Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R058DY007SD
Saline Lowland
Accessed: 04/25/2024
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.
Classification relationships
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States: 43e – Sagebrush Steppe.
Associated sites
R058DY004SD |
Wet Meadow |
---|---|
R058DY013SD |
Claypan |
R058DY020SD |
Loamy Overflow |
Similar sites
R058DY020SD |
Loamy Overflow Loamy Overflow [big bluestem dominant; less salts; no water table] |
---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
Not specified |
Herbaceous |
(1) Pascopyrum smithii |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level to gently sloping drainages.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Swale
(2) Flood plain |
---|---|
Flooding duration | Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) |
Flooding frequency | Occasional |
Ponding frequency | None |
Elevation | 2,300 – 4,000 ft |
Slope | 3% |
Water table depth | 24 – 36 in |
Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate in this MLRA is typical of the drier portions of the Northern Great Plains where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland to the east. Annual precipitation ranges from 14 to 16 inches. Most of the rainfall occurs as frontal storms early in the growing season. Some high intensity, convective thunderstorms occur in the summer. Precipitation in winter occurs as snow. Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums, due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Outbreaks of cold air from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring. The normal average annual temperature is about 44°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 12°F (Marmarth, North Dakota (ND)), to about 20°F (Baker, Montana (MT)). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 70°F (Marmarth, ND), to about 76°F (Baker, MT). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 55°F.
Hourly winds are estimated to average about 11 miles per hour (mph) annually, ranging from about 13 mph during the spring to about 10 mph during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 mph.
Growth of cool-season plants begins in early to mid-March, slowing or ceasing in late June. Warm-season plants begin growth about mid-May and can continue to early or mid-September. Greenup of cool-season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) | 123 days |
---|---|
Freeze-free period (average) | 140 days |
Precipitation total (average) | 16 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
No significant water features influence this site.
Soil features
The soils of this site are deep and poorly drained and formed in alluvium. These soils have very slow to moderately slow permeability and are moderately to strongly saline. Higher soluble salt concentrations may be found in the subsoil. The surface soil varies from three to five inches in thickness. The surface texture is loam or fine sandy loam. A fluctuating water table occurs in these areas and ranges from one to three feet. The water table is within reach of plants during most of the growing season. These areas are subject to occasional overflow. This site could show slight to moderate evidence of rills and/or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths are somewhat continuous, but irregular in appearance with few debris dams or vegetative barriers.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm) for specific local soils information.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture |
(1) Fine sandy loam (2) Loam |
---|---|
Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
Drainage class | Poorly drained |
Permeability class | Very slow to moderately slow |
Soil depth | 80 in |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | 5% |
Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
4 – 5 in |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
25% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
8 – 32 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
5 |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
5.1 – 9 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
5% |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, natural influences of large herbivores, occasional fire, and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions describe more typical transitions between communities that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well-below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition.
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Alkaligrass Plant Community. This plant community has been determined by studying rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts also have been used. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
As this site deteriorates, species such as inland saltgrass and foxtail barley increase, and annual species may invade the site. Grasses such as alkali sacaton, rhizomatous wheatgrasses, and Nuttall's alkaligrass will decrease in frequency and production. The high salt content of the soils greatly influences the plant species present. Plant vigor can vary on a year-to-year basis in relation to current precipitation amounts, which influences the translocation of salts in the soil profile. Typically, only salt tolerant plants are found on this site.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant communities that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities. The ecological processes are discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference
The State narrative is under development.
Community 1.1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Nuttall's Alkaligrass
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Alkaligrass Plant Community. This is also considered to be climax. Potential vegetation is about 80 to 90 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 1 to 5 percent forbs, and 5 to 15 percent shrubs. Saline tolerant grasses dominate the plant community. Major grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrasses, alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, and alkali and/or prairie cordgrass. Other grasses or grass-like species occurring on the site include inland saltgrass, thickspike wheatgrass, plains bluegrass, foxtail barley, and sedges. Significant forbs include povertyweed, alkali plantain, and seepweed. The significant shrubs that occur include black greasewood, fourwing saltbush, Gardner’s saltbush, and rubber rabbitbrush. This plant community is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. Individual species can vary greatly in production depending on growing conditions (timing and amount of precipitation and temperature). Community dynamics, nutrient cycle, water cycle and energy flow are functioning at the sites potential. Plant litter is properly distributed with some movement offsite and natural plant mortality is low. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance.
