind scoured areas. It is not uncommon to have some pedestalling of plants due to the inherent instability of the soils. Water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous with numerous debris dams or vegetative barriers. The soil surface is stable and intact. Subsurface soil layers are restrictive to water movement and root penetration.
Soil series is Bullcreek.
These soils are typically not highly susceptible to wind and water erosion. Loss of vegetative cover can result in excessive erosion.
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) Clay |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Clayey |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow |
| Soil depth | 203 cm |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 0 – 4% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 0% |
| Available water capacity (0-101.6cm) |
10.16 cm |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-101.6cm) |
0 – 5% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-101.6cm) |
2 – 16 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-101.6cm) |
2 – 15 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-101.6cm) |
6.6 – 9 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
0 – 4% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
0% |
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 site which is located in the Southern Black Glaciated Plains Region developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions and included natural influence of large herding herbivores and occasional fire. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to weather fluctuations and management actions. Under adverse impacts, a relatively rapid decline in vegetative vigor and composition can occur. Under favorable conditions, the site has the potential to resemble the Reference State. Interpretations for this site are based primarily on the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase. This community phase and the Reference State have been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts also have been considered. Plant community phases, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
These soils are high in clay and have a low available water capacity. The shrink-swell potential is very high, resulting in cracks greater than two inches wide during dry periods. Western wheatgrass with its strong rhizomes and high drought tolerance is able to thrive in these soils. Western wheatgrass dominates the site and production is closely related to its vigor. Slick spots are sometimes associated with this site. Slick spots are bare ground areas that are affected by high sodium concentrations. The soil factors are the dominant influence and grazing management does not typically affect these areas.
Following the state-and-transition diagram are narratives for each of the described states and community phases. These may not represent every possibility, but they are the most prevalent and repeatable states and community phases. The associated plant composition tables have been developed from the best available knowledge at the time of this revision. As more data are collected, some of these community phases and states may be revised or removed, and new ones may be added. The main purpose for including the descriptions here is to capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.
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 transition model
Figure 9. State-And-Transition Model and Legend for the Dense Clay Site in MLRA 55C.
Figure 10. Matrix for the Dense Clay Site in MLRA 55C.
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
Ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state was dominated by cool-season grasses. Prior to European settlement in North America, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the Reference condition included periods of below and 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 species can decline and a corresponding increase in short, warm-season grasses would have occurred. Today, a similar state, the Native/Invaded State (State 2) 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
Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass
Interpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be the Reference Community). The potential vegetation was about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Cool-season grasses dominate the plant community. The major grasses included western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. Other grass or grass-like species occurring on this site may include buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), and sedge (Cyperaceae). The dominant forbs include biscuitroot (Lomatium roseanum), heath aster (Symphyotricum ericoides), and wild parsley (Musineon). Shrubs that can occur in this plant community are brittle cactus (Opuntia fragilis), saltbush (Atriplex), and plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha). Plant diversity is relatively low. This plant community is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. However, two to three years of drought can greatly reduce the vigor and abundance of the green needlegrass and western wheatgrass, while increasing the percent bare ground and creating moderate to high soil erosion potential. The actual plant composition may not be greatly changed, inherently the production of this plant community can vary tremendously with fluctuation of precipitation. Having average or above average precipitation, the plant community can make a fast recovery. If disturbed, dense clays are resilient. Mechanical practices such as deep ripping and furrowing can improve the hydrology which invigorates the plant community. The native wheatgrass is strongly rhizomatous and adapted to droughty, saline soils. Water infiltration is low and runoff is very high due to the high clay content of the soil. Plant litter is properly distributed with some movement offsite and natural plant mortality is low.
