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Ecological site R061XN011SD

Clayey-North (18-22" PZ)

Accessed: 04/24/2024

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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.

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Figure 1. Mapped extent

Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.

Classification relationships

Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States: 17a – Black Hills Foothills.

Associated sites

R061XN012SD	Thin Upland-North (18-22" PZ)
R061XY017SD	Shallow Clayey

R061XN012SD

Thin Upland-North (18-22" PZ)

R061XY017SD

Shallow Clayey

Similar sites

R061XY020SD	Overflow (R061XY020SD) – Loamy Overflow [more big bluestem; higher production]
R061XN010SD	Loamy-North (18-22" PZ) (R061XN010SD) – Loamy [less green needlegrass; more needleandthread and big bluestem]

R061XY020SD

Overflow

(R061XY020SD) – Loamy Overflow [more big bluestem; higher production]

R061XN010SD

Loamy-North (18-22" PZ)

(R061XN010SD) – Loamy [less green needlegrass; more needleandthread and big bluestem]

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Pascopyrum smithii (2) Nassella viridula

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on gently to steeply sloping uplands.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Hill (2) Hogback (3) Plain
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	2,900 – 4,000 ft
Slope	5 – 30%
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The climate in this MLRA is typical of the drier portions of the Northern Great Plains where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Annual precipitation ranges from 18 to 21 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 outbreaks 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 most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring.

The average annual temperature is about 46° F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 20° F (Sundance, Wyoming (WY)) to about 26° F (Fort Meade, South Dakota (SD)). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 69° F (Sundance, WY) to about 72° F (Fort Meade, SD). The range of average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 48° 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 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 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 (average)	140 days
Freeze-free period (average)	167 days
Precipitation total (average)	21 in

Bar

Line

Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Bar

Line

Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Soil features

The common features of soils in this site are silty clay loam to clay textured sub-surface soils, with slopes ranging from about 5 to 30 percent. The soils in this site are well drained and formed in residuum. The silty clay loam to clay surface layer is 3 to 6 inches thick. The soils have a slow to very slow infiltration rate. This site typically should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas or pedestalled plants. If present, water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance or discontinuous. The soil surface is stable and intact. Sub-surface soil layers are non-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 10 percent. Loss of 50 percent or more of the surface layer of the soils on this site can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.

Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/) for specific local soils information.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Surface texture	(1) Clay loam (2) Silty clay loam (3) Clay
Family particle size	(1) Clayey
Drainage class	Well drained
Permeability class	Very slow to slow
Soil depth	30 – 50 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	10%
Surface fragment cover >3"	3%
Available water capacity (0-40in)	4 – 6 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	20%
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	2 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	2
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	6.1 – 8.4
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	30%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	2%

Ecological dynamics

This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused wildfire (often of light intensities), and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions describe more typical transitions that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well-below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition.

Continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October) and/or heavy continuous grazing (e.g., every spring and/or every summer at moderate to heavy stocking levels) without adequate recovery periods following grazing events causes departure from the Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase. Bluegrass will increase and eventually develop into a sod. Western wheatgrass will increase initially and then begin to decrease. Green needlegrass, big bluestem, sideoats grama, switchgrass, and Indiangrass will decrease in frequency and production. Excessive defoliation can cause threeawn and annuals to increase and dominate the site. Extended periods of non-use and/or lack of fire will result in excessive litter and a plant community dominated by cool-season grasses such as green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, bluegrass, smooth bromegrass and cheatgrass.

Interpretations are primarily based on the Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase (1.1). It has been determined by study of 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 community phases, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.

The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant community phases that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities. These are the most common plant community phases based on current knowledge and experience, and changes may be made as more data is collected. Narratives following the diagram contain more detail pertaining to the ecological processes.

State and transition model

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Standard diagram

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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

State 1
Reference

This state represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site. This state is dominated by cool-season grasses, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included occasional fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Taller cool- and warm-season grasses would have declined and a corresponding increase in short statured grass and grass-like species would have occurred. Today, a similar condition can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.

Community 1.1
Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass

Interpretations are based primarily on the Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The community is dominated by cool-season grasses. The major grasses include western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, big bluestem, and sideoats grama. Other grass and grass-like species include blue grama, buffalograss, needleleaf sedge, switchgrass, Indiangrass, Columbia needlegrass, needleandthread and little bluestem. This plant community is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.

