Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R061XY009SD
Sandy
Last updated: 7/17/2024
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): 061X–Black Hills Foot Slopes
The Black Hills Foot Slopes (MLRA 61) is shared between Wyoming (WY) (58 percent) and South Dakota (SD) (42 percent). The MLRA is approximately 1,865 square miles. The towns of Spearfish, Sturgis, and Hot Springs, South Dakota, and Newcastle and Sundance, Wyoming, are all in this MLRA. Rapid City, South Dakota, is on the eastern edge of the MLRA. Wind Cave National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, and parts of Thunder Basin National Grassland and the Black Hills National Forest are also in MLRA 61. Devils Tower was the nation’s first National Monument, designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.
The Black Hills Foot Slopes consists of steeply dipping rocks circling the domed mountains of the Black Hills. As the mountains were uplifted, older sediments were tipped up and dipped away from the core of the mountains. The Lower Cretaceous Fall River and Lakota (Inyan Kara Group) sandstones, which are on the outside edge of the area, are referred to as the Dakota Hogback. The next geologic formation is the Triassic-aged red beds of the Spearfish shale. It forms a low valley. This “red valley” surrounds the Black Hills between the two ridges formed by the Inyan Kara (hogback) and Minnekahta Formations associated with the Black Hills (MLRA 62). The Lakota referred to the red valley as the “Big Racecourse or the Red Racetrack.” The red beds have gypsum and anhydrous layers. Ground water seepage can dissolve these layers, creating sinkholes on the surface.
The average elevation of MLRA 61 ranges from 2,950 to 3,940 feet with extremes to 5,580 feet. Slopes are generally hilly; however, the interior red beds are nearly level to moderately sloping. The exterior hogback is steep, erosion-resistant rock. The Belle Fourche River is the only river flowing through MLRA 61. It passes through Hulett, Wyoming.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Alfisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. The soils in the area predominantly have frigid or mesic soil temperature regimes and aridic or ustic soil moisture regimes. The soils are shallow to very deep, generally well drained, and loamy.
Average annual precipitation is 16 to 22 inches. The majority of rainfall occurs early in the growing season. Some high-intensity thunderstorms occur in mid-late summer. This MLRA supports open grassland, open ponderosa forest, and savanna-like vegetation. The grassland is characterized by native grasses, such as big bluestem, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, needle and thread, prairie dropseed, and green needlegrass. Bur oak grows throughout the northern area and can develop into nearly pure stands.
The major resource concerns are urban expansion, water quality, wind erosion, and water erosion.
MLRA 61 is 54 percent privately owned rangeland and 19 percent forest land. Federal lands make up 7 percent of the rangeland and 5 percent of the forest land. The remaining 15 percent of the MLRA is privately owned cropland and urban development (USDA-NRCS, 2006: Ag Handbook 296).
LRU notes
For development of ecological sites, MLRA 61 is divided into three precipitation zones (PZ).
The northern area (18–22” PZ) extends from just south of Rapid City, South Dakota, north to the Wyoming border.
The southern area (16–18” PZ) extends from Newcastle, Wyoming, south to Hot Springs, South Dakota, then north to just south of Rapid City.
The western area (16–20” PZ) is primarily located in Wyoming, extending from Newcastle in the south, to north of the Bear Lodge Mountains, then south through the gap between the Bear Lodge Mountains and the Black Hills.
One additional grouping of ecological sites represents sites that are common for the entire MLRA and do not have a precipitation zone designation.
The forest lands in MLRA 61 are represented by three forest ecological sites, which are currently correlated to MLRA 62 Black Hills.
Classification relationships
USDA Land Resource Region G—Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 61—Black Hills Foot Slopes
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States:
Black Hills Foothills—17a
USDA Forest Service
Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of Conterminous United States:
Black Hills Coniferous Forest Province—M334:
Black Hills Foothills Subsection—M334Aa
Ecological site concept
The Sandy ecological site occurs throughout MLRA 61. It is located on upland landscapes and does not receive additional moisture from runoff or overflow. The typical slopes range is from 1 to 6 percent. Soils are deep, (greater than 20 inches). The surface layer is generally 4 to 8 inched deep with a fine sandy loam texture. Subsurface textures range from sandy loam to fine sandy loam.
The vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) is dominated by warm-season grasses with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The major grasses include prairie sandreed, big bluestem, sand bluestem, little bluestem, needle and thread, and sideoats grama. Forbs are common and diverse. Shrubs, such as rose, leadplant, and silver sagebrush will likely be present. The Sandy ecological site is susceptible to invasion of non-native, cool-season grasses.
Associated sites
| R061XN010SD |
Loamy-North (18-22" PZ) The Loamy 18-22” PZ ecological site is found on similar landscapes adjacent to the Sandy ecological site. |
|---|---|
| R061XS010SD |
Loamy-South (16-18" PZ) The Loamy 16-18” PZ ecological site is found on similar landscaped adjacent to the Sandy ecological site. |
| R061XY020SD |
Overflow The Overflow ecological site is found on lower landscapes below the Sandy ecological site on flood plains and creek channels. |
Similar sites
| R061XS010SD |
Loamy-South (16-18" PZ) The Loamy 16-18” PZ ecological site will have less big bluestem and prairie sandreed, and greater vegetative production than the Sandy ecological site. |
|---|---|
| R061XN010SD |
Loamy-North (18-22" PZ) The Loamy 18-22” PZ ecological site will have less big bluestem and prairie sandreed, and greater vegetative production than the Sandy ecological site. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Calamovilfa longifolia |
Physiographic features
The Sandy ecological site occurs on level to moderately sloping uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Upland
> Hill
(2) Upland > Alluvial fan (3) Upland > Plain |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Negligible to low |
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 2,900 – 4,000 ft |
| Slope | 1 – 6% |
| Water table depth | 80 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate in MLRA 61 is typical of the drier portions of the Northern Great Plains where sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Average annual precipitation ranges from 16 to 22 inches with most falling during the growing season. Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums. The wide range is due to the high elevation and dry air, which permit rapidly incoming and outgoing radiation. In winter, cold air outbreaks from Canada move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may occur in the winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter. They most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring.
The average annual temperature is about 47 °F. January and December are the coldest months with average temperatures ranging from about 23 °F (NNW of Edgemont, SD) to about 26 °F (Fort Meade, SD). July is the warmest month with average temperatures ranging from about 69 °F (Fort Meade, WY) to about 73 °F (Hot Springs, SD). The range of average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 47 °F. Wind speeds 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. Winds are generally stronger during the day than at night. Occasionally, storms 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. Cool-season plants may green-up in September and October if adequate soil moisture is present.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 96-117 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 120-143 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 18-21 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 80-124 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 115-157 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 16-22 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 107 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 133 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 19 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) BEAR RIDGE [USC00390554], Spearfish, SD
-
(2) EDGEMONT [USC00392557], Edgemont, SD
-
(3) EDGEMONT 23 NNW [USC00392565], Custer, SD
-
(4) FT MEADE [USC00393069], Fort Meade, SD
-
(5) HOT SPRINGS [USC00394007], Hot Springs, SD
-
(6) RAPID CITY WFO [USC00396948], Rapid City, SD
-
(7) RAPID CITY 4NW [USC00396947], Rapid City, SD
-
(8) SPEARFISH [USC00397882], Spearfish, SD
-
(9) DEVILS TWR #2 [USC00482466], Devils Tower, WY
-
(10) HULETT [USC00484760], Hulett, WY
-
(11) NEWCASTLE [USC00486660], Newcastle, WY
-
(12) SUNDANCE [USC00488705], Sundance, WY
-
(13) UPTON 14ENE [USC00489208], Newcastle, WY
Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with the Sandy ecological site.
Wetland description
Not Applicable.
Soil features
Soils common to this site have a fine sandy loam textured surface layer that is 4 to 8 inches thick. Soils are deep and formed in alluvium, and eolian deposits. Slopes range from 0 to 6 percent. The textures of the subsurface layer’s generally range from sandy loam to fine sandy loam. Soils are well drained and have a moderate to moderately rapid 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 not restrictive to water movement and root penetration.
