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Ecological site R058BY174WY

Subirrigated (Sb) 10-17” PZ

Last updated: 10/05/2023
Accessed: 04/25/2024

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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

The Subirrigated 10-17” Precipitation Zone (PZ) site occurs on sedimentary plains or lowlands, adjacent to streams, springs, and ponds. It is a cool-season mixed-grass prairie (bunch- and rhizomatous) tall- and midgrasses and grass-likes, with secondary warm-season mid- and shortgrasses (bunch- and rhizomatous), followed by a minor component of forbs and shrubs. The variability in water table provides a mosaic of drier and wetter areas on a meadow site.

Associated sites

R058BY178WY	Wetland (WL) 10-17” PZ Wetland 10-14 is generally the lowest point of the landscape and directly tied to the water table or channel.
R058BY128WY	Lowland (LL) 10-14” PZ Lowland 10-14 is generally higher on the landscape on floodplain steps or benches above the channel system.

R058BY178WY

Wetland (WL) 10-17” PZ

Wetland 10-14 is generally the lowest point of the landscape and directly tied to the water table or channel.

R058BY128WY

Lowland (LL) 10-14” PZ

Lowland 10-14 is generally higher on the landscape on floodplain steps or benches above the channel system.

Similar sites

R058BY128WY	Lowland (LL) 10-14” PZ Lowland has a water table for only a short period of time and it is deep in the soil profile. Lower productivity and a lower composition of hydrophytic plants.
R058BY178WY	Wetland (WL) 10-17” PZ Wetland has a water table to the surface or above the surface for an extended part of the growing season. Highest production and all hydrophytic plants.

R058BY128WY

Lowland (LL) 10-14” PZ

Lowland has a water table for only a short period of time and it is deep in the soil profile. Lower productivity and a lower composition of hydrophytic plants.

R058BY178WY

Wetland (WL) 10-17” PZ

Wetland has a water table to the surface or above the surface for an extended part of the growing season. Highest production and all hydrophytic plants.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Andropogon gerardii (2) Spartina pectinata

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on nearly level drainageways, flood plains, and stream terraces; and on sedimentary plains or lowlands, adjacent to streams, springs and ponds.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Drainageway (2) Flood plain (3) Stream terrace
Runoff class	Negligible to very high
Flooding duration	Very brief (4 to 48 hours)
Flooding frequency	Rare to occasional
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	3,500 – 6,000 ft
Slope	6%
Water table depth	36 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)	88-105 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	122-129 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	13-15 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	84-110 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	118-130 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	10-17 in
Frost-free period (average)	101 days
Freeze-free period (average)	125 days
Precipitation total (average)	14 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) GLENROCK 5 ESE [USC00483950], Glenrock, WY
(2) BUFFALO [USC00481165], Buffalo, WY
(3) WRIGHT 12W [USC00489805], Gillette, WY
(4) DULL CTR 1SE [USC00482725], Douglas, WY
(5) MIDWEST [USC00486195], Midwest, WY
(6) SHERIDAN CO AP [USW00024029], Sheridan, WY
(7) LEITER 9N [USC00485506], Clearmont, WY
(8) DOUGLAS 1 SE [USC00482685], Douglas, WY
(9) GILLETTE 4SE [USC00483855], Gillette, WY
(10) DILLINGER [USC00482580], Gillette, WY

Influencing water features

There is a seasonal water table that influences the vegetation and management of the Subirrigated 10 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone ecological site. The water table in some areas is anthropogenic, caused by seepage from nearby irrigation ditches, canals, and reservoirs. Map units in this ESD typically have hydric components for stream terraces and flood plains that have a water table.

Wetland description

Wetland Description (Cowardin System)

System - Palustrine
Subsystem - N/A
Class - Emergent Wetland

Soil features

The soils on this site are deep to very deep, very poorly to somewhat poorly drained, and formed in alluvium derived from sandstone or shale. The permeability class ranges from slow to rapid for the soils on this site. The available water capacity is typically moderate but may range to high or very high in some soils. The surface layer of the soils in this site are typically fine sandy loam or silty clay, but may include loam, silt loam, silty clay loam, clay loam, sandy loam, loamy sand, or clay. The surface layer ranges from a depth of 2 to 10 inches thick. The subsoil is stratified with thin to moderately thick, highly variable textural strata that when averaged is typically sandy loam, silty clay, clay, clay loam, or silty clay loam. The subsoil typically contains 0 to 5 percent rock fragments. Soils in this site are typically calcareous to the surface, but some pedons are leached as deep as 10 inches, depending upon the source material of the most recent deposition. These soils are susceptible to erosion by water and wind. The potential for water erosion accelerates with increasing slope.The soil moisture regime is typically aquic but may include aridic. The soil temperature regime is mesic.

Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Bigwinder, Boruff

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

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium – sandstone and shale
Surface texture	(1) Fine sandy loam (2) Silty clay (3) Loam (4) Silt loam (5) Silty clay loam (6) Clay loam (7) Sandy loam (8) Loamy sand (9) Clay
Drainage class	Somewhat poorly drained
Permeability class	Moderate to moderately slow
Soil depth	20 – 80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	5%
Available water capacity (Depth not specified)	3.6 – 8.4 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified)	10%
Electrical conductivity (Depth not specified)	4 – 16 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified)	25
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified)	6.6 – 8.4
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	15%

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 warm-season rhizomatous tall- and midgrasses and cool-season rhizomatous grass. A minor component of sedge, rush, spikerush, and bulrush species; forbs and shrubs are also present (see the species composition list for more information). 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.

In addition to the Reference State, other plant communities can occur on this site and are usually the result of historic management practices. Grazing practices such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, heavier stocking rates, or a combination of these factors on this ecological site results in grasses such as big bluestem, prairie cordgrass, western wheatgrass, and slender wheatgrass decreasing in frequency and production. Species such as Baltic rush, scouring rush, and other grass-likes will increase to form a cool-season-dominated plant community. Eventually all tall- and midgrasses will be removed. Kentucky bluegrass will invade and eventually become sod-bound. Over the long-term, this continuous use in combination with high stocking rates will result in a broken sod appearance. Bare ground may increase depending upon water table depth. Noxious weeds will invade. Once these events have occurred, it is difficult for native perennial plants to reestablish. Trees such as Russian olive may also invade if a seed source is available. 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. Increased Bare Ground State

T1A	-	Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods, 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. Carex nebraskensis/Leymus cinereus (Nebraska Sedge/Basin Wildrye)

1.2. Pascopyrum smithii/Carex nebraskensis (Western wheatgrass/Nebraska Sedge)

1.3. Rhizomatous grasses/forbs

1.1A	-	Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, or frequent and severe defoliation, and extended drought
1.1B	-	Non-use or lack of fire
1.2A	-	Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, along with proper stocking rates
1.3A	-	The return of grazing with adequate recovery and/or normal fire frequency

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Phalaris arundinacea-Bromus inermis (reed canarygrass-smooth brome)

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Poa pratensis-Hordeum jubatum (Kentucky bluegrass-foxtail barley)

State 1
Reference State

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

Community 1.1
Carex nebraskensis/Leymus cinereus (Nebraska Sedge/Basin Wildrye)

This is the interpretive plant community for the Subirrigated 10 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone ecological site. This community developed with grazing by large herbivores and is suited to grazing by domestic livestock. Historically, fires likely occurred infrequently, and were 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 80 percent grasses and grass-likes, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 5 to 10 percent woody plants. The major grasses include prairie cordgrass and western wheatgrass. Secondary species include thickspike wheatgrass, basin wildrye, and tufted hairgrass, slender wheatgrass, Canada wildrye, and Nebraska sedge. Other minor grasses include foxtail barley and mat muhly. This site has a minor component of grass-likes such as Baltic rush, spikerush, and bulrush species; and forbs such as scouringrush horsetail, arrowgrass, and clovers; Also found on this site are Maximilian sunflower, white heath aster, white sagebrush (also known as cudweed sagewort), and milkvetch; and a minor component of willows are also present. In the Subirrigated 10 to 17 inch precipitation zone (PZ), the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 4,000 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 3,500 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 4,500 pounds per acre in above-average years. Defoliation levels should be determined as part of a grazing management plan based on objectives. Community dynamics (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	4825	6238	7650
Forb	525	600	675
Shrub/Vine	350	400	450
Total	5700	7238	8775

Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1403, 10-14NP free water 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	5	15	30	25	10	15	0	0	0

Community 1.2
Pascopyrum smithii/Carex nebraskensis (Western wheatgrass/Nebraska Sedge)

