Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R063BY019SD
Closed Depression
Last updated: 9/10/2018
Accessed: 12/21/2024
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): 063B–Southern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains
MLRA Notes:
The Southern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains (MLRA 63B) is approximately 4,460 square miles in size. The majority of the MLRA is located in South Dakota (82 percent), and the remaining 18 percent is located in Nebraska. Interstate 90 crosses the northern portion through Chamberlin, SD. There are several Indian Reservations, including the Lower Brule, Crow Creek, Santee, and Yankton Reservations.
This MLRA is an area of old plateaus and terraces that have been deeply eroded, with nearly level to rolling long slopes and well-defined dendritic drainage systems. The rivers and creek valleys have smooth floors and steep walls. The majority of the MLRA is located in the unglaciated section of the Missouri Plateau, Great Plains Province. The northeast corner of the MLRA, east of the Missouri River, is located in the glaciated section with higher areas having deposits of glacial drift. The southwestern tip is located in the High Plains Section.
Elevations range from 1,310 feet to 1,640 feet on the bottom lands along the Missouri River, and from 1,310 feet to 1,970 feet on the shale plains uplands.
The Missouri and Niobrara Rivers, and the confluence of the White and Missouri Rivers, occur within this MLRA. Lake Francis Case, Fort Randall Dam, and Lewis and Clark Lake are also within the borders of MLRA 63B.
Cretaceous Pierre Shale underlies most of the area. This is a marine sediment with layers of volcanic ash that has been altered to smectitic clays. These clays shrink as they dry and swell as they become wet, causing significant problems for road and structural foundations.
Younger Niobrara chalk occurs in the southern part of the MLRA. Alluvial sand and gravel underlie the valley floors along major streams.
Soils are shallow to very deep, generally well drained, and with loamy or clayey textures. Annual precipitation is 19 to 26 inches, mostly falling during the growing season, as frontal storms during the spring and convective thunderstorms in summer. The average annual temperature is 45°-50°F. The freeze-free period averages 165 days, and ranges from 145 to 185 days.
Vegetation is a transition between tall prairie grasses and mixed prairie grasses. Western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, porcupinegrass, and big bluestem are the major species. Little bluestem, buffalograss, sideoats grama, and sedges are dominant on the shallow soils. Buffaloberry, skunkbush sumac, and prairie rose are common on steep slopes along the major streams. Prairie cottonwood and a variety of willow species are common on flood plains along the major streams. Green ash, boxelder, chokecherry, bur oak, and buffaloberry occur in draws and narrow valleys. Encroachment of Rocky Mountain juniper and eastern redcedar on to the river breaks is becoming a concern.
The majority of the land is utilized for ranching (60 percent) and farming (27 percent). Major resource concerns for the area are wind erosion, water erosion, maintenance of the content of organic matter and soil productivity, and management of soil moisture.
Classification relationships
USDA - Land Resource Region G – Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region, Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 63B – Southern Rolling Pierre Shale Plains (USDA-NRCS, Ag Handbook 296).
EPA - Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States:
Northwestern Glaciated Plains - 42f – Southern Missouri Coteau Slopes, 42g – Ponca Plains, 42h – Southern River Breaks, 42p – Holt Tablelands
North Western Great Plains - 43C – River Breaks, 43f – Subhumid Pierre Shale Plains, 43r – Niobrara River Breaks.
Ecological site concept
The Closed Depression ecological site occurs throughout MLRA 63B. It is located on level or nearly level upland landscapes with slopes ranging from 0 to 1 percent. The site is a poorly drained upland depression that will pond water from 15 to 60 days in the spring and after heavy rain events. Soils are formed from clayey alluvium. The texture of the surface layer is silty loam to clay. The high clay content of the subsurface soil layers are restrictive to water movement and root penetration. Depending on climatic cycles, the vegetation can range from nearly pure stands of rhizomatous wheatgrass in dry years to rushes, sedges, and smartweed during wet years.