Major Soils correlated to the Sandy ecological site include, Alice, Chinook, Pitchdraw, Turnercrest, Vonalf, and Xema
These soils are somewhat susceptible to wind and water erosion when vegetative cover is not adequate. 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.
More information regarding the soil is available in soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center for details specific to your area of interest, or go online to access USDA’s Web Soil Survey.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
–
sandstone
(2) Eolian deposits – sandstone |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Fine sandy loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Sandy |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate to moderately rapid |
| Soil depth | 40 – 80 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 2% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
6 – 7 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
15% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.1 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
2% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
The Sandy ecological site developed under the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions; light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores; sporadic, natural or human-caused wildfire (often of light intensities); and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil and site development. Changes occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, effects of native and exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. Although the following plant community descriptions are typical of the transitions between communities, severe disturbances, such as periods of well below average precipitation and the introduction of non-native cool-season grasses, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and species composition.
Continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October) 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 Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1). Short grass and grass-like species such as sedge, blue grama, and bluegrass will increase and eventually develop into a sod. Western wheatgrass will increase initially and then begin to decrease. Big bluestem will decrease in frequency and production. Excessive defoliation can cause blue grama and sand dropseed to increase and dominate the site.
Interpretations are primarily based on the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass 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. Plant community phases, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The following state-and-transition diagram illustrates the common plant communities 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
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
States 1, 5 and 2 (additional transitions)
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The Reference State represents the best estimate of 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 warm-season grasses with cool-season grasses being subdominant. Grazing or the lack of grazing, fire, and drought are the major drivers between plant communities. Continuous season-long grazing can push this state to a warm-season shortgrass-dominated state (2.0). Non-use, no fire, and invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will result in a transition to a Native/Invaded State (4.0). Today, a similar state can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.
Community 1.1
Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass
Interpretations are based primarily on the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass Plant Community, which is also considered to be Reference Plant Community (1.1). The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. The community is dominated by warm-season grasses with cool-season grasses subdominant. The major grasses include prairie sandreed, big bluestem, sand bluestem, little bluestem, needle and thread, and sideoats grama. Other grass or grass-like species include blue grama, slender wheatgrass, Indiangrass, blue grama, switchgrass, and threadleaf sedge. 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 regard to soil and site stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 8. 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 | 1560 | 2124 | 2650 |
| Shrub/Vine | 120 | 188 | 275 |
| Forb | 120 | 188 | 275 |
| Total | 1800 | 2500 | 3200 |
Figure 9. 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 |
Community 1.2
Needle and Thread-Prairie Sandreed-Blue Grama
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 75 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. The community is co-dominated by cool- and warm-season grasses. The major grasses include needle and thread, prairie sandreed, little bluestem, and blue grama. Other grass or grass-like species include sideoats grama, big bluestem, western wheatgrass, prairie Junegrass, and threadleaf sedge. Forbs commonly include cudweed sagewort, goldenrod, scurfpea, white prairie aster, and western ragweed. Shrubs include western snowberry, fringed sagewort, rose, and leadplant. When compared to the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1), needle and thread, has increased, big bluestem and little bluestem have decreased, and total annual production is reduced. 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 regard to soil and site stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
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 | 1210 | 1650 | 2070 |
| Forb | 95 | 200 | 325 |
| Shrub/Vine | 95 | 150 | 205 |
| Total | 1400 | 2000 | 2600 |
Figure 11. 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 |
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels at the same time of year each year); continuous season-long grazing; or over utilization during extended drought periods will shift the Reference Plant Community (1.1) to the Needle and Thread-Prairie Sandreed-Blue Grama Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods); periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest; a return to normal precipitation following drought will convert the Needle and Thread-Prairie Sandreed-Blue Grama Plant Community (1.2) to the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1).
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
State 2
Shortgrass Sod State
This Shortgrass Sod state occurs as a result of continuous season-long grazing at moderate to heavy stocking rates, inadequate recovery periods between grazing events, or a combination of these disturbances. This state is dominated by short 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. These conditions combine to cause the site to become more droughty, and thus reduce the opportunity for recruitment and establishment of the taller statured grasses. This state is relatively stable and resistant to change.