This plant community developed with excessive grazing without adequate recovery opportunity during the growing season. Basin wildrye and prairie cordgrass have been reduced. Most of the palatable plants such as switchgrass, Canada wildrye, and slender wheatgrass are present but occur in lesser amounts. Kentucky bluegrass has begun to invade. Forbs and shrubs are still present in small amounts. This plant community is at risk of losing tall warm-season grasses, and palatable forbs and shrubs. The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 2,700 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 2,400 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 3,000 pounds per acre in above-average years. Total aboveground biomass has been reduced. Reduction of tall warm-season grasses, nitrogen-fixing forbs, and increased sod-forming grasses and grass-likes have begun to alter the biotic integrity of this community. Water and nutrient cycles may be impaired. Recognition of this plant community will enable the land user to implement key management decisions before a significant ecological threshold is crossed. Plant diversity is moderate. 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). WY1403, 10-14NP free water 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	5	15	30	25	10	15	0	0	0

Community 1.3
Rhizomatous grasses/forbs

This plant community developed under the absence of grazing, fire, or haying. Plant species resemble the Reference Plant Community; however, frequency and production will be reduced. Standing dead canopy may prevent sunlight from reaching plant crowns. Much of the available nutrients are tied up in standing dead plant material and litter. Eventually, litter levels can become high enough to cause decadence or mortality of the stand. Bunchgrasses, slender wheatgrass and basin wildrye, typically develop dead centers and rhizomatous grasses can form small decadent communities due to a lack of impact by grazing animals. The semiarid environment and the absence of animal traffic to break down litter will slow nutrient recycling. Water flow patterns and pedestalling can become apparent. Infiltration is reduced and runoff is increased. In advanced states of non-use (rest) or lack of fire, bare areas will increase, and cause an erosion concern. Total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 3,400 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 3,000 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 3,800 pounds per acre in above-average years. This plant community is at risk of crossing an ecological threshold to the Eroded State. 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). WY1503, 15-17NP Free water sites - WL, Sb, SS.

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	5	15	35	30	5	10	0	0	0

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, or frequent and severe defoliation, and extended drought can shift this plant community toward the Decreased Warm-Season Grasses 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. 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

Non-use or lack of fire will cause the Reference Plant Community to shift toward the Low Plant Density Plant Community. Plant decadence and standing dead plant material will impede energy flow. Initially, excess litter will increase. Eventually, native plant density begins to decrease and weeds and introduced species may begin to invade. Water and nutrient cycles will be impaired as a result 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 Decreased Warm-Season Grasses Plant Community back toward the Reference Plant Community. Natural disturbances such as return to normal precipitation will contribute to this shift.

Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1

The return of grazing with adequate recovery and/or normal fire frequency can shift this plant community toward the Reference Plant Community. This change can occur in a relatively short time frame with the return of these disturbances.

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 inland saltgrass to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (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 productivity of this site.

Community 2.1
Phalaris arundinacea-Bromus inermis (reed canarygrass-smooth brome)

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 tall- and midgrasses and palatable forbs have been eliminated. Kentucky bluegrass has fully invaded the community and persists in a sod-bound condition. Baltic rush, various sedges, and foxtail barley have increased. Remnant amounts of western wheatgrass may persist in localized colonies. Big bluestem, little bluestem, prairie cordgrass, Indiangrass, and switchgrass have been removed. Annual weeds such as kochia and Russian thistle have also invaded. The plant community lacks diversity and is resistant to change. Energy flow and the water cycle and mineral cycles have been negatively affected. Litter levels are very low and unevenly distributed. In the 10 to 17 inch precipitation zone, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 2,000 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 1,750 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 3,600 pounds per acre in above-average years.

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1403, 10-14NP free water 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	5	15	30	25	10	15	0	0	0

State 3
Increased Bare Ground State

The Increased Bare Ground State develops with heavy, excessive grazing or excessive defoliation. An ecological threshold has been crossed. The Increased Bare Ground State denotes changes in infiltration, runoff, aggregate stability, and species composition. The changes in water movement and the plant community affect changes in hydrologic functionality, biotic integrity, and soil and site stability. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion vary depending upon the vegetation present. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are resource concerns. Desertification is advanced. This alternative state should be tested and refined in future updates through long-term observation of ecosystem behavior, and repeated application of conservation and restoration practices.

