Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R060AY021SD
Clayey Overflow
Last updated: 6/25/2024
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): 060A–Pierre Shale Plains
The Pierre Shale Plains (MLRA 60A) consists of approximately 10,150 square miles, the majority of which is located in South Dakota (70 percent) and small portions are in Montana (2 percent), Nebraska (8 percent), and Wyoming (20 percent). It encircles the Black Hills (MLRA) and the Dakota Hogback (MLRA 61). MLRA 60A includes portions of the Oglala, Buffalo Gap, and Thunder Basin National Grasslands. It also includes small sections of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Badlands National Park, and Black Hills National Forest. The Cheyenne and Belle Fourche Rivers flow through the MLRA.
MLRA 60A is in the unglaciated section of the Missouri Plateau, of the Great Plains Province of the Interior Plains. It is an area of old plateaus and terraces that have been deeply eroded. Cretaceous Pierre Shale underlies almost all of this MLRA. This is a marine sediment with layers of volcanic ash that has been altered to smectitic clay. These clays shrink as they dry and swell as they receive moisture. Soils are shallow to very deep and generally are well drained and clayey.
Elevations generally range from 2,620 to 3,610 feet throughout the MLRA, but can range up to 4,260 feet. The average annual precipitation for the western side of the MLRA is 13 to 16 inches, whereas the eastern side receives 16 to 18 inches. A suite of ecological sites have been written specifically for these two precipitation zones. The Locator Map shows the break between the two precipitation zones.
This area supports a mixed natural prairie vegetation consisting of both cool- and warm-season grasses and forbs. Wyoming big sagebrush occurs primarily in the drier western portion of the MLRA; however, small remnant stands can be found in the eastern portion. Dominant land uses of the area primarily are ranching and, to a lesser extent, farming. Major resource concerns to this MLRA are wind erosion and surface water quality.
Classification relationships
USDA - Land Resource Region G – Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region, Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 63B – Southern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains.
EPA - Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States: 43e – Sagebrush Steppe, 43g Semiarid Pierre Shale Plains, and 43k – Dense Clay Prairie.
Ecological site concept
The Clayey Overflow Ecological Site occurs throughout the MLRA. It is typically located on Stream Orders 2 and 3 however it can be found on lower stream reaches. This site is a run-in site and receives additional moisture through runoff from adjacent uplands and overflow during occasional flooding. Typical slope range is from 0 to 3 percent. The soil surface layer is 3 to 11 inches in depth with a texture range of silty clay loam to clay. When degraded, this site is susceptible to down cutting. The natural vegetation will gradually shift from almost exclusively herbaceous species in the upper reaches of a drainage to a mix of species including grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees, in the lower reaches.
Vegetation in Reference consists of a mix of cool- and warm-season tall- and mid-grasses. Western wheatgrass and green needlegrass are dominant, and prairie cordgrass, switchgrass, and big bluestem are sub-dominant. Forbs are common and very diverse. Patches of western snowberry, American plum, chokecherry, and willow are commonly present. In the western portion of the MLRA, Wyoming big sagebrush will likely be present. When trees are present, they will include plains cottonwood, willow, green ash, boxelder, and hackberry. When disturbed, this site is very susceptible to invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, Canada thistle, hound’s tongue, and other weedy forbs. It is also susceptible to invasion of Russian olive and saltcedar.
Associated sites
| R060AY007SD |
Saline Lowland The Saline Lowland can occur adjacent to the overflow site, either upstream or on a low terrace between the overflow and the Loamy Terrace. |
|---|---|
| R060AY011SD |
Clayey 13-16" P.Z. The Clayey 13-16 PZ site will be located an upland landscape position above the overflow site. |
| R060AY015SD |
Thin Claypan The Thin Claypan can occur adjacent to the overflow site, either upstream or on a low terrace above the overflow site. |
| R060AY018SD |
Dense Clay The Dense Clay site will be located an upland landscape position above the overflow site. |
| R060AY022SD |
Loamy Terrace The Loamy Terrace site will be located on the stream or river terrace above the overflow site. |
| R060AY040SD |
Clayey 16-18" P.Z. The Clayey 16-18 PZ site will be located an upland landscape position above the overflow site. |
Similar sites
| R060AY020SD |
Loamy Overflow The Loamy Overflow will have more bluestems, less western wheatgrass and more potential for tree and shrub establishment. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Pascopyrum smithii |
Physiographic features
This site is nearly level to gently sloping and occurs on uplands and river valleys.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Alluvial fan
(2) Flood plain (3) Stream terrace |
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) |
| Flooding frequency | Rare to frequent |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 2,500 – 4,300 ft |
| Slope | 3% |
| Water table depth | 80 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 steppes to the east. Annual precipitation for the entire MLRA ranges from 13 to 18 inches per year, with most occurring during the growing season. 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. Cold air masses from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may occur in winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but the more severe occur during late fall, late winter, and spring.