Figure 4. 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 | 1270 | 2175 | 2915 |
Shrub/Vine | 110 | 250 | 445 |
Forb | 20 | 75 | 140 |
Total | 1400 | 2500 | 3500 |
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5807, Northern Rolling High Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant. Cool-season dominant, Warm-season subdominant, Lowland.
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 | 5 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 18 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Inland Saltgrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass
This plant community occurs as a result of moderate, continuous season-long grazing. Grasses comprise about 80 to 90 percent, forbs 5 to 10 percent, and shrubs 5 to 10 percent. Dominant grasses include inland saltgrass, western wheatgrass, foxtail barley, and thickspike wheatgrass. Other grasses and grass-like plants include Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkali sacaton, alkali and/or prairie cordgrass, and sedge. Forbs include povertyweed, alkali plantain, seepweed and saltwort, while nonnative forbs such as cocklebur may invade. When compared to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Alkaligrass Plant Community, saltgrass has increased, while Nuttall’s alkaligrass, alkali sacaton, and alkaligrass and/or prairie cordgrass have been greatly diminished.
Figure 6. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 950 | 1360 | 1840 |
Shrub/Vine | 75 | 120 | 180 |
Forb | 75 | 120 | 180 |
Total | 1100 | 1600 | 2200 |
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5808, Northern Rolling High Plains, lowland cool-season/warm-season codominant. Cool-season, Warm-season codominant, Lowland.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 19 | 23 | 20 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Moderate, continuous season-long grazing will convert this plant community to the Inland Saltgrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Prescribed grazing will convert this plant community to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Alkaligrass Plant Community.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing |
---|
State 2
Saltgrass
The State narrative is under development.
Community 2.1
Inland Saltgrass/Foxtail Barley
This plant community is the result of heavy continuous grazing over a long period of time. Inland saltgrass and foxtail barley dominate this plant community. Other grasses and grass-likes that occur include mat muhly, alkali muhly, western wheatgrass, and sedges. Forbs common in this plant community are seepweed, red saltwort, and povertyweed. Bare ground has increased and production has decreased. The soils of this plant community are not well protected. The biotic integrity is compromised by introduced species, loss of the dominant climax species, and bare ground. Excessive runoff may occur.
Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 650 | 963 | 1355 |
Forb | 50 | 110 | 185 |
Shrub/Vine | 0 | 28 | 60 |
Total | 700 | 1101 | 1600 |
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5809, Northern Rolling High Plains, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant, lowland..
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
0 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 16 | 22 | 23 | 14 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Transition T1
State 1 to 2
Heavy continuous grazing will convert this plant community to the Inland Saltgrass/Foxtail Barley Plant Community.
Restoration pathway R2
State 2 to 1
Long-term prescribed grazing may eventually lead this plant community to the Inland Saltgrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing |
---|
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Wheatgrasses | 500–1000 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 375–875 | – | ||
thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 125–375 | – | ||
Montana wheatgrass | ELAL7 | Elymus albicans | 0–250 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–125 | – | ||
2 | Cool-Season Bunch Grasses | 250–625 | ||||
Nuttall's alkaligrass | PUNU2 | Puccinellia nuttalliana | 250–500 | – | ||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 25–125 | – | ||
plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–125 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–125 | – | ||
squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–75 | – | ||
3 | Warm-Season Grasses | 125–500 | ||||
alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 125–375 | – | ||
alkali cordgrass | SPGR | Spartina gracilis | 0–375 | – | ||
prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 0–375 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–125 | – | ||
4 | Short-Warm Season Grasses | 125–250 | ||||
saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 125–250 | – | ||
scratchgrass | MUAS | Muhlenbergia asperifolia | 0–75 | – | ||
mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–75 | – | ||
5 | Grass-Likes | 0–75 | ||||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–75 | – | ||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–75 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–75 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
7 | Forbs | 25–125 | ||||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–125 | – | ||
povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 25–75 | – | ||
redwool plantain | PLER | Plantago eriopoda | 0–50 | – | ||
seepweed | SUAED | Suaeda | 0–50 | – | ||
western dock | RUAQ | Rumex aquaticus | 0–50 | – | ||
red swampfire | SARU | Salicornia rubra | 0–25 | – | ||
cinquefoil | POTEN | Potentilla | 0–25 | – | ||
saltbush | ATRIP | Atriplex | 0–25 | – | ||