Community 3.1
Poa pratensis-Hordeum jubatum (Kentucky bluegrass-foxtail barley)

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. Kentucky bluegrass still dominates the plant community; however, areas of sod have been removed, resulting in a broken sod-bound appearance. Bare ground may be a concern if water table levels are low. Annual invasive forbs and grasses include kochia, Russian thistle, and cheatgrass. Noxious weeds, such as Dalmatian toadflax and leafy spurge may invade. Forage palatability for livestock is low. In the 10 to 17 inch precipitation zone, the total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,600 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 1400 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,800 pounds per acre in above-average years. NOTE: This plant community is highly variable, in both species composition and production. Average annual production should be determined on-site. This plant community is very resistant to change because of the lack of native species and the amount of invasive species present. Wind and water erosion may occur if bare ground has increased. Litter amounts are greatly reduced. Continued heavy use will cause severe compaction problems.

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1403, 10-14NP free water 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	5	15	30	25	10	15	0	0	0

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods, 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 Increased Bare Ground 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 Grasses			175–900
	thickspike wheatgrass	ELLAL	Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus	175–900	5–20
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	175–900	5–20
2	Cool-Season Bunchgrasses			3500–4500
	basin wildrye	LECI4	Leymus cinereus	525–675	5–15
	bearded wheatgrass	ELCA11	Elymus caninus	525–675	5–15
	bluejoint	CACA4	Calamagrostis canadensis	525–675	5–15
	Nebraska sedge	CANE2	Carex nebrascensis	525–675	5–15
	northern reedgrass	CASTI3	Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa	525–675	5–15
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	525–675	5–15
	tufted hairgrass	DECE	Deschampsia cespitosa	525–675	5–15
3	Warm-Season Tallgrass			1200–1800
	prairie cordgrass	SPPE	Spartina pectinata	525–1125	10–25
4	Miscellaneous			200–600
	mat muhly	MURI	Muhlenbergia richardsonis	175–225	1–5
	arctic rush	JUAR2	Juncus arcticus	175–225	1–5
	Canada wildrye	ELCA4	Elymus canadensis	175–225	1–5
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	175–225	1–5
	inland sedge	CAIN11	Carex interior	175–225	1–5
	spike sedge	CANA2	Carex nardina	175–225	1–5
Forb
5	Forbs			525–675
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	175–200	–
	sunflower	HELIA3	Helianthus	175–200	–
	white prairie clover	DACA7	Dalea candida	175–200	–
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	175–200	–
	aster	ASTER	Aster	175–200	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	175–200	–
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	175–200	–
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	175–200	–
	scouringrush horsetail	EQHY	Equisetum hyemale	175–200	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	175–200	–
	bluebells	MERTE	Mertensia	175–200	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	175–200	–
	seaside arrowgrass	TRMA20	Triglochin maritima	175–200	–
	textile onion	ALTE	Allium textile	175–200	–
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	175–200	–
Shrub/Vine
6	Shrubs			350–450
	Subshrub (<.5m)	2SUBS	Subshrub (<.5m)	350–450	5–10
	willow	SALIX	Salix	350–450	1–5
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	350–450	1–5

Interpretations

Animal community

Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations (from 2001 ESD; will be revised in future updates)

Nebraska sedge/basin wildrye/prairie cordgrass (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. This plant community may provide brood-rearing and foraging areas for sage grouse. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles. Many grassland-obligate small mammals would occur here.

Western wheatgrass/Kentucky bluegrass: This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat equals good foraging for birds.

Kentucky bluegrass/dandelion: This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Reference Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat also is good foraging for birds.

Dry, western wheatgrass/Cheatgrass: This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Reference Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat also is good foraging for birds.

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

The following table is a guide to stocking rates for the plant communities described in the Subirrigated 10 to 17 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, 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 (National 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.

Example:
4,000 lbs. per acre X 25% Harvest Efficiency = 1,000 lbs. forage demand for one month. 1,000 lbs. per acre/912 demand per AUM =1.1

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

Reference Plant Community 3500-4500 2.0
Western wheatgrass/Kentucky bluegrass 1800-2500 1.2
Kentucky bluegrass/dandelion 900-1500 1.0
Dry, western wheatgrass/Cheatgrass 600-900 .25

Increased Bare Ground PC (*) (*)

* Highly variable stocking rates must 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

Climate is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B and C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. Infiltration ranges from moderately slow to moderately rapid. 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).

Rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable, if at all present. Pedestals should not be present. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. 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)

National Resources Inventory (NRI)
Number of Records: 1
Sample Period: 2005-2017
Counties: Converse

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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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