Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R064XY024NE
Subirrigated
Accessed: 05/03/2024
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.
Classification relationships
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States: 25a – Pine Ridge Escarpment, 43h – White River Badlands, and 43i – Keya Paha Tablelands.
Associated sites
R064XY022NE |
Wet Land |
---|---|
R064XY029NE |
Sandy Lowland |
Similar sites
R064XY025NE |
Saline Subirrigated [More salt tolerant species.] |
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Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
Not specified |
Herbaceous |
(1) Andropogon gerardii |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level valleys adjacent to streams, springs and ponds.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Alluvial fan
(2) Flood plain (3) Stream terrace |
---|---|
Flooding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) |
Flooding frequency | Occasional to frequent |
Ponding frequency | None |
Elevation | 884 – 1,219 m |
Slope | 0 – 3% |
Water table depth | 46 – 91 cm |
Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
MLRA 64 is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature may also abound. The climate is the result of this MLRA’s location 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 ranges from 14 to 20 inches per year. The normal average annual temperature is about 47° F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 21° F (Wood, SD) to about 25° F (Hemingford, NE). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 70° F (Keeline 3 W, WY) to about 76° F (Wood, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 55° F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of this area's climate. Hourly winds average about 11 miles per hour annually, ranging from about 13 miles per hour during the spring to about 10 miles per hour during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 miles per hour.
Growth of cool season plants begins in early to mid March, slowing or ceasing in late June. Warm season plants begin growth about mid May and continue to early or mid September. Green up of cool season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) | 143 days |
---|---|
Freeze-free period (average) | 163 days |
Precipitation total (average) | 508 mm |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
Soil features
The features common to soils in this site are the silt loam to fine sandy loam textured surface layers and slopes of 0 to 3 percent. These soils have water tables below the surface for all of the growing season. The water table is non-saline and non-alkaline.
The soils in this site are somewhat poorly drained and formed in loamy or sandy alluvium. The surface layer is 4 to 15 inches thick. The texture of the subsurface soils ranges from silty clay loam to sand. This site should show no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths are typically indistinguishable.
The soil surface is stable and intact. Sub-surface soil layers are not restrictive to water movement and root penetration.
More information can be found in the various soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center for soil survey reports that include more detail specific to your location.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture |
(1) Silt loam (2) Very fine sandy loam (3) Fine sandy loam |
---|---|
Family particle size |
(1) Sandy |
Drainage class | Somewhat poorly drained |
Permeability class | Moderately slow to rapid |
Soil depth | 203 cm |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | 0% |
Surface fragment cover >3" | 0% |
Available water capacity (0-101.6cm) |
7.62 – 20.32 cm |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-101.6cm) |
0 – 15% |
Electrical conductivity (0-101.6cm) |
0 – 4 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-101.6cm) |
0 |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-101.6cm) |
5.6 – 8.4 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
0 – 6% |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
0% |
Ecological dynamics
This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused wildfire (often of light intensities), and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions describe more typical transitions between communities that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well-below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition.
Continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October) and/or repeated seasonal grazing (e.g., every spring, every summer) without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence causes this site to depart from the Big Bluestem/Little Bluestem/Indiangrass/Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community. Species such as sand dropseed, needleandthread and blue grama will increase, while sand bluestem, prairie sandreed and little bluestem will decrease. Species such as Kentucky bluegrass, Baltic rush, scouring rush and other various grass-likes will increase forming a cool season dominated plant community. Grasses such as big bluestem, prairie cordgrass, Indiangrass, and switchgrass will decrease in frequency and production and can eventually be removed from the site. Little bluestem and western wheatgrass will initially increase and then begin to decrease. Kentucky bluegrass and sedges will continue to increase and eventually become sod-bound. Plants such as Dalmatian toadflax, kochia, and leafy spurge will invade the site. Excessive litter, decadence and plant mortality can result from the lack of fire or non-use.
Interpretations are primarily based on the Big Bluestem/Little Bluestem/Indiangrass/Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community. 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 communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant communities that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities. The ecological processes will be 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
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
Big Bluestem/Little Bluestem/Indiangrass/Prairie Cordgrass
Community 1.1
Big Bluestem/Little Bluestem/Indiangrass/Prairie Cordgrass
Interpretations are based primarily on the Big Bluestem/Little Bluestem/Indiangrass/Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community (this is also considered to be climax). This plant community can be found on areas that are grazed and where the grazed plants receive adequate periods of rest during the growing season in order to recover. Historically, fires occurred infrequently. The potential vegetation is about 80-95% grasses and grass-likes, 5-10% forbs, and 0-10% woody plants by air-dry weight. Tall and mid warm season grasses dominate this community. The major grasses include big bluestem, little bluestem, prairie cordgrass, Indiangrass and switchgrass. Other grasses and grass-likes occurring on the community include western wheatgrass, Canada wildrye, Baltic rush, spikerushes, and bulrushes. Key forbs and shrubs include American licorice, Maximilian sunflower, clovers, milkvetches and willows. This plant community is diverse, stable, productive and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains. The high water table supplies much of the moisture for plant growth. Plant litter is properly distributed with little movement and natural plant mortality is very low. This is a sustainable plant community in terms of soil stability, watershed function and biologic integrity.