Some, but not all, Hoven soils will have a Btn horizon that is high in sodium. This soil may have plant communities where inland saltgrass makes up a significant portion of the total annual production.
Associated sites
| R063BY010SD |
Loamy The Loamy site can be found on the higher landscape positions adjacent to or surrounding the Closed Depression site. |
|---|---|
| R063BY011SD |
Clayey The Clayey site can be found on the higher landscape positions adjacent to or surrounding the Closed Depression site. |
Similar sites
| R063BY021SD |
Clayey Overflow The Clayey Overflow site will have more plant diversity, tall warm-season grasses like big bluestem, more green needlegrass, and shrub species. |
|---|---|
| R063BY013SD |
Claypan The Claypan site will typically not occur in a concave depression, will not pond water for any length of time, will have more shortgrass species, and lower forage production than the Closed Depression site. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Pascopyrum smithii |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on concave to nearly level depressions on uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Depression
|
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding duration | Long (7 to 30 days) |
| Ponding frequency | Occasional to frequent |
| Elevation | 1,300 – 2,000 ft |
| Slope | 1% |
| Ponding depth | 12 in |
| Water table depth | 80 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
MLRA 63B is considered to have a continental climate: cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and ample sunshine. Extremes in temperature may also abound. The climate is the result of the location of MLRA 63B near the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the Northern Great Plains, and air masses move freely across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature. Annual precipitation typically ranges from 18 to 25 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 48°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 15°F (Stephan, SD), to about 22°F (Winner, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 73°F (Stephan, SD), to about 76°F (Winner, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 56°F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of the climate of this area. Hourly winds are estimated to average about 11 miles per hour (mph) annually, ranging from about 13 mph during the spring to about 10 mph during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime, and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 mph. Growth of cool-season plants begins in early to mid-March, slowing or ceasing in late June. Warm-season plants begin growth about mid-May and continue to early or mid-September. Green-up of cool-season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 113-122 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 130-154 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 21-24 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 110-126 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 127-155 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 20-25 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 118 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 141 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 23 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) PICKSTOWN [USC00396574], Lake Andes, SD
-
(2) LYNCH [USC00255040], Lynch, NE
-
(3) WINNER [USC00399367], Winner, SD
-
(4) NIOBRARA [USC00255960], Niobrara, NE
-
(5) GANN VALLEY 4NW [USC00393217], Gann Valley, SD
-
(6) STEPHAN 2 NW [USC00397992], Highmore, SD
-
(7) WOOD [USC00399442], Wood, SD
Influencing water features
This site is occasionally to frequently flooded, in the spring to the late summer months. Annual ponding lasts between 15 and 60 days.
Wetland description
Palustrine System; Emergent Wetland Class (Cowardin System).
Soil features
The common features of soils in this site are the silty loam to clay-textured surface layer, and slopes ranging from 0 to 1 percent. The soils in this site are poorly drained and formed in alluvium. The surface layer is 2 to 9 inches thick. Subsoil textures consist of clay and clay loam. The subsurface soil layers are restrictive to water movement and root penetration and have a very slow infiltration rate. Available water capacity is 4 to 6 inches. Soils will tend to crack when dry, and when they are wet, heavy traffic can cause surface compaction.
Major soils correlated to the Closed Depression site include Hoven, Kolls, Plankinton, and Scott.
The Hoven soil will exhibit an extremely hard clayey Btn horizon that has a round-topped columnar structure. The Btn horizon is high in sodium.
This site should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous. The soil surface is stable and intact.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm) for specific local soils information.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
–
clayey shale
(2) Residuum – clayey shale |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Silt loam (2) Clay (3) Silty clay |
| Family particle size |
(1) Clayey |
| Drainage class | Poorly drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow |
| Soil depth | 80 in |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
1 – 6 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
15% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
16 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
20 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
5.6 – 9 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
5% |
Ecological dynamics
This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, natural influences of large herbivores, occasional fire, and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions specify more typical transitions between communities that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well-below average precipitation, and the introduction of non-native cool-season grasses, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition.
