Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R058BY250WY
Sandy (Sy) 15-17” PZ
Last updated: 9/15/2024
Accessed: 11/23/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 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 Sandy 15-17” PZ site occurs on nearly level to gentle slopes on sedimentary plains or uplands. It is a cool- and warm-season mixed-grass prairie (mid- and shortgrasses), with a lesser component of forbs and shrubs. The soils of this ecological site are moderately deep to very deep and are well drained. The soil surface textures are typically Sandy, Loamy fine Sand, Loamy Sand, or Sandy Loam, and contain less than 18 percent clay.
Associated sites
| R058BY266WY |
Shallow Sandy (SwSy) 15-17” PZ Shallow Sandy soils are shallow, reside closer to the rock out crop and bedrock, and are lower production. |
|---|---|
| R058BY222WY |
Loamy (Ly) 15-17” PZ Loamy occurs on more interbedded sedimentary deposits, or lower in the landscape. |
| R058BY146WY |
Sands (Sa) 10-14" PZ Sands sites occur in areas with more wind movement of soils, creating depositional areas with lower development of the soils. Lower production than the Sandy site. |
Similar sites
| R058BY150WY |
Sandy (Sy) 10-14” PZ Sandy 10-14” PZ has lower production. |
|---|---|
| R058BY222WY |
Loamy (Ly) 15-17” PZ Loamy 15-17 has similar production but slightly different plant community. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Artemisia cana |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Hesperostipa comata |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level to gently sloping fans and ridges, and on footslopes or backslopes of hills, on sedimentary plains or uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Alluvial fan
(2) Fan remnant (3) Ridge (4) Hill |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Negligible |
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 1,006 – 1,585 m |
| Slope | 0 – 15% |
| Water table depth | 203 cm |
| 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 (PZs). 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 15 to 17 inch precipitation zone:
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 88-105 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 122-130 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 381-406 mm |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 83-109 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 119-130 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 381-432 mm |
| Frost-free period (average) | 101 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 125 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 381 mm |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) BIDDLE 8 SW [USC00240743], Biddle, MT
-
(2) DOUGLAS 1 SE [USC00482685], Douglas, WY
-
(3) GILLETTE 4SE [USC00483855], Gillette, WY
-
(4) LEITER 9N [USC00485506], Clearmont, WY
-
(5) DILLINGER [USC00482580], Gillette, WY
-
(6) SHERIDAN CO AP [USW00024029], Sheridan, 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 typically deep to very deep, but includes moderately deep, well drained soils that formed from eolian deposits or alluvium; moderately deep soils formed from residuum derived from sandstone. They typically are in a moderate to rapid permeability class. The available water capacity is low to moderate. The surface layer of the soils in this site are typically fine sandy loam or sandy loam but may include loamy sand and loamy fine sand. The surface layer ranges from a depth of 2 to 10 inches thick. The subsoil is typically fine sandy loam, sandy loam, or sandy clay loam, but may include loamy sand and loamy very fine sand. The subsoil typically contains less than 5 percent rock fragments, but this may range up to 14 percent in some soils. Soils in this site are typically leached of carbonates 10 to 50 inches or more; some soils may have carbonates at the surface. These soils are susceptible to erosion by wind if not covered. The potential for water erosion accelerates with increasing slope. The soil moisture regime is typically aridic ustic. The soil temperature regime is typically mesic.
Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Arwite, Elwop, Ashollow, Moskee, Julesberg, Pitchdraw and Xema.
