Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R058DY031SD
Sandy Terrace
Last updated: 7/18/2024
Accessed: 11/13/2024
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): 058D–Northern Rolling High Plains, Eastern Part
The Northern Rolling High Plains, Eastern Part (MLRA 58D) is shared between South Dakota (65 percent), Montana (21 percent), and North Dakota (14 percent). The MLRA is approximately 2,755 square miles. The small towns of Buffalo and Camp Crook, South Dakota, and Marmarth, North Dakota, are all within the boundary of this MLRA, and Baker, Montana, is on the northern most edge. Portions of the Little Missouri National Grassland and Custer National Forest are also in the MLRA. Portions of the Little Missouri River and the headwaters of major tributaries that eventually form the Grand and Moreau Rivers in South Dakota are also in this area.
The Northern Rolling High Plains, Eastern Part consists of Cretaceous marine and continental sediments of shale, siltstone, and sandstone. The continental and marine Hell Creek Formation is under approximately 85 percent of the MLRA, and the Fox Hills Sandstone forms the southern boundary of the MLRA. Tertiary deposits are in scattered areas throughout the MLRA. These deposits consist of the Paleocene Ludlow and Tongue River Formations, the Oligocene White River Group, and the Miocene Arikaree Group. These Tertiary deposits are resistant and positioned above the Cretaceous beds. Ponderosa pine growing in areas of these Tertiary formations further distinguishes these formations from the other formations in the MLRA. Pleistocene and Holocene river sand and gravel deposits are also on the valley floors and on the terraces along the larger rivers in the area. A large Quaternary eolian deposit is directly south of the town of Buffalo.
The average elevation of MLRA 58D ranges from 2,300 feet to 4,000 feet, increasing gradually from east to west. Harding Peak is the highest point at 4,019 feet. In places, flat-topped, steep-sided buttes rise sharply above the gently rolling plains below.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Alfisols, Entisols, Inceptisols, and Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a frigid soil temperature regime, an ustic soil moisture regime that borders on aridic, and mixed mineralogy. They are shallow to very deep, generally well drained, and loamy or clayey.
Annual precipitation is 14 to 17 inches and can fluctuate widely from year to year. Most rainfall occurs early in the growing season. Some high-intensity thunderstorms occur mid to late summer. The native vegetation in this MLRA consists primarily of grasses and forbs with a small component of trees and shrubs along streams. Ponderosa pine grow on the upper slopes and on the top of some of the higher buttes. Open grasslands are characterized by western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, blue grama, and buffalograss. Wyoming big sagebrush grows on clayey soils in the western part of the MLRA.
More than four-fifths of the MLRA is privately owned ranches running cattle, sheep, or both. Less than 5 percent of the area is federally owned. The major resource concerns are water quality, wind erosion, and water erosion (USDA, NRCS. 2006. Ag Handbook 296).
Classification relationships
USDA
Land Resource Region G—Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 58D—Northern Rolling High Plains, Eastern Part.
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States:
Northwestern Great Plains—43:
Forested Buttes—43d.
Sagebrush Steppe—43e.
USDA Forest Service
Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of Conterminous United States:
Great Plains - Palouse Dry Steppe Province—331:
Missouri Plateau Section—331M.
Sagebrush Steppe Subsection—334Mi.
Ecological site concept
The Sandy Terrace ecological site is found throughout MLRA 58D. It is located on nearly level stream terraces. It may receive additional moisture from extreme flooding events. Typical slopes range from 0 to 4 percent. Soils are deep (greater than 20 inches) with fine sandy loam to loamy fine sand surface textures. The surface layer is 5 to 9 inches thick.
The vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) consists of a mix of warm- and cool-season grasses, which are codominant. Major grasses include prairie sandreed, western wheatgrass, and needle and thread. Forbs are common and diverse. Silver sagebrush and western snowberry are almost always present. Scattered green ash, plains cottonwood, boxelder, and American elm may also occur.