Community 2.1
Blue Grama/Threadleaf Sedge/Fringed Sagewort
This plant community evolved under moderate to heavy continuous season-long grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. This plant community may also exist adjacent to watering sources. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 70 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 15 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses typically include blue grama and threadleaf sedge. Grasses of secondary importance include western wheatgrass, hairy grama, sun sedge, needle and thread, and sand dropseed. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include white sagebrush (cudweed sagewort), goldenrod, scurfpea, and Cuman ragweed. When compared to the Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1), blue grama, and threadleaf sedge 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 has significantly less production. The thick sod prevents other species from getting established. 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 most other grasses. Soil erosion will be minimal due to the sod forming habit of blue grama and threadleaf sedge.
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 | 690 | 960 | 1230 |
| Shrub/Vine | 55 | 120 | 185 |
| Forb | 55 | 120 | 185 |
| Total | 800 | 1200 | 1600 |
Figure 13. 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 Successional State
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 severe grazing over several years are the most typical. Occupation by black-tailed prairie dogs or concentrated livestock may 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
Threeawn-Sand Dropseed/Annuals
This plant community developed under heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent and severe defoliation; or other heavy disturbances (e.g., heavy use areas, livestock concentration areas, 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 grasses are often threeawn and sand dropseed. Other grasses may include cheatgrass, field brome, sedge, blue grama, bluegrass, and western wheatgrass. The dominant forbs include fetid marigold, sweetclover, Cumin ragweed, white sagrbrush (cudweed sagewort), and other invader-like species. The dominant shrubs include fringed sagewort, broom snakeweed and cactus. A wide variety of other early successional 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 Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass Plant Community (1.1), threeawn, sand dropseed, annual brome grasses, and percentage of bare ground has increased. Bluestems, western wheatgrass, needlegrasses and other cool-season grasses have decreased as have, 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.
State 4
Native/Invaded State
The Native/Invaded State is dominated by native cool- and warm-season grasses, and subdominant non-native cool-season grasses. It can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and possibly prescribed burning, and on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. If the native cool-season grasses decline, a corresponding increase of non-native cool-season grasses can occur. The non-native cool-season grasses will include Kentucky bluegrass, cheatgrass, and field brome.
Community 4.1
Needle and Thread-Prairie Sandreed-Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses
This plant community develops when non-native cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or annual brome invade and become established on the site. This may occur due to the sites close proximity to seed sources, expansion from road ditches, improved pastures, other invaded sites, or from contaminated hay. Repeated seasonal grazing (typically during the summer), or long-term light grazing, or extended periods of non-use and no fire, will allow these non-native cool-season grasses to increase in the plant community. Plant litter accumulates in large amounts when this community first develops. Litter buildup reduces mature native plant vigor and density, and seedling recruitment declines. Eventually litter levels become high enough that plant density decreases. Typically, rhizomatous grasses form small colonies because of a lack of tiller stimulation. The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. The community is dominated by cool-season grasses. The major grasses include needle and thread, prairie sandreed, Kentucky bluegrass, and annual brome. Other grass and grass-like species include little bluestem, blue grama, sideoats grama, 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 regard to soil and stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 14. 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 | 1230 | 1530 | 2130 |
| Forb | 85 | 135 | 185 |
| Shrub/Vine | 85 | 135 | 185 |
| Total | 1400 | 1800 | 2500 |
Figure 15. 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 |
State 5
Disturbed State
This State can be transitioned to from any plant community. The two separate vegetative plant communities, Go-Back and Seeded, are highly variable in nature. They are derived through different management scenarios and are not related successionally. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion will vary depending on the vegetation present on the site. The Go-Back Plant Community (5.1) was previously tilled for crop production and then abandoned. The plant community that develops on this site will be greatly influenced by the plant communities that are located on adjacent land. The Seeded Plant Community (5.2) was typically tilled and then seeded to a perennial forage species or mix of species.