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
(2) Eolian deposits (3) Residuum |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Fine sandy loam (2) Sandy loam (3) Loamy sand (4) Loamy fine sand |
| Drainage class | Well drained to excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately rapid to rapid |
| Soil depth | 51 – 203 cm |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 0 – 5% |
| Available water capacity (Depth not specified) |
7.11 – 15.24 cm |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified) |
0 – 10% |
| Electrical conductivity (Depth not specified) |
0 – 4 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified) |
0 – 5 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
0 – 14% |
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 midgrass and warm-season rhizomatous midgrass. A lesser component of forbs and shrubs are also present. The Reference state 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 bunchgrasses such as needle and thread decreasing in both frequency and production. Grasses such as blue grama, threadleaf sedge, and sixweeks fescue will increase. Under continued frequent and severe defoliation, with no rest periods, rhizomatous wheatgrasses will also begin to decrease. Forbs and shrubs such as curlycup gumweed, western ragweed, hairy false goldenaster, pricklypear, and broom snakeweed will also increase. If continued, the plant community will become sod-bound, and all midgrasses may eventually be removed from the plant community. Over the long-term, this continuous use in combination with high stock densities, will result in broken sod with areas of bare ground developing, and species such as broom snakeweed, prickly pear, and annual forbs increasing, and invading species such as non-native annual bromes.
State and transition model
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Ecosystem states
| T1A | - | Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods or frequent and severe defoliation |
|---|---|---|
| T1B | - | Heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking, or frequent and severe defoliation |
| T1C | - | Mechanical tillage |
| T2A | - | Long-term heavy, excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods, or heavy, excessive grazing with over-stocking, or frequent and severe defoliation |
| T2B | - | Mechanical tillage |
| T3A | - | Mechanical tillage |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1A | - | Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, recurring seasonal-use grazing, frequent and severe defoliation, extended drought or fire |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2A | - | Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, along with proper stocking rates, lack of fire, and return to normal precipitation |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference
The Reference state is characterized by two distinct plant communities. The plant communities, and various successional stages between them, represent the natural range of variability within the Reference state.
Dominant plant species
-
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
-
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
-
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata), grass
-
sun sedge (Carex inops ssp. heliophila), grass
Community 1.1
Silver Sagebrush, Prairie Sandreed, and Needle and Thread
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 75 percent grasses and grass-likes,10 to 15 percent forbs and 10 to 15 percent woody plants (based upon total lbs./ acre air-dry). Community 1.1 consists predominantly of needle and thread and prairie sandreed. Secondary grasses are Indian ricegrass, western wheatgrass, and blue grama. Minor grasses and grass-likes that may occur include little bluestem, thickspike wheatgrass, prairie Junegrass, threadleaf sedge, and sand dropseed. A variety of forbs such as scarlet globemallow, slimflower scurfpea, prairie spiderwort, and large Indian breadroot, textile onion and biscuitroot; half-shrubs such as silver sagebrush and Arkansas rose; and shrubs such green rabbitbrush and big sagebrush also occur. Plant diversity is high. The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,700 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 1,300 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 2,200 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, tillage, 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 (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 1704 | 2130 | 2556 |
| Forb | 269 | 336 | 404 |
| Shrub/Vine | 269 | 336 | 404 |
| Total | 2242 | 2802 | 3364 |
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1501, 15-17NP 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 | 25 | 40 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Silver Sagebrush, Prairie Sagewort, Prairie Sandreed, and Sun Sedge
This plant community developed with frequent and severe defoliation without adequate opportunity for recovery during the growing season. The plant community has a reduced component of midgrasses with an understory of short sod-forming grasses. Dominant grasses include needle and thread, blue grama, and prairie sandreed. A cool-season/warm-season shift may occur depending upon the pre-dominant season of use. Recurrent excessive grazing in the spring will, over time, will eventually reduce the cool-season grasses such as needle and thread and the rhizomatous wheatgrasses. Likewise, recurrent excessive grazing in the summer will reduce the warm-season bunchgrasses such as little bluestem. Prairie sandreed is present and distributed across the site. The significant forbs include dotted blazing star (also known as dotted gayfeather), scarlet globemallow, cudweed sagewort, spiderworts, and upright prairie coneflower. Shrubs in this community include Arkansas rose, fringed sagewort, silver sagebrush, and broom snakeweed. Compared to the Reference Plant Community, blue grama and threadleaf sedge have increased. All the midgrass species are present but in lesser amounts, especially the bunchgrasses. Plant diversity is moderate. The risk of losing key midgrasses, and important forbs and shrubs is a major concern. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods between grazing events will maintain the vegetation or move it toward the Reference state. Natural disturbances such as fire and drought can contribute to this shift The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,000 pounds per acre during an average year, but it can range from about 800 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,200 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. The water and nutrient cycles may be impaired. Nearly all plant species typically found in the community 1.1 are present and will respond to changes in grazing management.
Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1204, 15-17SP Upland sites w/ Warm.
| 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 | 2 | 5 | 18 | 30 | 25 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, recurring seasonal-use grazing, frequent and severe defoliation, extended drought or fire, can shift this plant community toward the Increased Warm-season 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. Other natural disturbance such as drought may contribute to this shift. Biotic integrity and the 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, lack of fire, and return to normal precipitation, will shift community 1.2 back toward community 1.1.
State 2
Sod Bound
This state is characterized by the sod-bound nature of the 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 threadleaf sedge to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (root pan) and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. Loss of other functional/structural groups, such as cool-season bunch and rhizomatous grasses, forbs, and shrubs, reduces the biodiversity productivity of this site.
Dominant plant species
-
prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), shrub
-
plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha), shrub
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
sun sedge (Carex inops ssp. heliophila), grass
-
hairy false goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa), other herbaceous
-
Cuman ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), other herbaceous
Community 2.1
Prairie Sagewort, Plains Pricklypear, Sun Sedge, Blue Grama, Hairy False Goldenaster, and Cuman Ragweed
Community 2.1 is a sod-bound 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. Initially, this plant community is dominated by sod-forming grasses and grass-likes, such as blue grama and threadleaf sedge, with remnants of mid-grasses such as prairie sandreed, and some rhizomatous wheatgrasses. Forbs include lemon scurfpea, hairy false goldenaster, cudweed sagewort, and skeletonplant. Shrubs such as fringed sagewort, broom snakeweed, and pricklypear continue to increase. Under long-term frequent and severe defoliation, blue grama and threadleaf sedge have become sod-bound in localized colonies and exhibit a mosaic appearance. Other minor grasses are sand dropseed, Fendler threeawn, and annuals. The midgrasses and palatable forbs have been eliminated. Plant diversity is very low. Energy flow and the water and mineral cycles have been negatively affected. Litter levels are very low and unevenly distributed. In the Sandy 15 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone 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. This community is extremely resistant to change. Many plant species are missing, and a seed source is not readily available. Also, sod-forming grasses tend to maintain themselves due to their resistance to any further overgrazing.
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1204, 15-17SP Upland sites w/ Warm.
| 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 | 2 | 5 | 18 | 30 | 25 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
State 3
Increased Bare Ground
The Increased Bare Ground state develops with heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking, or frequent and severe defoliation. An ecological threshold has been crossed. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns.
Dominant plant species
-
prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), shrub
-
plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha), shrub
-
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), grass
-
hairy false goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa), other herbaceous
-
Cuman ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), other herbaceous
Community 3.1
Prairie Sagewort, Plains Pricklypear, Cheatgrass, Hairy False Goldenaster, and Cuman Ragweed
This 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. The dominant grasses include blue grama, threadleaf sedge, and Fendler’s threeawn. Annual grasses and forbs such as cheatgrass, sixweeks fescue, Russian thistle, and kochia have increased or invaded. The dominant forbs include curlycup gumweed, Cuman (western) ragweed, and hairy false goldenaster. Fringed sagewort, broom snakeweed, and pricklypear will increase. In the Sandy 15 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone 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 400 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 800 pounds per acre in above-average years. The hazard of soil erosion has increased due to the increase of bare ground. Runoff is typically high and infiltration is low. All ecological functions are impaired. Desertification is advanced.