This site is very sensitive to precipitation fluctuations from year to year. With above average precipitation, the site becomes very wet, leading to a much different plant community than what would be present with average to below average precipitation. In dry years, plant density becomes very low. The two plant communities phases are influenced strongly by precipitation alone (Western Wheatgrass and Grass-likes, Forbs) make up the natural fluctuation of what could be considered the Reference Plant Community (1.1).
Interpretations are primarily based on the Western Wheatgrass/Grass-Likes/Forbs Plant Community (1.1). These have 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 communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The Reference State may be difficult to locate in this MLRA with the introduction of non-native cool-season grasses. Plant Community Phase
2.1 is most similar to the Reference Plant Community, but a restoration pathway to the Reference State is not believed to be achievable because of the persistence of non-native cool-season grasses.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant community phases that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities. These are the most common plant community phases based on current knowledge and experience, and changes may be made as more data is collected. Narratives following the diagram contain more detail pertaining to the ecological processes.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
This State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site. This State is dominated by cool- season grasses, grass-likes and forbs. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the Reference condition included periods of below-average and above-average precipitation (resulting in alternating periods of ponding and drying), and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, this State can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. Wheatgrass species can decline and a corresponding increase in foxtail barley, warm-season shortgrasses, and forbs will occur. Under extended periods of disturbance, the main change is a reduction in vigor and production and an increase in bare ground and forb composition. The Reference State (1.0) has one plant community (1.1) with two distinct sub-phases as a result of the alternating periods of ponding and drying.
Community 1.1
Wheatgrass/Grass-Likes/Forbs
Figure 8. Closed Depression - PCP 1.1 Wet Phase.
Interpretations are based primarily on the Western Wheatgrass/Grass-likes/Forbs Plant Community, which are also considered to be Reference Plant Community. This plant community evolved with grazing by large herbivores and occasional fire, as well as periodic ponding and drying, and can be maintained with prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, or receiving occasional short periods of rest or deferment. This plant community phase has two sub-phases, referred to as phases in this ecological site description. These sub-phases are mainly driven by precipitation and ponding/drying sequences. Western Wheatgrass Phase (shorter ponding interval): Following several years of above-average precipitation, the plant community stabilizes and becomes dominated with perennial grasses such as western wheatgrass. Other grasses and grass-likes present can include Nuttall’s alkaligrass, sedge, rush, and slender wheatgrass. The occurrence of forbs will be considerably lower including some species such as American licorice, curlytop knotweed, Pennsylvania smartweed, Pursh seepweed, and western dock. The plant community is made up of about 80 to 90 percent grasses and grass-likes and about 10 to 20 percent forbs. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this plant community is typically about 3,500 pounds per acre. Grass-Likes/Forbs Phase (longer ponding interval): This plant community often occurs after a period of higher precipitation that follows an extended dry cycle. Grasses and grass-likes that commonly occur include sedge, spikerush, rush, foxtail barley, western wheatgrass, and bluegrasses. The forbs commonly found include western dock, mint, Pursh seepweed, lambsquarters, knotweed, evening-primrose, golden tickseed (plains coreopsis), and New England aster. The plant community is made up of about 5 to 10 percent grasses, 30 to 40 percent grass-likes, and about 50 to 60 percent forbs. The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 2,200 pounds per acre.
Figure 9. 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 | 1845 | 2363 | 3050 |
| Forb | 155 | 1137 | 1450 |
| Total | 2000 | 3500 | 4500 |
Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6301, Pierre Shale Plains, cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant on uplands..
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 25 | 36 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
State 2
Native/Invaded State
This State is dominated by native and non-native cool-season grasses. The non-native cool-season grasses, primarily Kentucky bluegrass, make up less than 15 percent of the total annual production. This State is the result of heavy, continuous grazing and/or excessive haying, or heavy disturbance which can create soil compaction. The Native/Invaded State is very resilient and resistant to change. This State, like the Reference State (1.0), will have one plant community (2.1) with two distinct sub-phases as a result of the alternating periods of ponding and drying.