Associated sites
R058DY009SD |
Sandy The Sandy ecological site is be found on landscaped above or upslope of the Sandy Terrace ecological site. |
---|---|
R058DY010SD |
Loamy The Loamy ecological site is found on landscaped above or upslope of the Sandy Terrace ecological site. |
R058DY020SD |
Loamy Overflow The Loamy Overflow ecological site is be found adjacent to or down-slope of the Sandy Terrace ecological site. |
Similar sites
R058DY009SD |
Sandy The Sandy ecological site will have more needle and thread; and less vegetative production than the Sandy Terrace ecological site. |
---|---|
R058DY020SD |
Loamy Overflow The Loamy Overflow ecological site will have more big bluestem; and more vegetative production than the Sandy Terrace ecological site. |
R058DY022SD |
Loamy Terrace The Loamy Terrace ecological site will be found on similar landscape positions and will have similar vegetative production levels as the Sandy Terrace. It will have more cool-season wheatgrass and less warm-season grasses than the Sandy Terrace ecological site. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
(1) Artemisia cana ssp. cana |
Herbaceous |
(1) Calamovilfa longifolia |
Physiographic features
The Sandy Terrace ecological site occurs on nearly level stream terraces.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Valley
> Stream terrace
(2) Valley > Flood plain |
---|---|
Runoff class | Very low to low |
Flooding duration | Very brief (4 to 48 hours) |
Flooding frequency | None to rare |
Ponding frequency | None |
Elevation | 2,300 – 4,000 ft |
Slope | 1 – 4% |
Water table depth | 80 in |
Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate in MLRA 58D is typical of the drier portions of the Northern Great Plains where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland to the east. Average annual precipitation ranges from 14 to 17 inches with most falling in the early 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. This wide range is due to the high elevation and dry air, which permit 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 have the most severe effect on ranching operations during late winter and in 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) to about 20 °F (Baker, Montana). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 70 °F (Marmarth, North Dakota) to about 76 °F (Baker, Montana). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 55 °F. Wind speeds 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 winds. Strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts of 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 continue to early or mid-September. Cool-season plants may green-up in September and October if adequate soil moisture is present.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 97-111 days |
---|---|
Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 121-129 days |
Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 15-17 in |
Frost-free period (actual range) | 93-115 days |
Freeze-free period (actual range) | 120-132 days |
Precipitation total (actual range) | 14-17 in |
Frost-free period (average) | 104 days |
Freeze-free period (average) | 125 days |
Precipitation total (average) | 16 in |
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) BAKER 1 E [USC00240412], Baker, MT
-
(2) LADNER 9SW [USC00394671], Camp Crook, SD
-
(3) CAMP CROOK [USC00391294], Camp Crook, SD
-
(4) BUFFALO ASOS [USW00094037], Buffalo, SD
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(5) BUFFALO 13 ESE [USW00094081], Reva, SD
-
(6) REDIG 11 NE [USC00397062], Buffalo, SD
-
(7) HOOVER [USC00393945], Newell, SD
Influencing water features
The Sandy Terrace ecological site occurs adjacent to lowland and overflow sites along stream corridors.
Stream Type: B6, C6 (Rosgen System)
Soil features
Soils common to the Sandy Terrace ecological site have a fine sandy loam to loamy fine sand textures. The surface layer is 5 to 9 inches thick. Slopes range from 0 to 4 percent. Soils are deep and formed in alluvium derived from sandstone. The texture of the subsurface layer’s ranges from loamy fine sand to fine sandy loam. The soils in this site are well drained and have a moderate to moderately rapid infiltration rate. Soils are stratified and are non-restrictive to water movement and root penetration.
This site should show no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous. The soil surface is stable and intact.
Major Soil correlated to the Sandy Terrace ecological site include, Glendive, and Hanly.
There are minor components of both Glendive and Hanly soils in MLRA 58D that are correlated to the Loamy Overflow (R058DY020SD) ecological site.
These soils are susceptible mainly to water erosion typically as a result of flooding events. Erosion may occur with a loss of vegetative cover. Loss of 50 percent or more of the surface layer of the soils on this site can result in a shift in species composition and production.
More information can be found in the various soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center for soil survey reports that include more detail specific to your area of interest, or use the internet to access USDA’s Web Soil Survey.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
–
sandstone
|
---|---|
Surface texture |
(1) Fine sandy loam (2) Loamy fine sand |
Family particle size |
(1) Sandy |
Drainage class | Well drained |
Permeability class | Moderate to moderately rapid |
Soil depth | 80 in |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
4 in |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
15% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
8 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
2 |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
5.6 – 8.4 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
The Sandy Terrace ecological site developed under the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions; light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores; sporadic, natural or human-caused wildfire (often of light intensities); and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil and site development. Changes occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, effects of native and exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. Although the following plant community descriptions are typical of the transitions between communities, severe disturbances, such as periods of well below average precipitation and the introduction of non-native cool-season grasses, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and species composition.
A high percentage of these areas have been tilled in the past and have been planted to alfalfa for haying or are in a winter wheat-fallow rotation. Also, many of these areas are located in good winter livestock areas and are used as calving and feeding areas. Very few areas exist that have not had severe soil disturbance. Many areas that have not been tilled have been continuously hayed resulting in a monoculture of western wheatgrass.
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Western Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass/Shrub Plant Community (1.1). 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.
Continuous season long grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence over several years causes this site to depart from the Prairie Sandreed-Western Wheatgrass/Shrub Plant Community (1.1). Species such as blue grama will initially increase. Prairie sandreed, western wheatgrass, and needle and thread will decrease in frequency and production. Extended periods of non-use and lack of fire will result in a plant community having high litter levels, which favors an increase in Kentucky bluegrass and annual brome.
The following state-and-transition diagram illustrates the common plant communities 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
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The Reference State (1.0) represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the ecological site prior to European settlement. The vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) is a near equal mix of cool- and warm-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms included periodic fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Taller cool- and warm-season grasses would decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass and grass-like species would have occurred. Sliver sagebrush and western snowberry will almost always be present. Deciduous trees will likely be found scattered across this site, but regeneration is unlikely. Today, a similar state can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.
