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Ecological site R058BY158WY

Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 10-14” PZ

Last updated: 10/05/2023
Accessed: 04/19/2024

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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.

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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): 058B–Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part

MLRA 58B is located in northeastern Wyoming (95 percent) and extreme southeastern Montana (5 percent). It is comprised of sedimentary plains, scoria hills, and river valleys. The major rivers include the Powder, Tongue, Belle Fourche, Cheyenne, and North Platte. Tributaries include the Little Powder River, Little Missouri River, Clear Creek, Crazy Woman Creek, and others. This MLRA is traversed by Interstates 25 and 90, and U.S. Highways 14 and 16. The extent of MLRA 58B covers approximately 12.3 million acres. Major land uses include rangeland (approximately 93 percent), cropland, pasture, and hayland (approximately 2 percent), and forest, urban, and miscellaneous uses (approximately 5 percent). Cities include Buffalo, Casper, Sheridan, and Gillette, WY. Land ownership is mostly private. Federal lands include the Thunder Basin National Grassland (U.S. Forest Service) and lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Areas of interest in MLRA 58B in Wyoming include Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, Glendo State Park, and Lake DeSmet. The elevations in MLRA 58B increase gradually from north to south and range from approximately 2,900 to 5,900 feet. A few buttes are higher than 6,800 feet. The average annual precipitation in this area ranges from 10 to 17 inches per year. Precipitation occurs mostly during the growing season, often during rapidly developing thunderstorms. Mean annual air temperature is 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures may drop to below zero. Snowfall averages 45 inches per year, but varies from 25 to over 70 inches in some locales.

Classification relationships

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):
Land Resource Region─G Western Great Plains Range and Irrigation; Major Land Resource Area (MLRA)─58B Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part (USDA, 2006)

Relationship to Other Classifications:

USDA Forest Service (FS) Classification Hierarchy:

Province─331 Great Plains-Palouse Dry Steppe; Section─331G-Powder River Basin; Subsections─331Gb Montana Shale Plains, 331Ge Powder River Basin, 331Gf South Powder River Basin-Scoria Hills (Cleland et al, 1997)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Classification Hierarchy:

Level III Ecoregion─43 Northwestern Great Plains; Level IV Ecoregion─43p Scoria Hills, 43q Mesic-Dissected Plains, 43w Powder River Basin (EPA, 2013)
https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/ecoregions

Ecological site concept

This ecological site occurs on nearly level to steeply sloping hills and ridges, on sedimentary plains or uplands. Primary production is from cool-season midgrasses (bunch and rhizomatous), and secondary warm-season mid- and shortgrasses. There is a lesser component of forbs and shrubs, with occasional trees. The soil surface textures are typically clay, clay loam, silty clay loam, silty clay, or sandy clay and contain greater than 35 percent clay. Site has a limiting or restricting layer between 10 and 20 inches deep.

Associated sites

R058BY104WY	Clayey (Cy) 10-14” PZ Clayey is a deeper soil, generally on lower slopes, with greater productivity.
R058BY162WY	Shallow Loamy (SwLy) 10-14” PZ Shallow Loamy is lighter in texture with slightly better productivity.

R058BY104WY

Clayey (Cy) 10-14” PZ

Clayey is a deeper soil, generally on lower slopes, with greater productivity.

R058BY162WY

Shallow Loamy (SwLy) 10-14” PZ

Shallow Loamy is lighter in texture with slightly better productivity.

Similar sites

R058BY258WY	Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 15-17” PZ Shallow Clayey 15-17” PZ is more productive.
R058BY104WY	Clayey (Cy) 10-14” PZ Clayey 10-14

R058BY258WY

Shallow Clayey (SwCy) 15-17” PZ

Shallow Clayey 15-17” PZ is more productive.