Community 2.1
Western Wheatgrass-Bluegrass (< 15%)/Grass-Likes/Forbs
This plant community is the result of invasion of non-native cool-season grasses, heavy, continuous grazing and/or excessive haying. Repeated removal of the leaf area, without adequate time for recovery, will adversely affect the health and vigor of the plant community. Other grass and grass-like species will increase including; Nuttall’s alkaligrass, plains bluegrass, common spikerush, needle Spikerush, and other sedges and rushes. Early cool-season grasses, including foxtail barley, fowl bluegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass will invade. Inland saltgrass will increase on sites where salts accumulate in the soil. Forbs that will invade are curly dock and cocklebur. Common forbs to the site include lambsquarters, Pennsylvania smartweed, curlytop knotweed, plantain, and Pursh povertyweed. This plant community is relatively stable, but at-risk if Kentucky bluegrass becomes a dominant component. Plant vigor, frequency, and production have decreased. The biological integrity, water, and nutrient cycles of this plant community are becoming impaired. This plant community is less productive than the Reference Plant Community (1.1).
Figure 11. 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 | 1400 | 1760 | 1875 |
| Forb | 100 | 440 | 925 |
| Total | 1500 | 2200 | 2800 |
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6303, Pierre Shale Plains, cool/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant..
| 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 | 3 | 10 | 20 | 28 | 21 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
State 3
Invaded State
This State is the result of heavy, continuous grazing and/or excessive haying, or heavy disturbance that creates soil compaction. It is dominated by native and non-native cool-season grasses. The non-native cool-season grasses make up more than 30 percent of the total annual production. Preliminary studies tend to indicate a threshold may be crossed when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30 percent of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40 percent of the plant community. Plant communities dominated by Kentucky bluegrass will have significantly less cover and diversity of native grasses and forb species (Toledo, D. et al., 2014). This State is very resilient and resistant to change.
Community 3.1
Foxtail Barley-Bluegrass (> 30%)
This plant community developed with heavy, continuous grazing where adequate recovery periods between grazing events were not allowed, and/or with excessive haying, or by heavy disturbance and soil compaction. Foxtail barley, Kentucky bluegrass, and fowl bluegrass are well distributed throughout the community. Nuttall’s alkaligrass and western wheatgrass have been greatly reduced in production and vigor, and may only persist in remnant amounts. This plant community is resistant to change due to the grazing tolerance of bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass makes up 30 percent or more of the total annual production. A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference Plant Community (1.1). Loss of key cool-season grasses and increased bare ground have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced significantly due to the massive shallow root system, called a “root pan,” characteristic of Kentucky bluegrass.
Figure 13. 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 | 745 | 1020 | 1455 |
| Forb | 55 | 180 | 345 |
| Total | 800 | 1200 | 1800 |
Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD6303, Pierre Shale Plains, cool/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant..
| 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 | 3 | 10 | 20 | 28 | 21 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Community 3.2
Introduced Forbs/Foxtail Barley
This plant community can be reached with heavy, continuous grazing coupled with compaction due to grazing when the soil is saturated. This plant community can also result from long-term ponding and occasional subsequent drying as when this site is developed for a water source. The dominant vegetation includes pioneer annual grasses, forbs, invaders, and early successional biennial and perennial species. Grasses may include foxtail barley, which may become dominant along with fowl bluegrass, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, and western wheatgrass. The dominant forbs include curly dock, curlycup gumweed, kochia, cocklebur, and other early successional species. The community is susceptible to invasion of non-native species due to severe soil disturbances and relatively high percent of bare ground. This plant community is resistant to change, as long as soil disturbance or severe vegetation defoliation persists, thus holding back secondary plant succession. Secondary succession is highly variable, depending upon availability and diversity of a viable seed bank of higher successional species within the existing plant community and neighboring plant communities.
Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2
Heavy, continuous grazing (grazing at full to heavy levels for extended portions of the growing season without adequate recovery periods) in conjunction with compaction resulting from grazing that occurs when the soil is saturated will cause this site to shift to the Introduced Forbs/Foxtail Barley Plant Community Phase (3.2). PCP 3.2 tends to develop during wetter precipitation cycles when ponding intervals are longer in duration.
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1
Removal of management-induced disturbances coupled with prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will potentially convert this plant community to the Foxtail Barley-Bluegrass (> 30%) Plant Community Phase (3.1). This pathway also requires the return of more normal ponding and drying cycles.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
State 4
Disturbed State
This State developed through mechanical manipulation of the watershed causing the loss of hydrologic function, biotic integrity, and soil site stability. On existing rangeland, hydrologic function is disrupted through terracing, contour furrowing, or pitting in the area surrounding the closed depression. Other causes include installation of dugouts, severe mechanical disturbance through tillage and conversion to cropland or pastureland.
Community 4.1
Go-back, Excessive Disturbance, Water Control Structures
During the early successional stages, on Go-back lands (abandoned cropland), the species that dominate are annual grasses and forbs, later replaced by both native and introduced perennials. The vegetation on this site varies greatly, sometimes dominated by bluegrass, smooth bromegrass, annual brome, crested wheatgrass, broom snakeweed, sweetclover, and non-native thistles. Other plants that commonly occur on the site include western wheatgrass, deathcamas, prickly lettuce, horseweed, kochia, and foxtail barley. Bare ground is prevalent due to the loss of organic matter and lower overall soil health. Excessive disturbance can be reached when long duration ponding events and/or excessive defoliation occurs. This can result from heavy livestock concentration during wet precipitation cycles, and cropping abandonment (Go-back land). This plant community is resistant to change, as long as soil disturbance or severe vegetation defoliation persists, thus holding back secondary plant succession. Secondary succession is highly variable, depending upon availability and diversity of a viable seed bank of higher successional species within the existing and neighboring plant communities. When runoff flowing into this site is eliminated though construction of water control structures such as terraces or dugouts, or through mechanical range renovation practices such as contour furrowing or pitting, this site is likely to resemble the Claypan ecological site and have similar ecological dynamics.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Invasion of non-native herbaceous species; heavy, continuous grazing (grazing at full to heavy levels for extended portions of the growing season without adequate recovery periods); and/or excessive haying or heavy disturbance may cause a shift to the Native/Invaded State (2.0). During the wet cycles prior to soils drying, the Reference Plant Community (1.1) is highly susceptible to compaction if heavy grazing occurs when the soil is saturated. This type of disturbance can cause a rapid decline in the native vegetation and a subsequent influx of non-native forb species to occur.
Transition T5A
State 1 to 4
Heavy disturbance, installation of water control structures, mechanical renovation practices, or land use conversion to crop or pasture will transition any plant community in this ecological site to the Degraded State (4.0).
Transition T2A & T2B
State 2 to 3
T2A: Heavy, continuous grazing (grazing at full to heavy levels for extended portions of the growing season without adequate recovery periods) and/or excessive haying, or heavy disturbance causing soil compaction will likely lead to the Foxtail Barley-Bluegrass (> 30%) Plant Community Phase (PCP) (3.1) within the Invaded State. This transition is most likely to originate from the drier sub-phase of PCP 2.1 to the drier 3.1 PCP. T2B: Soil compaction due to heavy disturbance when the soils are saturated coupled with heavy continuous grazing and/or excessive haying, and invasion of non-native species may cause a shift to the Introduced Forbs/Foxtail Barley Plant Community (3.2). This combination of disturbances can cause a rapid decline in the native vegetation and a subsequent influx of non-native grasses and forb species to occur. This transition is most likely to originate from the wetter sub-phase of PCP 2.1 to the wetter 3.2 PCP.
Transition T5A
State 2 to 4
Heavy disturbance, installation of water control structures, mechanical renovation practices, or land use conversion to crop or pasture will transition any plant community in this ecological site to the Degraded State (4.0).
