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Ecological site R055DY011SD

Clayey

Last updated: 11/14/2024
Accessed: 12/21/2024

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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.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 055D–Glacial Lake Dakota

MLRA 55D is in South Dakota (92 percent) and southeastern North Dakota (8 percent). It makes up about 3,059 square miles (7,923 square kilometers). This area, which is part of the glacial till plain region, consists of a large, glacial lake plain that was drained by the James River, which flows southward through the area. The MLRA is dominantly farmland converted from prairie, but some areas of grassland remain. Agricultural drainage practices have impacted shallow depressions in many areas.

MLRA 55D has distinct boundaries. Till plains are on all sides. MLRA 55B borders the area largely to the north and is also between the Lake Dakota Plain and two prominent coteaus—the Missouri Coteau on the west and the Prairie Coteau on the east. To the south is MLRA 55C (Southern Black Glaciated Plains), which has a mesic soil temperature regime.

This area is in the Central Lowland province of the Interior Plains. Elevation ranges from 1,250 to 1,330 feet (380 to 405 meters), generally increasing from south to north. The area is characterized by mostly level to moderately sloping lake plains with many depressions and drainages. Much of the area has integrated drainage; drainage channels are poorly to moderately defined.

The glaciolacustrine sediments of the Lake Dakota Plain range from sandy to clayey and are commonly stratified. Some areas of the lake plain are mantled with wind-deposited materials, which are moderately coarse textured or sandy. Alluvial deposits and low terraces are common along the James River and its major tributaries but also occur in narrow and
discontinuous strips along other streams.

Classification relationships

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Southern Black Glaciated Plains (55D) (USDA-NRCS, 2022)

USFS Sub-region: Located mainly within unit 332Bc and 332Ba (Cleland et al., 2007).

Ecological site concept

The Clayey ecological site occurs on upland areas. Soils are well drained and have greater than 40 percent clay in the surface or subsoil. The surface and subsoil textures typically are silty clay or clay. Some soils have a loamy surface and a clayey subsoil. In some areas the surface layer may consist of stony to extremely stony. Slopes can range from 0 to 3 percent. Vegetation in the Reference State is dominated by cool-season grasses such as western wheatgrass and needlegrasses. Forbs include cudweed sagewort, prairie coneflower, and western yarrow. Non-native grasses such as smooth bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass or native conifers such as eastern redcedar may invade due to shifts in disturbance regime.

Associated sites

R055DY010SD	Loamy These sites occur on uplands. Soils are well drained and have less than 40 percent clay in the subsoil.
R055DY013SD	Claypan These sites occur on uplands. Soils are moderately well drained and have a claypan (columnar structure) greater than 4 inches from the soil surface.

R055DY010SD

Loamy

These sites occur on uplands. Soils are well drained and have less than 40 percent clay in the subsoil.

R055DY013SD

Claypan

These sites occur on uplands. Soils are moderately well drained and have a claypan (columnar structure) greater than 4 inches from the soil surface.

Similar sites

R055DY010SD	Loamy The Loamy site is in a similar landscape position, but the soils have less than 40 percent clay in the surface or subsoil.

R055DY010SD

Loamy

The Loamy site is in a similar landscape position, but the soils have less than 40 percent clay in the surface or subsoil.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Nassella viridula (2) Pascopyrum smithii

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Physiographic features

This site typically occurs on glaciated uplands – ground moraines and lake plains and colluvium from weathered shale and shale till. This site is typically on linear back slopes, concave foot slopes, or on flats on till plains and lake plains and on side slopes of escarpments. On ground moraines the parent material is either fine-loamy or clayey. On lake plains the parent material is either fine-silty or clayey. On escarpments the parent material is clayey.

