Natural Resources
Conservation Service

Ecological site R061XY003SD

Subirrigated

Accessed: 04/18/2024

Home / Esd catalog / MLRA 061X / Ecological site R061XY003SD

USC

Metric

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.

Click to explore map

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

R061XY020SD	Overflow
R061XY042SD	Lowland

R061XY020SD

Overflow

R061XY042SD

Lowland

Similar sites

R061XY020SD	Overflow (R061XY020SD) – Loamy Overflow [more cool-season grasses; scattered trees; lower production]
R061XY042SD	Lowland (R061XY042SD) – Lowland [more cool-season grasses; trees & shrubs common; lower production]

R061XY020SD

Overflow

(R061XY020SD) – Loamy Overflow [more cool-season grasses; scattered trees; lower production]

R061XY042SD

Lowland

(R061XY042SD) – Lowland [more cool-season grasses; trees & shrubs common; lower production]

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Andropogon gerardii (2) Sorghastrum nutans

Download full description

Physiographic features

This site occurs on nearly level lowlands and drainageways.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Flood plain
Flooding duration	Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days)
Flooding frequency	Occasional to frequent
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	2,900 – 4,000 ft
Slope	4%
Water table depth	24 – 80 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The climate in this MLRA is typical of the drier portions of the Northern Great Plains where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Annual precipitation 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

These are very deep, poorly to somewhat poorly drained, coarse to moderately fine textured soils. Permeability is moderate to slow and available water capacity is high. Salinity is none to slight and sodicity is typically none to slight. These soils have a high water table (2 to 3 feet from the surface) which keeps the rooting zone moist for a portion of the growing season. This site occurs on flood plains. Slope ranges from 0 to 4 percent. This site should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas or pedestalled plants. No water flow paths are seen on this site. The soil surface is stable and intact. Sub-surface soil layers are non-restrictive to water movement and root penetration.

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

Table 4. Representative soil features

Surface texture	(1) Silt loam (2) Fine sandy loam (3) Loam
Family particle size	(1) Loamy
Drainage class	Poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained
Permeability class	Slow to moderate
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	6 – 7 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	5 – 30%
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	4 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	5
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	6.6 – 8.4
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	11%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	Not specified

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 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 Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass will increase. Warm-season grasses such as Indiangrass and big bluestem will decrease in frequency and production.

Interpretations are primarily based on the Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community (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. Subclimax plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience. Following the state and transition diagram are narratives for each of the described states and community phases. These may not represent every possibility, but they are the most prevalent and repeatable states/community phases. The plant composition tables shown below have been developed from the best available knowledge at the time of this revision. As more data are collected, some of these community phases and/or states may be revised or removed, and new ones may be added. The main purpose for including the descriptions here is to capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.

The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant community phases that can occur on the site and the transition and community pathways between them. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.

State and transition model

Custom diagram

Standard diagram

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
Reference

This state represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site. This state was typically dominated by warm-season grasses. Pre-European settlement, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periodic fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire and concentrated livestock grazing. Grasses that are desirable for livestock and wildlife can decline and a corresponding increase in less desirable grasses will occur.

Community 1.1
Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass

This community evolved with grazing by large herbivores, occasional prairie fires and relatively frequent flooding events. The potential vegetation was about 85 percent grass and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs by air-dry weight. The dominant grasses included big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Other grass and grass-like species that occurred were sedges, little bluestem, porcupine grass, Canada wildrye, slender wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass. Common forbs were likely Maximilian sunflower, Rocky Mountain iris, Indianhemp, goldenrod, showy milkweed, gayfeather, black-eyed Susan, and American licorice. This site does not typically support a large amount of woody species, but rose, leadplant, and snowberry were the most common shrubs. This plant community phase is diverse, stable, and productive, and is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains. The high water table supplies much of the moisture for plant growth. Community dynamics, nutrient cycle, water cycle and energy flow are functioning properly. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement off-site and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in plant species allows for the variability of the water table. This is a sustainable plant community in terms of 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	3750	4296	4755
Forb	205	360	570
Shrub/Vine	45	144	275
Total	4000	4800	5600

Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6110, Black Hills Foot Slopes, lowland warm-season dominant. Warm-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
		2	8	15	21	26	15	8	5

Community 1.2
Sedge/Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Switchgrass

This plant community evolved under heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 85 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. Dominant grass and grass-like species included sedges, slender wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, switchgrass, big bluestem, and little bluestem. Other grass and grass-like species included plains bluegrass, rushes, Indiangrass, Canada wildrye, and foxtail barley. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, and western yarrow. This plant community had similar plant composition to the 2.2 Sedge/Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase (refer to the plant composition tables). The main difference is that this plant community phase did not have the presence of non-native invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass. When compared to the Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), sedges, slender wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass increased. Big bluestem and Indiangrass decreased, and production of all tall warm-season grasses was reduced. This plant community was moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing; however, species composition could be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component was intact, it tended to be resilient if the disturbance was not long-term.

Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6107, Black Hills Foot Slopes, cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant. Cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-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
		5	13	20	25	18	11	5	3

Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 1.2 Sedge/Wheatgrass/Bluestem/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Grazing, precipitation, and/or fire returned to normal disturbance regime levels and frequencies or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 1.1 Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase.

State 2
Native/Invaded

This state represents the more common range of variability that exists with higher levels of grazing management but in the absence of periodic fire due to fire suppression. This state is dominated by cool- and warm-season grasses. It 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. Taller grass species can decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass will occur.

Community 2.1
Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass

This plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase, but it also contains minor amounts of non-native invasive grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass (up to about 15 percent by air-dry weight). The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grass and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs by air-dry weight. The dominant grasses include big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Other grass and grass-like species that occur are sedges, little bluestem, porcupine grass, Canada wildrye, slender wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass. Common forbs are Maximilian sunflower, Indianhemp, goldenrod, showy milkweed, gayfeather, black-eyed Susan, and American licorice. This site does not typically support a large amount of woody species, but rose, leadplant, and snowberry are the most common shrubs. 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 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6110, Black Hills Foot Slopes, lowland warm-season dominant. Warm-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
		2	8	15	21	26	15	8	5

Community 2.2
Sedge/Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Switchgrass

This plant community is a result of heavy continuous grazing, continuous season-long grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 87 percent grasses and grass-like species, 10 percent forbs, and 3 percent shrubs. Dominant grass and grass-like species include sedges, slender wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, switchgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, big bluestem, and little bluestem. Other grass and grass-like species include plains bluegrass, rushes, Indiangrass, Canada wildrye, and foxtail barley. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, and western yarrow. When compared to the Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), sedges, slender wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass increase. Big bluestem and Indiangrass decrease, and production of all tall warm-season grasses is reduced. 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.

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

Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6107, Black Hills Foot Slopes, cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant. Cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-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
		5	13	20	25	18	11	5	3

Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 2.2 Sedge/Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Switchgrass Plants Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1

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 2.1 Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Grazing

State 3
Invaded

This state is the result of invasion and dominance of introduced species. This state is characterized by the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass, 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% of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40% of the plant community composition. Once the state is well established, even drastic events such as high intensity fires driven by high fuel loads of litter and thatch will not result in more than a very short term reduction of Kentucky bluegrass. These events may reduce the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass, but due to the large amount of rhizomes in the soil there is no opportunity for the native species to establish and dominate before Kentucky bluegrass rebounds and again dominates the system.

Community 3.1
Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass

This plant community phase is a result of extended periods of non-use and no fire. It is characterized by a dominance of smooth bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. The dominance is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A thick duff layer also accumulates at or above the soil surface. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced, and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. When dominated by smooth bromegrass, infiltration is moderately reduced and runoff is moderate. Production can be equal to or higher than the interpretive plant community. However, when dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production in this case will likely be significantly less. In either case, the period that palatability is high is relatively short, as these cool-season species mature rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced.