R058BY104WY

Clayey (Cy) 10-14” PZ

Clayey 10-14

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (2) Artemisia pedatifida
Herbaceous	(1) Pseudoroegneria spicata (2) Pascopyrum smithii

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on nearly level to steeply sloping hills and ridges, on sedimentary plains or uplands. This site occurs on all aspects. Aspect is not a significant factor.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Hill (2) Ridge
Runoff class	Medium to high
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	3,500 – 6,200 ft
Slope	60%
Water table depth	80 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The average annual precipitation ranges from 10 to 17 inches per year across MLRA 58B. There are two precipitation zones (PZ). The 10 to 14 inch precipitation zone is predominant across the MLRA, including portions of Sheridan, Johnson, and Natrona Counties; portions of Campbell and Converse Counties; and smaller portions of Weston and Niobrara Counties. The 15 to 17 inch precipitation zone occurs in northern and eastern portions of the MLRA, including portions of Sheridan, Campbell, and western Crook Counties. Wide fluctuations in precipitation may occur from year to year, and occasional periods of extended drought (longer than one year in duration) can be expected. Two-thirds of the annual precipitation occurs during the growing season from May through September. Mean Annual Air Temperature (MAAT) is 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold air outbreaks from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may also occur in winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranching operations during late winter and spring. High-intensity afternoon thunderstorms may occur during the summer. Annual wind speeds average about 5 mph. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime winds. Occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts of more than 75 mph. The average length of the freeze-free period (28 degrees Fahrenheit) is 125 days and generally occurs from May 16 to September 19. The average frost-free period (32 degrees Fahrenheit) is 101 days and generally occurs from June 1 to September 9.

The growth of native cool-season plants begins in late April to early May with peak growth occurring in mid to late June. Native warm-season plants begin growth in late May to early June and continue into August. Regrowth of cool-season plants occurs in September in most years, depending upon moisture.

Note: The climate described here is based on historic climate station data and is averaged to provide an overview of the annual precipitation, temperatures, and growing season. Future climate is beyond the scope of this document. However, research to determine the effects of elevated CO2 and heating on mixed-grass prairie ecosystems, and how it may relate to future plant communities, is ongoing.

For detailed information, or to find a specific climate station, visit the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) website: Western Regional Climate Center, Historical Data, Western U.S. Climate summaries, NOAA Coop Stations, Wyoming (Note: Montana climate stations are also listed under the Wyoming link).
https://wrcc.dri.edu/summary/Climsmwy.html

Wind speed averages can be found at the WRCC home page, under the Specialty Climate tab: https://wrcc.dri.edu/

The following tables represent area-wide climate data for the 10 to 14 inch precipitation zone:

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	92-103 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	121-128 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	12-13 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	86-107 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	116-129 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	10-14 in
Frost-free period (average)	101 days
Freeze-free period (average)	125 days
Precipitation total (average)	13 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) SHERIDAN CO AP [USW00024029], Sheridan, WY
(2) CASPER NATRONA CO AP [USW00024089], Casper, WY
(3) DULL CTR 1SE [USC00482725], Douglas, WY
(4) KAYCEE [USC00485055], Kaycee, WY
(5) MIDWEST [USC00486195], Midwest, WY
(6) WESTON 1 E [USC00489580], Weston, WY
(7) BUFFALO [USC00481165], Buffalo, WY
(8) WRIGHT 12W [USC00489805], Gillette, WY
(9) GLENROCK 5 ESE [USC00483950], Glenrock, WY

Influencing water features

This upland ecological site is not influenced by a water table or run in from adjacent sites. Due to the semi-arid climate in which it occurs, the water budget is normally contained within the soil pedon. Soil moisture is recharged by spring rains, but it rarely exceeds field capacity in the upper 40 inches before being depleted by evapotranspiration. During intense precipitation events, precipitation rates frequently exceed infiltration rates and the site delivers moisture to downslope sites through surface runoff. Moisture loss through evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation for a majority of the growing season. Soil moisture is the primary limiting factor for vegetative production on this ecological site.

Wetland description

N/A

Soil features

The soils on this site are well drained, shallow to bedrock and formed in residuum and slope alluvium weathered from shale. They typically have a very slow to slow permeability class. The available water capacity is typically very low to low. The surface layer of the soils in this site are typically clay loam, silty clay, or clay, but may include silty clay loam. The surface layer ranges from a depth of 1 to 6 inches thick. The subsoil is typically silty clay, clay, clay loam, or silty clay loam. Soils in this site typically have carbonates at the surface; but some soils may be leached as deep as 2 to 12 inches or do not contain carbonates as they formed in residuum weathered from non-calcareous shale. These soils are susceptible to erosion by water and wind. The potential for water erosion accelerates with increasing slope. Surface soil structure is fine granular to fine subangular blocky, and structure below the surface is prismatic, angular, or subangular blocky. The soil moisture regime is typically ustic aridic. The soil temperature regime is mesic.

Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Hilight, Samday, Orella, Wags, and Worfka.

The attributes listed below represent 0-40 inches in depth or to the first restrictive layer.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Residuum – shale (2) Slope alluvium – shale
Surface texture	(1) Clay loam (2) Silty clay loam (3) Silty clay (4) Clay
Drainage class	Well drained
Permeability class	Very slow to slow
Soil depth	10 – 20 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	25%
Available water capacity (Depth not specified)	2 – 5.6 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified)	10%
Electrical conductivity (Depth not specified)	4 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified)	5
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified)	6.1 – 8.4
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	40%

Ecological dynamics

The Reference State is the plant community in which interpretations are primarily based and is used as a reference in order to understand the original potential of the site. The Reference State evolved under the combined influences of climatic conditions, periodic fire activity, grazing by large herbivores, and impacts from small mammals and insects. Changes may occur to the Reference State due to management actions such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, increased stocking rates, climatic conditions such as drought, and natural events such as multiple fires in close succession. The Reference State is characterized by cool-season rhizomatous midgrass, cool-season bunch midgrasses, and warm-season shortgrass. Forbs (dotted blazing star, scarlet globemallow, buckwheat species, and phlox), and shrubs (skunkbush sumac and Wyoming big sagebrush) are also present. Trees such as Rocky Mountain juniper and ponderosa pine occur in minor amounts. The Reference Plant Community is not necessarily the management goal, as other vegetative states may be considered desired plant communities as long as critical resource concerns are met.

The Sod-bound State is characterized by warm-season shortgrass (blue grama) and grass-likes (threadleaf sedge). The Eroded State is characterized by annual grasses (six-weeks fescue), Fendler threeawn, forbs (curlycup gumweed, hairy false goldenaster, and annuals), shrubs (prairie sagewort, snakeweed, yucca, and prickly pear) and bare ground. Invasives include cool-season annual bromes such as field brome (also known as Japanese brome), and cheatgrass.

As this site begins to shift from a combination of excessive grazing, or frequent and severe defoliation during the growing season, bunchgrasses such as needle and thread will decrease in both frequency and production. Grasses such as blue grama, threadleaf sedge, and six-weeks fescue will increase. Forbs and shrubs such as hairy false goldenaster, tansyaster, broom snakeweed, and fringed sagewort, will also increase. If continued, the plant community will become sod-bound, and all midgrasses can eventually be removed from the plant community. Over the long-term, this continuous use in combination with high stock densities, will result in bare ground developing, and shrubs such as prickly pear, broom snakeweed; and annual forbs such as wooly plantain, field cottonrose, and pepperweed increasing or invading. Other invasives include field brome (also known as Japanese brome) and cheatgrass.

There are various transitional stages which may occur on this ecological site. The information presented is representative of a dynamic set of plant communities that illustrate the complex interaction of several ecological processes.

State and transition model

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Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Sod-Bound State

3. Eroded State

T1A	-	Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events or frequent and severe defoliation
T2A	-	Long-term excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery between grazing events, or heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis/Pseudoroegneria spicata-Pascopyrum smithii (Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass-western wheatgrass)

1.2. Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis/Pascopyrum smithii (Wyoming big sagebrush/western wheatgrass)

1.3. Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis/Bouteloua gracilis-Carex filifolia (Wyoming big sagebrush/blue grama-threadleaf sedge)

1.1A	-	Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or lack of fire
1.1B	-	Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or fire
1.2A	-	Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, along with proper stocking rates
1.3A	-	Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, and proper stocking rates

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Bouteloua gracilis-Carex filifolia (blue grama-threadleaf sedge)

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Opuntia polyacantha/Aristida purpurea-Bromus arvensis (plains pricklypear/Fendler’s threeawn-field brome)

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State is characterized by three distinct plant community phases: the Reference, Increased Big Sagebrush, and Decreased Midgrasses Plant Communities. The plant communities, and various successional stages between them, represent the natural range of variability within the Reference State.