The following data (tables) were obtained from the National Soil Information System.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Lake plain (2) Till plain (3) Flood plain
Runoff class	Low to medium
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	980 – 2,100 ft
Slope	3%
Ponding depth	Not specified
Water table depth	38 – 62 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The average annual precipitation of MLRA 55D is 22 to 23 inches (549 to 594 millimeters). About 75 percent of the rainfall comes from high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the growing season. Winter precipitation is typically snow. The average annual snowfall is 25 to 50 inches (635 to 1,270 millimeters). Strong winds commonly deposit the snow unevenly across the landscape. The average annual temperature is 43 to 45 degrees F (6 to 7 degrees C). The freeze-free period averages about 135 days and ranges from 120 to 150 days.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	114-117 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	129-134 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	22-23 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	114-119 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	127-134 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	22-23 in
Frost-free period (average)	116 days
Freeze-free period (average)	131 days
Precipitation total (average)	23 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) BRITTON [USC00391049], Britton, SD
(2) ANDOVER #2 [USC00390120], Andover, SD
(3) TURTON [USC00398420], Turton, SD
(4) CONDE [USC00391917], Conde, SD
(5) REDFIELD [USC00397052], Redfield, SD
(6) MELLETTE 4 W [USC00395456], Northville, SD
(7) ABERDEEN [USW00014929], Aberdeen, SD
(8) COLUMBIA 8 N [USC00391873], Columbia, SD

Influencing water features

This site does not receive significant additional water, either as runoff from adjacent slopes or from a seasonal high water table. Although the seasonal water table can be within 3-5 feet early in the growing season on some low-relief, concave areas.

Wetland description

Not Applicable.

Soil features

The common features of soils in this site are the silty clay loam to clay textured subsoils and slopes of 0 to 3 percent. The loam to silty clay surface layer is 5 to 18 inches thick. The soils have a moderately slow to very slow infiltration rate. The soils in this site are well to moderately well drained and formed in glaciolacustrine sediments and clayey till. When dry these soils crack. When the soils are wet, surface compaction can occur with heavy traffic. This site typically should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths should not be present, and the soil surface is stable and intact. Sub-surface soil layers are non-restrictive to water movement and root penetration. These soils are susceptible to water and wind erosion. Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/) for specific local soils information. Soils representative of this site include the Cresbard, Aberdeen, and Harmony Soil Series.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Glaciolacustrine deposits (2) Till
Surface texture	(1) Silty clay loam (2) Silt loam (3) Loam
Family particle size	(1) Clayey
Drainage class	Moderately well drained to well drained
Permeability class	Very slow to moderately slow
Depth to restrictive layer	80 in
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	3%
Surface fragment cover >3"	1%
Available water capacity (0-60in)	5 – 8 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	18%
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	6 – 9
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-40in)	7%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-40in)	5%

Ecological dynamics

The site 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/or management actions. Under adverse impacts, a slow decline in vegetative vigor and composition will occur. Under favorable conditions the site has the potential to resemble the Reference State. Interpretations for this site are based on the Green Needlegrass/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase (1.1). The Reference State and the interpretive plant community 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. Community phases, community pathways, states, transitions, thresholds and restoration pathways have been determined through similar studies and experience. The grazing and fire interaction especially when coupled with drought events, set up the dynamics discussed and displayed in the following state and transition diagram and descriptions.

This ecological site has been grazed by domestic livestock since introduced into the area. The introduction of domestic livestock and the use of fencing and reliable water sources have radically changed the disturbance regime of this site. Heavy continuous grazing and/or continuous seasonal (spring) grazing, without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence causes this site to depart from the reference plant community. Blue grama and Kentucky bluegrass if present, will begin to increase. Western wheatgrass will increase initially and then begin to decrease. Green needlegrass will decrease in frequency and production. In time, heavy continuous grazing will likely cause upland sedges and blue grama and/or Kentucky bluegrass if present to dominate and pioneer perennials and annuals to increase. The resulting plant community is relatively stable and competitive advantage prevents other species from establishing. Extended periods of non-use and/or lack of fire will result in a plant community having high litter levels, which favors an increase in Kentucky bluegrass and/or smooth bromegrass.