Dominant plant species
-
plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera), tree
-
boxelder (Acer negundo), tree
-
American elm (Ulmus americana), tree
-
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
-
western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), shrub
-
green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), shrub
-
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
-
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
-
Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani), other herbaceous
-
mint (Mentha), other herbaceous
-
white prairie aster (Symphyotrichum falcatum), other herbaceous
Community 1.1
Prairie Sandreed-Western Wheatgrass/Shrubs
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Prairie Sandreed-Western Wheatgrass/Shrubs Plant Community. This is also considered to be Reference Plant Community (1.1). This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and occasional short periods of deferment. The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, 10 percent shrubs, and 0 to 2 percent trees. Cool- and warm-season grasses are codominant in this plant community. Major grasses include prairie sandreed, western wheatgrass, and needle and thread. Major forbs and shrubs include cudweed sagewort, Maximilian sunflower, mint, white prairie aster, silver sagebrush, and western snowberry. Scattered green ash, plains cottonwood, boxelder, and American elm may occur. 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 properly. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement offsite and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. Runoff from adjacent sites and moderate or high available water capacity provides a favorable soil-water-plant relationship.
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 | 1535 | 2100 | 2640 |
Shrub/Vine | 120 | 250 | 400 |
Forb | 45 | 125 | 205 |
Tree | 0 | 25 | 55 |
Total | 1700 | 2500 | 3300 |
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5803, Northern Rolling High Plains, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant, uplands..
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 | 20 | 28 | 21 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama/Shrubs
This plant community can slowly develop from the adverse effects of continuous seasonal grazing or continuous season-long grazing without adequate recovery periods between each grazing event during the growing season; or from over utilization during extended periods of drought. Recognition of this plant community will enable the land user to implement key management decisions before a significant ecological threshold is crossed. The potential vegetation is made up of approximately 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, 10 percent shrubs, and 0 to 2 percent trees. Blue grama and western wheatgrass are the dominant species. Prairie sandreed has been greatly reduced. Forb species include cudweed sagewort, white prairie aster, goldenrod, green sagewort, scurfpea, and western yarrow. The dominant shrubs include fringed sagewort, silver sagebrush, and western snowberry. This plant community is relatively stable and less productive than the Prairie Sandreed-Western Wheatgrass/Shrubs Plant Community (1.1). Reduction of litter and short plant heights result in higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, increased runoff and high evapotranspiration rates. This plant community can occur throughout the site, on spot grazed areas, and around water sources where season-long grazing patterns occur. Soil erosion will be minimal due to the sod forming habit of blue grama.
Figure 10. 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 | 1090 | 1470 | 1750 |
Shrub/Vine | 80 | 128 | 175 |
Forb | 30 | 85 | 140 |
Tree | 0 | 17 | 35 |
Total | 1200 | 1700 | 2100 |
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5803, Northern Rolling High Plains, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant, uplands..
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 | 20 | 28 | 21 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Continuous season-long grazing; continuous seasonal grazing (early spring or late winter); heavy grazing in combination with drought; or excessive haying will lead to the Reference Plant Community (1.1) to the Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama/Shrubs Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Prescribed grazing with proper stocking rate, change in season of use, and adequate time for plant recovery; and a return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will convert the Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama/Shrubs Plant Community (1.2) to the Prairie Sandreed-Western Wheatgrass/Shrubs Plant Community (1.1).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing |
---|
State 2
Shortgrass Sod State
The Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) is dominated by shortgrass species, and upland sedges. This State is the result of grazing management that does not provide adequate recovery time for cool-season wheatgrasses and needlegrass. The hydrologic function of this state is dramatically altered. Runoff is high and infiltration is low. This State is very resistant to change through grazing management alone.
Dominant plant species
-
green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), tree
-
plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera), tree
-
boxelder (Acer negundo), tree
-
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
-
western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), shrub
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
-
(Stipa), grass
-
white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
-
goldenrod (Solidago), other herbaceous
-
tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), other herbaceous
-
scurfpea (Psoralidium), other herbaceous
-
common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), other herbaceous
Community 2.1
Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass/Shrubs
This plant community developed with heavy continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events. Blue grama with an evenly scattered overstory of western wheatgrass, cudweed sagewort and fringed sagewort dominates the community. The western wheatgrass is low in vigor. Needle and thread have been mostly removed. Cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, green sagewort, scurfpea, and western yarrow have increased. Silver sagebrush and western snowberry are still the dominant shrub Remnant trees remain, but regeneration is not occurring. This plant community is resistant to change due to grazing tolerance of blue grama. A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Prairie Sandreed-Western Wheatgrass/Shrubs Plant Community (1.1). Loss of cool-season grasses, tall warm-season grasses, and nitrogen fixing forbs has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced significantly due to the massive shallow root system characteristic of overgrazed plant communities. Soil loss may be accelerated where concentrated flows occur.
Figure 12. 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 | 690 | 1008 | 1325 |
Shrub/Vine | 55 | 90 | 125 |
Forb | 55 | 90 | 125 |
Tree | 0 | 12 | 25 |
Total | 800 | 1200 | 1600 |
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5804, Northern Rolling High Plains, warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant.. Warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant, uplands..