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1204, 15-17SP Upland sites w/ Warm.
| 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 | 2 | 5 | 18 | 30 | 25 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
State 4
Post Cropland
The Post Cropland state is the result of mechanical farming operations on the site. An ecological threshold has been crossed due to complete removal of vegetation and years of soil tillage. Physical, chemical, and biological soil properties have been dramatically altered. There is no restorative pathway known at this time. This state includes the Abandoned Cropland and Seeded communities.
Community 4.1
Abandoned Cropland
Go-back land is created when the soil is tilled or farmed (sodbusted) and abandoned. Native plants are destroyed, soil organic matter is reduced, soil structure is changed, and a plowpan or compacted layer is formed. Residual synthetic chemicals often remain from past farming operations, and erosion processes may be active. Go-back land evolves through several plant communities beginning with an early annual plant community, which initiates the revegetation process. Plants such as Russian thistle, kochia, sixweeks fescue, cheatgrass, and other annuals begin to establish. These plants give some protection from erosion and start to build minor levels of soil organic matter. Purple threeawn, sand dropseed, and several other early perennials can dominate the plant community for five to eight years or more. Non-native perennial grasses such as crested wheatgrass may invade the site. Eventually western wheatgrass, needle and thread, and other natives become reestablished. Blue grama and threadleaf sedge are absent. Forbs can include annual sunflower, bractless blazingstar, and Rocky Mountain beeplant. Where go-back land has eroded to parent material, the slow process of soil development and re-establishment of vegetation will start. This is a very slow process (100 years or more). A new ecological site may evolve depending upon the severity of soil and parent material erosion, and parent material.
Community 4.2
Seeded
The Seeded community can vary considerably depending upon the degree of soil erosion, the species seeded, stand establishment, and the age and management of the stand. This plant community is represented by applying the conservation practice of rangeland seeding on go-back land or recently cropped land for converting it to permanent vegetative cover. Plant species indigenous to the site are used throughout the MLRA due to their suitability to the semi-arid climate. Indigenous species are most adapted to site conditions and therefore can be sustained in the MLRA. Improved cultivars (named varieties) of plant species typically are used to enhance seedling establishment and meet specific reclamation resource objectives.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods or frequent and severe defoliation, if continued, 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 T1B
State 1 to 3
Heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking, or frequent and severe defoliation will shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Increased Bare Ground state. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are concerns. Non-native plants are likely to invade.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4
Mechanical tillage of this ecological site will cause an immediate transition across an ecological threshold to the Post Cropland state. This transition can occur from any plant community and is irreversible.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Long-term heavy, excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods, or heavy, excessive grazing with over-stocking, or frequent and severe defoliation, if continued, will cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increased Bare Ground state. Erosion and loss of organic matter are concerns. Annual plants such as sixweeks fescue and/or cheatgrass are likely to increase or invade because of this transition.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4
Mechanical tillage of this ecological site will cause an immediate transition across an ecological threshold to the Post Cropland state. This transition can occur from any plant community and is irreversible.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4
Mechanical tillage of this ecological site will cause an immediate transition across an ecological threshold to the Post Cropland state. This transition can occur from any plant community and is irreversible.
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Cool-Season Bunchgrasses | 628–942 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 448–673 | 10–25 | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 179–269 | 5–10 | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Rhizomatous Grasses | 448–673 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 448–673 | 10–25 | ||
| 3 | Warm-Season Bunchgrasses | 179–269 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 179–269 | 1–10 | ||
| 4 | Miscellaneous Grasses | 448–673 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| needleleaf sedge | CADU6 | Carex duriuscula | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| sun sedge | CAINH2 | Carex inops ssp. heliophila | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | Forbs | 269–404 | ||||
| little larkspur | DEBI | Delphinium bicolor | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| aster | ASTER | Aster | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| large Indian breadroot | PEES | Pediomelum esculentum | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| rosy pussytoes | ANRO2 | Antennaria rosea | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | OESU3 | Oenothera suffrutescens | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| white prairie clover | DACA7 | Dalea candida | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| bluebells | MERTE | Mertensia | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 6 | Shrubs | 269–404 | ||||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
| Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 90–135 | 1–5 | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations (from the 2001 ESD. The narrative will be revised in future updates).
