Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R060AY041SD
Loamy 16-18" P.Z.
Last updated: 6/25/2024
Accessed: 11/24/2024
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 62)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) 60A – 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 Loamy 16-18” PZ (precipitation zone) ecological site occurs on the eastern side of the MLRA. It is located on upland landscapes and does not receive additional moisture from run off or overflow. The typical slopes range is from 0 to 15 percent. The surface texture of the soils are loam to silty clay loam. Carbonates can be found between 10 to 25 inches below the surface.
The vegetation in Reference consists of a mix of cool- and warm-season grasses; however, mid-statured cool-season grasses tend to be the dominant group. Western wheatgrass and needle and thread are the dominant cool-season grasses, sideoats grama, little bluestem, blue grama, and buffalograss are the dominant warm-season grasses. Forbs are common and diverse; shrubs are present but are in minor amounts. This site is susceptible to invasion of non-native, cool-season grasses.
Associated sites
| R060AY009SD |
Sandy The Sandy site can be located adjacent to the Loamy 16-18” PZ site. |
|---|---|
| R060AY012SD |
Thin Upland The Thin Upland site can be located on steeper slopes adjacent to the Loamy 16-18” PZ site. |
| R060AY020SD |
Loamy Overflow The Loamy Overflow site can be located on drainageways adjacent to the Loamy 16-18” PZ site. |
| R060AY022SD |
Loamy Terrace The Loamy Terrace site can be located on a stream or river terrace adjacent to the Loamy 16-18” PZ site. |
| R060AY024SD |
Shallow Loamy The Shallow Loamy site can be located on steep slopes above the Loamy 16-18” PZ site. |
| R060AY040SD |
Clayey 16-18" P.Z. The Clayey 16-18” PZ site can be located adjacent to the Loamy 16-18” PZ site. |
Similar sites
| R060AY022SD |
Loamy Terrace The Loamy Terrace site will have a similar plant community but with more shrubs, scattered trees, and higher production. |
|---|---|
| R060AY040SD |
Clayey 16-18" P.Z. The Clayey 16-18” PZ site will have similar production with more green needlegrass and less needle and thread. |
| R060AY020SD |
Loamy Overflow The Loamy Overflow site will have less needle and thread, more big bluestem, and higher production. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Pascopyrum smithii |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on gently undulating to rolling uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Terrace
(2) Pediment (3) Plain |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 762 – 1,311 m |
| Slope | 0 – 15% |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate in this MLRA is typically the drier portion of the Northern Great Plains, where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Annual precipitation in the wetter portion of the MLRA ranges from 16 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 permit 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 storms occur during late fall, late winter, and spring.
The normal average annual temperature is about 47°F. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from about 18°F (Newell, SD) to about 23°F (Oelrichs, SD). July is the warmest month, with average temperatures ranging from about 72°F (Newell, SD) to about 74°F (Oelrichs, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 53°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 are generally 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) | 105-110 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 127-132 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 432-457 mm |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 100-111 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 124-133 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 406-483 mm |
| Frost-free period (average) | 107 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 129 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 457 mm |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) RAPID CITY RGNL AP [USW00024090], Rapid City, SD
-
(2) ARDMORE 1 NW [USC00390236], Edgemont, SD
-
(3) OELRICHS [USC00396212], Oelrichs, SD
-
(4) WASTA [USC00398911], Owanka, SD
-
(5) SAINT ONGE 2 S [USC00397418], Belle Fourche, SD
Influencing water features
No significant water features influence this site.
Wetland description
Not Applicable.
Soil features
The soils in this site are well drained and formed in residuum, alluvial materials, and eolian deposits. The surface layer is 4 to 11 inches thick. The texture of the subsurface soils range from loam to clay. The soils have a moderate infiltration rate. This site typically should show slight to 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. Sub-surface soil layers are not restrictive to water movement and root penetration.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 9 percent.
Common soils correlated the Loamy 16-18" PZ Ecological Site include: Altvan, Norka, Nuncho, Nunn, Recluse, Satanta, and Savo.