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 18 | 24 | 25 | 15 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
State 3
Native/Invaded State
The Native/Invaded State has been invaded by Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and annual bromes, but not at the level to which the plant community is dominated by these species. The plant community in this State looks very similar to the Reference Plant Community (1.1) and it functions very much like the Reference State. It is ‘At Risk’ of transitioning to the Invaded State (4.0), which is dominated by Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome.
Dominant plant species
-
plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera), tree
-
boxelder (Acer negundo), tree
-
American elm (Ulmus americana), tree
-
silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), shrub
-
western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), shrub
-
green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), shrub
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
-
(Stipa), grass
-
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
-
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
Community 3.1
Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses/Shrubs
This plant community develops when Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome invade and become established on the site. This is due to the close proximity to seed sources or expansion from road ditches, improved pastures, or other invaded sites. Non-use and no fire, or very light stocking rates for long periods of time will allow these non-native, cool-season grasses to increase in the plant community. With non-use, plant litter accumulates in large amounts when this community first develops. Litter buildup reduces mature native plant vigor and density, and seedling recruitment declines. Eventually litter levels become high enough that plant density decreases. The potential vegetation is 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs and trees. The dominant grasses will be western wheatgrass, needlegrass, and non-native cool-season grasses, primarily, Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome. Forbs will be diverse but not dominant. Shrubs and trees will occur in similar amounts as in the Reference Plant Community (1.1).
Figure 14. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 1210 | 1530 | 1825 |
Shrub/Vine | 195 | 300 | 425 |
Forb | 95 | 150 | 205 |
Tree | 0 | 20 | 45 |
Total | 1500 | 2000 | 2500 |
Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD5801, Northern Rolling High Plains, cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, uplands..
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 | 12 | 25 | 36 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
State 4
Disturbed State
Any plant community can transition to the Disturbed State (4.0). The three separate vegetative plant communities found in this State are highly variable in nature. They are derived through different management scenarios and are not related successionally. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion vary depending upon the vegetation present on the site.
Dominant plant species
-
broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), shrub
-
threeawn (Aristida), grass
-
dropseed (Sporobolus), grass
-
field brome (Bromus arvensis), grass
-
crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), grass
-
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
-
foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), grass
-
sweetclover (Melilotus), other herbaceous
-
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), other herbaceous
-
prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), other herbaceous
-
forage kochia (Bassia prostrata), other herbaceous
-
common sunflower (Helianthus annuus), other herbaceous
Community 4.1
Go-back
The Go-back plant community can be reached whenever severe mechanical disturbance occurs (e.g., tilled and abandoned cropland). During the early successional stages, the species that mainly dominate are annual grasses and forbs, later replaced by both native and introduced perennials. The vegetation in this plant community can vary greatly, sometimes it is dominated by threeawn, dropseed, annual brome, crested wheatgrass, smooth brome, broom snakeweed, sweetclover, and non-native thistles. Other plants that commonly occur on the site can include western wheatgrass, prickly lettuce, mare’s tail, kochia, squirreltail, foxtail, and annual sunflower. Bare ground is prevalent due to the loss of organic matter and lower overall soil health.
Community 4.2
Seeded
The Seeded Plant Community normally includes those areas seeded to pubescent or intermediate wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass, alfalfa, or other forage species. For adapted species, refer to the USDA-NRCS e-FOTG for the appropriate Forage Suitability Group description.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Continuous season-long grazing; continuous seasonal grazing; or heavy grazing in combined with drought will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Non-use and lack of fire for extended periods of time; long-term light grazing; invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Native/Invaded State (3.0).
Transition T5A
State 1 to 4
Heavy disturbance including tillage; abandonment of cropland; cropping; and seeding to improved pasture species will result in a transition to the Disturbed State (4.0). This transition can occur from any plant community on this site.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
Long-term prescribed grazing with proper stocking rate, change in season of use, and adequate time for plant recovery; and a return to normal precipitation patterns following drought will convert the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Reference State (1.0).
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing |
---|
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Removal of the grazing disturbance; invasion of non-native cool-season grasses; the implementation of long-term prescribed grazing; and favorable climatic conditions, may shift the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0) to the Native/Invaded State (3.0). This transition may not be rapid or meet management objectives.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Grazing |
---|
Transition T5A
State 2 to 4
Heavy disturbance including tillage; abandonment of cropland; cropping; and seeding to improved pasture species will result in a transition to the Disturbed State (4.0). This transition can occur from any plant community on this site.
Transition T5A
State 3 to 4
Heavy disturbance including tillage; abandonment of cropland; cropping; and seeding to improved pasture species will result in a transition to the Disturbed State (4.0). This transition can occur from any plant community on this site.