Figure 4. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	1900	2390	2840
Forb	120	203	310
Shrub/Vine	80	108	150
Total	2100	2701	3300

Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6102, Black Hills Foot Slopes, cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant. Cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-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
		3	10	23	34	15	6	5	4

Community 1.2
Western Wheatgrass/Blue Grama/Buffalograss

This plant community evolved under continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels at the same time of year each year), continuous season-long grazing, or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 78 percent grasses and grass-like species, 12 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Dominant grass and grass-like species include western wheatgrass, blue grama, green needlegrass, needleleaf sedge, sideoats grama, and buffalograss. Grasses of secondary importance include needleandthread, tall dropseed, big bluestem, and prairie junegrass. Non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, cheatgrass, Canada bluegrass, and Japanese bromegrass will likely invade and possibly become somewhat prevalent in this plant community phase. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort, prairie coneflower, goldenrod, and western yarrow. When compared to the Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), blue grama and buffalograss have increased. Green needlegrass and the production of mid and tall warm-season grasses have decreased. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. The hydrologic function of the site is beginning to be altered when this plant community phase is reached due to the shallow, compact nature of the roots of species such as blue grama, buffalograss, needleleaf sedge, and Kentucky bluegrass.

Figure 6. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 6. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	1210	1680	2100
Forb	95	170	275
Shrub/Vine	95	150	225
Total	1400	2000	2600

Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6103, Black Hills Foot Slopes, 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
		3	10	20	28	21	10	5	3

Community 1.3
Western Wheatgrass/Bluegrass

This plant community phase is a result of extended periods of non-use and a lack of fire. Excess plant material begins to accumulate which favors the increase and/or encroachment of several non-native cool-season grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass, Canada bluegrass, cheatgrass, smooth bromegrass, and Japanese bromegrass. The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The community is dominated by cool-season grasses. The major grasses include western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and smooth bromegrass. Other grass and grass-like species include big bluestem, blue grama, sideoats grama, needleandthread, slender wheatgrass, and needleleaf sedge. This plant community is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The non-native species typically do not increase to the point of dominance; however, their presence tends to reduce the overall diversity of the plant community. As such, this is a somewhat sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.

Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 7. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	1625	2124	2595
Forb	105	180	275
Shrub/Vine	70	96	130
Total	1800	2400	3000

Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6101, Black Hills Foot Slopes, 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
		4	12	25	36	10	5	4	4

Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Continuous seasonal grazing which includes grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels at the same time of year each year, continuous season-long grazing, or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic heavy grazing will shift this community to the 1.2 Western Wheatgrass/ Blue Grama/Buffalograss Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3

Non-use and no fire for extended periods of time with result in a buildup of plant litter and encourage encroachment of non-native cool-season species which will lead to the 1.3 Western Wheatgrass/Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Grazing

Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.1

Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or a combination of prescribed grazing and prescribed burning (typically an early spring burn to reduce the non-native cool-season species) will shift this community to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing

Pathway 1.3b
Community 1.3 to 1.2

Precipitation cycles (extended periods of well below average precipitation, usually over two or more years) in the absence of grazing and fire will likely cause a shift to the 1.2 Western Wheatgrass/Blue Grama/Buffalograss Plant Community Phase. This transition may also occur if grazing at heavy stocking levels or with inadequate recovery periods commenced.

State 2
Shortgrass Sod

This state occurs as a result of heavy stocking levels, inadequate recovery periods between grazing events, or a combination of these disturbances. This state is dominated by warm--season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The shallow, compact nature of the roots of the dominant species causes increased runoff and reduced infiltration. In addition, reduced shading due to a lesser amount of foliar cover causes increased soil temperatures and increased evaporation of the surface soil moisture. These conditions combine to cause the site to become droughtier, and thus reduce the opportunity for recruitment and/or establishment of the taller statured grasses. This state is relatively stable and resistant to change.

Community 2.1
Blue Grama/Buffalograss/Cactus

This plant community developed with heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and at the same time of year each year), heavy continuous season-long grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 70 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 15 percent shrubs. Dominant grass and grass-like species include blue grama, buffalograss, and needleleaf sedge. Grasses of secondary importance include western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, needleandthread, sideoats grama, cheatgrass and/or Japanese bromegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, scurfpea, western ragweed, and western yarrow. Dominant shrubs include plains pricklypear, brittle cactus, and fringed sagewort. When compared to the Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), blue grama, needleleaf sedge, and buffalograss are dominant on this plant community. Cool-season grasses have decreased significantly. This vegetation state is very resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, composition can be altered through long-term prescribed grazing. This plant community is less productive than most other phases. The thick sod prevents other species from establishing. Lack of litter and reduced plant vigor causes higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and high evapotranspiration which gives blue grama a competitive advantage over cool-season mid-grasses.

Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 8. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	770	1120	1420
Shrub/Vine	65	140	240
Forb	65	140	240
Total	900	1400	1900

Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6104, Black Hills Foot Slopes, warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant. Warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-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
		3	7	17	25	25	15	7	1

State 3
Early Seral

This state occurs as a result of extreme disturbance that typically removes most of the native species normally present on this site. Disturbance in the form of cropping or severe grazing over several years are the most typical. Occupation by black-tailed prairie dogs may also result in this transition. The dominant species present is highly variable, but the common characteristics include high amounts of bare ground, reduced soil aggregate stability, increased runoff and increased erosion (including increased sediment loads in the runoff). Restoration of the ecological processes will be very difficult.

Community 3.1
Annual/Pioneer Perennial, Bare Ground

This plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances (e.g., heavy use areas, abandoned cropland, defoliation by rodents, etc.). The potential plant community is made up of approximately 60 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 to 35 percent forbs, and 2 to 5 percent shrubs. The dominant grass is often threeawn. Other grasses may include cheatgrass, annual bromegrass (Japanese brome and cheatgrass), sedge, blue grama, sand dropseed, bluegrass, and western wheatgrass. The dominant forbs include fetid marigold, sweetclover, western ragweed, cudweed sagewort, and other invader-like species. The dominant shrubs include fringed sagewort, broom snakeweed and cactus. A wide variety of other early seral plant species can occupy this site in varying amounts. This plant community is susceptible to invasion of Canada thistle and other non-native species because of the relatively high percent of bare ground. Compared to the Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), threeawn, annual brome grasses, and percent of bare ground has increased. Western wheatgrass, needlegrasses and other cool-season grasses have decreased as have the warm-season species including big bluestem, sideoats grama, and little bluestem. Plant diversity is low (plant richness may be high, but areas are often dominated by a few species). The ecological processes are difficult to restore because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. Soil erosion is potentially very high because of the bare ground and shallow rooted herbaceous plant community. 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 plant community will require significant economic inputs and time to move towards another plant community. This movement is highly variable in its succession. This is due to the loss of diversity (including the loss of the seed bank), within the existing plant community, and the plant communities on adjacent sites.

Transition T1
State 1 to 2

Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and at the same time of year each year, typically beginning early in the season) or heavy continuous season-long grazing will convert this plant community to the 2.1 Blue Grama/Buffalograss/Cactus Plant Community Phase in the Shortgrass Sod State (State 2).

Transition T4
State 1 to 3

Cropping followed by abandonment or heavy, continuous season-long grazing (high stocking levels for a majority of the growing season over extended periods of time) will lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the 3.1 Annual/Pioneer Perennial, Bare Ground Plant Community Phase within the Early Seral State (State 3).

Transition T4
State 1 to 3

Restoration pathway R2
State 2 to 1

Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high-density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). This will likely take a long period of time, possibly up to 10 years or more, and recovery may not be attainable.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Grazing

Transition T4
State 2 to 3

Restoration pathway R3
State 3 to 1

Seeding of improved/selected varieties of native species may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to a plant community resembling a phase of the Reference State (State 1). If seed and/or reproductive propagules of native species are still present in sufficient amounts, long-term prescribed grazing may eventually lead this plant community phase over the threshold and result in a phase of the Reference State (State 1). This restoration pathway will likely take a long period of time, if attainable.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Grazing