Community 1.1
Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis/Pseudoroegneria spicata-Pascopyrum smithii (Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass-western wheatgrass)

This is the interpretive plant community for this site. It is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climate. This community developed with grazing by large herbivores and is suited to grazing by domestic livestock. Historically, fires likely were patchy and randomly distributed. This plant community can be found on areas where grazed plants receive adequate periods of recovery during the growing season. The potential vegetation is about 75 percent grasses and grass-likes, 10 to 15 percent forbs, and 10 to 15 percent woody plants. The plant community is predominately cool-season midgrasses, with a smaller component of warm-season shortgrasses. The major grasses and grass-likes include western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Secondary grasses include thickspike wheatgrass, little bluestem, prairie Junegrass, threadleaf sedge, Cusick’s bluegrass, needle and thread, and blue- and hairy grama, squirreltail, and plains muhly. A variety of forbs include American vetch, white- and purple prairieclover, breadroot scurfpea, and prairie coneflower. Primary shrubs are big sagebrush, winterfat, or birdfoot sagebrush (see the Species Composition List for additional information). Plant diversity is high. In the Shallow Clayey 10 to 14” PZ ecological site, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 750 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 450 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,000 pounds per acre in above-average years. Defoliation levels should be determined as part of a grazing management plan based on objectives. Nutrient and water cycles, and energy flow are functioning properly. Infiltration rates are moderate, and soil erosion is low. Litter is properly distributed where vegetative cover is continuous. Decadence and natural plant mortality are low. This community is resistant to many disturbances except excessive grazing or development into urban or other uses.

Figure 8. 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	586	943	1300
Shrub/Vine	138	219	300
Forb	45	73	100
Total	769	1235	1700

Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1401, 10-14NP upland sites.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	10	30	35	10	5	5	5	0	0

Community 1.2
Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis/Pascopyrum smithii (Wyoming big sagebrush/western wheatgrass)

This plant community developed with excessive grazing without adequate recovery opportunity during the growing season. Green needlegrass may initially increase or decrease depending on the season of grazing use. Palatable forbs such as white and purple prairieclover, American vetch, and penstemon are present in reduced amounts. white sagebrush (cudweed sagewort), hairy false goldenaster, slimflower scurfpea, large Indian breadroot, scarlet globemallow, broom snakeweed and fringed sagewort, have increased. Big sagebrush canopy has also increased. Natural disturbances such as lack of fire can contribute to this shift. In the Shallow Clayey 10 to 14“ PZ ecological site, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 600 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 350 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 800 pounds per acre in above-average years. Total aboveground biomass has been reduced. Reduction of rhizomatous wheatgrasses, nitrogen-fixing forbs, and increased warm-season shortgrasses have begun to alter the biotic integrity of this community. Water and nutrient cycles may be impaired. Nearly all plant species typically found in the Reference Plant Community are present and will respond to changes in grazing management.

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1401, 10-14NP upland sites.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	0	10	30	35	10	5	5	5	0	0

Community 1.3
Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis/Bouteloua gracilis-Carex filifolia (Wyoming big sagebrush/blue grama-threadleaf sedge)

This plant community developed with excessive grazing without adequate recovery during the growing season. Grazing-tolerant species such as blue grama and threadleaf sedge have noticeably increased. Midgrasses such as green needlegrass may initially increase or decrease depending on the season of grazing use. Palatable forbs such as white and purple prairieclover, American vetch, and penstemon are present in reduced amounts. Hairy false goldenaster, slimflower scurfpea, scarlet globemallow, fringed sagewort, and broom snakeweed have increased. Big sagebrush canopy may be reduced by fire. Natural disturbances such as fire and drought can contribute to this shift. In the Shallow Clayey 10 to 14“ PZ ecological site, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 550 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 300 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 700 pounds per acre in above-average years. Total aboveground biomass has been reduced. Reduction of rhizomatous wheatgrasses, nitrogen-fixing forbs, and increased warm-season shortgrasses have begun to alter the biotic integrity of this community. Water and nutrient cycles may be impaired. Nearly all plant species typically found in the Reference Plant Community are present and will respond to changes in grazing management.

Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5803, Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant. Cool-season/warm-season co-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
		3	10	20	28	21	10	5	3

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or lack of fire, can shift this plant community toward the Increased Big Sagebrush Plant Community. Over a period of years, plant species less tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation will begin to decrease, and those more tolerant will begin to increase. Continuous seasonal-use grazing, from year-to-year (i.e. spring grazing only) will result in a loss of cool-season species. Conversely, summer use only will result in a reduction of warm-season species. Big sagebrush canopy may also increase with lack of fire. Biotic integrity and the water and nutrient cycles may become impaired because of this community pathway.

Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3

Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, drought, or fire can shift this plant community toward the Decreased Midgrasses Plant Community. Over a period of years, plant species less tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation will begin to decrease, and those more tolerant will begin to increase. Excessive grazing from year-to-year will result in a reduction or loss of cool-season species. Biotic integrity and water and nutrient cycles may become impaired because of this community pathway.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, along with proper stocking rates, will shift the Increased Big Sagebrush Plant Community back toward the Reference Plant Community. Natural disturbances such as return to normal precipitation and/or fire will contribute to this shift.

Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1

Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, and proper stocking rates, will shift the Decreased Midgrasses Plant Community back toward the Reference Plant Community. Natural disturbances such as return to normal precipitation patterns and/or no fire will contribute to this shift.

State 2
Sod-Bound State

This state is characterized by the Sod-bound Plant Community. An ecological threshold has been crossed and a significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference State. Significant biotic and soil changes have negatively impacted energy flow and the nutrient and hydrologic cycles. This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of blue grama and buffalograss to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (or root pan), and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. The loss of other functional/structural groups such as cool-season bunch and rhizomatous grasses, forbs, and shrubs, reduces the biodiversity and productivity of this site.

Community 2.1
Bouteloua gracilis-Carex filifolia (blue grama-threadleaf sedge)

This plant community develops under long-term frequent and severe defoliation. This typically occurs when the community has been excessively grazed with heavy stocking rates throughout the growing season over a period of many years. The midgrasses and palatable forbs have been eliminated. The dominant species are blue grama and threadleaf sedge. These species have developed into a sod-bound condition occurring in localized colonies exhibiting a mosaic appearance. Perennial threeawn species such as Fendler’s threeawn have increased. Forbs such as scarlet globemallow, wild onion, death camas, and slimflower scurfpea remain. Forbs and shrubs that continue to increase are Cuman ragweed (western ragweed), hairy false goldenaster, fringed sagewort, and pricklypear. Plant diversity is low. Energy flow and the water and mineral cycles have been negatively affected. Litter levels are very low and unevenly distributed. In the Shallow Clayey 10 to 14“ PZ ecological site, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 500 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 250 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 650 pounds per acre in above-average years. This plant community is extremely resistant to change. Many plant species are missing a seed source is not readily available.

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5804, Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part upland w/warm-season. 10-14" PZ, with warm-season dominant grasses and forbs.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
			5	20	35	30	8	2

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5804, Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part upland w/warm-season. 10-14" PZ, with warm-season dominant grasses and forbs.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
			5	20	35	30	8	2

State 3
Eroded State

The Eroded State develops with long-term excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation, without adequate recovery between grazing events, and/or heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking, will cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increased Bare Ground State. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter or carbon reserves are concerns.

Community 3.1
Opuntia polyacantha/Aristida purpurea-Bromus arvensis (plains pricklypear/Fendler’s threeawn-field brome)

This plant community occurs where the rangeland is grazed year-round at high stock densities. Physical impact such as trampling, soil compaction, and trailing typically contribute to this transition. The plant composition is made of annuals with a few species of perennial forbs and grasses that are very tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation. Grasses include Fendler’s threeawn. Annuals such as six-weeks fescue, Russian thistle, and kochia have increased or invaded. The dominant forbs include hairy false goldenaster, curlycup gumweed, field cottonrose, and woolly plantain. Green sagewort, broom snakeweed, and pricklypear are increasing. Annual bromes such as field brome (also known as Japanese brome), and cheatgrass invade. In the Shallow Clayey 10 to 14“ PZ ecological site , the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 400 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 150 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 550 pounds per acre in above-average years. Soil erosion hazard has increased due to the increase of bare ground. Runoff typically is high and infiltration is low. All ecological functions are impaired. Desertification is advanced.

Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY5804, Northern Rolling High Plains, Southern Part upland w/warm-season. 10-14" PZ, with warm-season dominant grasses and forbs.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
			5	20	35	30	8	2

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Transition 1.3 to 2 (T1A): Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events or frequent and severe defoliation, will shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Sod-Bound State. Biotic integrity and hydrologic function will be impaired because of this transition.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Long-term excessive grazing or frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery between grazing events, or heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking, will cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Eroded State.

