Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R060AY042SD
Lowland
Last updated: 6/25/2024
Accessed: 12/22/2024
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 have 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 has 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
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States:
Northwestern Great Plains — 43:
Semiarid Pierre Shale Plains — 43g
Dense Clay Prairie — 43k
USDA Forest Service
Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of Conterminous United States:
Great Plains and Palouse Dry Steppe Province — 331:
Western Great Plains Section — 331F:
Subsections:
Shale Scablands — 331Fb
Dense Clay Prairie — 331Ff
Northern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains — 331Fs
Ecological site concept
The Lowland ecological site is located on flood plains and low stream terraces. It can receive additional moisture from runoff or occasional overflow. Typically, slopes range from 0 to 4 percent. Soils are deep (greater than 20 inches). The surface soil will be highly variable and vary from 2 to 8 inches in thickness. Surface layer textures ranges from fine sandy loam to silty clay.
The vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) consists of warm- and cool-season grasses and grass-like species. Switchgrass and big bluestem, and occasionally prairie cordgrass are the dominant warm-season grasses. Cool-season grasses and grass-like species include green needlegrass, slender wheatgrass, bearded wheatgrass, and various sedges. Forbs are common and diverse. Shrubs will include silver sagebrush, western snowberry, and rose. Trees are primarily scattered stands of plains cottonwood.
Associated sites
| R060AY003SD |
Subirrigated The Subirrigated site can be located adjacent to the Lowland site. |
|---|---|
| R060AY020SD |
Loamy Overflow The Loamy Overflow site can be found adjacent to or intermingled with the Lowland site. |
| R060AY022SD |
Loamy Terrace The Loamy Terrace site will be located on the stream terrace above the Lowland site. |
Similar sites
| R060AY022SD |
Loamy Terrace The Loamy Terrace site will rarely be flooded, will have fewer tree species and little, if any, tree regeneration. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
(1) Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Artemisia cana |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Panicum virgatum |
Physiographic features
The Lowland ecological site is located on nearly level flood plains and stream terraces adjacent to streams.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Alluvial fan
(2) Stream terrace (3) Flood plain |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Negligible to very low |
| Flooding duration | Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) |
| Flooding frequency | Rare to occasional |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 762 – 1,311 m |
| Slope | 0 – 4% |
| Ponding depth | 0 cm |
| Water table depth | 152 – 203 cm |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate in MLRA 60A 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) | 381-457 mm |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 76-108 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 113-133 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 356-457 mm |
| Frost-free period (average) | 97 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 124 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 406 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) WASTA [USC00398911], Owanka, SD
-
(2) UPTON [USC00489205], Upton, WY
-
(3) REDBIRD [USC00487555], Lance Creek, WY
-
(4) ARDMORE 1 NW [USC00390236], Edgemont, SD
-
(5) BELLE FOURCHE [USC00390559], Belle Fourche, SD
-
(6) MOORCROFT 3S [USW00024088], Moorcroft, WY
Influencing water features
The Lowland ecological site is located adjacent to terrace and overflow sites along stream corridors and drainageways.
Stream Type: B6, C6
(Rosgen System).
Wetland description
Not Applicable.
Soil features
The soils of this site are deep and very deep well-drained soils formed in mixed alluvium. These soils have moderate permeability. The surface soil will be highly variable and range from 2 to 8 inches in thickness. The surface soil will be one or more of the following textures: very fine sandy loam, fine sandy loam, sandy loam, loam, silt loam, clay loam, clay, or silty clay. A fluctuating water table occurs in these areas and ranges from 1 to 5 feet, but is usually deeper than 3 feet. 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.
The only soil currently correlated to the Lowland ecological site is Draknab.
Bankard and Draknab are very similar soils that are found on the same landscape positions but Bankard is currently correlated to the (Sands R060AY008SD) ecological site. Bankard is planned to be recorrelated to the Lowland ecological site.
The Glenberg series, which is currently correlated to the Loamy Terrace and Loamy Overflow ecological sites, will also be recorrelated to the Lowland ecological site.
