Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R061XY128WY
Lowland (LL) 15-19" Precipitation Zone, Black Hills
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.
Associated sites
| R061XY130WY |
Overflow (Ov) 15-19" Precipitation Zone, Black Hills |
|---|---|
| R061XY174WY |
Subirrigated (Sb) 15-19" Precipitation Zone, Black Hills |
Similar sites
| R058BY228WY |
Lowland (LL) 15-17” PZ Lowland 15-17" Northern Plains P.Z. has lower production. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
Physiographic Features
This site is located on nearly level land adjacent to streams that run water at least during the major part of the growing season.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Alluvial fan
(2) Drainageway (3) Stream terrace |
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days) |
| Flooding frequency | Occasional to frequent |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 3,500 – 5,000 ft |
| Slope | 6% |
| Ponding depth |
Not specified |
| Water table depth | 12 – 60 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Climatic features
Annual precipitation ranges from 15-19 inches per year. Wide fluctuations may occur in yearly precipitation and result in more dry years than those with more than normal precipitation. Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums. This is predominantly due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Cold air outbreaks in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring.
Strong winds are less frequent than over other areas of Wyoming. Occasional storms, however, can bring brief periods of high winds with gusts exceeding 50 mph.
Growth of native cool season plants begins about April 1 and continues to about July 1. Native warm season plants begin about May 15 and continue to about August 15. Fall green-up may occur in September and last through October.
The following information is from the “Devils Tower 2” climate station:
Minimum Maximum 5 yrs. out of 10 between
Frost-free period (days) (32°F): 58 93 June 6 – September 7
Freeze-free period (days) (28°F): 95 125 May 18 – September 20
Annual Precipitation (inches): 14.81 20.17
Mean annual precipitation: 17.66 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 44.4 F (28.6 F Avg. Min. to 60.1 F Avg. Max.)
For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ website. Other climate station(s) representative of this precipitation zone include ”Hulett” and “Sundance”.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 93 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 125 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 20 in |
Influencing water features
Influencing Water Features
Wetland Description: System Subsystem Class Sub-class
Stream Type: C
Soil features
Representative Soil Features
The soils of this site are deep and very deep well-drained soils formed in mixed alluvium. These soils have moderate permeability. The surface soil will be highly variable and vary from 2 to 8 inches in thickness. Layers of the soil most influential to the plant community vary from 3 to 6 inches thick.
The surface soil will be one or more of the following textures: very fine sandy loam, fine sandy loam, sandy loam, loam, silt loam, clay loam, clay, or silty clay. A fluctuating water table occurs in these areas and ranges from 1 to 5 feet but is usually deeper than 3 feet.
Parent Material Kind: alluvium
Parent Material Origin: sandstone, shale
Surface Texture: loam, clay loam, clay, fine sandy loam, sandy loam, loamy sand
Surface Texture Modifier: none is most common, but gravelly or cobbly may occur
Subsurface Texture Group: loam
Surface Fragments < 3” (% Cover): typically 0, occasionally up to 10
Surface Fragments > 3” (%Cover): typically o, occasionally up to 10
Subsurface Fragments < 3” (% Volume): typically o, occasionally up to 10
Subsurface Fragments > 3” (% Volume): typically o, occasionally up to 10
Minimum Maximum
Drainage Class: poorly drained well drained
Permeability Class: moderately slow rapid
Depth (inches): 20 >60
Electrical Conductivity (mmhos/cm) <20”: 0 8
Sodium Absorption Ratio <20”: 0 10
Soil Reaction (1:1 Water) <20”: 6.6 8.4
Soil Reaction (0.1M CaCl2) <20”: NA NA
Available Water Capacity (inches) <30”: 1 6.2
Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (percent) <20”: 0 5
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Gravelly loam (2) Cobbly clay loam (3) Clay |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Poorly drained to well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately slow to rapid |
| Soil depth | 20 – 60 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 10% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 10% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
1 – 6.2 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
8 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
10 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
10% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
10% |
Ecological dynamics
Ecological Dynamics of the Site:
As this site deteriorates, species such as snowberry, wild rose and silver sagebrush will increase and species such as Kentucky bluegrass will invade. Cool season grasses such as green needlegrass and rhizomatous wheatgrasses will decrease in frequency and production. Mature cottonwoods do not reproduce.
The Historic Climax Plant Community (description follows the plant community diagram) has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, or areas protected from excessive disturbance. Trends in plant communities going from heavily grazed areas to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts have also been used.
The following is a State and Transition Model Diagram that illustrates the common plant communities (states) that can occur on the site and the transitions between these communities. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community narratives following the diagram.
Plant Community Narratives
Following are the narratives for each of the described plant communities. These plant communities may not represent every possibility, but they probably are the most prevalent and repeatable plant communities. The plant composition tables shown above have been developed from the best available knowledge at the time of this revision. As more data is collected, some of these plant communities may be revised or removed, and new ones may be added. None of these plant communities should necessarily be thought of as “Desired Plant Communities”. According to the USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, Desired Plant Communities (DPC’s) will be determined by the decision-makers and will meet minimum quality criteria established by the NRCS. The main purpose for including any description of a plant community here is to capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.