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	Cool-Season Rhizomatous			180–400
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	180–400	10–40
	thickspike wheatgrass	ELLAL	Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus	180–400	10–40
2	Cool-Season Bunch Midgrasses			293–650
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSP6	Pseudoroegneria spicata	180–400	10–40
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	68–150	5–15
	Cusick's bluegrass	POCU3	Poa cusickii	45–100	1–10
3	Warm-Season Shortgrass			23–50
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	23–50	1–5
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	23–50	1–5
4	Miscellaneous			90–200
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	23–50	1–5
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	23–50	1–5
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	23–50	1–5
	plains reedgrass	CAMO	Calamagrostis montanensis	23–50	1–5
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	23–50	1–5
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	23–50	1–5
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	23–50	1–5
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	23–50	1–5
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	23–50	1–5
	plains muhly	MUCU3	Muhlenbergia cuspidata	23–50	1–5
Forb
5	Forbs			45–100
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	23–50	1–5
	aster	ASTER	Aster	23–50	1–5
	desertparsley	LOMAT	Lomatium	23–50	1–5
	rosy pussytoes	ANRO2	Antennaria rosea	23–50	1–5
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	23–50	1–5
	stemless mock goldenweed	STAC	Stenotus acaulis	23–50	1–5
	sulphur-flower buckwheat	ERUM	Eriogonum umbellatum	23–50	1–5
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	23–50	1–5
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	23–50	1–5
	white prairie clover	DACA7	Dalea candida	23–50	1–5
	bluebells	MERTE	Mertensia	23–50	1–5
	textile onion	ALTE	Allium textile	23–50	1–5
	twogrooved milkvetch	ASBI2	Astragalus bisulcatus	23–50	1–5
	tarragon	ARDR4	Artemisia dracunculus	23–50	1–5
	tapertip hawksbeard	CRAC2	Crepis acuminata	23–50	1–5
	common yarrow	ACMI2	Achillea millefolium	23–50	1–5
	prairie thermopsis	THRH	Thermopsis rhombifolia	23–50	1–5
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	23–50	1–5
Shrub/Vine
6	Shrubs			125–275
	Subshrub (<.5m)	2SUBS	Subshrub (<.5m)	23–50	1–5
	Wyoming big sagebrush	ARTRW8	Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis	23–50	1–5
	birdfoot sagebrush	ARPE6	Artemisia pedatifida	23–50	1–5
	winterfat	KRLA2	Krascheninnikovia lanata	23–50	1–5
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	23–50	1–5
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	23–50	1–5
Tree
7	Trees			13–25
	Rocky Mountain juniper	JUSC2	Juniperus scopulorum	13–25	1–5
	ponderosa pine	PIPO	Pinus ponderosa	13–25	1–5

Interpretations

Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations

Rhizomatous wheatgrass/ Green needlegrass (Reference): The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as bison, elk, and antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for deer may be limited due to the low quantities of woody plants. However, topographical variations could provide some escape cover. When found adjacent to sagebrush dominated states, this plant community may provide brood-rearing and foraging areas for sage grouse, as well as lek sites. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles. Many grassland-obligate small mammals would occur here.

Heavy Sagebrush: This plant community can provide important winter foraging for elk, mule deer and antelope, as sagebrush can approach 15 percent protein and 40 to 60 percent digestibility during that time. This community provides excellent escape and thermal cover for large ungulates, as well as nesting and brood rearing habitat for sage grouse.

Mixed Sagebrush/Grass: The combination of an overstory of sagebrush and an understory of grasses and forbs provide a very diverse plant community for wildlife. The crowns of sagebrush tend to break up hard crusted snow on winter ranges, so mule deer and antelope may use this state for foraging and cover year-round, as would cottontail and jack rabbits. It provides important winter, nesting, brood-rearing, and foraging habitat for sage grouse. Brewer’s sparrows’ nest in big sagebrush plants and hosts of other nesting birds utilize stands in the 20-30% cover range.

Big sagebrush/Birdfoot sage/Cheatgrass: This plant community can provide important winter foraging for elk, mule deer and antelope, as sagebrush can approach 15 percent protein and 40 to 60 percent digestibility during that time. Grazing during spring to fall may be restricted due to low grass production. This community provides nesting and brood rearing habitat for sage grouse.