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
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
|
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Loam (2) Clay loam (3) Fine sandy loam (4) Sandy loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately slow to rapid |
| Soil depth | 51 – 203 cm |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 0 – 10% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 0 – 10% |
| Available water capacity (0-101.6cm) |
7.62 – 15.24 cm |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-101.6cm) |
0 – 10% |
| 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 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
0 – 10% |
| 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.
As this site deteriorates, species such as blue grama, snowberry, and silver sagebrush will increase. Cool-season grasses such as green needlegrass and rhizomatous wheatgrasses will decrease in frequency and production. Cottonwoods will not regenerate. This site is also susceptible to invasion of non-native cool-season grasses.
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. Lowland-R060AY042SD.
Figure 9. Lowland - R060AY042SD.
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 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 plains cottonwood. Grazing, fire, and flooding are the major drivers between plant communities. Cottonwood requires flooding to regenerate and, with long periods of no flooding, the plant communities will eventually transition into an Herbaceous State (3.0). The invasion of non-native cool-season grasses and heavy grazing result in a transition to an Invaded State (4.0). The invasion of non-native woody species will cause a transition to a Wooded Invaded State (2.0).
Community 1.1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass/Multi-Aged Cottonwood
Figure 10. Lowland - PCP 1.1.
The plant community upon which interpretations are primarily based is the Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses-Green Needlegrass/Cottonwood Plant Community. This is also considered the Reference Plant Community. Potential vegetation is about 55 to 75 percent grasses or grass- like plants, 5 to 15 percent forbs, and 5 to 30 percent woody plants. The understory is dominated by cool-season midgrasses. Major grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrasses, green needlegrass, needle and thread, and slender wheatgrass. Other grasses occurring include Sandberg bluegrass, Canada wildrye, and prairie Junegrass. Cottonwoods of various age classes are a conspicuous part of the overstory. This plant community is extremely stable and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. 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 tolerance to drought. This is a sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity).
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 | 2141 | 2438 | 2606 |
| Shrub/Vine | 163 | 420 | 729 |
| Forb | 163 | 336 | 560 |
| Tree | – | 168 | 364 |
| Total | 2467 | 3362 | 4259 |
Figure 12. 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 |
Community 1.2
Mature Cottonwoods/Cool-season Grasses
This plant community evolved under proper grazing use by domestic livestock and no flooding. Cool-season grasses make up the majority of the understory with the balance made up of short warm-season grasses, annual cool-season grasses, and miscellaneous forbs. Mature cottonwoods make up the overstory. Dominant grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrasses, Kentucky bluegrass, green needlegrass, and needle and thread. Other grasses include prairie Junegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, and slender wheatgrass. Forbs commonly occurring in this site phase include Louisiana sagewort (cudweed), plains wallflower, slimflower scurfpea, and scarlet globemallow. Silver sagebrush, wild rose, and snowberry canopy cover may be up to 20 to 40 percent. When compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), rhizomatous wheatgrass and green needlegrass have decreased. Needle and thread and Sandberg bluegrass have increased. Silver sagebrush also has increased. The site contains mature cottonwood trees, with little or no regeneration occurring. The overstory of cottonwoods and understory of grass and forbs provide a diverse plant community that will support domestic livestock and wildlife such as birds, mule deer, and antelope. The plant community is stable and protected from excessive erosion. The biotic integrity of this plant community is usually intact. However, the lack of cottonwood regeneration will reduce the quality of habitat for wildlife. The watershed is usually functioning.
Figure 13. 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 | 1749 | 2031 | 2214 |
| Shrub/Vine | 135 | 351 | 616 |
| Forb | 135 | 280 | 448 |
| Tree | – | 140 | 308 |
| Total | 2019 | 2802 | 3586 |
Figure 14. 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 |
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Long-term prescribed grazing without flooding will convert this plant community to the Mature Cottonwoods/Cool-Season Grasses Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Long-term prescribed grazing, flooding event(s), and time will result in a plant community very similar to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), with multiple age classes of cottonwood.