bighead pygmycudweed | EVPR | Evax prolifera | 0–25 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
8 | Shrubs | 125–375 | ||||
greasewood | SAVE4 | Sarcobatus vermiculatus | 0–200 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–125 | – | ||
fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 25–125 | – | ||
Gardner's saltbush | ATGA | Atriplex gardneri | 25–125 | – | ||
rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–125 | – |
Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Wheatgrasses | 240–400 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 160–320 | – | ||
thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 16–160 | – | ||
Montana wheatgrass | ELAL7 | Elymus albicans | 0–64 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–32 | – | ||
2 | Cool-Season Bunch Grasses | 160–400 | ||||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 80–240 | – | ||
Nuttall's alkaligrass | PUNU2 | Puccinellia nuttalliana | 0–112 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–80 | – | ||
squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–32 | – | ||
plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–32 | – | ||
3 | Warm-Season Grasses | 0–80 | ||||
alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 0–80 | – | ||
alkali cordgrass | SPGR | Spartina gracilis | 0–80 | – | ||
prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 0–80 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–32 | – | ||
4 | Short-Warm Season Grasses | 160–400 | ||||
saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 160–320 | – | ||
scratchgrass | MUAS | Muhlenbergia asperifolia | 0–80 | – | ||
mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–80 | – | ||
5 | Grass-Likes | 0–80 | ||||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–80 | – | ||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–80 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–80 | – | ||
6 | Non-Native Grasses | 0–80 | ||||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–80 | – | ||
bluegrass | POA | Poa | 0–80 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
7 | Forbs | 80–160 | ||||
Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–80 | – | ||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–80 | – | ||
seepweed | SUAED | Suaeda | 0–48 | – | ||
povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 16–48 | – | ||
redwool plantain | PLER | Plantago eriopoda | 0–48 | – | ||
red swampfire | SARU | Salicornia rubra | 0–32 | – | ||
saltbush | ATRIP | Atriplex | 0–16 | – | ||
bighead pygmycudweed | EVPR | Evax prolifera | 0–16 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
8 | Shrubs | 80–160 | ||||
rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–112 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–48 | – | ||
fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–32 | – | ||
Gardner's saltbush | ATGA | Atriplex gardneri | 0–32 | – | ||
greasewood | SAVE4 | Sarcobatus vermiculatus | 0–32 | – |
Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Wheatgrasses | 0–55 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–55 | – | ||
thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–33 | – | ||
2 | Cool-Season Bunch Grasses | 165–330 | ||||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 165–330 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–55 | – | ||
4 | Short-Warm Season Grasses | 275–550 | ||||
saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 275–495 | – | ||
scratchgrass | MUAS | Muhlenbergia asperifolia | 0–55 | – | ||
mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–55 | – | ||
5 | Grass-Likes | 0–55 | ||||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–55 | – | ||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–55 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–55 | – | ||
6 | Non-Native Grasses | 0–33 | ||||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–33 | – | ||
bluegrass | POA | Poa | 0–33 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
7 | Forbs | 55–165 | ||||
Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 33–132 | – | ||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–55 | – | ||
seepweed | SUAED | Suaeda | 0–44 | – | ||
povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 11–33 | – | ||
redwool plantain | PLER | Plantago eriopoda | 0–33 | – | ||
red swampfire | SARU | Salicornia rubra | 0–22 | – | ||
saltbush | ATRIP | Atriplex | 0–11 | – | ||
bighead pygmycudweed | EVPR | Evax prolifera | 0–11 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
8 | Shrubs | 0–55 | ||||
rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–55 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–22 | – |
Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
The MLRA 58D lies within the drier portion of Northern mixed-grass prairie ecosystem where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Prior to European settlement, this area consisted of diverse grass/shrub land habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional, in-stream wetlands, and woody riparian corridors. These habitats provided critical life cycle components for many of its users. Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn were among the inhabitants adapted to this semi-arid region. Roaming herbivores, as well as, several small mammal and insect species, were the primary consumers linking the grassland resources to predators such as the wolf, mountain lion, and grizzly bear, as well as, smaller carnivores such as the coyote, bobcat, fox, and raptors. The black-tailed prairie dog was once abundant; however, the species remains a keystone species within its range. The black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, mountain plover, and swift fox were associated with prairie dog complexes.