The normal average annual temperature is about 46°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 19°F (Moorcroft CAA, WY) to about 22°F (Belle Fourche, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 70°F (Moorcroft CAA, WY) to about 72°F (Belle Fourche, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 51°F. Hourly winds are estimated to average about 11 miles per hour annually, ranging from about 13 miles per hour during the spring to about 10 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime winds generally are stronger than nighttime, and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 miles per hour.
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. Green-up of cool-season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 98-105 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 123-129 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 15-18 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 76-108 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 113-133 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 14-18 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 97 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 124 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) WASTA [USC00398911], Owanka, SD
-
(2) MOORCROFT 3S [USW00024088], Moorcroft, WY
-
(3) UPTON [USC00489205], Upton, WY
-
(4) REDBIRD [USC00487555], Lance Creek, WY
-
(5) ARDMORE 1 NW [USC00390236], Edgemont, SD
-
(6) BELLE FOURCHE [USC00390559], Belle Fourche, SD
Influencing water features
Stream Type: B6, C6 (Rosgen System)
Wetland description
Not Applicable.
Soil features
The soils in this site are moderately well to well drained and formed in alluvium. The silty clay loam to clay surface layer is 3 to 11 inches thick. The soils have a very slow to moderately slow infiltration rate. This site should show no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous with numerous debris dams or vegetative barriers. The soil surface is stable and intact.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases where vegetative cover is not adequate. A drastic loss of the soil surface layer on this site can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.
Major soils correlated to the Clayey Overflow site include: Harlaker, Lodgepole, Lohmiller, and Setter.
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 location.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Sandy clay loam (2) Clay (3) Sandy clay |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Clayey |
| Drainage class | Moderately well drained to well drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow to moderately slow |
| Soil depth | 80 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
5 – 8 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
15% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
8 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
5 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
10% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
5% |
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 specify 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.
As this site deteriorates, introduced species such as Kentucky bluegrass annual brome and Canada thistle will invade the site. Grasses such as slender wheatgrass, green needlegrass, prairie cordgrass, rhizomatous wheatgrasses, big bluestem, and switchgrass will decrease in frequency and production. Russian olive and/or saltcedar can become established on this site regardless of disturbance.
Clayey Overflow sites that are in association with Dense Clay and Thin Claypan sites with slick spots tend to create inclusions of a transitional plant community. The higher salt levels in the soils create a plant community that combines characteristics of both the Saline Lowland and Clayey Overflow sites. Due to the amount and pattern of the precipitation, the big sagebrush component typically is not resilient once it has been removed if a vigorous stand of grass exists and is maintained. Big sagebrush occurs mainly in the western portions of this MLRA, while silver sagebrush is found throughout the MLRA.
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Reference Plant Community (1.1). The Reference 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.
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
Figure 8. Clayey Overflow - R060AY021SD.
Figure 9. Clayey Overflow - R060AY021SD.
More interactive model formats are also available.
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More interactive model formats are also available.
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
This State represents what is believed to exist prior to European settlement In Reference, this site is dominated by cool- and warm-season season grasses, and various shrub species. Grazing or the lack of grazing, fire, excessive haying, erosion, and invasion of non-native cool-season grasses are major drivers in this State.
Community 1.1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Tall Warm-Season Grasses/Mixed Shrubs
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass- Needlegrass-Tall Warm-Season Grasses/Mixed Shrubs Plant Community (1.1). This is also considered the Reference Plant Community. Potential vegetation is about 65 to 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 5 to 10 percent forbs, 5 to 15 percent shrubs, and 0 to 3 percent trees. A mix of cool- and warm-season grasses dominates the plant community. The major grasses and grass-likes include rhizomatous wheatgrasses, prairie cordgrass, green needlegrass, big bluestem, switchgrass, sedges, and rushes. Other grasses in the plant community include mat muhly, Sandberg bluegrass, Canada wildrye, needleleaf sedge, blue grama, and prairie Junegrass. Shrubs include silver sagebrush, leadplant, chokecherry, big sagebrush, rose, and snowberry. Forbs such as aster, American vetch, prairie coneflower, prairie clover, American licorice, cudweed sagewort, and goldenrod are common. Trees occurring on the site include scattered green ash, cottonwood, boxelder, and elm. 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 off-site and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. Run-off from adjacent sites and moderate or high available water capacity provides a favorable soil-water-plant relationship.