State 2
Woody Invaded State
This State developed as a result of the invasion of Russian olive and/or saltcedar, in combination with continuous season-long grazing or continuous seasonal grazing and no flooding. With time, the cottonwood will become mature with little or no regeneration occurring. Grazing that limits regeneration also results in a reduction of the desirable native herbaceous species, often resulting in a dominance of species such as Kentucky bluegrass and/or smooth brome, and forbs such as western ragweed, Canada thistle, burdock, and hound’s tongue.
Community 2.1
Scattered Mature Cottonwoods-Russian Olive-Saltcedar/Cool-Season Grasses
This plant community is the result of long-term improper grazing use and the invasion of non-native woody species. Kentucky bluegrass, cheatgrass, and blue grama are dominant grasses. Mature cottonwoods, Russian olive, and/or saltcedar make up the overstory. Noxious weeds such as Canada thistle and leafy spurge may invade. When compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1) rhizomatous wheatgrasses and green needlegrass have decreased, silver sagebrush, Russian olive, and/or saltcedar have increased, and cottonwoods have not reproduced. The soil of this state is protected from erosion. The watershed is functioning, but may produce excessive runoff. The biotic integrity is threatened by invasive species.
Figure 15. 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 | 740 | 1134 | 1255 |
| Tree | 112 | 420 | 510 |
| Shrub/Vine | 78 | 252 | 448 |
| Forb | 78 | 211 | 364 |
| Total | 1008 | 2017 | 2577 |
Figure 16. 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 |
State 3
Herbaceous State
This State consists of primarily rhizomatous wheatgrass, needlegrass, and scattered mature cottonwood. It is the result of continuous season-long grazing and/or haying and no flooding. Grasses and grass-like species make up 90 to 95 percent of the plant community. This State is at risk of transitioning to a bluegrass-dominated Invaded State (3.0).
Community 3.1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass
This plant community is the result of haying. The state is dominated by rhizomatous wheatgrass with some green needlegrass. The overstory is mature cottonwoods. When compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1), this site has lost much of its diversity. Woody vegetation consists mainly of mature cottonwoods. There are few forbs. The soil is protected from erosion by a wheatgrass sod. The biotic community is restricted by the lack of diversity. Watershed values are protected due to the lack of steep slopes on this site.
Figure 17. 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 | 1575 | 1961 | 2337 |
| Forb | 106 | 168 | 230 |
| Tree | – | 56 | 118 |
| Shrub/Vine | – | 56 | 118 |
| Total | 1681 | 2241 | 2803 |
Figure 18. 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 |
State 4
Invaded State
This state is the result of invasion and dominance of introduced cool-season grass species. This state is characterized by the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome, and an increasing thatch layer that effectively blocks introduction of other plants into the system. Plant litter accumulation tends to favor the more shade-tolerant, introduced grass species. The nutrient cycle is also impaired, and the result is typically a higher level of nitrogen, which also favors the introduced species. Increasing plant litter decreases the amount of sunlight reaching plant crowns, thereby shifting competitive advantage to shade-tolerant, introduced grass species. Studies indicate that soil biological activity is altered, and this shift apparently exploits the soil microclimate and encourages growth of the introduced grass species. Once the threshold is crossed, a change in grazing management alone cannot cause a reduction in the invasive grass dominance. Preliminary studies would tend to indicate this threshold may exist when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30 percent of the plant community, and native grasses represent less than 40 percent of the plant community composition. Plant communities dominated by Kentucky bluegrass have significantly less cover and diversity of native grasses and forb species (Toledo, D. et al., 2014).
Community 4.1
Kentucky Bluegrass/Weedy Annual and Perennial Forbs
This plant community developed with continuous season-long grazing and/or excessive haying and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses. Kentucky bluegrass dominates the community and can develop into a “sod-bound” appearance. Low-vigor western wheatgrass can be found scattered throughout the community. Green needlegrass has been greatly reduced. Western yarrow, scurfpea, and ragweed have increased. Non-native grasses and forbs such as annual bromes, curlycup gumweed, thistle, and cocklebur will invade this plant community. Silver sagebrush, western snowberry, and rose may persist in the plant community if not removed during haying activities. Russian olive and saltcedar may be present, but in minor amounts. This plant community is resistant to change due to grazing tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass. A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1). The dominance of non-native cool-season grasses and the loss of other desirable species has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced significantly and soil loss may be accelerated where concentrated flows occur.