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 | 1233 | 1806 | 2359 |
| Forb | 95 | 151 | 224 |
| Shrub/Vine | 17 | 61 | 106 |
| Total | 1345 | 2018 | 2689 |
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5502, Southern Black Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season . 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 1.2
Western Wheatgrass/Bare Ground
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 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. The grass component is often completely dominated by western wheatgrass. Other perennial grasses are generally not found on this site or are greatly diminished. Drought and heavy spring use will lower basal density of green needlegrass and western wheatgrass creating opportunities for invasive species such as field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense), curlycup gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa), sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis), and annual forbs to occur. Brittle cactus and plains pricklypear are the commonly found shrubs. When compared to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase, the vigor, production, and basal density of the grasses has been reduced. Often the site will be bare ground with a few sprigs of western wheatgrass and a likelihood of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), Japanese bromegrass (Bromus japonicus), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) invading the site. Cool-season grass production is lessened along with a reduction in warm-season grasses such as blue grama and buffalograss. Plant diversity is extremely low. Due to low basal density, soil erosion hazards are high. This plant community is somewhat resistant to change. Moving this plant community toward the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase 1.1 can be accomplished through prescribed grazing. This plant community will have similar plant composition to 2.2 Western Wheatgrass-Cheatgrass/Bare Ground Plant Community Phase. The main difference is that this plant community phase does not have the presence of non-native invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5501, Southern Black 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 |
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/Bare Ground 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 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
State 2
Native/Invaded State
The Native/Invaded State represents the more common range of variability that exists with the introduction of non-native species. This state is dominated by cool-season grasses. It can be found on areas that are properly managed with prescribed grazing, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. Non-native species such as cheatgrass or Japanese bromegrass can become dominant at times and influence the biotic and hydrologic ecological processes of the State.
Community 2.1
Western Wheatgrass
This plant community results from an encroachment of non-native, invasive species such as cheatgrass, Japanese bromegrass, or bluegrass. This plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase the main difference is that this plant community phase will have up to 10 percent of non-native invasive species such as cheatgrass, Japanese bromegrass, and/or Kentucky Bluegrass.
Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5502, Southern Black Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season . 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 2.2
Western Wheatgrass-Cheatgrass/Bare Ground
This plant community develops under drought-like conditions, heavy spring grazing or long-term heavy, continuous grazing. The potential vegetation is made up of about 80 percent grasses and grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. The grass component is often completely dominated by western wheatgrass. Other perennial grasses are generally not found on this site or are greatly diminished. Drought and heavy spring use will lower basal density of green needlegrass and western wheatgrass creating opportunities for invasive species such as field pennycress, curlycup gumweed, sweetclover, and annual forbs to occur. Brittle cactus and plains pricklypear are the commonly found shrubs. When compared to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase, the vigor, production, and basal density of the grasses have been reduced. Often the site will be bare ground with a few sprigs of western wheatgrass and a likelihood of cheatgrass, Japanese bromegrass and bluegrass invading the site. Cool-season grass production is lessened along with a reduction in warm-season grasses such as blue grama and buffalograss. Plant diversity is extremely low. Due to low basal density, soil erosion hazards are high. This plant community is somewhat resistant to change. Moving this plant community toward the 2.1 Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase can be accomplished through prescribed grazing.
Figure 15. 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 | 493 | 970 | 1435 |
| Shrub/Vine | 17 | 67 | 123 |
| Forb | 50 | 84 | 123 |
| Total | 560 | 1121 | 1681 |
Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5501, Southern Black 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 |
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 Western Wheatgrass-Cheatgrass/Bare Ground Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1
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 2.1 Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Invasion of non-native plant species will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the Native/Invaded State (State 2).