Figure 10. 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 | 900 | 1700 | 2270 |
| Forb | 100 | 210 | 350 |
| Shrub/Vine | 100 | 158 | 215 |
| Tree | 0 | 32 | 65 |
| Total | 1100 | 2100 | 2900 |
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6008, Pierre Shale Plains, lowland cool season/warm season co-dominant. Cool season, warm season co-dominant, 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 |
Community 1.2
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass
This plant community is the result of fire or brush management followed by continuous seasonal grazing or haying. Western wheatgrass and green needlegrass dominate; however, many of the species found in the Reference Plant Community (1.1) continue to persist. These grasses form a sod which is very productive and is often used for dryland hay. This plant community is productive but lacks the diversity of the Reference Plant Community. The soil of this plant community is protected. The watershed is functioning but may produce slightly increased runoff.
Figure 12. 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 | 1760 | 2136 | 2470 |
| Forb | 120 | 188 | 275 |
| Shrub/Vine | 20 | 138 | 275 |
| Tree | 0 | 38 | 80 |
| Total | 1900 | 2500 | 3100 |
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6008, Pierre Shale Plains, lowland cool season/warm season co-dominant. Cool season, warm season co-dominant, 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 |
Community 1.3
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass
This plant community results from heavy continuous season-long or seasonal grazing without adequate recovery periods between each grazing event during the growing season. Recognition of this plant community will enable the land user to implement key management decisions before a significant ecological threshold is crossed. Western wheatgrass is the dominant species. Big bluestem, green needlegrass, switchgrass, and prairie cordgrass are greatly reduced. Forb species include western yarrow, asters, prairie coneflower, and western ragweed. Shrubs will be greatly reduced. This plant community is relatively stable and less productive than the Reference Plant Community (1.1). Reduction of litter and short plant heights result in higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and increased runoff. This plant community can occur throughout the site, on spot-grazed areas, and around water sources where season-long grazing patterns occur. Soil erosion may increase as runoff increases.
Figure 14. 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 | 820 | 1320 | 1815 |
| Forb | 70 | 112 | 155 |
| Shrub/Vine | 10 | 45 | 80 |
| Tree | 0 | 23 | 50 |
| Total | 900 | 1500 | 2100 |
Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6007, Pierre Shale 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 |
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Continuous seasonal grazing, haying, and/or brush management or fire will convert this plant community to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing, heavy continuous seasonal grazing, or excessive haying in combination with brush management or fire will convert this plant community to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.3)
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Long-term prescribed grazing that incorporates proper stocking rates, change in season of use, and adequate time for recovery following grazing, and protecting shrubs from fire will aid in returning this plant community phase to the Reference Plant Community (1.1).
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing, or continuous seasonal grazing, or excessive haying will push this plant community to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plan Community (1.3).
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1
Long-term prescribed grazing including change in season of use, proper stocking, and adequate time for rest and recovery, and no fire over time will shift this plant community back to the Reference Plant Community (1.1).
Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Prescribed grazing that incorporates proper stocking rates, change in season of use, and adequate time for recovery following grazing will shift this plant community back to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass- Needlegrass Plant Community (1.2).
State 2
Degraded State
Heavy, long-term animal or machinery impacts have altered soil site stability, hydrologic function, and the biotic integrity of the site. Erosion can down-cut the channel to the point that the site no longer receives additional moisture from overflow. This State is resistant to change and a restoration pathway may not be feasible.
Community 2.1
Western Wheatgrass-Annual Grasses/Forbs/Shrubs
This plant community developed with heavy continuous season-long grazing. Western wheatgrass and Kentucky bluegrass dominate the community. Green needlegrass has been greatly reduced. Big bluestem has been removed. Western yarrow, scurfpea, ragweed, and goldenrod have increased. Non- native grasses and forbs such as annual bromes, curlycup gumweed, thistle, and cocklebur will invade this plant community. This plant community is resistant to change to a higher successional plant community due to low plant diversity and competition of the invaded species. A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1). The loss of desirable species has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced significantly. Soil loss may be accelerated where concentrated flows occur. It will take a very long time to restore this plant community back to the Reference State with improved management alone. Renovation would be very costly.