Figure 19. 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 |
Transition T1B
State 1 to 2
Continuous season-long grazing or continuous seasonal grazing, and the invasion of Russian olive and/or saltcedar, and no flooding will transition the Reference Plant Communities to the Woody Invaded State (2.0).
Transition T1A
State 1 to 3
Continuous season-long grazing and/or excessive haying, and no flooding will convert this state to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass State (3.0).
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4
Invasion on non-native cool-season grasses and/or fire that removes the majority of woody species, followed by continuous season-long grazing and/or excessive haying, will transition the Reference Plant Communities to the Invaded State (4.0).
Transition T2A
State 2 to 4
Brush management used to remove and treat the non-native trees, followed by prescribed grazing will transition this Plant Community to the Invaded State (4.0).
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
Flooding, followed by long-term prescribed grazing, no fire, and an extended period of time may transition this Plant Community to the Reference State (1.0).
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4
Continuous season-long grazing and/or excessive haying and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will transition this plant community to the Invaded State (4.0).
Transition T4A
State 4 to 2
Invasion of non-native woody species will transition this State to the Woody Invaded State (2.0).
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses | 168–336 | ||||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 168–336 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 168–336 | – | ||
| 2 | Slender Wheatgrass | 168–336 | ||||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 168–336 | – | ||
| 3 | Green Needlegrass | 336–504 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 336–504 | – | ||
| 4 | Bearded Wheatgrass | 135–336 | ||||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRS | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus | 135–336 | – | ||
| 5 | Other Native Grasses | 504–841 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–168 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–168 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–168 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–168 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–168 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–168 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–168 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–168 | – | ||
| threeawn | ARIST | Aristida | – | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 168–504 | ||||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–168 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–168 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–168 | – | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–168 | – | ||
| rosy pussytoes | ANRO2 | Antennaria rosea | 0–168 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–168 | – | ||
| twogrooved milkvetch | ASBI2 | Astragalus bisulcatus | 0–168 | – | ||
| aster | ASTER | Aster | 0–168 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–168 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 0–168 | – | ||
| white prairie clover | DACA7 | Dalea candida | 0–168 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–168 | – | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–168 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–168 | – | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–168 | – | ||
| bluebells | MERTE | Mertensia | 0–168 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | OESU3 | Oenothera suffrutescens | 0–168 | – | ||
| large Indian breadroot | PEES | Pediomelum esculentum | 0–168 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–168 | – | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–168 | – | ||
| goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | – | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | – | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | – | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | – | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrubs | 168–673 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–168 | – | ||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–168 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–168 | – | ||
| silverberry | ELCO | Elaeagnus commutata | 0–168 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–168 | – | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–168 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–168 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 9 | Trees | 0–336 | ||||
| cottonwood | POPUL | Populus | 0–336 | – | ||
Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses | 140–280 | ||||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 140–280 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 140–280 | – | ||
| 2 | Slender Wheatgrass | 140–280 | ||||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 140–280 | – | ||
| 3 | Green Needlegrass | 140–280 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 140–280 | – | ||
| 4 | Bearded Wheatgrass | 112–280 | ||||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRS | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus | 112–280 | – | ||
| 5 | Other Native Grasses | 280–981 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 140–280 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 140–280 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 56–224 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 56–224 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 56–224 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–140 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–140 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–140 | – | ||
| threeawn | ARIST | Aristida | 0–84 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-native Grasses | 56–280 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 56–280 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–84 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 140–420 | ||||
| scarlet beeblossom | OESU3 | Oenothera suffrutescens | 0–168 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 28–168 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–140 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–140 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–140 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–140 | – | ||
| aster | ASTER | Aster | 0–140 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–140 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–140 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–140 | – | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–140 | – | ||
| goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 0–140 | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–84 | – | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–84 | – | ||