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/community phases. The plant composition tables shown below 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/or 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.

State and transition model

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

State 1
Reference

This state represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site. This state was dominated by cool-season grasses, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periods of below and/or above average precipitation, periodic fire, and herbivory by insects and large ungulates. Timing of fires and herbivory coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Cool-season and taller warm-season grasses would have declined and a corresponding increase in short, warm-season grasses would have occurred. Today, a similar state (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.

Dominant plant species

green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
sedge (Carex), grass

Community 1.1
Green Needlegrass/Western Wheatgrass

This community phase was the most dominant both temporally and spatially. The prevailing climate and weather patterns favored the development of this community phase dominated by cool-season grasses such as green needlegrass and western wheatgrass. There are also other needlegrasses and wheatgrasses present as well as various amounts of warm-season grasses such as big bluestem, blue grama and sideoats grama. A variety of leguminous and non-leguminous perennial forbs are present but only in slight amounts. This is the reference plant community phase and is described in the “Plant Community Composition and Group Annual Production” portion of this ecological site description. This is a naturally nitrogen deficient plant community.

Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	1650	2327	2990
Forb	125	195	275
Shrub/Vine	25	78	135
Total	1800	2600	3400

Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5502, Central Black Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	3	7	23	42	15	5	4	1	0	0

Community 1.2
Western Wheatgrass/Blue Grama/Sedge/Green Needlegrass

This plant community was a result of concentrated grazing following a spring fire, from heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grass and grass-like species included western wheatgrass, blue grama, sedge, buffalograss, and green needlegrass. Grasses of secondary importance included sideoats grama, needleandthread, and porcupine grass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort, heath aster, and western yarrow. This plant community had similar plant composition to the 2.2 Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Blue Grama/Sedge Plant Community Phase. The main difference is that this plant community phase did not have the presence of non-native invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass. When compared to the Green Needlegrass/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), blue grama and sedge increased. Green needlegrass decreased, and production was also reduced. This plant community was moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing; however, species composition could be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component was intact, it tended to be resilient if the disturbance was not long-term. The increase of shorter-statured, more compact rooted species would have resulted in somewhat higher runoff and decreased infiltration. This would have caused the site to become drier. These species also would have been more competitive.

Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5502, Central Black Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	3	7	23	42	15	5	4	1	0	0

Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2

This pathway occurs as a result of spring fire followed by heavy grazing, or a combination of moderate to heavy grazing coupled with prolonged periods of below-average precipitation. The dominant cool-season grasses such as green needlegrass and western wheatgrass will decrease, and shorter statured species such as blue grama and sedge will increase. This pathway would have led to the 1.2 Western Wheatgrass/Blue Grama/Sedge/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

This pathway occurred when grazing, precipitation, and/or fire returned to normal disturbance regime levels and frequencies or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest occurred. This would have led to the 1.1 Green Needlegrass/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase.

State 2
Native/Invaded Grass

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

Dominant plant species

green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
sedge (Carex), grass

Community 2.1
Green Needlegrass/Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass

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

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5502, Central Black Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	3	7	23	42	15	5	4	1	0	0

Community 2.2
Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Blue Grama/Sedge

This plant community is a result of heavy continuous grazing, continuous season-long grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grass and grass-like species include western wheatgrass, blue grama, sedge, and Kentucky bluegrass. Grasses of secondary importance include green needlegrass, needleandthread, porcupine grass, buffalograss, smooth bromegrass, and sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort, heath aster, prairie coneflower, and western yarrow. When compared to the Green Needlegrass/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), blue grama and sedge have increased, and Kentucky bluegrass has invaded. Green needlegrass and production of mid and tall grasses has also been reduced. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. The increase of shorter-statured species with a dense, shallower rooted species will result in somewhat higher runoff and decreased infiltration. This will cause the site to become drier. These species will also become more competitive.

Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5502, Central Black Glaciated Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	3	7	23	42	15	5	4	1	0	0

Community 2.3
Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Green Needlegrass

This plant community is a result of continuous season-long grazing, typically at light levels, or prolonged periods (multiple years) of complete rest from grazing and elimination of fire. This community phase is characterized by an increase in the introduced cool-season sodgrass, Kentucky bluegrass. This community phase is the most dominant both temporally and spatially. Kentucky bluegrass has become nearly co-dominant with western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. Warm season grasses are present but minor and tap rooted perennial forbs have decreased. Production and infiltration both decrease and this community phase is at risk of transitioning across a state threshold. With natural or management actions that decrease the composition of the cool-season bunchgrasses and increase the composition of Kentucky bluegrass, transition T2 will be initiated.

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5501, Central 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	3	8	24	45	10	3	5	2	0	0

Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2

This pathway occurs as a result of heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and often at the same time each year), or continuous season-long grazing, or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic heavy grazing. This pathway will lead to the 2.2 Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Blue Grama/Sedge Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3

Prolonged periods (multiple years) of continuous season-long grazing, or complete rest from grazing or grazing at very light levels coupled with elimination of fire results in increased litter levels and decreased vigor of less shade tolerant species. These factors favor cool-season species, and lead to the 2.3 Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase. When continuous or light grazing is involved, this community will often occur in a patchy mosaic pattern, often referred to as patch grazing.

Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1

The implementation of prescribed grazing, including adequate recovery periods between grazing events and season of use change, will initiate this pathway by shifting the competitive advantage away from the short statured grasses to the taller cool-season grasses.

Pathway 2.2b
Community 2.2 to 2.3

Prolonged periods (multiple years) of complete rest from grazing or grazing at very light levels coupled with elimination of fire results in increased litter levels and decreased vigor of less shade tolerant species. These factors favor cool-season species, and lead to the 2.3 Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.1

The implementation of prescribed burning coupled with prescribed grazing including adequate recovery periods between grazing events and season of use change will initiate this pathway by shifting the competitive advantage away from the short statured grasses to the taller native grasses.

State 3
Introduced Species

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

Dominant plant species

smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
sedge (Carex), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass

Community 3.1
Kentucky Bluegrass/Smooth Bromegrass

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

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5501, Central 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	3	8	24	45	10	3	5	2	0	0

Community 3.2
Smooth Bromegrass

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

Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ND5501, Central 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	3	8	24	45	10	3	5	2	0	0

Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2

Prolonged periods (multiple years) of complete rest from grazing or grazing at very light levels coupled with elimination of fire results in increase litter levels and decreased vigor of less shade tolerant species. These factors favor cool-season species, and lead to the 3.2 Smooth Bromegrass Plant Community Phase.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

This is the transition from the native herbaceous dominated reference state to the herbaceous dominated native/invaded state. This transition occurs when propagules of non-native species such as Kentucky bluegrass and/or smooth bromegrass are present and become established on the site. This occurs as natural and/or management actions (altered grazing and/or fire regime) favor an increase in cool-season sodgrasses. Chronic season-long or heavy late season grazing facilitates this transition. Complete rest from grazing and no fire events can also lead to this transition. The threshold between states is crossed when the non-natives become established on the site.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

This represents the transition from the more native dominated Native/Invaded State to a state dominated by non-native cool-season grasses. Preliminary studies would tend to indicate this threshold may exist when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30% of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community composition.

Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2

It may be possible using selected plant materials and agronomic practices to approach something very near the functioning of the Native/Invaded State (State 2). Application of chemical herbicides and the use of mechanical seeding methods using adapted varieties of the dominant native bunchgrasses are possible and can be successful. After establishment of the native bunchgrasses, management objectives must include the maintenance of those species, the associated reference function and continued treatment of the introduced sodgrasses. This restoration pathway may also be initiated with high levels of prescribed grazing management over a long period of time, coupled with prescribed burning. The success of this restoration pathway depends on the presence of a remnant population of native grass and grass-like species, or the presence of these species in nearby similar sites. This remnant population may not be readily apparent without close inspection.