Community 5.1
Go-Back
The Go-back plant community can be reached whenever severe mechanical disturbance occurs (e.g., tilled and abandoned cropland). During the early successional stages, the species that mainly dominate the plant community are annual grasses and forbs, later being replaced by both native and introduced perennials. The vegetation on this site varies greatly, sometimes being dominated by threeawn, bluegrasses, smooth brome, annual brome, broom snakeweed, sweetclover, and non-native thistles. Other plants that commonly occur on the site can include western wheatgrass, sandbur, prickly lettuce, horseweed, mullein, kochia, foxtail, and sunflowers. Bare ground is prevalent due to the loss of organic matter and lower overall soil health.
Community 5.2
Seeded to Forage Species
The Seeded Plant Community is normally those areas seeded to pubescent or intermediate wheatgrass, alfalfa, switchgrass, or other forage species. For adapted species and expected production, refer to the USDA-NRCS eFOTG for the appropriate Forage Suitability Group description.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Continuous seasonal grazing (stocking levels 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); continuous season-long grazing; or heavy grazing in combination with drought will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Shortgrass State (2.0). This transition is most likely to occur from the Needle and Thread-Prairie Sandreed-Blue Grama Plant Community (1.2).
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent and severe defoliation; or heavy disturbance will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Early Successional State (3.0).
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4
Continuous summer seasonal grazing; long-term light grazing; non-use and no fire; and the invasion of non-native cool-season grasses will transition the Reference State (1.0) to the Native/Invaded State (4.0).
Transition T6A
State 1 to 5
Heavy disturbance including soil erosion; tillage; abandoned cropland; or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0).
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods) may lead the Shortgrass State (2.0) over a threshold to the Reference State (1.0). This could require significant time and inputs to achieve and, in the end, may not meet management objectives.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent severe defoliation; or heavy disturbance will likely move the Shortgrass State (2.0) to the Early Successional State (3.0).
Transition T6A
State 2 to 5
Heavy disturbance including soil erosion; tillage; abandoned cropland; or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0).
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2
Removal of disturbances coupled with long-term prescribed grazing with change in season of use, and adequate recovery time following grazing even may return the Early Successional State (3.0) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2.0). Herbaceous weed control may also be needed. This transition could require significant time and input to achieve and, in the end, may not meet management objectives.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing | |
|---|---|
| Herbaceous Weed Control |
Transition T6A
State 3 to 5
Heavy disturbance including soil erosion; tillage; abandoned cropland; or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0).
Transition T4A
State 4 to 3
Heavy, continuous season-long grazing; frequent and severe defoliation; or heavy disturbance will transition the Native/Invaded State (4.0) to the Early Successional State (3.0).
Transition T6A
State 4 to 5
Heavy disturbance including soil erosion; tillage; abandoned cropland; or seeding to improved pasture species result in a transition to the Disturbed State (5.0).
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 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 750–1250 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 250–750 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 125–500 | – | ||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 50–500 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–200 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 0–125 | – | ||
| 2 | Mid- Warm-Season Grasses | 250–500 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 125–500 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 25–200 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 125–375 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 125–375 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–125 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–125 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–125 | – | ||
| 4 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrass | 125–250 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 125–250 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–200 | – | ||
| 5 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 25–125 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 25–125 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–75 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–50 | – | ||
| 6 | Other Native Grasses | 25–125 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–100 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 25–75 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–50 | – | ||
| 7 | Grass-likes | 25–125 | ||||
| threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 25–125 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–75 | – | ||
| 8 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 0 | ||||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 9 | Forbs | 125–250 | ||||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 25–75 | – | ||
| stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 25–75 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 25–75 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 25–50 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 25–50 | – | ||
| white prairie aster | SYFA | Symphyotrichum falcatum | 25–50 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 25–50 | – | ||
| longbract spiderwort | TRBR | Tradescantia bracteata | 25–50 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 25–50 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 25–50 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–50 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 25–50 | – | ||
| field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 25–50 | – | ||
| hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 25–50 | – | ||
| hoary puccoon | LICA12 | Lithospermum canescens | 25–50 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 25–50 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–25 | – | ||
| blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–25 | – | ||
| Nuttall's sensitive-briar | MINU6 | Mimosa nuttallii | 0–25 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–25 | – | ||
| western wallflower | ERAS2 | Erysimum asperum | 0–25 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–25 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 10 | Shrubs | 125–250 | ||||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 25–175 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 25–75 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–75 | – | ||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–75 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–75 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–50 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–25 | – | ||
Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 200–600 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 100–500 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 20–200 | – | ||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 0–100 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–80 | – | ||
| 2 | Mid- Warm-Season Grasses | 100–200 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 40–200 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 20–140 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 200–500 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 200–500 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–60 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–60 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–40 | – | ||
| 4 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrass | 20–160 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 20–160 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–100 | – | ||
| 5 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 100–200 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 100–200 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–100 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–40 | – | ||
| 6 | Other Native Grasses | 20–100 | ||||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 20–60 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–60 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–20 | – | ||
| 7 | Grass-likes | 40–200 | ||||
| threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 40–160 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–80 | – | ||
| 8 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 0 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 20–100 | – | ||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 0–100 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 9 | Forbs | 100–300 | ||||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 20–80 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 20–60 | – | ||
| field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 20–60 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–60 | – | ||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–60 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 20–40 | – | ||
| white prairie aster | SYFA | Symphyotrichum falcatum | 20–40 | – | ||
| hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 0–40 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–40 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 20–40 | – | ||
| stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–20 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–20 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–20 | – | ||
| hoary puccoon | LICA12 | Lithospermum canescens | 0–20 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–20 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–20 | – | ||
| blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–20 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–20 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–20 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–20 | – | ||
| longbract spiderwort | TRBR | Tradescantia bracteata | 0–20 | – | ||
| western wallflower | ERAS2 | Erysimum asperum | 0–20 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 10 | Shrubs | 100–200 | ||||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 20–100 | – | ||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–100 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–100 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–80 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 20–60 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–40 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–20 | – | ||
Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 0–60 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 0–48 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–36 | – | ||
| 2 | Mid- Warm-Season Grasses | 0–60 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–60 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–12 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 0–60 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–60 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–60 | – | ||
| 4 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrass | 0–60 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–60 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–60 | – | ||
| 5 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 180–420 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 120–360 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–120 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 12–60 | – | ||
| 6 | Other Native Grasses | 12–60 | ||||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–36 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–36 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 12–24 | – | ||
| 7 | Grass-likes | 120–360 | ||||
| threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 120–360 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–96 | – | ||
| 8 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 12–120 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 12–120 | – | ||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–48 | – | ||
| smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–48 | – | ||
| field brome | BRAR5 | Bromus arvensis | 0–24 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 9 | Forbs | 60–180 | ||||
| field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 12–60 | – | ||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 12–60 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 12–48 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 12–48 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 12–36 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–36 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 12–24 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 12–24 | – | ||
| white prairie aster | SYFA | Symphyotrichum falcatum | 12–24 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 10 | Shrubs | 60–180 | ||||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 36–144 | – | ||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–60 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 12–60 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–48 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 12–24 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–12 | – | ||
Table 12. Community 4.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 90–360 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 90–360 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–36 | – | ||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 0–36 | – | ||
| 2 | Mid- Warm-Season Grasses | 18–180 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 18–180 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–126 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 180–450 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 180–450 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–54 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–36 | – | ||
| 4 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrass | 36–180 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 36–180 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 0–144 | – | ||