| twogrooved milkvetch | ASBI2 | Astragalus bisulcatus | 0–84 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–84 | – | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–84 | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | 0–56 | – | ||
| white prairie clover | DACA7 | Dalea candida | 0–56 | – | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–56 | – | ||
| rosy pussytoes | ANRO2 | Antennaria rosea | 0–56 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–56 | – | ||
| large Indian breadroot | PEES | Pediomelum esculentum | 0–56 | – | ||
| bluebells | MERTE | Mertensia | 0–28 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrubs | 140–560 | ||||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–224 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–224 | – | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–140 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–140 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–140 | – | ||
| silverberry | ELCO | Elaeagnus commutata | 0–140 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–140 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 9 | Trees | 0–280 | ||||
| cottonwood | POPUL | Populus | 0–280 | – | ||
Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses | 0–168 | ||||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–168 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–168 | – | ||
| 2 | Slender Wheatgrass | 0–84 | ||||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 0–84 | – | ||
| 3 | Green Needlegrass | 0–50 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–50 | – | ||
| 4 | Bearded Wheatgrass | 0–84 | ||||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRS | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus | 0–84 | – | ||
| 5 | Other Native Grasses | 420–841 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 168–336 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 84–252 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 84–252 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 34–135 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 34–135 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–84 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–84 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–84 | – | ||
| threeawn | ARIST | Aristida | 0–84 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-native Grasses | 168–336 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 84–252 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 84–168 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 84–336 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–168 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 34–168 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–168 | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–135 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–135 | – | ||
| goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 34–135 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–84 | – | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–84 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–84 | – | ||
| aster | ASTER | Aster | 0–84 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–84 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–84 | – | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–50 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–50 | – | ||
| twogrooved milkvetch | ASBI2 | Astragalus bisulcatus | 0–50 | – | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–34 | – | ||
| rosy pussytoes | ANRO2 | Antennaria rosea | 0–34 | – | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–34 | – | ||
| bluebells | MERTE | Mertensia | – | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | OESU3 | Oenothera suffrutescens | – | – | ||
| large Indian breadroot | PEES | Pediomelum esculentum | – | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | – | – | ||
| white prairie clover | DACA7 | Dalea candida | – | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | – | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrubs | 84–420 | ||||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 34–168 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 34–168 | – | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–84 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–84 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–84 | – | ||
| silverberry | ELCO | Elaeagnus commutata | 0–84 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–84 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 9 | Trees | 168–448 | ||||
| Russian olive | ELAN | Elaeagnus angustifolia | 112–336 | – | ||
| cottonwood | POPUL | Populus | 56–168 | – | ||
| saltcedar | TARA | Tamarix ramosissima | 0–112 | – | ||
Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses | 224–560 | ||||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 224–560 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 224–560 | – | ||
| 2 | Slender Wheatgrass | 112–224 | ||||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 112–224 | – | ||
| 3 | Green Needlegrass | 224–336 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 224–336 | – | ||
| 4 | Bearded Wheatgrass | 112–224 | ||||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTRS | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. subsecundus | 112–224 | – | ||
| 5 | Other Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 448–785 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 112–224 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–224 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 112–224 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–112 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–112 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–112 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–112 | – | ||
| threeawn | ARIST | Aristida | 0–67 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–67 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-native Grasses | 112–336 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 112–224 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–112 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 112–224 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–112 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–112 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–112 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–90 | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–90 | – | ||
| aster | ASTER | Aster | 0–67 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–67 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–67 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–67 | – | ||
| stemless mock goldenweed | STAC | Stenotus acaulis | 0–67 | – | ||
| goatsbeard | TRAGO | Tragopogon | 0–67 | – | ||
| rosy pussytoes | ANRO2 | Antennaria rosea | 0–67 | – | ||
| sulphur-flower buckwheat | ERUM | Eriogonum umbellatum | 0–45 | – | ||
| onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–45 | – | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–45 | – | ||