Additional community tables

Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Wheatgrass			540–1080
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	540–1080	–
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	0–135	–
2	Needlegrass			405–810
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	405–810	–
	Columbia needlegrass	ACNE9	Achnatherum nelsonii	0–135	–
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–135	–
3	Tall Warm-Season Grasses			135–405
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	54–270	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	0–135	–
	Indiangrass	SONU2	Sorghastrum nutans	0–135	–
	composite dropseed	SPCOC2	Sporobolus compositus var. compositus	0–81	–
4	Mid Warm-Season Grasses			54–270
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	54–270	–
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	0–135	–
5	Short Warm-Season Grasses			54–270
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	27–216	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	27–108	–
6	Other Native Grasses			54–135
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–108	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	27–81	–
	Cusick's bluegrass	POCU3	Poa cusickii	27–54	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–27	–
7	Grass-likes			27–135
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	27–135	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–81	–
Forb
8	Forbs			135–270
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	27–108	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	27–54	–
	prairie clover	DALEA	Dalea	27–54	–
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	27–54	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	27–54	–
	desert biscuitroot	LOFO	Lomatium foeniculaceum	27–54	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	27–54	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	27–54	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	27–54	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	27–54	–
	white prairie aster	SYFA	Symphyotrichum falcatum	27–54	–
	prairie thermopsis	THRH	Thermopsis rhombifolia	27–54	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	27–54	–
	leafy wildparsley	MUDI	Musineon divaricatum	27–54	–
	beardtongue	PENST	Penstemon	27–54	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	0–27	–
	bluebells	MERTE	Mertensia	0–27	–
	four o'clock	MIRAB	Mirabilis	0–27	–
	blacksamson echinacea	ECAN2	Echinacea angustifolia	0–27	–
	fleabane	ERIGE2	Erigeron	0–27	–
	buckwheat	ERIOG	Eriogonum	0–27	–
	bellflower	CAMPA	Campanula	0–27	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	0–27	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–27	–
Shrub/Vine
9	Shrubs			81–135
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–54	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	27–54	–
	winterfat	KRLA2	Krascheninnikovia lanata	0–54	–
	pricklypear	OPUNT	Opuntia	27–54	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	27–54	–
	big sagebrush	ARTR2	Artemisia tridentata	0–27	–
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	0–27	–
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–27	–

Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Wheatgrass			300–700
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	300–700	–
2	Needlegrass			100–300
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	100–300	–
3	Tall Warm-Season Grasses			0–100
	composite dropseed	SPCOC2	Sporobolus compositus var. compositus	0–80	–
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	0–60	–
4	Mid Warm-Season Grasses			20–160
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	20–160	–
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	0–40	–
5	Short Warm-Season Grasses			200–300
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	100–300	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	40–160	–
6	Other Native Grasses			20–100
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–80	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	20–60	–
	Cusick's bluegrass	POCU3	Poa cusickii	0–20	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–20	–
7	Grass-likes			40–200
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	40–200	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–100	–
8	Non-Native Grasses			100–300
	bluegrass	POA	Poa	40–300	–
	brome	BROMU	Bromus	20–120	–
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	0–80	–
Forb
9	Forbs			100–240
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	20–60	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	20–60	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	20–60	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	20–60	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	20–40	–
	white prairie aster	SYFA	Symphyotrichum falcatum	20–40	–
	prairie thermopsis	THRH	Thermopsis rhombifolia	0–40	–
	desert biscuitroot	LOFO	Lomatium foeniculaceum	0–40	–
	leafy wildparsley	MUDI	Musineon divaricatum	0–40	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	20–40	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–40	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	20–40	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	20–40	–
	prairie clover	DALEA	Dalea	0–20	–
	blacksamson echinacea	ECAN2	Echinacea angustifolia	0–20	–
	fleabane	ERIGE2	Erigeron	0–20	–
	buckwheat	ERIOG	Eriogonum	0–20	–
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	0–20	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	0–20	–
	beardtongue	PENST	Penstemon	0–20	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	0–20	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	0–20	–
Shrub/Vine
10	Shrubs			100–200
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–60	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	20–60	–
	pricklypear	OPUNT	Opuntia	20–60	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	20–40	–
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–40	–
	big sagebrush	ARTR2	Artemisia tridentata	0–20	–
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	0–20	–

Table 11. Community 1.3 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Wheatgrass			360–840
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	360–840	–
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	0–48	–
2	Needlegrass			240–720
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	240–720	–
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–72	–
3	Tall Warm-Season Grasses			0–120
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	0–120	–
4	Mid Warm-Season Grasses			24–120
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	23–120	–
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	0–72	–
5	Short Warm-Season Grasses			24–120
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	24–120	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	0–72	–
6	Other Native Grasses			24–120
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–72	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	24–72	–
	Cusick's bluegrass	POCU3	Poa cusickii	0–24	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–24	–
7	Grass-likes			24–120
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	24–120	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–72	–
8	Non-Native Grasses			240–600
	bluegrass	POA	Poa	120–480	–
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	0–240	–
	brome	BROMU	Bromus	24–192	–
Forb
9	Forbs			120–240
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	24–120	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–72	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	24–72	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	24–72	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	24–48	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	0–48	–
	white prairie aster	SYFA	Symphyotrichum falcatum	24–48	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	24–48	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	24–48	–
	prairie clover	DALEA	Dalea	0–24	–
	fleabane	ERIGE2	Erigeron	0–24	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	0–24	–
	desert biscuitroot	LOFO	Lomatium foeniculaceum	0–24	–
	leafy wildparsley	MUDI	Musineon divaricatum	0–24	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	0–24	–
	prairie thermopsis	THRH	Thermopsis rhombifolia	0–24	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	0–24	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–24	–
Shrub/Vine
10	Shrubs			72–120
	pricklypear	OPUNT	Opuntia	24–48	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	24–48	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–48	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	24–48	–
	big sagebrush	ARTR2	Artemisia tridentata	0–24	–
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	0–24	–
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–24	–