| 5 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 18–90 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 18–90 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–36 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–36 | – | ||
| 6 | Other Native Grasses | 18–90 | ||||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 18–54 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–54 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–18 | – | ||
| 7 | Grass-Likes | 18–90 | ||||
| threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 18–90 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–72 | – | ||
| 8 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 90–270 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 36–180 | – | ||
| smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 36–180 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 18–180 | – | ||
| field brome | BRAR5 | Bromus arvensis | 0–36 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 9 | Forbs | 90–180 | ||||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 18–72 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–54 | – | ||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–54 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 18–54 | – | ||
| field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 18–54 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 18–36 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–36 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 18–36 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 18–36 | – | ||
| white prairie aster | SYFA | Symphyotrichum falcatum | 18–36 | – | ||
| western wallflower | ERAS2 | Erysimum asperum | 0–18 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–18 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–18 | – | ||
| stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–18 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–18 | – | ||
| longbract spiderwort | TRBR | Tradescantia bracteata | 0–18 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 10 | Shrubs | 90–180 | ||||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–90 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–90 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–72 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 18–54 | – | ||
| prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 18–36 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–36 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–18 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations:
MLRA 61 is in the drier areas of a northern mixed-grass prairie ecosystem in which sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Prior to European settlement, this MLRA consisted of diverse grassland and shrubland habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional, instream wetlands and woody riparian corridors. These habitats provided critical life cycle components for many users. Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn were among the inhabitants adapted to this semi-arid region. Roaming herbivores, as well as several species of small mammals and insects, were the primary consumers linking the grassland resources to large predators, such as the gray wolf, mountain lion, and grizzly bear, and to smaller carnivores, such as the coyote, bobcat, fox, and raptors. The prairie dog was once abundant and remains a keystone species within its range. The black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, mountain plover, and swift fox are associated with prairie dog complexes.
Historically, the northern mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem in which fire, herbivory, and climate functioned as the primary disturbance factors, either singly or in combination. Following European settlement, livestock grazing, cropland conversion, elimination of fire, energy development, and other anthropogenic factors influenced species composition and abundance. Introduced and invasive species further affected plant and animal communities. The bison was a historical keystone species but has been extirpated in this area as a free-ranging herbivore. The loss of the bison and the reduction of prairie dog populations and fire as ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and altered wildlife habitats. Human development reduced habitat quality for area-sensitive species.
Within MLRA 61, the Sandy ecological site provides upland grassland cover with an associated forb component. It was typically part of an expansive grassland landscape that included combinations of Clayey, Shallow, Stony Hills, Overflow, Subirrigated, and Terrace ecological sites.
This site provided habitat for species requiring unfragmented grassland. Important habitat features, and components found commonly or exclusively on this site may include sharp-tailed grouse leks; upland nesting habitat for grassland birds, forbs and insects for brood habitat; and a forage source for small and large herbivores. Many grassland and shrub steppe nesting bird populations are declining. Extirpated species include free-ranging American bison, grizzly bear, gray wolf, black-footed ferret, mountain plover, Rocky Mountain locust, and swift fox.
The majority of the Sandy ecological site has remained relatively intact and provides increasingly important habitat for grassland and shrub steppe nesting birds, small rodents, coyote, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, and annual brome grasses have impacted the biological integrity of the site for some grassland birds. Changes in historic fire regime and domestic grazing have impacted the forb/shrub/grass percentages.
Grazing Interpretations:
The following list suggests annual, initial stocking rates for average growing conditions. These estimates are conservative and should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Commonly, 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 estimates of carrying capacity 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. In consultation with the land manager, a more intensive grazing management program that results in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity may be developed.
The following suggested initial stocking rates are based on 912 lb/acre (air-dry weight) per animal-unit-month (AUM) with a 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species (refer to USDA-NRCS, National Range and Pasture Handbook). An AUM is defined as the equivalent amount of forage required by a 1,000-pound cow, with or without calf, for one month.
Plant Community: Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Needlegrass (1.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 2,500
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.69
Plant Community: Needle and Thread-Prairie Sandreed-Blue Grama (1.2)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 2,000
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.55
Plant Community: Blue Grama/Threadleaf Sedge/Fringed Sagewort (2.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 1,200
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.33
Plant Community: Needle and Thread-Prairie Sandreed-Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses (4.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 1,800*
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.49*
Plant Community: All other plant communities identified in this document have variable annual production values and require onsite sampling to determine initial stocking rates.
* Total annual production and stocking rates are highly variable and require onsite sampling.