| bluebells | MERTE | Mertensia | – | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | OESU3 | Oenothera suffrutescens | – | – | ||
| large Indian breadroot | PEES | Pediomelum esculentum | – | – | ||
| tapertip hawksbeard | CRAC2 | Crepis acuminata | – | – | ||
| white prairie clover | DACA7 | Dalea candida | – | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | – | – | ||
| twogrooved milkvetch | ASBI2 | Astragalus bisulcatus | – | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | – | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | – | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrubs | 0–112 | ||||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–112 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–67 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–67 | – | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWO | Rosa woodsii | 0–45 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–45 | – | ||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–45 | – | ||
| silverberry | ELCO | Elaeagnus commutata | – | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 9 | Trees | 0–112 | ||||
| cottonwood | POPUL | Populus | 0–112 | – | ||
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-Green Needlegrass/Multi-Aged Cottonwood (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac., air-dry) = 3000
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.68*
Plant Community = Mature Cottonwoods/Cool-season Grasses (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac., air-dry) = 2500
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.57*
Plant Community = Scattered Mature Cottonwoods-Russian Olive-Saltcedar/Cool-Season Grasses (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac., air-dry) = 1800
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = Variable
Plant Community = Rhizomatous Wheatgrass (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac., air-dry) = 2000
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = 0.55
Plant Community = Kentucky Bluegrass/Weedy Annual and Perennial Forbs (4.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./ac., air-dry) = Variable
Stocking Rate (AUM/ac) = Variable
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, desirable, or accessible 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.
Wildlife
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass-Green Needlegrass/Multi-Aged Cottonwood Plant Community (1.1): The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as bison, elk, and antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for deer may be limited due to the low quantities of woody plants. However, topographical variations could provide some escape cover. When found adjacent to sagebrush dominated states, this plant community may provide brood rearing/foraging areas for sage grouse, as well as lek sites. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include Western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles. Many grassland obligate small mammals would occur here.
Mature Cottonwoods/Cool-season Grasses Plant Community (1.2): This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Reference Plant Community (1,1). However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat equals good foraging for birds. The overstory of large cottonwoods provides habitat for a variety of birds ranging from raptors to neo-tropical migrants.
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community (3.1): This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Reference Plant Community (1.1). However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat equals good foraging for birds.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B. Infiltration ranges from moderately slow to rapid. Runoff potential for this site varies from very low to medium depending on slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where short-grasses 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
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 toward an “Approved” status.
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work, as described in a Project Plan, is necessary 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 required 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 was 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: Everet Bainter, Range Management Specialist (RMS), NRCS; Stan Boltz, RMS, NRCS; Glen Mitchell, RMS, NRCS; and Cheryl Nielsen, RMS, 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 08/08/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Web Soil Survey. Available online. Accessed 08/08/17.
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 08/08/17.
USDA, NRCS. Various Published Soil Surveys.
Teledo, D., Sanderson, M., Spaeth, K., Hendrickson, J., Printz, J. 2014. Extent of Kentucky Bluegrass and Its Effect on Native Plant Species Diversity and Ecosystem Services in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 7(4):543-522. Weed Science Society of America.
Contributors
Stan C. Boltz
Rick L. Peterson
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/25/2024
Acknowledgments
ESD updated by Rick L. Peterson on 8/22/17
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, Mitch Iverson, Thad Berrett, Cheryl Nielsen |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 |
| Date | 07/14/2008 |
| 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. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
0 to 10 percent is typical. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter falls in place. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability ratings should typically be greater than 3. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure at least for short periods when dipped in distilled water. Some fragments will dissolve in less than 1 minute. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A-horizon should be 3 to 19 inches thick with dark grayish brown colors when moist. Structure typically is coarse sub-angular blocky in the A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Deep rooted species (mid and tall rhizomatous cool- and warm-season grasses and grass-likes) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None – when dry, B horizons can be hard and appear to be compacted, but no platy structure will be present. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Mid cool-season rhizomatous grasses >Sub-dominant:
Tall warm-season rhizomatous grasses > mid warm-season bunchgrasses > shrubs > mid cool-season bunchgrasses > short warm-season rhizomatous grasses >Other:
Forbs = trees = grass-likesAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Production ranges from 1,500-2,600 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 2,000 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
State and local noxious weeds; Russian olive can dominate this site in localized areas -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses and grass-likes should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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