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Tall and Mid- Warm-Season Grasses | 500–875 | ||||
prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 375–750 | – | ||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 50–250 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–175 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 25–150 | – | ||
composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 0–125 | – | ||
2 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrass | 250–625 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 250–625 | – | ||
thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–250 | – | ||
3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 250–500 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 125–375 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 50–250 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 50–200 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 25–125 | – | ||
porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–125 | – | ||
4 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 50–250 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 25–175 | – | ||
Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 0–25 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–25 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 25–125 | ||||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–100 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 25–75 | – | ||
plains reedgrass | CAMO | Calamagrostis montanensis | 0–75 | – | ||
6 | Grass-likes | 25–125 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 25–125 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–75 | – | ||
7 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 0 | ||||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 50–200 | ||||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 25–100 | – | ||
white prairie aster | SYFA | Symphyotrichum falcatum | 25–50 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–50 | – | ||
American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 25–50 | – | ||
longbract spiderwort | TRBR | Tradescantia bracteata | 25–50 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 25–50 | – | ||
dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 25–50 | – | ||
western marbleseed | ONBEO | Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale | 0–50 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–50 | – | ||
field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 25–50 | – | ||
hoary puccoon | LICA12 | Lithospermum canescens | 0–50 | – | ||
Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–50 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 25–50 | – | ||
purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 25–50 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 25–50 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 25–50 | – | ||
wavyleaf thistle | CIUN | Cirsium undulatum | 25–50 | – | ||
western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 0–25 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–25 | – | ||
mint | MENTH | Mentha | 0–25 | – | ||
woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 0–25 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
9 | Shrubs | 125–375 | ||||
silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 50–125 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 25–125 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 25–125 | – | ||
American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 25–100 | – | ||
chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 25–100 | – | ||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 25–100 | – | ||
prairie rose | ROAR3 | Rosa arkansana | 25–75 | – | ||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 25–75 | – | ||
Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 0–25 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
10 | Trees | 0–50 | ||||
American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | 0–50 | – | ||
boxelder | ACNE2 | Acer negundo | 0–50 | – | ||
green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–50 | – | ||
plains cottonwood | PODEM | Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera | 0–50 | – | ||
Tree | 2TREE | Tree | 0–50 | – |
Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Tall and Mid- Warm-Season Grasses | 34–170 | ||||
prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 34–170 | – | ||
composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 0–68 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–51 | – | ||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–17 | – | ||
2 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrass | 255–510 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 255–510 | – | ||
thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–170 | – | ||
3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 85–255 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 34–170 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–85 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–68 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–51 | – | ||
porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–34 | – | ||
4 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 85–340 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 85–340 | – | ||
Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 0–34 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–34 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 17–85 | ||||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 17–51 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–51 | – | ||
plains reedgrass | CAMO | Calamagrostis montanensis | 0–34 | – | ||
6 | Grass-likes | 17–170 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 17–170 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–51 | – | ||
7 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 0–34 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–34 | – | ||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–34 | – | ||
field brome | BRAR5 | Bromus arvensis | 0–34 | – | ||
crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–34 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–17 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 34–136 | ||||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–85 | – | ||
Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–85 | – | ||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 17–68 | – | ||
white prairie aster | SYFA | Symphyotrichum falcatum | 17–51 | – | ||
woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 0–51 | – | ||
field cottonrose | LOAR5 | Logfia arvensis | 0–51 | – | ||
curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–51 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 17–51 | – | ||
field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 17–51 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 17–51 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 17–51 | – | ||
wavyleaf thistle | CIUN | Cirsium undulatum | 0–34 | – | ||
western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 17–34 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–34 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 17–34 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–34 | – | ||
goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 0–17 | – | ||
purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–17 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–17 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–17 | – | ||
dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–17 | – | ||
American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–17 | – | ||
longbract spiderwort | TRBR | Tradescantia bracteata | 0–17 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
9 | Shrubs | 85–170 | ||||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 17–85 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 17–85 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–68 | – | ||
silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–51 | – | ||
American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–34 | – | ||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–34 | – | ||
prairie rose | ROAR3 | Rosa arkansana | 17–34 | – | ||
chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 0–34 | – | ||
Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 0–17 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
10 | Trees | 0–34 | ||||
American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | 0–34 | – | ||
boxelder | ACNE2 | Acer negundo | 0–34 | – | ||
green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–34 | – | ||
plains cottonwood | PODEM | Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera | 0–34 | – | ||
Tree | 2TREE | Tree | 0–34 | – |
Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Tall and Mid- Warm-Season Grasses | 0–96 | ||||
prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 0–60 | – | ||
composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 0–24 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–24 | – | ||
2 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrass | 60–180 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 60–180 | – | ||
thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–12 | – | ||
3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 12–84 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 12–84 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–12 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–12 | – | ||
4 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 240–480 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 240–420 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 12–60 | – | ||
Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 12–36 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 12–60 | ||||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 12–36 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–36 | – | ||
plains reedgrass | CAMO | Calamagrostis montanensis | 0–12 | – | ||
6 | Grass-likes | 12–120 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 12–120 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–36 | – | ||
7 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 60–180 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 24–144 | – | ||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 12–96 | – | ||
field brome | BRAR5 | Bromus arvensis | 0–60 | – | ||
crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–60 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–60 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 60–120 | ||||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 12–72 | – | ||
field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 12–60 | – | ||
Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–60 | – | ||
field cottonrose | LOAR5 | Logfia arvensis | 0–60 | – | ||
curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–60 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 12–60 | – | ||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 12–60 | – | ||
western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 12–48 | – | ||
woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 12–48 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 12–48 | – | ||
white prairie aster | SYFA | Symphyotrichum falcatum | 12–36 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–36 | – | ||
goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 0–36 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 12–36 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 12–36 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–12 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
9 | Shrubs | 60–120 | ||||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 24–96 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 12–60 | – | ||
silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–36 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–36 | – | ||
prairie rose | ROAR3 | Rosa arkansana | 12–24 | – | ||
Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 0–12 | – | ||
chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 0–12 | – | ||
American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–12 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
10 | Trees | 0–24 | ||||
American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | 0–24 | – | ||
boxelder | ACNE2 | Acer negundo | 0–24 | – | ||
green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–24 | – | ||
plains cottonwood | PODEM | Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera | 0–24 | – | ||
Tree | 2TREE | Tree | 0–24 | – |
Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Tall and Mid- Warm-Season Grasses | 20–200 | ||||
prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 20–160 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–80 | – | ||
composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 0–60 | – | ||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–40 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–20 | – | ||
2 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrass | 100–300 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 100–300 | – | ||
thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–100 | – | ||
3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 100–300 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 40–200 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 20–120 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–100 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–60 | – | ||
porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–60 | – | ||
4 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 20–200 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 20–200 | – | ||
Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 0–40 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–40 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 20–100 | ||||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–100 | – | ||
plains reedgrass | CAMO | Calamagrostis montanensis | 0–60 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 20–40 | – | ||
6 | Grass-Likes | 20–200 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 20–200 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–60 | – | ||
7 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 100–400 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 100–300 | – | ||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 20–160 | – | ||
field brome | BRAR5 | Bromus arvensis | 0–100 | – | ||
crested wheatgrass | AGCR | Agropyron cristatum | 0–100 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–100 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 100–200 | ||||
field cottonrose | LOAR5 | Logfia arvensis | 0–100 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–100 | – | ||
Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–100 | – | ||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 20–80 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 20–80 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 20–80 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 20–80 | – | ||
field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 20–60 | – | ||
western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 20–60 | – | ||
white prairie aster | SYFA | Symphyotrichum falcatum | 20–60 | – | ||
woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 0–60 | – | ||
curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–60 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–60 | – | ||
goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 0–60 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–60 | – | ||
Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–40 | – | ||
mint | MENTH | Mentha | 0–20 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–20 | – | ||
purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–20 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–20 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–20 | – | ||
hoary puccoon | LICA12 | Lithospermum canescens | 0–20 | – | ||
dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–20 | – | ||
western marbleseed | ONBEO | Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale | 0–20 | – | ||
wavyleaf thistle | CIUN | Cirsium undulatum | 0–20 | – | ||
American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–20 | – | ||
longbract spiderwort | TRBR | Tradescantia bracteata | 0–20 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
9 | Shrubs | 200–400 | ||||
silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 40–160 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 20–160 | – | ||
American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 20–100 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 20–100 | – | ||
chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 20–100 | – | ||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 20–100 | – | ||
prairie rose | ROAR3 | Rosa arkansana | 20–60 | – | ||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 20–60 | – | ||
Wyoming big sagebrush | ARTRW8 | Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis | 0–20 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
10 | Trees | 0–40 | ||||
American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | 0–40 | – | ||
boxelder | ACNE2 | Acer negundo | 0–40 | – | ||
green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–40 | – | ||
plains cottonwood | PODEM | Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera | 0–40 | – | ||
Tree | 2TREE | Tree | 0–40 | – |
Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations
MLRA 58D lies within the drier portion of the 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- and shrubland habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional instream wetlands and woody riparian corridors. These habitats provided critical life cycle components for many 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 gray wolf, mountain lion, and grizzly bear, and smaller carnivores such as the coyote, bobcat, fox, and raptors. The 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 had been extirpated in this area as a free-ranging herbivore. The loss of the bison and reduction of prairie dog populations and 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 Sandy Terrace ecological site provides upland grassland cover with an associated forb, shrub, and tree component. It was 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, and Clayey ecological sites.
This ecological site can support an abandoned floodplain plant community and may be associated with an adjacent riparian plant community. The abandoned floodplain plant community may be composed of mature cottonwood and various age classes of elm, green ash, and boxelder; with a shrub component of fringed sagewort, chokecherry, wild plum, western snowberry, silver sagebrush, wild rose, etc. The presence or absence of this tree/shrub component is an important factor influencing wildlife species composition.
Rare flooding events deposit silt on the site which may allow the potential regeneration of plains cottonwood. However, due to the doughtiness of this site, cottonwood establishment does not occur. This site is subject to invasion of grass species such as annual brome grasses and Kentucky bluegrass. Woody species such as Eastern red cedar, Rocky Mountain juniper, and Russian-olive may invade this site.