Total onsite annual production may contain vegetation deemed undesirable or untargeted by the grazing animal. Therefore, AUM values may need to be reduced to reflect only preferred or desirable forage species.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for livestock. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock likely has insufficient protein to meet livestock requirements. Added protein allows ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test 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. 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 percent 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, or bluegrass, will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff. Refer to the USDA-NRCS National Engineering Handbook, Part 630, for hydrologic soil groups, runoff quantities, and hydrologic curves.
Recreational uses
This site provides opportunities for hunting upland game species. The wide variety of plants that bloom from spring until fall have aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Harvesting the seeds of native plants can provide additional income on this site.
Other information
Revision Notes: “Previously Approved” Provisional
This provisional ecological site description (ESD) has passed quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) to ensure the it meets the 2014 NESH standards for a “Provisional” ecological site description.
This ecological site description (ESD) is an updated “Previously Approved” ESD that represented a first-generation tier of documentation that met all requirements as an “Approved” ESD as laid out in the 1997 National Range and Pasture Handbook (NRPH). The requirements for approved status changed with the release of the 2014 National Ecological Site Handbook (NESH). The previously approved document fully described the reference state and community phase in the state-and-transition model. All other alternative states were 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 may not contain all tabular and narrative entries as required in the current “Approved” level of documentation, but it is expected this ESD will continue refinement toward the current “Approved” status.
Site Development and Testing Plan
Future work, as described in an official project plan, is necessary to validate the information in this provisional ecological site description. The plan will include field activities for low-, medium-, and high-intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of the data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. Final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews are required to produce the final document.
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; 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
Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C.A. Carpenter, and W.H McNab. 2007. Ecological subregions: Sections and subsections of the conterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76D. https://www.fs.fed.us/research/publications/misc/73326-wo-gtr-76d-cleland2007.pdf (accessed 31 January 2019).
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS-79/31.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2018.
EPA level III and level IV ecoregions of the conterminous United States. https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- conterminous-united-states (accessed 26 April 2018).
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. 2018. http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/ (accessed 6 April 2018).
Larson, Gary E. and James R. Johnson. 1999. Plants of the Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains. South Dakota State University, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and Agriculture Experiment Station, Bulletin 732, Brookings, SD.
Toledo, D., M. Sanderson, K. Spaeth, J. Hendrickson, and J. Printz. 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.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Electronic field office technical guide. https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov (accessed 24 September 2018).
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Official soil series descriptions. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053587 (accessed 20 December 2018).
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Web Soil Survey. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx (accessed 20 December 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agriculture Handbook 296. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_050898.pdf (accessed 17 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2014. National ecological site handbook, 1st ed. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcseprd1291232 (accessed 27 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2012. National engineering handbook, part 630. Hydrology chapters from e-Directives. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21422 (accessed 17 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Climate data. National Water and Climate Center. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ (accessed 2 December 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1997. National range and pasture handbook, rev. 1, 2003. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1043055.pdf (accessed 7 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov (accessed 25 May 2018.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. PLANTS database. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC. http://plants.usda.gov (accessed 27 December 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2007. National engineering handbook, part 654. Rosgen Stream Classification Technique – Supplemental Materials, Technical Supplement 3E. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/OpenNonWebContent.aspx?content=17833.wba (accessed 4 March 2019).
Contributors
Stan C. Boltz
Rick L. Peterson
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 7/17/2024
Acknowledgments
All ecological sites were written to the Provisional Level by Rick L. Peterson, ESS, Rapid City, SSO in FY20.
The ESDs were reviewed for quality control by Emily Helms, John Hartung, Mitch Faulkner, and Ryan Murray.
All ecological sites were then reviewed and approved at the Provisional Level by David Kraft, Regional ESS, Salina, KS in September 2020.
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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 | Suzanne Mayne-Kinney |
| 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 usually 5 to 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 granular, and mollic (higher organic matter) colors of A-horizon about 5 to 9 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. -
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, warm-season grasses > mid and tall, cool-season bunchgrasses >Other:
Wheatgrasses (mid, cool-season) = forbs = shrubs > short, warm-season grasses = grass-like speciesAdditional:
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 1,800 to 3,200 pounds/acre. Reference value is 2,500 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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