Access Web Soil Survey http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/) for specific local soils information.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Loam (2) Clay loam (3) Silt loam |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Clayey |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately slow to moderate |
| Soil depth | 51 – 203 cm |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 0% |
| Available water capacity (0-101.6cm) |
15.24 – 20.32 cm |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-101.6cm) |
0 – 15% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-101.6cm) |
0 – 4 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-101.6cm) |
0 – 5 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-101.6cm) |
6.1 – 9 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
0 – 20% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
0 – 10% |
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.
Invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, primarily smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass can alter the dynamics of this site. Once these species establish it is unlikely the plant community will return to the Reference State (1.0).
Long-term non-use, in combination with above average precipitation, may transition a native/non-native cool-season grass plant community phase (PCP) to a predominantly non-native PCP.
Encroachment of ponderosa pine, Rocky Mountain juniper, and eastern red cedar may occur from associated sites, and can shift site characteristics. These shifts can alter the site dynamics and potential. Ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain juniper may occur in small amounts on several PCPs without adversely affecting the site dynamics.
The PCP which interpretations are primarily based is the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1). This has been determined by studying rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes.
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. Loamy 16-18" PZ - R060AY041SD.
Figure 9. Loamy 16-18" PZ - R060AY041SD.
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
States 1, 5 and 6 (additional transitions)
States 2 and 6 (additional transitions)
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 6 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
This State represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of the ecological site prior to European settlement. This site in the Reference State (1.0), is dominated by cool-season grasses and subdominant warm-season grass. Grazing and the lack of grazing, fire, and drought are the major drivers between plant communities. Continuous season-long grazing can push this State to a warm-season shortgrass-dominated State. Non-use, no fire, and invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will result in a transition to a Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Community 1.1
Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass
Figure 10. Loamy 16-18" PZ - PCP 1.1
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1). This is also considered the Reference Plant Community. This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of deferment. The potential vegetation is about 85 to 90 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 1 to 5 percent shrubs. Cool-season grasses dominate the plant community. Major grasses include western wheatgrass and needle and thread. Other grasses occurring on the site include green needlegrass, blue grama, little bluestem, sideoats grama, and sedge. Significant forbs include American vetch, cudweed sagewort, scurfpea, western ragweed, and goldenrod. The significant shrub that occurs in patchy mosaics is western snowberry. Other shrubs include rose, leadplant, and broom snakeweed. 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). 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. Moderate or high available water capacity provides a favorable soil-water-plant relationship.
Figure 11. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 1541 | 2146 | 2729 |
| Forb | 118 | 247 | 392 |
| Shrub/Vine | 22 | 73 | 129 |
| Total | 1681 | 2466 | 3250 |
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6001, Pierre Shale Plains, cool-season dominant. Cool-season dominant..
| 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 |
Community 1.2
Blue Grama-Buffalograss-Western Wheatgrass
Figure 13. Loamy 16-18" PZ - PCP 1.2
This plant community develops under continuous seasonal grazing (i.e., grazing an area during the same season every year), or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential vegetation is made up of approximately 80 to 90 percent grasses and grass-like species, 5 to 15 percent forbs, and 1 to 5 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include blue grama, buffalograss, western wheatgrass, needle and thread, and threadleaf sedge. Other grasses may include sideoats grama, prairie Junegrass, red threeawn, and little bluestem. The dominant forbs include scurfpeas, western ragweed, cudweed sagewort, scarlet globemallow, and perennial aster species. Dominant shrubs in this community include western snowberry and wild rose. Broom snakeweed may also be present in significant amounts. Compared to the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1), the shortgrass species including blue grama and buffalograss have increased. The cool-season species including western wheatgrass and needlegrasses have decreased in composition. Annual bromes, wooly Indianwheat, and other annual grasses and forbs can invade the site. While plant diversity is relatively high, the structure of the community is dominated by short grasses. This plant community is resistant to change. The dominant herbaceous species are mid- to tall-grasses and are very adapted to grazing; however, these grass species and the more palatable forbs will decrease in the community through long-term overgrazing. Soil erosion is low to moderate. Because of the sod forming habit of the dominant shortgrass species, water infiltration is low, and runoff is moderate to high. Typically the runoff is very clean because of the low potential for soil erosion.