State and transition model
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View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Rhizomatous wheatgrasses/ Green needlegrass/cottonwoods
Community 1.1
Rhizomatous wheatgrasses/ Green needlegrass/cottonwoods
Rhizomatous Wheatgrasses/ Green Needlegrass/ Cottonwoods Plant Community The interpretive plant community for this site is the Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC). This state evolved with grazing by large herbivores and is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock. Potential vegetation is about 80% grasses or grass-like plants, 10% forbs and 10% woody plants. The understory is dominated by cool season midgrasses. The major grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrasses, Canada wildrye, green needlegrass, big bluestem and Columbia needlegrass. Other grasses occurring on the state include Sandberg bluegrass, Richardson’s needlegrass, needleandthread and prairie junegrass. Cottonwoods, green ash, hawthorn, silver sagebrush and chokecherry of various age classes are a conspicuous part of the overstory. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 3300 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 2000 lbs/acre in unfavorable years to about 4000 lbs/acre in above average years. This plant community is extremely stable and well adapted to the Black Hills Foot Slopes climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity). Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Moderate, continuous season-long grazing and lack of flooding will convert this plant community to the Mature cottonwoods/Cool-Season Grass Plant Community. • Frequent and Severe Grazing and lack of flooding will convert this plant community to the Mature cottonwoods/Cheatgrass Plant Community. • Haying will convert this state to the Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community.
Figure 2. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1602, 15-19BL Extra water sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 25 | 20 | 10 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
State 2
Mature Cottonwoods/ Cool-Season grass
Community 2.1
Mature Cottonwoods/ Cool-Season grass
Mature cottonwoods/Cool-Season Grass Plant Community This plant community evolved under moderate grazing by domestic livestock. Cool-season grasses make up the majority of the understory with the balance made up of short warm-season grasses, annual cool-season grass, and miscellaneous forbs. Mature Cottonwoods and green ash make up the overstory. Dominant grasses include rhizomatous wheatgrasses, Kentucky bluegrass, needleandthread, and green needlegrass. Grasses of secondary importance include prairie junegrass, Sandberg bluegrass and Richardson’s needlegrass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include Louisiana sagewort (cudweed), plains wallflower, hairy goldaster, slimflower scurfpea, and scarlet globemallow. Silver sagebrush, wild rose, and snowberry canopy cover may be 20-40%. When compared to the Historical Climax Plant Community, western wheatgrass and green needlegrass have decreased. Needleandthread and Sandberg bluegrass have increased. Silver sagebrush has increased. Reproduction of cottonwoods is limited. The overstory of cottonwoods and green ash and understory of grass and forbs provide a diverse plant community that will support domestic livestock and wildlife such as birds, mule deer and antelope. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 2500 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 2000 lbs/acre in unfavorable years to about 3000 lbs/acre in above average years. The state is stable and protected from excessive erosion. The biotic integrity of this plant community is usually intact. However, the lack of cottonwood reproduction will reduce the wildlife habitat. The watershed is usually functioning. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Prescribed grazing and flooding will result in a plant community very similar to the Historic Climax Plant Community. • Frequent and Severe Grazing and lack of flooding will convert this plant community to the Mature cottonwoods/Cheatgrass Plant Community.
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1602, 15-19BL Extra water sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 25 | 20 | 10 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
State 3
Mature Cottonwoods/ Cheatgrass
Community 3.1
Mature Cottonwoods/ Cheatgrass
Mature Cottonwoods/Cheatgrass Plant Community This plant community is the result of long-term improper grazing use. Rhizomatous wheatgrasses, cheatgrass, and blue grama dominate this state. Silver sagebrush and snowberry have increased. Mature cottonwoods and green ash make up the overstory. Noxious weeds such as Canada thistle and leafy spurge may invade. When compared to the Historic Climax Plant Community rhizomatous wheatgrasses and green needlegrass have decreased. Silver sagebrush has increased. Cottonwoods have not reproduced. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 1500 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 800 lbs/acre in unfavorable years to about 1800 lbs/acre in above average years. The soil of this state is protected. The watershed is functioning but may produce excessive runoff. The biotic integrity is threatened by invasive species. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows • Prescribed Grazing and flooding over the long-term will return this state to near Historic Climax Plant Community, except that silver sagebrush and mature cottonwoods will persist.
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1602, 15-19BL Extra water sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 25 | 20 | 10 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
State 4
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass
Community 4.1
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass
Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community This plant community is the result of haying. The state is dominated by western wheatgrass with some green needlegrass. This state may be invaded by tame grasses such as smooth brome and timothy. The overstory is mature cottonwoods. When compared to the Historic Climax Plant Community this state has lost much of its diversity. Woody vegetation is mainly mature cottonwoods. There are few forbs. The soil is protected by western wheatgrass sod. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 2000 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 1500 lbs/acre in unfavorable years to about 2500 lbs/acre in above average years. The soil of this state is protected from erosion. The biotic community is restricted by the lack of diversity. Watershed values are protected due to the lack of steep slopes on this site. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows. • Prescribed grazing and flooding may return this state to the Historic Climax Plant Community over the long term.