The Sandy Terrace ecological site has been subject to conversion to cropland or hayland, some sites being irrigated. Where intact, the site provides important habitat for grassland, woodland, and shrub nesting birds, small rodents, bats, mammalian predators, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Within the MLRA, this site provides the suitable habitat for herptiles and raccoons. These sites also provide forage sites for greater sage-grouse broods. Invasive grass or woody species have impacted the biological integrity of the site, particularly for ground nesting birds.
Prairie Sandreed-Western Wheatgrass/Shrub (1.1): The predominance of grasses plus high diversity of forbs and shrubs in this community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as white-tailed deer. Plant communities associated with woody habitat provide habitat for songbirds such as brown thrasher, redheaded woodpecker, warbling vireo, yellow warbler, gray catbird, Say’s phoebe, loggerhead shrike, Lazuli bunting, yellow breasted chat, and black-headed grosbeak; and raptors such as red-tailed hawk, Swainson’s hawk, American kestrel, and great-horned owl. Insects, such as pollinators, play a large role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for birds and other species. Diverse prey populations are available for grassland raptors and mammalian predators, especially bobcat.
The diversity of grasses, forbs, and shrubs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including voles, mice, thirteen-lined ground squirrel, Eastern cottontail rabbit, white-tailed jackrabbit, and deer. This ecological site provides excellent fawning habitat for white-tailed deer. The relatively high stature of this plant community provides suitable thermal, protective, and escape cover for small and large mammals. This plant community provides habitat for tiger salamander, various frog, and toad species, and bull and garter snakes. Introduced bird species such as European starling, ring-necked pheasant, and gray partridge will use this site.
Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama/Shrubs (1.2): Resulting from heavy continuous grazing or continuous seasonal grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events or increased fire frequency, western wheatgrass and blue grama will dominate. Shrub density has decreased but diversity has remained unchanged. The tree component is aging, and the tree diversity and density remains largely unchanged. Livestock damage to trees is often noticeable. The decrease in shrub numbers results in reduced habitat for brown thrasher, yellow warbler, gray catbird, loggerhead shrikes, Lazuli bunting, and yellow breasted chat. The tall tree component continues to provide habitat for red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, redheaded woodpecker, warbling vireo, black-headed grosbeak, and Say’s phoebe. This plant community provides habitat for tiger salamander, leopard frog, and bull and garter snakes.
Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass (2.1): Resulting from long-term continuous season-long, or long-term continuous seasonal grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events. Sagewort will infiltrate the blue grama and western wheatgrass community. Taller shrubs such as chokecherry and American plum are greatly decreased, while shorter shrubs such as western snowberry and fringed sagewort are increased. Tree vigor and canopy are reduced through various stressors. The reduction in diversity and numbers of the shrub component results in reduced habitat for brown thrasher, yellow warbler, gray catbird, loggerhead shrikes, Lazuli bunting, and yellow breasted chat. Loss of tree vigor and canopy reduces habitat quality for warbling vireo and black-headed grosbeak. Increased soil temperature reduces habitat quality for most amphibians.
Ecological processes on this site have been impacted by decreased litter interfering with nutrient and water cycles decreasing forb and graminoid diversity. Runoff increases due to bare ground and decreased litter, resulting in sediment loading and warmer water to adjacent streams.
Grazing Interpretations
The following list suggests annual, initial stocking rates for average growing conditions. These estimates are conservative and should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Commonly, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Therefore, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. More accurate estimates of carrying capacity should eventually be calculated using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data and actual stocking records, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. In consultation with the land manager, a more intensive grazing management program that results in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity may be developed.
The following suggested initial stocking rates are based on 912 lb/acre (air-dry weight) per animal-unit-month (AUM) with a 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species (refer to USDA-NRCS, National Range and Pasture Handbook). An AUM is defined as the equivalent amount of forage required by a 1,000-pound cow, with or without calf, for one month.
Plant Community: Prairie Sandreed-Western Wheatgrass/Shrubs (1.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 2,500
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.61**
Plant Community: Western Wheatgrass-Blue Grama/Shrubs (1.2)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 1,700
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.43**
Plant Community: Blue Grama-Western Wheatgrass/Shrubs (2.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 1,200
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.35**
Plant Community: Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses/Shrubs (3.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 2,000
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.59**
Plant Community: All other plant communities identified in this document have variable annual production values and require onsite sampling to determine initial stocking rates.
** Total onsite annual production may contain vegetation deemed undesirable or untargeted by the grazing animal. Therefore, AUM values were reduced to reflect only preferred or desirable forage species.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for livestock. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock likely has insufficient protein to meet livestock requirements. Added protein allows 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 groups B, with localized areas in group C. 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 example of 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 the USDA-NRCS National Engineering Handbook, Part 630, for hydrologic soil groups, runoff quantities, and hydrologic curves.
Recreational uses
This site provides opportunities for hunting upland game species. The wide variety of plants that bloom from spring until fall have aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Harvesting the seeds of native plants can provide additional income on this site.
Other information
Revision Notes: “Previously Approved” Provisional
This provisional ecological site description (ESD) has passed quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) to ensure it meets the 2014 NESH standards for a “Provisional” ecological site description.