Figure 14. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 1143 | 1454 | 1760 |
| Forb | 78 | 168 | 258 |
| Shrub/Vine | 11 | 50 | 90 |
| Tree | – | 9 | 22 |
| Total | 1232 | 1681 | 2130 |
Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6003, Pierre Shale Plains, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant.
| 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, heavy, continuous seasonal grazing, long-term winter grazing that extends in to the early growing season, and/or extended periods of drought will lead to the Blue Grama-Buffalograss-Western Wheatgrass Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
With prescribed grazing, which includes moderate grazing pressure during the early spring (prior to May 1) and fall seasons (cool-season regrowth) and with favorable growing conditions this plant community will move towards the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1). Periods of non-use or deferment may be a management option.
State 2
Shortgrass/Pioneer State
The Shortgrass State is dominated by shortgrass species and upland sedges. The State is the result of grazing patterns that did not provide adequate recovery time for cool-season wheat grasses and needlegrasses. If heavy disturbance such as, frequent and sever defoliation, and livestock concentration continues, pioneer perennials and annual grass and forb species may become dominant. 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.
Community 2.1
Blue Grama-Buffalograss Sod
Figure 16. Loamy 16-18" PZ - PCP 2.1
This plant community is the result of heavy overuse and/or continuous seasonal grazing. Blue grama and buffalograss are the dominant species with the balance being a few species of cool-season grasses, warm-season grasses and miscellaneous forbs. Some of the minor species are western wheatgrass, threeawn, sedges, needle and thread, prairie Junegrass, sideoats grama, and annual brome. There are a few forbs such as western ragweed, cudweed sagewort, green sagewort, and scarlet globemallow. The dominant shrubs include broom snakeweed and fringed sagewort. There is usually less than 10 percent bare ground. When compared to the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1), blue grama and buffalograss have increased significantly. The mid- and tall-grasses have declined dramatically. There is a chance that cheatgrass has invaded the site. Annual production has decreased significantly. This plant community is resistant to change, as the dominant shortgrass species are very resistant to over-grazing. The thick sod prevents other species from establishing. This area provides reduced grazing use for livestock or wildlife. The quickest means to make this a productive site again is to do some sort of mechanical treatment, such as pitting or chiseling. Most landowners however will farm the area for two or three years and then replant the area to mixture of tame or native grasses. Runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease. Soil erosion will be minimal due to the sod forming habit of blue grama and buffalograss. This could be advantageous for heavy use areas such as calving/lambing units, however nutrient runoff could be a potential problem.
Figure 17. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 516 | 780 | 930 |
| Forb | 39 | 90 | 140 |
| Shrub/Vine | 6 | 27 | 50 |
| Tree | – | – | – |
| Total | 561 | 897 | 1120 |
Figure 18. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6005, Pierre Shale Plains, warm-season dominant. Warm-season dominant..
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 25 | 30 | 15 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Community 2.2
Threeawn-Annuals
Figure 19. Loamy 16-18" PZ - PCP 2.2
This plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing and/or heavy disturbance. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 60 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 to 20 percent forbs, and 5 to 20 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include red threeawn, annual brome grasses, and Scribner panicum. Other grasses may include little bluestem, blue grama, buffalograss, sedges, western wheatgrass, and sixweeks fescue. The dominant forbs include fringed sagewort, fetid marigold, western ragweed, pussytoes, prostrate verbena, and other annual invader-like species. Other plant species, from adjacent ecological sites, can become minor components of this plant community. This plant community is susceptible to invasion of Canada thistle and other non-native species because of the relatively high percentage of bare ground. Compared to the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1), red threeawn, annual brome grasses, and the percentage of bare ground has increased. Western wheatgrass, needlegrasses and other cool-season grasses and grass-like species have decreased as have the warm-season species including sideoats grama, blue grama, and buffalograss. Many annual and perennial forbs, including native and non-native species have invaded the site. This plant community is very resistant to change because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. Water runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease due to animal related soil compaction and loss of root mass due to low plant diversity and vigor. This site can be renovated to improve the production capability, however if management changes are not made the vegetation could revert back to a Threeawn-Annuals PCP (2.2).