Figure 16. 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 | 375 | 692 | 1110 |
| Forb | 85 | 135 | 185 |
| Shrub/Vine | 40 | 68 | 95 |
| Tree | 0 | 5 | 10 |
| Total | 500 | 900 | 1400 |
Figure 17. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6006, Pierre Shale Plains, lowland cool season dominant. Cool season dominant, 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 | 6 | 15 | 20 | 26 | 17 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Frequent and severe defoliation, heavy disturbance such as livestock feed, excessive haying, invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, and erosion will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Degraded State (2.0).
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
Removal of disturbance that caused transition, in combination with long-term prescribed grazing, no fire, and potentially periods of non-use to allow for recovery. This transition may not be rapid or economical and may not meet management goals.
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 | Western Wheatgrass | 735–1155 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 735–1155 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 42–168 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRS | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus | 21–147 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 21–105 | – | ||
| Montana wheatgrass | ELAL7 | Elymus albicans | 0–42 | – | ||
| 2 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 21–105 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–210 | – | ||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 20–100 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 21–63 | – | ||
| 3 | Needlegrass | 42–105 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 42–105 | – | ||
| 4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 105–210 | ||||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 21–105 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 21–105 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–105 | – | ||
| marsh muhly | MURA | Muhlenbergia racemosa | 0–105 | – | ||
| composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 21–105 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–63 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–63 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 21–63 | – | ||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 21–63 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–63 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–63 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–42 | – | ||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–42 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–42 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–42 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 105–315 | ||||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 21–105 | – | ||
| starry false lily of the valley | MAST4 | Maianthemum stellatum | 0–105 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 21–105 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–63 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–63 | – | ||
| hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 0–63 | – | ||
| mint | MENTH | Mentha | 21–63 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | OESU3 | Oenothera suffrutescens | 0–63 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 21–63 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–63 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–63 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–63 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–63 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–63 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 21–63 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 21–63 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–63 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–42 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 21–42 | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–21 | – | ||
| cocklebur | XANTH2 | Xanthium | 0–21 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 105–210 | ||||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 42–315 | – | ||
| big sagebrush | ARTR2 | Artemisia tridentata | 42–315 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 42–315 | – | ||
| chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 21–105 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 21–105 | – | ||
| willow | SALIX | Salix | 21–105 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–63 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–63 | – | ||
| Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–63 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–63 | – | ||
| greasewood | SAVE4 | Sarcobatus vermiculatus | 0–50 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 8 | Trees | 0–63 | ||||
| green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–63 | – | ||
| plains cottonwood | PODEM | Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera | 0–63 | – | ||
| American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | 0–63 | – | ||
| boxelder | ACNE2 | Acer negundo | 0–42 | – | ||
| common hackberry | CEOC | Celtis occidentalis | 0–42 | – | ||
| hawthorn | CRATA | Crataegus | 0–21 | – | ||
| Tree | 2TREE | Tree | 0–21 | – | ||
Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrass | 750–1000 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 750–1000 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 250–500 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 250–500 | – | ||
| Montana wheatgrass | ELAL7 | Elymus albicans | 125–375 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRS | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus | 0–125 | – | ||
| 2 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 250–750 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 250–500 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 125–375 | – | ||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 75–250 | – | ||
| 3 | Needlegrass | 375–750 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 375–750 | – | ||
| 4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 125–250 | ||||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 125–250 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 125–250 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 25–125 | – | ||
| composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 25–125 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–125 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–125 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–125 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 25–125 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 25–125 | – | ||
| marsh muhly | MURA | Muhlenbergia racemosa | 0–100 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–75 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–75 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–50 | – | ||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–50 | – | ||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 0–25 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 125–250 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–75 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–75 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–75 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–75 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–75 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–75 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–75 | – | ||
| hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 0–75 | – | ||
| starry false lily of the valley | MAST4 | Maianthemum stellatum | 0–75 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | OESU3 | Oenothera suffrutescens | 0–75 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–75 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–75 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–75 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–75 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–75 | – | ||
| mint | MENTH | Mentha | 0–50 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–50 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–25 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 25–250 | ||||
| big sagebrush | ARTR2 | Artemisia tridentata | 0–125 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–125 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 25–125 | – | ||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–125 | – | ||
| Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–75 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–75 | – | ||
| chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 0–75 | – | ||
| greasewood | SAVE4 | Sarcobatus vermiculatus | 0–75 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–75 | – | ||