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations (updated in 2019 Provisional revision)

The following table is a guide to stocking rates for the plant communities described in the Shallow Clayey 10-14 inch Precipitation Zone ecological site. These are conservative estimates for initial planning. On-site conditions will vary, and stocking rates should be adjusted based on range inventories, animal kind and class, forage availability (adjusted for slope and distance to water), and the type of grazing system (number of pastures, planned moves, etc.), all of which is determined in the conservation planning process.

The following stocking rates are based on the total annual forage production in a normal year multiplied by 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species, divided by 912 pounds of ingested air-dry vegetation for an animal unit per month (Natl. Range and Pasture Handbook, 1997). An animal unit month is defined as the amount of forage required by one livestock animal, with or without one calf, for one month, and is shortened to AUM.

Plant Community (PC) Production (total lbs./acre in a normal year) and Stocking Rate (AUM/acre) are listed below:

Example:
750 lbs. per acre X 25% Harvest Efficiency = 188 lbs. forage demand for one month. 188 lbs. per acre/912 demand per AUM =0.21

Reference Plant Community 450-1000 .2
Heavy Sagebrush 450-900 .17
Mixed Sagebrush/Grass 450-900 .17
Big sagebrush/Birdfoot sage/Cheatgrass 300-600 .05

Increased Bare Ground PC (*) (*)

* Highly variable stocking rates need to be determined on site.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangelands in this area provide year-long forage under prescribed grazing for cattle, sheep, horses, and other herbivores. During the dormant period, livestock may need supplementation based on reliable forage analysis.

Hydrological functions

Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups C and D. Infiltration ranges from very slow to moderately slow. Runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending upon soil hydrologic group and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where short-grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrology information).

Due to the wide slope range associated with this site, the number and extent of rills will vary from: None expected on slopes less than 9%. On slopes greater than 15%, if rills are present, they will be discontinuous. Common on slopes >25%. Water flow patterns will vary from barely observable on sites with slopes of <9% from broken and irregular in appearance to continuous with numerous debris dams on slopes >25%. Water flow patterns, when present, are often associated with animal activity. Pedestals and/or terracettes are not expected to occur on slopes <9%. Pedestals and/or terracettes will be present on steeper slopes (>9% slopes) with no exposed roots. Drought and fire should not increase the incidence of pedestals except on the steepest slopes. Fine litter will generally move short distances. Litter debris dams are occasionally present on slopes <9%. Litter movement does occur on slopes >25%. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1 to 2 percent of the soil surface.

Recreational uses

This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are present on the site.

Other products

None noted.

Other information

Site Development & Testing Plan

General Data (MLRA and Revision Notes, Hierarchical Classification, Ecological Site Concept, Physiographic, Climate, and Water Features, and Soils Data):

Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.

Community Phase Data (Ecological Dynamics, STM, Transition & Recovery Pathways, Reference Plant Community, Species Composition List, Annual Production Table):

Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.

Annual Production Table is from the “Previously Approved” ESD (2001).

The Annual Production Table and Species Composition List will be reviewed for future updates at the Approved level.

Each Alternative State/Community:

Complete to Provisional level.

Supporting Information (Site Interpretations, Assoc. & Similar Sites, Inventory Data References, Agency/State Correlation, References):

Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.

Wildlife Interpretations: Narrative is from “Previously Approved” ESD (2001). Wildlife species will need to be updated at the next Approved level.

Livestock Interpretations: Plant community names and stocking rates updated.

Hydrology, Recreational Uses, Wood Products, and Other Products carried over from previously “Approved” ESD (2001).

Existing NRI Inventory Data References updated. More field data collection is necessary to support this site concept.

Reference Sheet
Rangeland Health Reference Sheet carried over from previously “Approved” ESD (2005).
It will be updated at the next “Approved” level.

“Future work, as described in a project plan, to validate the information in this provisional ecological site description is needed. This will include field activities to collect low and medium intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document.” (NI 430_306 ESI and ESD, April 2015)

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Inventory data has been collected on private and federal lands by the following methods:
• Double Sampling (Determining Vegetation Production and Stocking Rates, WY-ECS-1)
• Rangeland Health (Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, Version 4, 2005)
• Soil Stability (Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, Version 4, 2005)
• Line Point Intercept (Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems, Volume II, 2005)
• Soil Pedon Descriptions (Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils, Version 3, 2012)
• SCS-RANGE-417 (Production & Composition Record for Native Grazing Lands)
NRI- Natural Resource Inventory data