Historically, the Northern mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary disturbance factors either singly or in combination. Following European settlement, livestock grazing, cropland conversion, elimination of fire, energy development, and other anthropogenic factors influenced species composition and abundance. Introduced and invasive species further impacted plant and animal communities. The bison was a historical keystone species but have been extirpated as a free-ranging herbivore. The loss of the bison, reduction of prairie dog colonies, and loss of fire as ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and altered wildlife habitats. Human development has reduced habitat quality for area-sensitive species.
Within MLRA 58D, the Saline Lowland Ecological Site (ES) provides upland/wetland complex cover with an associated shrub/forb component. It is typically part of an expansive grassland landscape that included combinations of Shallow Loamy, Shallow Clayey, Thin Loamy, Thin Claypan, Sandy, Sandy Claypan, Loamy, Loamy Terrace, Sandy Terrace, and Clayey ESs.
The Saline Lowland ES has remained relatively intact. This site may have sufficient hydrology to support hydrophytic vegetation and wildlife species associated with saturated saline soil conditions. Due to high salinity concentrations, both plant and wildlife species diversity is limited.
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass/Alkaligrass, Inland Saltgrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass, and Inland Saltgrass/Foxtail Barley: The predominance of saline tolerant hydrophytic vegetation, including shrubs, does not favor any particular wildlife group. However, the site may receive limited shorebird use. This plant community provides habitat for limited invertebrate populations. Herptile use is either extremely limited or nonexistent. Raptors such as northern harrier, short-eared owl, Swainson’s hawk, and American kestrel will use this site. Prey populations are limited to small mammals such as water shrew and meadow vole and invertebrates.
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements, and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B or D. Infiltration and runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Normally, areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide varieties of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations and experience were also used. Those involved in developing this site description include: Ryan Beer, Range Management Specialist (RMS), NRCS; Chuck Berdan, Biologist (BIO), Bureau of Land Management (BLM); Stan Boltz, RMS, NRCS; Dave Dewald, Wildlife BIO, NRCS; Jody Forman, RMS, NRCS; Dennis Froemke, RMS, NRCS; Tom Juntti, BIO, United States Forest Service (USFS); Cheryl Nielsen, RMS, NRCS; Jeff Printz, RMS, NRCS; Mike Stirling, RMS, NRCS; Dan Svingen, BIO, USFS; Darrell Vanderbusch, Soil Scientist, NRCS; Cindy Zachmeier, BIO, NRCS; and Tim Zachmeier, BIO, BLM.
There are 3 SCS-RANGE-417's collected between 1981 and 1982 from Harding County, South Dakota.
Other references
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, 830728 Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728. (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/)
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97204-3224. (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/)
USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA
USDA, NRCS, Various Published Soil Surveys
Contributors
Stan Boltz
Travis Patient
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) | Stan Boltz, Mitch Iverson, Thad Berrett, Cheryl Nielsen |
---|---|
Contact for lead author | stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 |
Date | 05/07/2010 |
Approved by | Stan Boltz |
Approval date | |
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
0 to 10 percent is typical. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter falls in place. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability ratings should typically be greater than 3. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure at least for short periods when dipped in distilled water. Some fragments will dissolve in less than 1 minute. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A-horizon should be 3 to 19 inches thick with dark grayish brown colors when moist. Structure typically is coarse sub-angular blocky in the A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Deep rooted species (mid and tall rhizomatous cool- and warm-season grasses and grass-likes) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None – when dry, B horizons can be hard and appear to be compacted, but no platy structure will 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:
Mid cool-season rhizomatous grasses >> Cool-season bunchgrasses >Sub-dominant:
Tall warm-season rhizomatous grasses > Shrubs >Other:
Short warm-season grasses > Forbs > Grass-likesAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Production ranges from 1,400-3,500 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 2,500 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
State and local noxious weeds; Russian olive can dominate this site in localized areas -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses and grass-likes should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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