| willow | SALIX | Salix | 0–50 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–50 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 8 | Trees | 0–75 | ||||
| green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–75 | – | ||
| plains cottonwood | PODEM | Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera | 0–75 | – | ||
| American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | 0–75 | – | ||
| boxelder | ACNE2 | Acer negundo | 0–50 | – | ||
| common hackberry | CEOC | Celtis occidentalis | 0–50 | – | ||
| hawthorn | CRATA | Crataegus | 0–50 | – | ||
Table 11. Community 1.3 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrass | 525–675 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 525–675 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 15–75 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 30–75 | – | ||
| Montana wheatgrass | ELAL7 | Elymus albicans | 0–30 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRS | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus | 0–30 | – | ||
| 2 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 30–150 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–75 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 30–75 | – | ||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 30–75 | – | ||
| 3 | Needlegrass | 150–300 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 150–300 | – | ||
| 4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 75–150 | ||||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 15–75 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 15–75 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 30–75 | – | ||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 15–75 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 15–75 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–75 | – | ||
| composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 15–75 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–45 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–45 | – | ||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–45 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–45 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–45 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–30 | – | ||
| marsh muhly | MURA | Muhlenbergia racemosa | 0–30 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–30 | – | ||
| 5 | Non-native Grasses | 30–150 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 30–150 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 15–75 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 75–150 | ||||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 15–75 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 15–75 | – | ||
| hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 0–45 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | OESU3 | Oenothera suffrutescens | 0–45 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 15–45 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–45 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–45 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 15–45 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–45 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 15–45 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 15–45 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–45 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–30 | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–30 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–30 | – | ||
| starry false lily of the valley | MAST4 | Maianthemum stellatum | 0–30 | – | ||
| cocklebur | XANTH2 | Xanthium | 0–30 | – | ||
| mint | MENTH | Mentha | 0–15 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–15 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 15–75 | ||||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–75 | – | ||
| big sagebrush | ARTR2 | Artemisia tridentata | 0–75 | – | ||
| greasewood | SAVE4 | Sarcobatus vermiculatus | 0–75 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–45 | – | ||
| chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 0–45 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 15–45 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–45 | – | ||
| Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–45 | – | ||
| willow | SALIX | Salix | 0–30 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–15 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–15 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 8 | Trees | 0–45 | ||||
| green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–45 | – | ||
| plains cottonwood | PODEM | Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera | 0–30 | – | ||
| American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | 0–30 | – | ||
| boxelder | ACNE2 | Acer negundo | 0–30 | – | ||
| common hackberry | CEOC | Celtis occidentalis | 0–30 | – | ||
| hawthorn | CRATA | Crataegus | 0–15 | – | ||
| Tree | 2TREE | Tree | 0–15 | – | ||
Table 12. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrass | 90–315 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 90–315 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 0–45 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 9–45 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRS | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus | 0–18 | – | ||
| 2 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 25–100 | ||||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 25–100 | – | ||
| 3 | Needlegrass | 0–45 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–45 | – | ||
| 4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 45–180 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 9–90 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–45 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–45 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 9–45 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 9–45 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 9–45 | – | ||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 18–45 | – | ||
| composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 9–45 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–27 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–27 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–27 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–18 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–18 | – | ||
| 5 | Non-native Grasses | 45–135 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 18–135 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 18–90 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 90–180 | ||||
| cocklebur | XANTH2 | Xanthium | 18–90 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 18–90 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 18–45 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 18–45 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 18–45 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 18–45 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 18–45 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 18–45 | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 9–36 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 9–27 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–27 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 9–27 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–18 | – | ||
| hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 0–18 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | OESU3 | Oenothera suffrutescens | 0–18 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–9 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 45–90 | ||||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–45 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 9–45 | – | ||
| big sagebrush | ARTR2 | Artemisia tridentata | 0–27 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 9–27 | – | ||
| Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–27 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–18 | – | ||
| chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 0–9 | – | ||
| willow | SALIX | Salix | 0–9 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 8 | Trees | 0–9 | ||||
| boxelder | ACNE2 | Acer negundo | 0–9 | – | ||
| common hackberry | CEOC | Celtis occidentalis | 0–9 | – | ||
| hawthorn | CRATA | Crataegus | 0–9 | – | ||
| green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–9 | – | ||
| plains cottonwood | PODEM | Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera | 0–9 | – | ||
| American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | 0–9 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
The following table lists annual suggested initial stocking rates with average growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Often, 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 carrying capacity estimates 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. With consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity.