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

Table 6. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	3175	3759	4260
Forb	185	315	500
Shrub/Vine	40	126	240
Total	3400	4200	5000

Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6106, Black Hills Foot Slopes, 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
		6	15	20	26	17	9	4	3

Community 3.2
Kentucky Bluegrass/Baltic Rush/Forbs

This plant community phase is a result of heavy, continuous seasonal grazing or heavy, continuous season-long grazing. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass, Baltic rush and forbs. The dominance of Kentucky bluegrass is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A relatively thick duff layer can sometimes accumulate at or above the soil surface. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced, and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. Infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production will be significantly reduced when compared to the interpretive plant community. The period that palatability is high is relatively short, as Kentucky bluegrass matures rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced. Biological activity in the soil is likely reduced significantly in this phase.

Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 7. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	2065	2580	2985
Forb	135	375	720
Shrub/Vine	0	45	95
Total	2200	3000	3800

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6106, Black Hills Foot Slopes, 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
		6	15	20	26	17	9	4	3

Community 3.3
Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial

This plant community develops under severe disturbance, typically abandonment after cropping. The dominant vegetation includes pioneer annual or perennial grasses, forbs, invaders, and early successional biennial and perennial species. Grasses may include foxtail barley, barnyardgrass, quackgrass, fowl bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Baltic rush and sedges. The dominant forbs include curlycup gumweed, Canada thistle and other early successional species. The community is susceptible to invasion of non-native species due to severe soil disturbances and relatively high percent of bare ground. This plant community is resistant to change, as long as soil disturbance or severe vegetation defoliation persists, thus holding back secondary plant succession. Significant economic inputs, management and time would be required to move this plant community toward a higher successional stage. Secondary succession is highly variable, depending upon availability and diversity of a viable reproductive source of higher successional species. This plant community may be renovated to improve the production capability, but management changes would be needed to maintain the new plant community. The total annual production ranges from 500 to 1500 lbs./ac. (air-dry weight) depending upon growing conditions. No growth curve has been assigned to this plant community phase due to the highly variable nature of the plant community.

Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2

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) will convert this plant community to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Baltic Rush/Forbs Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 3.3a
Community 3.3 to 3.2

This community pathway occurs with the passage of time as successional processes take place and perennial plants gradually begin to establish on the site again. This pathway will lead to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Baltic Rush/Forbs Plant Community Phase.

Transition T1
State 1 to 2

Encroachment of non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass, and disruption of natural disturbance regimes (typically as a result of fire suppression following settlement led this state over a threshold to the Native/Invaded Grass State (State 2).

Transition T4
State 1 to 3

Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3) and more specifically to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial Plant Community Phase.

Transition T4
State 2 to 3

Transition T2a
State 2 to 3

Non-use and no fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the 3.1 Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3).

Transition T2b
State 2 to 3

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) will cause a shift across a threshold leading to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Baltic Rush/Forbs Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3).

Restoration pathway R3a
State 3 to 2

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) coupled with prescribed burning may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2). Pest management (i.e., herbicide) may also be needed to suppress cool-season invasive grasses. This will likely take a long period of time and recovery may not be attainable. Success depends on whether native reproductive propagules remain intact on the site.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Restoration pathway R3b
State 3 to 2

Seeding followed by prescribed grazing may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2).