Figure 20. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 342 | 569 | 796 |
| Forb | 73 | 117 | 163 |
| Shrub/Vine | 34 | 99 | 163 |
| Total | 449 | 785 | 1122 |
Figure 21. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6003, Pierre Shale Plains, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant.. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant.
| 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 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2
With heavy continuous season-long grazing, or severe defoliation, this plant community will move toward the Threeawn-Annuals Plant Community (2.2). Forage production, species diversity, and ground cover will decrease.
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Removal of the heavy disturbance and long-term prescribed grazing, including adequate rest periods, and, normal precipitation patterns this plant community will eventually transition back to the Blue Grama-Buffalograss PCP (2.1). This pathway may take an extended period of time and may not in the end meet management objectives.
State 3
Renovated (R) Sod State
The forage production potential of a shortgrass plant community can be quickly improved through mechanical renovation. Mechanical renovation creates microrelief that can restore, hydrologic function by increasing infiltration and decreasing runoff. These factors favor cool-season species such as western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and a variety of forbs. Mechanical renovation may not be economically feasible and if the management activities that created the plant community are not changed the renovation will not be successful.
Community 3.1
(R) Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Blue Grama-Buffalograss
With proper management after renovation (R), this plant community will have similar plant composition and growth curve characteristics as the Reference PCP (1.1), however, the production will likely be slightly higher, depending on the degree of alteration. Proper grazing management must be implemented to maintain this plant community.
Community 3.2
(R) Blue Grama-Buffalograss Sod
This plant community will be similar to the Blue Grama-Buffalograss Sod Plant Community (2.1) in most respects. The main difference is the microrelief created by the renovation. Depending on the renovation technique, the microrelief can remain on the landscape for many decades making vehicular travel across the landscape uncomfortable if not extremely difficult.
Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing or heavy continuous seasonal grazing and drought will shift this plant community to the renovated (R) Blue Grama-Buffalograss Sod Plant Community (3.2). Proper grazing management must be included in order to derive the benefits of renovation.
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1
This plant community can be returned to (R) Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Blue Grama-Buffalograss Plant Community Phase (3.1) through another mechanical renovation treatment, and possibly seeding, followed by long-term prescribed grazing and normal precipitation patterns. The 2nd mechanical treatment may make travel across the landscape difficult for vehicles and livestock.
State 4
Native/Invaded State
This State has been invaded by smooth brome and/or Kentucky bluegrass, but not at the levels where the plant communities are dominated by these species. Long-term non-use, in combination with above average precipitation, may transition a native/non-native cool-season grass plant community phase (PCP) to a predominantly non-native PCP. This scenario has been observed on this ecological site in small acreage field but not on larger tracts of land. This transition can be observed in the adjacent MLRAs. MLRA 63A – Northern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains, MLRA 61 – Black Hills Foot Slopes, and MLRA 62 – Black Hills. Once these species are establish it is unlikely that an invaded plant community can be returned to the Reference State (1.0).
Community 4.1
Western Wheatgrass-Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses
Figure 22. Loamy 16-18" PZ - PCP 4.1
This plant community developed under continuous seasonal grazing or under extended periods of non-use and no fire where a heavy litter layer builds up that can favor cool-season species and invasion of smooth brome, Kentucky bluegrass, annual brome and other invaders. Initially, the dominant grasses include bluegrass, western wheatgrass, needle and thread, and green needlegrass. Other grasses may include blue grama, buffalograss, threeawn, and prairie junegrass. Sedges will flourish in the understory. The dominant forbs include western ragweed, scurfpeas, cudweed sagewort, and verbenas. Dominant shrubs in this community include snowberry, rose, and plains pricklypear. This plant community is resistant to change, and if disturbed, it is resilient. Bluegrass will increase under grazing pressure. Cool, moist climatic conditions will also tend to increase bluegrass production. Soil erosion is low. Compared to the Reference PCP (1.1), infiltration is reduced, and runoff increases. Once this plant community is reached, time and external resources will be needed to see any immediate recovery in the diversity of the site.