Plant Community = Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Tall Warm-Season Grasses/Mixed Shrubs (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 2100
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.58
Plant Community = Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 2200
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.60
Plant Community = Rhizomatous Western Wheatgrass (1.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1500
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.41
Plant Community = Western Wheatgrass-Annual Grasses/Forbs/Shrubs (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 900
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.25
Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species (refer to USDA NRCS, National Range and Pasture Handbook).
Total annual production on-site may contain vegetation deemed undesirable or untargeted by the grazing animal. Therefore, AUM values may have been 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. 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 herbage production on this site. The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups C and D. Infiltration ranges from very slow to moderately slow, and runoff potential for this site varies from low to medium 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 short grasses form a dense sod. 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 variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
Other information
Revision Notes: “Previously Approved” Provisional
This Provisional ecological site concept has passed Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure that the site meets the 2014 NESH standards for a Provisional ecological site. This is an updated “Previously Approved” ESD which represents a first-generation tier of documentation that, prior to the release of the 2014 National Ecological Site Handbook (NESH), met all requirements as an “Approved” ESD as laid out in the 1997, rev.1, 2003 National Range and Pasture Handbook (NRPH). The document fully described the Reference State and Community Phase in the State-and- Transition model. All other alternative states are 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 does not contain all tabular and narrative entries as required in the current “Approved” level of documentation but it is expected that the “Previously Approved” ESD will continue refinement towards an “Approved” status.
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work, as described in a Project Plan, is needed to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description. This will include field activities to collect low-, medium-, and high-intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. The final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document.
Non-discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, available online and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632- 9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site description include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Darrel DuVall, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Jill Epley, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Cheryl Nielsen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Rick Peterson, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Mike Stirling, Range Management Specialist, NRCS.
Other references
EPA – Level III and Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States, (https://www.epa.gov/eco- research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions-continental-united-states). Available online. Accessed 01/03/17
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/). Available online. Accessed 02/27/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. Accessed 07/17/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Web Soil Survey. Available online. Accessed 07/17/17.
USDA, NRCS. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Ag Handbook 296.
USDA, NRCS. 2014. National Ecological Site Handbook, 1st Ed.
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center. (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/). Available online. Accessed 02/27/17.
USDA, NRCS. 1997, rev. 1, 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook.
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center. (http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov).
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2017). Available online. Accessed 7/14/17.
USDA, NRCS. Various Published Soil Surveys.
Contributors
Stan C. Boltz
Rick L. Peterson
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/25/2024
Acknowledgments
ESD updated by Rick L. Peterson on 7/20/17
MLRA 60A Provisional Level Quality Control (QC) Process 9/28/17
Ecological Site from MLRA 60A were Previously Approved ESDs and meet the requirements as stated in the 2003 National Range and Pasture Handbook.
The Sites were updated to the Provisional Level by Rick L. Peterson, ESS, Rapid City, SSO in FY17.
The sites were reviewed by George Gamblin, RMS, Wheatland, WY and Mitch Faulkner, RMS, Belle Fourche, SD. Mitch Faulkner acted as the Provisional QC. The Sites were then reviewed and approved at the Provisional Level by David Kraft, Regional ESS, Salina, KS.
Worked closely with Kent Cooley, Area SS, with MLRA key development and soils narratives
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, Ryan Beer, Mitch Iverson, Thad Berrett, Cheryl Nielsen |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 |
| Date | 06/04/2008 |
| 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:
Typically none or barely visible. Evidence of water flow may be present after high overland flow events or flooding from adjacent streams, but vegetation normally remains intact. -
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 5 percent is typical. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None typical, however limited headcutting may form after high runoff or flooding events. Existing gullies should be stabilized with good vegetative cover. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None typical, but limited deposition may occur after major runoff or flooding events. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter of small and medium size classes will move after average to high rainfall events. Litter does not travel far, typically being trapped in small bunches by the extensive vegetative cover. Litter movement may be fairly extensive after major runoff or flooding events. -
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 10 inches thick with mollic (dark) colors when moist. Structure typically is medium subangular blocky 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 – 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 >>Sub-dominant:
Mid/tall cool-season bunchgrasses > tall warm-season rhizomatous grasses > short cool-season grasses/grass-likes >
Other:
Shrubs = forbsAdditional:
-
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 1,900-3,100 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 -
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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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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