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2
Removal of heavy disturbance combined with long-term prescribed grazing that includes alternating season of use and allowing adequate recovery periods between grazing events, and possibly the use of prescribed burning, may eventually lead this plant community back to the Native/Invaded State (2.0). Due to soil compaction and the high percentage of non-native cool-season grasses, this transition my not be feasible or meet management goals.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Grazing |
Transition T5A
State 3 to 4
Heavy disturbance, installation of water control structures, mechanical renovation practices, or land use conversion to crop or pasture will transition any plant community in this ecological site to the Degraded State (4.0).
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrasses | 700–2975 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 700–2975 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–175 | – | ||
| 2 | Cool-Season Bunchgrasses | 175–1400 | ||||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 70–1225 | – | ||
| Nuttall's alkaligrass | PUNU2 | Puccinellia nuttalliana | 70–525 | – | ||
| 3 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 1–350 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 0–350 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 0–175 | – | ||
| 4 | Other Native Grasses | 70–350 | ||||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–350 | – | ||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 35–175 | – | ||
| fowl bluegrass | POPA2 | Poa palustris | 35–175 | – | ||
| 5 | Grass-likes | 350–1575 | ||||
| common spikerush | ELPA3 | Eleocharis palustris | 175–1400 | – | ||
| needle spikerush | ELAC | Eleocharis acicularis | 35–525 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–350 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 70–350 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–175 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 175–2100 | ||||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–700 | – | ||
| curlytop knotweed | POLA4 | Polygonum lapathifolium | 0–525 | – | ||
| Pennsylvania smartweed | POPE2 | Polygonum pensylvanicum | 0–525 | – | ||
| pale dock | RUAL4 | Rumex altissimus | 0–525 | – | ||
| western dock | RUAQ | Rumex aquaticus | 0–350 | – | ||
| Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–350 | – | ||
| New England aster | SYNO2 | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae | 0–350 | – | ||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–350 | – | ||
| mealy goosefoot | CHIN2 | Chenopodium incanum | 0–175 | – | ||
| golden tickseed | COTI3 | Coreopsis tinctoria | 0–175 | – | ||
| Indianhemp | APCA | Apocynum cannabinum | 0–175 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–175 | – | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–175 | – | ||
| bushy knotweed | PORA3 | Polygonum ramosissimum | 0–175 | – | ||
| cinquefoil | POTEN | Potentilla | 0–175 | – | ||
| plantain | PLANT | Plantago | 0–175 | – | ||
| mint | MENTH | Mentha | 0–175 | – | ||
| evening primrose | OENOT | Oenothera | 0–175 | – | ||
| creeping woodsorrel | OXCO | Oxalis corniculata | 0–105 | – | ||
| tall fringed bluebells | MECI3 | Mertensia ciliata | 0–105 | – | ||
| smooth horsetail | EQLA | Equisetum laevigatum | 0–105 | – | ||
Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrasses | 330–1320 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 330–1320 | – | ||
| 2 | Cool-Season Bunchgrasses | 110–440 | ||||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 66–330 | – | ||
| Nuttall's alkaligrass | PUNU2 | Puccinellia nuttalliana | 22–220 | – | ||
| 3 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 0–440 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 0–440 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 0–66 | – | ||
| 4 | Other Native Grasses | 0–110 | ||||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–110 | – | ||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–66 | – | ||
| fowl bluegrass | POPA2 | Poa palustris | 0–66 | – | ||
| 5 | Grass-likes | 110–550 | ||||
| common spikerush | ELPA3 | Eleocharis palustris | 44–330 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–176 | – | ||
| needle spikerush | ELAC | Eleocharis acicularis | 0–110 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–110 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–110 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-Native Grasses | 110–330 | ||||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 110–330 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 22–110 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 110–770 | ||||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–220 | – | ||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–220 | – | ||
| curlytop knotweed | POLA4 | Polygonum lapathifolium | 0–220 | – | ||
| Pennsylvania smartweed | POPE2 | Polygonum pensylvanicum | 0–220 | – | ||