National Resources Inventory (NRI)
Number of Records: 25
Sample Period: 2005-2017
Counties: Campbell, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, Weston

Additional data collection includes ESI data collection in conjunction with Soil Surveys conducted within MLRA 58B; ocular estimates; rangeland vegetative clipping for NRCS program support; field observations from experienced rangeland personnel

Data collection for this ecological site was done in conjunction with the progressive soil surveys within MLRA 58B Northern Rolling High Plains (Southern Part)

Note: Revisions to soil surveys are on-going. For the most recent updates, visit the Web Soil Survey, the official site for soils information: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

Other references

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Branson, D.H. and G.A. Sword. 2010. An experimental analysis of grasshopper community responses to fire and livestock grazing in a northern mixed-grass prairie. Environmental Entomology 39:1441–1446.

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Soil Survey Staff. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Soil Survey Staff. 2014. Keys to Soil Taxonomy, 12th edition. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Web Soil Survey. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available online. https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ Accessed 15 February, 2018.

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Additional References:

Augustine, D.J., J. Derner, D. Milchunas, D. Blumenthal, and L. Porensky. 2017. Grazing moderates increases in C3 grass abundance over seven decades across a soil texture gradient in shortgrass steppe. In: Journal of Vegetation Science, DOI:10.1111/jvs.12508.

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Connell, L. C., J. D. Scasta, and L. M. Porensky. 2018. Prairie dogs and wildfires shape vegetation structure in a sagebrush grassland more than does rest from ungulate grazing. Ecosphere 9(8):e02390. 10.1002/ecs2.2390

Collins, S. and S. Barber. (1985). Effects of disturbance on diversity in mixed-grass prairie. In: Vegetatio, 64, pages 87-94.

Egan, Timothy. 2006. The Worst Hard Time. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, New York, NY.

Guyette, R.P., M.C. Stambaugh, D.C. Dey, and R.M. Muzika. 2012. Predicting fire frequency with chemistry and climate. In: Ecosystems, 15: pages 322-335.

Hart, R. and J. Hart. 1997. Rangelands of the Great Plains before European settlement. In: Rangelands, 19(1), pages 4-11.

Hart, R. 2001. Plant biodiversity on shortgrass steppe after 55 years of zero, light, moderate, or heavy cattle grazing. In: Plant Ecology, 155, pages 111-118.

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Porensky, L.M. and D.M. Blumenthal. 2016. Historical wildfires do not promote cheatgrass invasion in a western Great Plains steppe. In: Biological Invasions 18:3333-3349: DOI 10.1007/s10530-16-1225-z

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Mack, Richard N. and J.N. Thompson. 1982. Evolution in steppe with few large, hooved mammals. In: The American Naturalist. 119, No. 6, pages 757-773

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Contributors

Everett Bainter
Glenn Mitchell

Approval

Kirt Walstad, 10/05/2023

Acknowledgments

Project Staff:

Kimberly Diller, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS MLRA SSO, Pueblo CO
Mike Leno, Project Leader, NRCS MLRA SSO, Buffalo, WY

Partners/Contributors:

Joe Dyer, Soil Scientist, NRCS MLRA SSO, Buffalo, WY
Arnie Irwin, Soil Scientist, BLM, Buffalo, WY
Blaine Horn, Rangeland Extension Educator, UW Extension, Buffalo, WY
Isabelle Giuliani, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Douglas, WY
Mary Jo Kimble, Project Leader, NRCS MLRA SSO, Miles City, MT
Ryan Murray, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Buffalo, WY
Lauren Porensky, Ph.D., Ecologist, ARS, Fort Collins, CO
Chadley Prosser, Rangeland Program Manager, USFS, Bismarck, ND
Bryan Christensen, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS-MLRA SSO, Pinedale, WY
Marji Patz, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS-MLRA SSO, Powell, WY
Rick Peterson, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, NRCS-MLRA SSO, Rapid City, SD

Program Support:

John Hartung, WY State Rangeland Management Specialist-QC, NRCS, Casper, WY
David Kraft, NRCS MLRA Ecological Site Inventory Specialist-QA, Emporia, KS
Carla Green Adams, Editor, NRCS-SSR5, Denver, CO
Chad Remley, Regional Director, Northern Great Plains Soil Survey, Salina, KS

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	04/01/2005
Approved by	Kirt Walstad
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production