Figure 23. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 9. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 796 | 1533 | 2034 |
| Forb | 84 | 179 | 280 |
| Shrub/Vine | 17 | 54 | 95 |
| Tree | – | 27 | 56 |
| Total | 897 | 1793 | 2465 |
Figure 24. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6001, Pierre Shale Plains, cool-season dominant. Cool-season dominant..
| 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 5
Conifer Encroachment State
This state is greatly influenced by conifers. Primarily ponderosa pine in the northern portion of the MLRA and pine and or rocky mountain juniper in the southern portion. Ponderosa pine canopy was found to significantly reduce precipitation reaching the soil surface (average of 30 percent) due to interception in area of intermediate and dense canopy (Wrage, 1994). This state will develop when conifers encroach onto the site from adjacent forest sites or ecological sites that have been invaded. Encroachment and the establishment of conifers on this site is primarily the result of no fire and grazing management that reduced the competitive nature of the native herbaceous plant community. Once conifers become established on this site, non-native cool-season grasses will increase, especially in the shaded areas. The site in general will become more droughty, but the shallow-rooted cool-season species will be able to outcompete the deeper rooted native species for available moisture.
Community 5.1
Juniper-Ponderosa Pine
Historically, ponderosa pine was confined to ridges and steep shallow slopes located adjacent to this ecological site. Currently, ponderosa pine and juniper are expanding on to this ecological site due to the suppression of fire. The juniper/pine canopy is greater than 30 percent of mature trees. The understory production is made up of about 30 to 60 percent grasses and grass-like species, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 5 to 20 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses include western wheatgrass, bluegrass, and needle and thread. Other grasses present include little bluestem, green needlegrass, threeawn, prairie Junegrass, Canada wildrye, and annual brome. Forbs commonly found include western ragweed, verbena, cudweed sagewort, fringed sagewort, and pussytoes. When compared to the Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1), ponderosa pine or juniper increases significantly. The grass component decreases dramatically. Annual production also decreases significantly. While the juniper/pine canopy provides excellent protection from the weather for both livestock and wildlife, it is not capable of supporting large numbers of wildlife and livestock due to decreased production. This vegetation state is resistant to change. A significant reduction of juniper/pine can only be accomplished through brush management, wildfire, or prescribed burning. The vegetation in the understory is capable of enduring fire; however, very hot fires will have a detrimental effect to the plant community. Reclamation of juniper/pine-dominated areas can be costly and prove to be temporary without proper management (i.e., prescribed burning and prescribed grazing).
Figure 25. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 10. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 398 | 583 | 768 |
| Tree | 84 | 135 | 185 |
| Shrub/Vine | 39 | 112 | 185 |
| Forb | 39 | 67 | 95 |
| Total | 560 | 897 | 1233 |
Figure 26. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6011, Pierre Shale Plains, heavy conifer canopy. Mature ponderosa pine/juniper overstory. .
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 24 | 27 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
State 6
Disturbed State
This State can be transitioned to from any Plant Community. The two separate vegetative Plant Communities are highly variable in nature. They are derived through different management scenarios, and are not related successionally. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion varies depending on the vegetation present on the site.
Community 6.1
Go-Back or Introduced
The Go-Back Plant Community can be reached whenever severe mechanical disturbance occurs (e.g., tilled and abandoned land, either past or present). During the early successional stages, the species that mainly dominate are annual grasses and forbs, later replaced by both native and introduced perennials. The species vary greatly, sometimes being dominated by threeawn, annual brome, crested wheatgrass, buffalograss, dropseed, broom snakeweed, verbena, sweet clover, mullein, and nonnative thistles. Other plants that commonly occur on the site include western wheatgrass, deathcamas, prickly lettuce, mare’s-tail, kochia, foxtail, and sunflowers. Bare ground is prevalent due to the loss of organic matter and lower overall soil health. The Introduced Plant Community normally consists of those areas seeded to pubescent or intermediate wheatgrass, alfalfa, crested wheatgrass, or other introduced species. Refer to the associated Forage Suitability Group description in the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) for adapted species.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
With heavy continuous seasonal grazing this plant community will move towards the Shortgrass/Pioneer State (2.0). This would be typical of calving/lambing pastures where the unit is continuously utilized during the late winter through mid-spring. This transition will result in decreased forage production and plant species diversity. This transition can also occur with heavy continuous season-long grazing at high utilization levels. The shift to a shortgrass-dominated plant community will adversely affect hydrological function (high run-off and low filtration) and a return to the Reference State (1.0) through management alone is unlikely.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 4
Continuous seasonal grazing, or non-use and no fire and invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, including smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass, will lead to a Western Wheatgrass-Non-Native Cool-Season Perennial Grass Plant Community (4.1).