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1602, 15-19BL Extra water sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 25 | 20 | 10 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | 330–825 | |||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 330–825 | – | ||
| 2 | 165–330 | |||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 165–330 | – | ||
| 3 | 165–330 | |||||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 165–330 | – | ||
| 4 | 165–330 | |||||
| Columbia needlegrass | ACNE9 | Achnatherum nelsonii | 165–330 | – | ||
| 5 | 165–330 | |||||
| 6 | 165–330 | |||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 165–330 | – | ||
| 7 | 0–330 | |||||
| Pumpelly's brome | BRINP5 | Bromus inermis ssp. pumpellianus var. pumpellianus | 0–330 | – | ||
| 8 | 165–660 | |||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–165 | – | ||
| Richardson's needlegrass | ACRI8 | Achnatherum richardsonii | 0–165 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 0–165 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–165 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–165 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–165 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–165 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–165 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 9 | 165–330 | |||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–165 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–165 | – | ||
| purple dalea | DALA4 | Dalea lasiathera | 0–165 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–165 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–165 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–165 | – | ||
| groundsel | TEPHR3 | Tephroseris | 0–165 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 10 | 165–330 | |||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–165 | – | ||
| silver sagebrush | ARCA13 | Artemisia cana | 0–165 | – | ||
| hawthorn | CRATA | Crataegus | 0–165 | – | ||
| green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–165 | – | ||
| narrowleaf cottonwood | POAN3 | Populus angustifolia | 0–165 | – | ||
| American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–165 | – | ||
| chokecherry | PRVIV | Prunus virginiana var. virginiana | 0–165 | – | ||
| Woods' rose | ROWOW | Rosa woodsii var. woodsii | 0–165 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–165 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Historic Climax Plant Community: The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as bison, elk, and antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for deer may be limited due to the low quantities of woody plants. However, topographical variations could provide some escape cover. When found adjacent to sagebrush dominated states, this plant community may provide brood rearing/foraging areas for sage grouse, as well as lek sites. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include Western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles. Many grassland obligate small mammals would occur here.
Mature Cottonwoods/Cool-Season Grass: This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat equals good foraging for birds. The overstory of large cottonwoods provides habitat for a variety of birds ranging from raptors to neo-tropical migrants.
Mature Cottonwoods/Cheatgrass: The plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of large herbivores such as deer and antelope. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat equals good foraging for birds. The overstory of large cottonwoods provides habitat for a variety of birds ranging from raptors to neo-tropical migrants.
Rhizomatous wheatgrass
This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover. Good grasshopper habitat equals good foraging for birds.
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
The following table lists suggested stocking rates for cattle under continuous season-long grazing under normal growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using this information along with animal preference data, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. Under more intensive grazing management, improved harvest efficiencies can result in an increased carrying capacity. If distribution problems occur, stocking rates must be reduced to maintain plant health and vigor.
Plant Community Production Carrying Capacity*
(Lbs/acre) (AUM/ac)
Historic Climax Plant Community 2000-4000 1.0
Mature Cottonwoods/Cool-Season Grass 2000-3000 .6
Mature Cottonwoods/Cheatgrass 800-1800 .3
Rhizomatous wheatgrass 1500-2500 .6
* - Continuous, season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock use needs to be supplemented with protein because the quality does not meet minimum livestock requirements.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B and C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. Infiltration ranges from moderately slow to rapid. Runoff potential for this site varies from low to moderate depending on soil hydrologic group 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 short-grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrology information).
Rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present. Pedestals are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses such as bluebunch wheatgrass. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1-2% of the soil surface.
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
None noted.
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. Other sources used as references include: USDA NRCS Water and Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, and USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties.
Contributors
G. Mitchell
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) | |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | |
| Date | 04/01/2005 |
| Approved by | E. Bainter |
| 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:
Barely observable -
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 is 10-20% occurring in small areas throughout site -
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):
Plant cover and litter is at 80% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Soil Stability class is anticipated to be 5 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use Soil Series description for depth and color of A-horizon -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Grass canopy and basal cover should reduce raindrop impact and slow overland flow providing increased time for infiltration to occur. Healthy deep rooted native grasses enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. Infiltration is moderately slow to moderate. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer or soil surface crusting should 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:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
Mid stature Cool Season Grasses > Mid stature Warm Season Grasses > Short Grasses = Shrubs/Trees = Forbs -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Some decadence and mortality among tree species -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Average litter cover is 35-45% with depths of 0.25 to 1.0 inches -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
3300 lbs/ac -
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:
Kentucky bluegrass, Cheatgrass, Snowberry, Wild rose, Silver sagebrush, and Species found on Noxious Weed List -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing
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