Additional community tables

Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Needlegrass			650–1040
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	520–1040	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	26–130	–
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–78	–
2	Wheatgrass			260–520
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	260–520	–
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	52–260	–
	slender wheatgrass	ELTRS	Elymus trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus	52–260	–
3	Tall/Mid Warm-Season Grasses			52–260
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	0–260	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–260	–
	prairie dropseed	SPHE	Sporobolus heterolepis	0–130	–
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	0–78	–
4	Short Warm-season Grasses			52–130
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	26–130	–
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	26–130	–
5	Other Native Grasses			52–130
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–78	–
	plains reedgrass	CAMO	Calamagrostis montanensis	26–78	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	26–78	–
6	Grass-likes			26–130
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–130	–
	sedge	CAREX	Carex	26–130	–
Forb
7	Forbs			130–260
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–130	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	26–52	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	26–52	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	26–52	–
	false boneset	BREU	Brickellia eupatorioides	26–52	–
	wavyleaf thistle	CIUN	Cirsium undulatum	26–52	–
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	26–52	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	26–52	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	26–52	–
	silverleaf Indian breadroot	PEAR6	Pediomelum argophyllum	26–52	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	26–52	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	0–52	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–26	–
	sanddune wallflower	ERCAC	Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum	0–26	–
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	0–26	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–26	–
Shrub/Vine
8	Shrubs			26–130
	western snowberry	SYOC	Symphoricarpos occidentalis	0–78	–
	leadplant	AMCA6	Amorpha canescens	26–78	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	26–52	–
	prairie rose	ROAR3	Rosa arkansana	0–52	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–52	–

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Information presented here has been derived from NRCS and other federal/state agency clipping and inventory data. Also, field knowledge of range-trained personnel was used. All descriptions were peer reviewed and/or field-tested by various private, state and federal agency specialists. Those involved in developing this site description include: Stan Boltz, NRCS Range Management Specialist; David Dewald, NRCS State Biologist; Jody Forman, NRCS Range Management Specialist; Jeff Printz, NRCS State Range Management Specialist; Kevin Sedivec, Extension Rangeland Management Specialist; Shawn Dekeyser, North Dakota State University; Rob Self, The Nature Conservancy and Lee Voigt, NRCS Range Management Specialist.

MLRA 55D was split from MLRA 55B in 2022. Many of the site concepts for this MLRA are borrowed from neighboring MLRA 55B pending further vegetation and soils validation.

Other references

High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, 830728 Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728. (http://hpccsun.unl.edu)

USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97204-3224. (http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Grazing Lands Technology Institute, Fort Worth, TX. 1997.

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

USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2022. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook 296.

USDA, NRCS, Various Published Soil Surveys.

Contributors

Stan Boltz, NRCS Range Management Specialis
David Dewald, NRCS State Biologist
Jody Forman, NRCS Range Management Specialis
Jeff Printz, NRCS State Range Management Specialis
Kevin Sedivec Extension Rangeland Management Specialist
Shawn Dekeyser, North Dakota State University
Rob Self, The Nature Conservancy
Lee Voigt, NRCS Range Management Specialist.
Ezra Hoffman, NRCS Ecological Site Specialist

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 11/14/2024

Rangeland health reference sheet

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.

Author(s)/participant(s)
Contact for lead author
Date	11/14/2024
Approved by	Suzanne Mayne-Kinney
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

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

Dominant:

Sub-dominant:

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Perennial plant reproductive capability:

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Ecological site R055DY011SD

Clayey

Last updated: 11/14/2024 Accessed: 12/21/2024

General information

MLRA notes

Classification relationships

Ecological site concept

Associated sites

Similar sites

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Ecosystem states

State 1 submodel, plant communities

State 2 submodel, plant communities

State 3 submodel, plant communities

Natural Resources
Conservation Service

Last updated: 11/14/2024
Accessed: 12/21/2024