Table 12. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Wheatgrass			14–140
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	14–140	–
2	Needlegrass			0–70
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–70	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	0–70	–
3	Mid Warm-Season Grasses			0–70
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–70	–
4	Short Warm-Season Grasses			210–560
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	140–490	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	70–140	–
5	Other Native Grasses			0–42
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–28	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–28	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	0–14	–
6	Grass-likes			70–280
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	70–280	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–70	–
7	Non-Native Grasses			14–98
	brome	BROMU	Bromus	14–98	–
	bluegrass	POA	Poa	0–70	–
Forb
8	Forbs			70–210
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	14–112	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	14–70	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	14–70	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	14–56	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	14–56	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	14–42	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–28	–
	white prairie aster	SYFA	Symphyotrichum falcatum	0–28	–
	prairie thermopsis	THRH	Thermopsis rhombifolia	0–28	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–14	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	0–14	–
	buckwheat	ERIOG	Eriogonum	0–14	–
Shrub/Vine
9	Shrubs			70–210
	pricklypear	OPUNT	Opuntia	28–112	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	14–98	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–56	–
	rubber rabbitbrush	ERNA10	Ericameria nauseosa	0–28	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	0–28	–

Interpretations

Animal community

Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
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). Because of this 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.

Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2,700
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.74

Western Wheatgrass/Blue Grama/Buffalograss (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2,000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.55

Western Wheatgrass/Bluegrass (1.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2,400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.66

Blue Grama/Buffalograss/Cactus (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.38

Annual/Pioneer Perennial, Bare Ground (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.22

* Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25% harvest efficiency (refer to USDA NRCS, National Range and Pasture Handbook).

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 C and D. Infiltration and runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama, buffalograss, bluegrass, and/or smooth bromegrass will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% 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, hiking, photography, bird watching and other opportunities. The wide variety of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.

Other products

Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Cynthia Englebert, Range Management Specialist, Forest Service; George Gamblin, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Tate Lantz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Ryan Murray, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Cheryl Nielsen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; L. Michael Stirling, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Jim Westerman, Soil Scientist, NRCS.

Other references

High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, 830728 Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728. (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/)
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97204-3224. (http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

Contributors

SCB
Stan Boltz

Rangeland health reference sheet

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.

Author(s)/participant(s)	Stan Boltz
Contact for lead author	Stan Boltz, stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236
Date	09/30/2009
Approved by	Stan Boltz
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present.
Presence of water flow patterns:
None, or barely visible and discontinuous.
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially, non-existent.
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground less than 5 percent and patches less than 2 inches in diameter.
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present.
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None.
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces.
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability rating 5 to 6, usually 6. Typically high root content, organic matter, and granular structure. Soil surface is very resistant to erosion.
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface structure is typically subangular blocky parting to granular, and mollic (higher organic matter) colors of A-horizon about 5 to 8 inches deep. If conditions are other than this, refer to map unit component descriptions for component on which the site occurs.
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Healthy, deep rooted native grasses enhance infiltration and reduce runoff.
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer should be evident, but high clay content of B horizons could appear to be a compacted layer.
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:
Wheatgrasses (mid, cool-season grasses) > needlegrasses (mid and tall, cool-season bunchgrasses >

Sub-dominant:
Tall, warm-season grasses >

Other:
Mid, warm-season grasses = short, warm-season grasses = forbs > grass-likes species = shrubs

Additional:
Other grasses occur in other functional groups in minor amounts.
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little to no evidence of decadence or mortality. Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers and shrubs are vigorous.
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
75 to 85 percent plant litter cover, roughly 0.5 to 1 inch depth. Litter cover is in contact with soil surface.
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Ranges from 2,100 to 3,300 pounds/acre. Reference value is 2,700 pounds/acre (air-dry weight basis).
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:
Refer to State and Local Noxious Weed List; also Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass.
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses typically have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.

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Natural ResourcesConservation Service

Ecological site R061XN011SD

Clayey-North (18-22" PZ)

Accessed: 04/24/2024

General information

Figure 1. Mapped extent

Classification relationships

Associated sites

Similar sites

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Ecosystem states

State 1 submodel, plant communities

State 2 submodel, plant communities

State 3 submodel, plant communities

Natural Resources
Conservation Service