Transition T1C
State 1 to 5
Encroachment (or escaped) of conifers, non-use, and no fire will lead to a Juniper-Ponderosa Pine Plant Community (5.1). This occurs when this plant community is protected from natural fires, or controlled burning.
Transition T7A
State 1 to 6
Heavy disturbance including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (6.0). This transition can happen from any plant community on this site.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 3
Mechanical renovation such as pitting, light disking, chiseling and possible inter-seeding in combination with long-term prescribed grazing may help improve the productivity of the site. This pathway will convert the plant community to the Renovated Sod State (3.0).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 4
If these plant communities are invaded by non-native cool-season grasses and the heavy disturbance causing the frequent defoliation is removed these plant communities are likely to transition to the Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Transition T7A
State 2 to 6
Heavy disturbance including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (6.0). This transition can happen from any plant community on this site.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4
If this State is invaded by non-native cool-season grasses this plant community is likely to transition to the Native/Invaded State (4.0)
Transition T7A
State 3 to 6
Heavy disturbance including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (6.0). This transition can happen from any plant community on this site.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 5
Encroachment (or escaped) of conifers, non-use, and no fire will lead to a Juniper-Ponderosa Pine Plant Community (5.1). This occurs when this plant community is protected from natural fires, or has no controlled burning.
Transition T7A
State 4 to 6
Heavy disturbance including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (6.0). This transition can happen from any plant community on this site.
Transition T5A
State 5 to 4
Wildfire or prescribed burning, or mechanical brush management will move this plant community to the Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Transition T7A
State 5 to 6
Heavy disturbance including tillage, abandoned cropland, or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (6.0). This transition can happen from any plant community on this site.
Additional community tables
Table 11. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses | 616–863 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 493–740 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 123–247 | – | ||
| 2 | Needlegrass | 370–493 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 247–493 | – | ||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–247 | – | ||
| 3 | Warm Season Short Grasses | 123–247 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 123–247 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 0–49 | – | ||
| 4 | Native Grasses & Grass-likes | 247–493 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 123–247 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 123–247 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 25–123 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–123 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–74 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–49 | – | ||
| threeawn | ARIST | Aristida | 0–25 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–25 | – | ||
| 5 | Non-native Grasses | – | ||||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 123–247 | ||||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 25–123 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 25–74 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–74 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 25–74 | – | ||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–74 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 25–74 | – | ||
| spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–49 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–49 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–49 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–49 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 25–49 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–49 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–25 | – | ||
| textile onion | ALTE | Allium textile | 0–25 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–25 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–25 | – | ||
| corn gromwell | BUAR3 | Buglossoides arvensis | 0–25 | – | ||
| blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–25 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–25 | – | ||
| western marbleseed | ONBEO | Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale | 0–25 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–25 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 25–123 | ||||
| snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 25–123 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–123 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–74 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–74 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–49 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–49 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–25 | – | ||
Table 12. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses | 168–336 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 168–336 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–84 | – | ||
| 2 | Needlegrass | 34–168 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 34–135 | – | ||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–84 | – | ||
| 3 | Warm Season Short Grasses | 336–588 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 252–504 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 84–168 | – | ||
| 4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 84–252 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 84–168 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 17–84 | – | ||
| dropseed | SPORO | Sporobolus | 0–84 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–50 | – | ||
| threeawn | ARIST | Aristida | 0–50 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–50 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–34 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 17–34 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–17 | – | ||
| 5 | Non-native Grasses | 17–135 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 17–84 | – | ||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–84 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 84–252 | ||||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 17–84 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 17–67 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 17–50 | – | ||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 17–50 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 17–50 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 17–50 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 17–34 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 17–34 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–34 | – | ||
| textile onion | ALTE | Allium textile | 17–34 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–34 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–34 | – | ||
| spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–34 | – | ||
| goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 17–34 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–17 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–17 | – | ||
| corn gromwell | BUAR3 | Buglossoides arvensis | 0–17 | – | ||
| blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–17 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–17 | – | ||