Additional community tables
Table 7. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrass | 706–1110 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 706–1110 | – | ||
| 2 | Needlegrass | 303–706 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 303–706 | – | ||
| 3 | Mid Warm-Season Grasses | 40–202 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 40–202 | – | ||
| 4 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 40–202 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 20–161 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 20–81 | – | ||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 0–61 | – | ||
| 5 | Grass-likes | 20–101 | ||||
| needleleaf sedge | CADU6 | Carex duriuscula | 20–101 | – | ||
| threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 0–61 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–61 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 101–202 | ||||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 20–61 | – | ||
| western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 0–40 | – | ||
| textile onion | ALTE | Allium textile | 20–40 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 20–40 | – | ||
| sanddune wallflower | ERCAC | Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum | 0–40 | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–40 | – | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 20–40 | – | ||
| leafy wildparsley | MUDI | Musineon divaricatum | 20–40 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 20–40 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–40 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 20–40 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 20–40 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–20 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–20 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–20 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–20 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 20–101 | ||||
| saltbush | ATRIP | Atriplex | 0–61 | – | ||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 20–61 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–40 | – | ||
| brittle pricklypear | OPFR | Opuntia fragilis | 0–40 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–40 | – | ||
Table 8. Community 2.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrass | 280–560 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 280–560 | – | ||
| 2 | Needlegrass | 0–56 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–56 | – | ||
| 3 | Mid Warm-Season Grasses | 0–56 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–56 | – | ||
| 4 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 56–168 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 22–135 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 11–112 | – | ||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 11–78 | – | ||
| 5 | Grass-likes | 11–112 | ||||
| needleleaf sedge | CADU6 | Carex duriuscula | 11–90 | – | ||
| threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 0–56 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–56 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-Native Grasses | 11–280 | ||||
| field brome | BRAR5 | Bromus arvensis | 11–280 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 11–280 | – | ||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 0–90 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 56–112 | ||||
| sweetclover | MELIL | Melilotus | 0–56 | – | ||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–45 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 11–34 | – | ||
| western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 0–34 | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–34 | – | ||
| common dandelion | TAOF | Taraxacum officinale | 0–34 | – | ||
| field pennycress | THAR5 | Thlaspi arvense | 0–34 | – | ||
| yellow salsify | TRDU | Tragopogon dubius | 0–34 | – | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–22 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 11–22 | – | ||
| leafy wildparsley | MUDI | Musineon divaricatum | 0–22 | – | ||
| spiny phlox | PHHO | Phlox hoodii | 11–22 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–11 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–11 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–11 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–11 | – | ||
| sanddune wallflower | ERCAC | Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum | 0–11 | – | ||
| textile onion | ALTE | Allium textile | 0–11 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrubs | 22–112 | ||||
| plains pricklypear | OPPO | Opuntia polyacantha | 11–45 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–34 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–34 | – | ||
| brittle pricklypear | OPFR | Opuntia fragilis | 11–34 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
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 of 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.
Western Wheatgrass (1.1 & 2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.49
Western Wheatgrass, Bare Ground (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.27
Western Wheatgrass/Annual Bromegrass, Bare Ground (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.27
*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 a site where short-grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama, buffalograss, bluegrass, 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:
• R055CY018SD Dense Clay (Bullcreek Series) typically is not used in MLRA 55C. The Bullcreek series is mainly used in MLRA 63A & 63B.
• 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 using field observations from range-trained personnel. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, 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.
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)
USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997
USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center.
Contributors
Stan Boltz
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 1/31/2024
Acknowledgments
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 for publication by David Kraft as of 11/12/2020.
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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:
None. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground typically 5 to 25 percent depending on recent precipitation. During below average precipitation periods, bare ground will increase. -
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 2 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 about 2 to 4 inches, clay content is very high and may appear to be a compaction layer, but platy structure will not be observed and this 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:
Mid cool-season rhizomatous grass >>Sub-dominant:
Tall cool-season bunchgrass >Other:
Mid warm-season grasses = short warm-season grasses = forbs > short grass-likes = shrubs.Additional:
Due to differing root structure and distribution, Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass do not fit into reference plant community F/S groups. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little to no evidence of decadence or mortality. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
55-85 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):
1,200–2,400 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 1,800 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. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Perennial grasses have vigorous rhizomes and/or tillers.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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