Additional community tables

Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Tall Warm-Season Grasses			1440–2880
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	960–2160	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	144–960	–
	Indiangrass	SONU2	Sorghastrum nutans	144–960	–
	prairie cordgrass	SPPE	Spartina pectinata	48–240	–
	spiked muhly	MUGL3	Muhlenbergia glomerata	0–144	–
2	Mid & Tall Cool-Season Grasses			480–960
	Canada wildrye	ELCA4	Elymus canadensis	96–384	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	96–384	–
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	48–240	–
	northern reedgrass	CASTI3	Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa	48–240	–
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–240	–
	plains bluegrass	POAR3	Poa arida	48–144	–
	foxtail barley	HOJU	Hordeum jubatum	0–96	–
3	Grass-likes			240–720
	clustered field sedge	CAPR5	Carex praegracilis	240–480	–
	Sartwell's sedge	CASA8	Carex sartwellii	0–336	–
	rush	JUNCU	Juncus	0–240	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–240	–
4	Mid Warm-Season Grasses			144–480
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	96–480	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	48–240	–
5	Other Native Grasses			48–240
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–240	–
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	0–96	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	48–96	–
Forb
6	Forbs			240–480
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	48–144	–
	Maximilian sunflower	HEMA2	Helianthus maximiliani	48–144	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	48–96	–
	Rocky Mountain iris	IRMI	Iris missouriensis	0–96	–
	blazing star	LIATR	Liatris	48–96	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	48–96	–
	Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	0–96	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	48–96	–
	showy milkweed	ASSP	Asclepias speciosa	48–96	–
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	48–96	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	48–96	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	48–96	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	0–96	–
	western dock	RUAQ	Rumex aquaticus	48–96	–
	blackeyed Susan	RUHI2	Rudbeckia hirta	0–96	–
	blue-eyed grass	SISYR	Sisyrinchium	0–48	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	0–48	–
	white prairie aster	SYFA	Symphyotrichum falcatum	0–48	–
	smooth horsetail	EQLA	Equisetum laevigatum	0–48	–
	Virginia strawberry	FRVI	Fragaria virginiana	0–48	–
	northern bedstraw	GABO2	Galium boreale	0–48	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–48	–
	Canadian anemone	ANCA8	Anemone canadensis	0–48	–
	palespike lobelia	LOSP	Lobelia spicata	0–48	–
	mint	MENTH	Mentha	0–48	–
	stickseed	HACKE	Hackelia	0–48	–
	stiff sunflower	HEPA19	Helianthus pauciflorus	0–48	–
Shrub/Vine
7	Shrubs			48–240
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–144	–
	leadplant	AMCA6	Amorpha canescens	48–144	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	48–96	–
	snowberry	SYMPH	Symphoricarpos	0–96	–

Table 9. Community 2.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Tall Warm-Season Grasses			400–800
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	120–800	–
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	80–600	–
	Indiangrass	SONU2	Sorghastrum nutans	0–200	–
	prairie cordgrass	SPPE	Spartina pectinata	0–120	–
2	Mid & Tall Cool-Season			600–1200
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	120–800	–
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	120–800	–
	plains bluegrass	POAR3	Poa arida	80–400	–
	foxtail barley	HOJU	Hordeum jubatum	40–320	–
	Canada wildrye	ELCA4	Elymus canadensis	0–200	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	0–120	–
	northern reedgrass	CASTI3	Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa	0–80	–
3	Grass-likes			400–1200
	clustered field sedge	CAPR5	Carex praegracilis	80–800	–
	Sartwell's sedge	CASA8	Carex sartwellii	80–600	–
	rush	JUNCU	Juncus	80–320	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–200	–
4	Mid Warm-Season Grasses			80–600
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	80–600	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–80	–
5	Other Native Grasses			40–200
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–200	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	40–80	–
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	0–40	–
6	Non-Native Grasses			200–800
	Kentucky bluegrass	POPR	Poa pratensis	200–800	–
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	40–400	–
	quackgrass	ELRE4	Elymus repens	0–200	–
	creeping bentgrass	AGST2	Agrostis stolonifera	0–200	–
Forb
7	Forbs			200–400
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	40–120	–
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	40–120	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	40–120	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	40–120	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	40–120	–
	showy milkweed	ASSP	Asclepias speciosa	40–80	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	40–80	–
	Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	0–80	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	0–80	–
	Rocky Mountain iris	IRMI	Iris missouriensis	0–80	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	40–80	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	0–40	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	0–40	–
	western dock	RUAQ	Rumex aquaticus	0–40	–
	blazing star	LIATR	Liatris	0–40	–
	Maximilian sunflower	HEMA2	Helianthus maximiliani	0–40	–
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	0–40	–
	smooth horsetail	EQLA	Equisetum laevigatum	0–40	–
	white prairie aster	SYFA	Symphyotrichum falcatum	0–40	–
Shrub/Vine
8	Shrubs			40–120
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–80	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	40–80	–
	snowberry	SYMPH	Symphoricarpos	0–80	–
	leadplant	AMCA6	Amorpha canescens	0–40	–