| bushy knotweed | PORA3 | Polygonum ramosissimum | 0–110 | – | ||
| creeping woodsorrel | OXCO | Oxalis corniculata | 0–110 | – | ||
| plantain | PLANT | Plantago | 0–110 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–110 | – | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–110 | – | ||
| cocklebur | XANTH2 | Xanthium | 0–110 | – | ||
| Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–110 | – | ||
| New England aster | SYNO2 | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae | 0–66 | – | ||
| evening primrose | OENOT | Oenothera | 0–66 | – | ||
| Indianhemp | APCA | Apocynum cannabinum | 0–66 | – | ||
| mealy goosefoot | CHIN2 | Chenopodium incanum | 0–66 | – | ||
| smooth horsetail | EQLA | Equisetum laevigatum | 0–66 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–66 | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–66 | – | ||
| pale dock | RUAL4 | Rumex altissimus | 0–66 | – | ||
| western dock | RUAQ | Rumex aquaticus | 0–66 | – | ||
| curly dock | RUCR | Rumex crispus | 0–66 | – | ||
| cinquefoil | POTEN | Potentilla | 0–22 | – | ||
Table 10. Community 3.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrasses | 0–60 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–60 | – | ||
| 2 | Cool-Season Bunchgrasses | 240–600 | ||||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 240–600 | – | ||
| Nuttall's alkaligrass | PUNU2 | Puccinellia nuttalliana | 0–36 | – | ||
| 3 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 60–300 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 60–300 | – | ||
| 4 | Other Native Grasses | 0–60 | ||||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–60 | – | ||
| 5 | Grass-likes | 60–240 | ||||
| common spikerush | ELPA3 | Eleocharis palustris | 24–180 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–60 | – | ||
| needle spikerush | ELAC | Eleocharis acicularis | 0–60 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–36 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–36 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-Native Grasses | 180–480 | ||||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 180–480 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 24–120 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 60–300 | ||||
| lambsquarters | CHAL7 | Chenopodium album | 0–180 | – | ||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–120 | – | ||
| curly dock | RUCR | Rumex crispus | 0–120 | – | ||
| cocklebur | XANTH2 | Xanthium | 0–60 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–60 | – | ||
| curlycup gumweed | GRSQ | Grindelia squarrosa | 0–60 | – | ||
| povertyweed | IVAX | Iva axillaris | 0–36 | – | ||
| creeping woodsorrel | OXCO | Oxalis corniculata | 0–36 | – | ||
| plantain | PLANT | Plantago | 0–36 | – | ||
| curlytop knotweed | POLA4 | Polygonum lapathifolium | 0–36 | – | ||
| Pennsylvania smartweed | POPE2 | Polygonum pensylvanicum | 0–36 | – | ||
| bushy knotweed | PORA3 | Polygonum ramosissimum | 0–36 | – | ||
| smooth horsetail | EQLA | Equisetum laevigatum | 0–36 | – | ||
| mealy goosefoot | CHIN2 | Chenopodium incanum | 0–24 | – | ||
| Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–12 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Grazing Interpretations:
The following table lists annual suggested initial stocking rates with average growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this Ecological Site Description). Therefore, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. More accurate carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data and actual stocking records, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. With consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity.
The following suggested initial stocking rates are based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and a 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species (refer to USDA NRCS, National Range and Pasture Handbook).
Plant Community: Wheatgrass/Grass-Likes/Forbs (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3500
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.96
Plant Community: Western Wheatgrass-Bluegrass/Grass-Likes/Forbs (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2200
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.60
Plant Community: Foxtail Barley-Bluegrass (> 30%) (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1200
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.33
Total annual production on-site may contain vegetation deemed undesirable or untargeted by the grazing animal. Therefore, AUM values may have been reduced to reflect only preferred 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. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration is slow and runoff potential for this site is high. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for higher infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be an area where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site.