Needleandthread/ Prairie sandreed (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.
Needleandthread/ Threadleaf sedge/Fringed sagewort: These communities provide foraging for antelope and other grazers. They may be used as a foraging site by sage grouse if proximal to woody cover.
Threadleaf sedge/Fringed sagewort/Pricklypear: These communities provide limited grazing to antelope and other herbivores due to low production. They may be used as a foraging site by sage grouse if proximal to woody cover.
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 Sandy 15 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 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:
1,700 lbs. per acre X 25% Harvest Efficiency = 425 lbs. forage demand for one month. 425 lbs. per acre/912 demand per AUM =0.47
Plant Community (PC) Production (lbs./ac), and Stocking Rate (AUM/Acre)
Reference Plant Community 1600-2400 .5
Needleandthread/ Threadleaf sedge/Fringed sagewort 800-1200 .4
Threadleaf sedge/Fringed sagewort/Pricklypear 600-1000 .25
Reduced Native/Increased Invaded PC (*) (*)
Shortgrass/Invaded PC (*) (*)
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
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B, with localized areas in hydrologic group C. Infiltration potential for this site varies from moderately rapid to rapid depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. Runoff varies from low to moderate. 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 an area where shortgrasses 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 are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to nonexistent. 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 completed to Provisional level.
Supporting Information (Site Interpretations, Associated and 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 must 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.
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 information has been derived from data collection 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: 23
Sample Period: 2009-2016
State: WY
Counties: Campbell, Natrona, Niobrara
Additional reconnaissance data collection includes ocular estimates and other inventory data; vegetative clipping data 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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Soller, D.R. 2001. Map showing the thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated United States east of the Rocky Mountains. U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Series I-1970-E, scale 1:3,500,000.
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Contributors
Chuck Ring
Everett Bainter
Glenn Mitchell
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 9/15/2024
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
Those involved in developing the 2001 version: Everett Bainter, WY State Rangeland Management Specialist, WY-NRCS; Glen Mitchell, Rangeland Management Specialist, WY-NRCS; Chuck Ring, WY-NRCS
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 |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially non-existent -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 15-25% occurring in small areas throughout site -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Plant cover and litter is at 75% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Soil Stability class is anticipated to be 4 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use Soil Series description for depth and color of A-horizon -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Grass canopy and basal cover should reduce raindrop impact and slow overland flow providing increased time for infiltration to occur. Healthy deep-rooted native grasses enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. Infiltration is Moderately Rapid to Rapid. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer or soil surface crusting should be present. -
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:
Mid-stature Cool-Season Grasses Mid-stature Warm-Season Grasses Short- stature Grasses/Grasslike Shrubs = Forbs -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very Low -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Average litter cover is 30-40% with depths of 0.25 to 1.0 inches -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
2000 lbs./ac -
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:
Threadleaf sedge, Fringed sagewort, Prickly Pear, Broom Snakeweed, Yucca, and Species found on Noxious Weed List -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.
Ecosystem states
| T1A | - | Excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods or frequent and severe defoliation |
|---|---|---|
| T1B | - | Heavy, excessive grazing with overstocking, or frequent and severe defoliation |
| T1C | - | Mechanical tillage |
| T2A | - | Long-term heavy, excessive grazing without adequate recovery periods, or heavy, excessive grazing with over-stocking, or frequent and severe defoliation |
| T2B | - | Mechanical tillage |
| T3A | - | Mechanical tillage |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1A | - | Excessive grazing without adequate recovery between grazing events, recurring seasonal-use grazing, frequent and severe defoliation, extended drought or fire |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2A | - | Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, along with proper stocking rates, lack of fire, and return to normal precipitation |