Table 10. Community 3.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Tall Warm-Season Grasses			0–210
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	0–210	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	0–126	–
2	Mid & Tall Cool-Season			42–630
	foxtail barley	HOJU	Hordeum jubatum	42–420	–
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–210	–
	plains bluegrass	POAR3	Poa arida	0–126	–
	Canada wildrye	ELCA4	Elymus canadensis	0–126	–
	slender wheatgrass	ELTR7	Elymus trachycaulus	0–126	–
3	Grass-likes			210–840
	rush	JUNCU	Juncus	84–420	–
	clustered field sedge	CAPR5	Carex praegracilis	84–420	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–210	–
	Sartwell's sedge	CASA8	Carex sartwellii	0–126	–
4	Mid Warm-Season Grasses			0–210
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	0–210	–
5	Other Native Grasses			0–210
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–210	–
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	0–42	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–42	–
6	Non-Native Grasses			1260–2520
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	630–2100	–
	Kentucky bluegrass	POPR	Poa pratensis	126–840	–
	quackgrass	ELRE4	Elymus repens	0–336	–
	creeping bentgrass	AGST2	Agrostis stolonifera	0–336	–
Forb
7	Forbs			210–420
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	42–210	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	42–168	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	42–168	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	42–168	–
	showy milkweed	ASSP	Asclepias speciosa	42–126	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	42–126	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–126	–
	Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	0–84	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	0–84	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	42–84	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	0–42	–
	white prairie aster	SYFA	Symphyotrichum falcatum	0–42	–
	Rocky Mountain iris	IRMI	Iris missouriensis	0–42	–
	smooth horsetail	EQLA	Equisetum laevigatum	0–42	–
Shrub/Vine
8	Shrubs			42–210
	snowberry	SYMPH	Symphoricarpos	0–210	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–84	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	42–84	–

Table 11. Community 3.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Mid & Tall Cool-Season			30–450
	foxtail barley	HOJU	Hordeum jubatum	30–450	–
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	0–90	–
2	Grass-likes			150–750
	rush	JUNCU	Juncus	150–600	–
	clustered field sedge	CAPR5	Carex praegracilis	0–240	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–150	–
3	Other Native Grasses			0–150
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–150	–
	saltgrass	DISP	Distichlis spicata	0–90	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–30	–
4	Non-Native Grasses			750–1800
	Kentucky bluegrass	POPR	Poa pratensis	600–1500	–
	creeping bentgrass	AGST2	Agrostis stolonifera	0–450	–
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	30–450	–
	quackgrass	ELRE4	Elymus repens	0–360	–
Forb
5	Forbs			150–600
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	30–300	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	30–150	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	30–150	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	30–150	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	30–150	–
	Rocky Mountain iris	IRMI	Iris missouriensis	0–120	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	30–120	–
	showy milkweed	ASSP	Asclepias speciosa	30–90	–
	Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	0–60	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–60	–
	white prairie aster	SYFA	Symphyotrichum falcatum	0–60	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	0–60	–
	smooth horsetail	EQLA	Equisetum laevigatum	0–30	–
Shrub/Vine
6	Shrubs			0–90
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–30	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	0–30	–
	snowberry	SYMPH	Symphoricarpos	0–30	–

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.

Big Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass (1.1 & 2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4,800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.32

Sedge/Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Switchgrass (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4,000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.10

Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4,200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.15

Kentucky Bluegrass/Baltic Rush/Forbs (3.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3,000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.82

Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (3.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.33

* 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 B 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

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:
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):
Bare ground is typically less than 5 percent.
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, and is in contact with the soil surface.
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability ratings typically 5 to 6, normally 6. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure indefinitely when dipped in distilled water.
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A-horizon should be 10 to 30 inches thick with black to very dark gray colors when moist. Structure typically is medium to fine granular in the upper A-horizon.
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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:
Tall, warm-season grasses >>

Sub-dominant:
Mid and tall, cool-season grasses > grass-like species >

Other:
Mid, warm-season grasses = forbs > 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 evidence of decadence or mortality.
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover 80 to 90 percent and in contact with soil surface.
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Total annual production ranges from 4,000 to 5,600 pounds/acre, with the reference value being 4,800 pounds/acre (air-dry 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:
State and local noxious weeds, Kentucky bluegrass – Russian olive can dominate this site in localized areas.
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Perennial grasses and grass-likes should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.

Download reference sheet

Search

Natural ResourcesConservation Service