Dominance by inland saltgrass 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 Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other opportunities. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
Other information
Revision Notes: “Previously Approved” Provisional
This Provisional ecological site concept has passed Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure that the site meets the 2014 NESH standards for a Provisional ecological site. This is an updated “Previously Approved” ESD which represents a first-generation tier of documentation that, prior to the release of the 2014 National Ecological Site Handbook (NESH), met all requirements as an “Approved” ESD as laid out in the 1997, rev.1, 2003 National Range and Pasture Handbook (NRPH). The document fully described the Reference State and Community Phase in the State-and-Transition model. All other alternative states are at least described in narrative form. The “Previously Approved” ESD has been field-tested for a minimum of five years and is a proven functional document for conservation planning. The “Previously Approved” ESD does not contain all tabular and narrative entries as required in the current “Approved” level of documentation, but it is expected that the “Previously Approved” ESD will continue refinement toward an “Approved” status.
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work, as described in a Project Plan, is necessary to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description. This will include field activities to collect low-, medium-, and high-intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. The final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be required to produce the final document.
Non-discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, available online and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632- 9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here 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: April Boltjes, Range Management Specialist, (RMS), NRCS; Stan Boltz, RMS, NRCS; and Dana Larsen, RMS, NRCS.
Other references
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. Available online. Accessed 08/30/17.
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/. Available online. Accessed 08/30/17.
Toledo, D., Sanderson, M., Spaeth, K., Hendrickson, J., Printz, J. 2014. Extent of Kentucky Bluegrass and Its Effect on Native Plant Species Diversity and Ecosystem Services in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. Invasive Plant Science and Management. 7(4):543-522. Weed Science Society of America.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/osdname.aspx. Accessed 11/1/17.
USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Staff. Web Soil Survey. Available online. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx. Accessed 11/1/17.
USDA, NRCS. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Ag Handbook 296. Available online. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_050898.pdf. Accessed 11/7/17.
USDA, NRCS. 2014. National Ecological Site Handbook, 1st Ed. Available online. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcseprd1291232.
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/. Available online. Accessed 08/30/17.
USDA, NRCS. 1997, rev. 1, 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook.Available online. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1043055.pdf. Accessed 11/14/17.
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov.
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database. http://plants.usda.gov. Available online. Accessed 11/15/17.
USDA, NRCS. Various Published Soil Surveys.
Contributors
Rick L. Peterson
Stan Boltz
Approval
David Kraft, 9/10/2018
Acknowledgments
ESD updated by Rick L. Peterson on 11/17/17.
Editorial Review by Carla Green Adams.
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 | 02/20/2009 |
| Approved by | Stan Boltz |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
0 to 10 percent is typical during normal precipitation cycles. Considerably higher amounts can occasionally occur after flooding/drying cycles, up to 50%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter falls in place. Little movement occurs. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability ratings can range widely. Readings of 2-3 are not uncommon, but can range up to 5-6. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface, but due to the inherent content of soluble salts in these soils, flocculation can readily occur. Soil surface fragments can dissolve quickly when dipped in distilled water. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A-horizon should be 4 to 16 inches thick with dark gray colors when moist. Structure typically is thin platy to subangular blocky in the A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Infiltration is greatly reduced on this site due to the nature of the soils. Plant composition changes have little effect. Default rating of none to slight is acceptable. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
A-horizon naturally has some platy structure. Compaction layers, if formed by management, do not typically persist. Compaction will be difficult to determine. Evidence of compaction can be confirmed by signs of recent concentration of livestock. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Wheatgrasses (mid, cool-season) > mid, cool-season bunchgrasses > grass-like species >Sub-dominant:
Forbs >Other:
Short, warm-season grasses > short, cool-season bunchgrassesAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers and shrubs are vigorous. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover can range widely, from 20 to 70 percent. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Total annual production ranges from 2,000 to 4,500 pounds/acre, with the reference value being 3,500 pounds/acre (air-dry basis). -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
State and local noxious weeds. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Perennial grasses should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
Print Options
Sections
Font
Other
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.