| western marbleseed | ONBEO | Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale | 0–17 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–17 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–17 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 17–84 | ||||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 17–84 | – | ||
| snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 17–84 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–50 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–34 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–34 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–17 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 8 | Trees | 0–17 | ||||
| juniper | JUNIP | Juniperus | 0–17 | – | ||
| ponderosa pine | PIPO | Pinus ponderosa | 0–17 | – | ||
Table 13. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses | 18–45 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 18–45 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–9 | – | ||
| 2 | Needlegrass | 0–45 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–45 | – | ||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–9 | – | ||
| 3 | Warm Season Short Grasses | 359–538 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 179–493 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 90–269 | – | ||
| 4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 90–179 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 45–90 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 9–72 | – | ||
| threeawn | ARIST | Aristida | 9–45 | – | ||
| dropseed | SPORO | Sporobolus | 9–45 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 0–27 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–27 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 9–18 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–9 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–9 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–9 | – | ||
| 5 | Non-native Grasses | 18–90 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 18–90 | – | ||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–45 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 45–135 | ||||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 9–45 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 9–45 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 18–45 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 9–27 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 9–27 | – | ||
| goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 9–27 | – | ||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 9–27 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 9–27 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 9–27 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 9–27 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–18 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–18 | – | ||
| textile onion | ALTE | Allium textile | 9–18 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–9 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–9 | – | ||
| corn gromwell | BUAR3 | Buglossoides arvensis | 0–9 | – | ||
| fetid marigold | DYPA | Dyssodia papposa | 0–9 | – | ||
| blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–9 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–9 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 9–45 | ||||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 9–45 | – | ||
| snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 0–45 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 9–27 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 9–27 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–9 | – | ||
Table 14. Community 2.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses | 8–39 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 8–39 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–8 | – | ||
| 2 | Needlegrass | 0–39 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–39 | – | ||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–8 | – | ||
| 3 | Warm Season Short Grasses | 0–39 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–39 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 0–16 | – | ||
| 4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 314–588 | ||||
| threeawn | ARIST | Aristida | 392–549 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–39 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–16 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–16 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–8 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 0–8 | – | ||
| 5 | Non-native Grasses | 16–78 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 16–78 | – | ||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–16 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 78–157 | ||||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 16–78 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–78 | – | ||
| fetid marigold | DYPA | Dyssodia papposa | 16–63 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–39 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–39 | – | ||
| textile onion | ALTE | Allium textile | 0–24 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 8–24 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–16 | – | ||
| goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 0–8 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–8 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–8 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–8 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–8 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 39–157 | ||||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 39–118 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 8–24 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–16 | – | ||
Table 15. Community 4.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses | 359–897 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 269–717 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 90–269 | – | ||
| 2 | Needlegrass | 90–359 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 36–179 | – | ||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 36–179 | – | ||
| 3 | Warm Season Short Grasses | 18–143 | ||||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 0–90 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 18–90 | – | ||
| 4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 90–359 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 18–90 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 36–90 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 36–90 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 18–90 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–54 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–54 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–54 | – | ||
| dropseed | SPORO | Sporobolus | 0–36 | – | ||
| sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 0–36 | – | ||
| threeawn | ARIST | Aristida | 0–18 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–18 | – | ||
| 5 | Non-native Grasses | 269–717 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 269–717 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 18–179 | – | ||
| smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–90 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 90–269 | ||||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 18–143 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 18–90 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 36–90 | – | ||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 36–72 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 18–54 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 18–54 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 18–54 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–36 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–36 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–36 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–36 | – | ||
| textile onion | ALTE | Allium textile | 18–36 | – | ||
| spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–36 | – | ||
| goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 18–36 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–18 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–18 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–18 | – | ||
| corn gromwell | BUAR3 | Buglossoides arvensis | 0–18 | – | ||
| blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–18 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–18 | – | ||
| western marbleseed | ONBEO | Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale | 0–18 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–18 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 18–90 | ||||
| snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 18–90 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–36 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–36 | – | ||
| broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–36 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–36 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–36 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 8 | Trees | 0–54 | ||||
| juniper | JUNIP | Juniperus | 0–54 | – | ||
| ponderosa pine | PIPO | Pinus ponderosa | 0–54 | – | ||
Table 16. Community 5.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses | 45–135 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 45–135 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–45 | – | ||
| 2 | Needlegrass | 45–90 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 18–90 | – | ||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–45 | – | ||
| 3 | Warm Season Short Grasses | 9–45 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 9–27 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 0–18 | – | ||
| 4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 269–583 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–90 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 18–90 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 9–90 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 18–90 | – | ||
| dropseed | SPORO | Sporobolus | 0–45 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 18–45 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 9–45 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 9–45 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–27 | – | ||
| 5 | Non-native Grasses | 45–179 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 45–135 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 9–90 | – | ||
| smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–9 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 45–90 | ||||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 9–27 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 9–27 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 9–27 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 9–27 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–27 | – | ||
| spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–18 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–18 | – | ||
| western marbleseed | ONBEO | Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale | 0–18 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–18 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 9–18 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–18 | – | ||
| textile onion | ALTE | Allium textile | 0–9 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–9 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–9 | – | ||
| blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–9 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–9 | – | ||
| goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 0–9 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–9 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–9 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 45–179 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–90 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 9–45 | – | ||
| snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 18–45 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–27 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–9 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 8 | Trees | 90–179 | ||||
| juniper | JUNIP | Juniperus | 90–179 | – | ||
| ponderosa pine | PIPO | Pinus ponderosa | 18–90 | – | ||
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 = Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass 1.1
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 2200
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.60
Plant Community = Blue Grama-Buffalograss-Western Wheatgrass 1.2
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1500
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.41
Plant Community = Blue Grama-Buffalograss Sod 2.1
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 800
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.22
Plant Community = Threeawn-Annuals 2.2
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 700
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.19**
Plant Community = Renovated Western Wheatgrass-Needlegrass-Blue Grama-Buffalograss 3.1
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 2500
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.68**
Plant Community = Renovated Blue Grama-Buffalograss 3.2
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 900
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.25**
Plant Community = Western Wheatgrass-Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses 4.1
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 1600
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.44**
Plant Community = Juniper and/or Ponderosa Pine 5.1
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac, air-dry) = 800
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.22**
Stocking rates are 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).
** Stocking rates are highly variable and onsite evaluation is required.
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 forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic groups B and C. Infiltration is generally moderate, and runoff potential varies from low to moderate depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Normally areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide 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
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; Brandon Brazee, 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; Maxine Rasmussen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Mike Stirling, Range Management Specialist, NRCS.
SCS-RANGE-417 (3) 1981–1989 Pennington County, SD
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 07/27/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Web Soil Survey. Available online. Accessed 07/27/17.
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). Available online. Accessed 7/24/17.
USDA, NRCS. Various Published Soil Surveys.
Wrage, K. J. 1994. The effects of ponderosa pine on soil moisture, precipitation, and understory vegetation in the Black Hills of South Dakota. 158 p. Thesis.
Contributors
Stan Boltz
Rick L. Peterson
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/25/2024
Acknowledgments
ESD Updated by Rick L. Peterson on 8/1/17
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:
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 5 to 8 inches thick with mollic (dark) colors when moist. Structure typically is medium to fine granular at least 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-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:
Rhizomatous wheatgrasses > mid cool-season bunchgrasses >>Sub-dominant:
Mid warm-season grasses >Other:
Short cool-season grasses/grass-likes = short warm-season grasses > forbs > shrubsAdditional:
-
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 1,500-2,900 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 2,200 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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