This ecological site description (ESD) is an updated “Previously Approved” ESD that represented a first-generation tier of documentation that met all requirements as an “Approved” ESD as laid out in the 1997 National Range and Pasture Handbook (NRPH). The requirements for approved status changed with the release of the 2014 National Ecological Site Handbook (NESH). The previously approved document fully described the reference state and community phases in the state-and-transition model. All other alternative states were at least described in narrative form. The “Previously Approved” ESD has been field-tested for a minimum of five years and is a proven functional document for conservation planning. The “Previously Approved” ESD may not contain all tabular and narrative entries as required in the current “Approved” level of documentation, but it is expected this ESD will continue refinement toward the current “Approved” status.
Site Development and Testing Plan
Future work, as described in an official project plan, is necessary to validate the information in this provisional ecological site description. The plan will include field activities for low-, medium-, and high-intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of the data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. Final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews are required to produce the final document.
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: Stan Boltz, RMS, NRCS; Dave Dewald, Wildlife BIO, NRCS; Jody Forman, RMS, NRCS; Dennis Froemke, RMS, NRCS; and Darrell Vanderbusch, Soil Scientist, NRCS.
Other references
Beck, J.L., J.W. Connelly, C.L. Wambolt. 2010. Consequences of treating Wyoming big sagebrush to enhance wildlife habitats; Rangeland Ecology and Management 65:444–455, September 2012
Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C.A. Carpenter, and W.H McNab. 2007. Ecological subregions: Sections and subsections of the conterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76D. https://www.fs.fed.us/research/publications/misc/73326-wo-gtr-76d-cleland2007.pdf (accessed 31 January 2019).
Cooper, S.V., P. Lesica, G.M. Kudray. 2001. Post-fire recovery of Wyoming big sagebrush steppe in central and southeastern Montana; Natural Resources and Environmental Issues, Volume 16; Shrublands: Wildlands and Wildlife Habitats, Article 12.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS-79/31.
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. 2018. http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/ (accessed 6 April 2018).
Innes, Robin J. 2019. Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis, Wyoming big sagebrush. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/arttriw/all.html (accessed 9 December 2019).
Larson, G.E. and J.R. Johnson. 1999. Plants of the Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains. South Dakota State University, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and Agriculture Experiment Station, Bulletin 732, Brookings, SD.
Toledo, D., M. Sanderson, K. Spaeth, J. Hendrickson, and J. Printz. 2014. Extent of Kentucky bluegrass and its effect on native plant species diversity and ecosystem services in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 7(4):543–522. Weed Science Society of America.
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Official soil series descriptions. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053587 (accessed 20 December 2018).
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Web Soil Survey. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx (accessed 20 December 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1997. National range and pasture handbook, rev. 1, 2003. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1043055.pdf (accessed 7 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agriculture Handbook 296. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_050898.pdf (accessed 17 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2007. National engineering handbook, part 654. Rosgen Stream Classification Technique – Supplemental Materials, Technical Supplement 3E. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/OpenNonWebContent.aspx?content=17833.wba (accessed 4 March 2019).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2012. National engineering handbook, part 630. Hydrology chapters from e-Directives. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21422 (accessed 17 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2014. National ecological site handbook, 1st ed. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcseprd1291232 (accessed 27 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Climate data. National Water and Climate Center. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ (accessed 2 December 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Electronic field office technical guide. https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov (accessed 24 September 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov (accessed 25 May 2018.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. PLANTS database. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC. http://plants.usda.gov (accessed 27 December 2018).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2018. EPA level III and level IV ecoregions of the conterminous United States. https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- conterminous-united-states (accessed 26 April 2018).
Contributors
Stan Boltz
Travis Patient
Rick L. Peterson
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 7/18/2024
Acknowledgments
This ecological site description was updated by Rick L. Peterson on January 28, 2020.
The ESDs were available for QC review by Mark Hayek, Emily Helms, Ryan Beer, and Mitch Faulkner.
All ecological sites were then reviewed and approved at the Provisional Level by David Kraft, Regional ESS, Salina, KS.
Non-Discrimination Statement
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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 |
---|---|
Contact for lead author | stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 |
Date | 05/07/2010 |
Approved by | Suzanne Mayne-Kinney |
Approval date | |
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None, or barely visible and discontinuous. -
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 should be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter should fall in place. Slight amount of movement of smallest size class litter is possible, but not normal. -
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 5 to 6, normally 6. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure indefinitely when dipped in distilled water. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A-horizon should be 4 to 12 inches thick with mollic (dark) colors when moist. Structure typically is medium to fine granular in the upper A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Combination of shallow and deep rooted species (mid & tall rhizomatous and tufted perennial cool- and warm-season grasses) 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. -
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:
Tall warm-season grasses > Mid/tall rhizomatous cool-season grasses >Sub-dominant:
Mid/tall cool-season bunchgrasses > Shrubs >Other:
Warm-season bunchgrasses > Forbs > Grass-likes > TreesAdditional:
Due to differing root structure and distribution, Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass do not fit into reference plant community F/S groups.
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers and shrubs are vigorous. -
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 1,700-3,300 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, Kentucky bluegrass, annual bromes -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
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