Figure 4. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 3688 | 4217 | 4607 |
Forb | 235 | 361 | 504 |
Shrub/Vine | – | 121 | 247 |
Tree | – | 121 | 247 |
Total | 3923 | 4820 | 5605 |
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6410, Pine Ridge/Badlands, lowland warm-season dominant. Warm-season dominant, lowland.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
3 | 7 | 15 | 25 | 25 | 17 | 6 | 2 |
State 2
Little Bluestem/Western Wheatgrass/Sedge
Community 2.1
Little Bluestem/Western Wheatgrass/Sedge
This plant community developed under frequent and severe defoliation without periodic rest. Big bluestem, prairie cordgrass, Indiangrass, switchgrass, and Canada wildrye have been significantly reduced. Little bluestem may initially increase or decrease depending upon the season of use. Kentucky bluegrass has begun to invade. This plant community is at risk of losing tall warm season grasses, palatable forbs and shrubs. This community indicates key management concerns. Prescribed grazing at this point will stabilize the community at or near the Big Bluestem/Little Bluestem/Indiangrass/Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community, while increased disturbance can easily move the community to a more degraded state. While plant diversity has been reduced, the soil is stable. The water cycle, nutrient cycle and energy flow is slightly reduced but continues to adequately function.
Figure 6. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 2528 | 2942 | 3323 |
Forb | 163 | 252 | 364 |
Shrub/Vine | – | 84 | 174 |
Tree | – | 84 | 174 |
Total | 2691 | 3362 | 4035 |
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6408, Pine Ridge/Badlands, lowland cool-season/warm-season co-dominant. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant, lowland.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
5 | 12 | 20 | 25 | 19 | 11 | 5 | 3 |
State 3
Excessive Litter
Community 3.1
Excessive Litter
This plant community occurs after an extended period of non-use, and where fire has been eliminated. The dominant plants tend to be similar to those found in the Big Bluestem/Little Bluestem/Indiangrass/Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community, however in advanced stages, frequency and production can be lower. Litter amounts have increased causing plants to become decadent. Much of the plant nutrients are tied up in excessive litter. Organic matter oxidizes in the air rather than being incorporated into the soil due to the absence of animal impact. Typically, bunchgrasses (little bluestem) develop dead centers and rhizomatous grasses (prairie cordgrass) form small colonies because of a lack of tiller stimulation. This plant community is not resistant to change. Grazing or fire can easily move it toward the Big Bluestem/Little Bluestem/Indiangrass/Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community. Soil erosion is not a concern due to increased litter levels and landscape position.
Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 3166 | 3430 | 3660 |
Forb | 196 | 303 | 420 |
Tree | – | 202 | 420 |
Shrub/Vine | – | 101 | 207 |
Total | 3362 | 4036 | 4707 |
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6409, Pine Ridge/Badlands, warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant. Warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant, lowlands.
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 | 8 | 18 | 27 | 23 | 12 | 6 | 3 |
State 4
Kentucky Bluegrass/Sedge
Community 4.1
Kentucky Bluegrass/Sedge
This plant community developed with further frequent and severe defoliation. The plant community is predominantly cool season grasses and grass-likes. Kentucky bluegrass has fully invaded the community and persists in a sod-bound condition. Baltic rush, various sedges, and foxtail barley have increased. Remnant amounts of western wheatgrass may still persist in localized colonies. Big bluestem, little bluestem, prairie cordgrass, Indiangrass, and switchgrass have been removed. Forbs such as kochia and Russian thistle have also increased. Invasive species such as leafy spurge and downy brome can invade the site if prescribed grazing management is not implemented. This community remains stable but has lost much of its production and diversity. The nutrient cycle is impaired due to the loss of warm season grass species, deep-rooted forbs (legumes and others) and shrubs. Soil compaction can be a concern if continuously grazed during wet cycles. It will take a long time to bring this plant community back to the Big Bluestem/Little Bluestem/Indiangrass/Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community with management alone. Renovation would be very costly due to high salt/alkali content and water table.
Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 1261 | 1551 | 2275 |
Forb | 84 | 179 | 280 |
Shrub/Vine | – | 45 | 95 |
Tree | – | 18 | 39 |
Total | 1345 | 1793 | 2689 |
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6407, Pine Ridge/Badlands, cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant. Cool-season dominant, warm-season sub-dominant, lowland.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
5 | 8 | 25 | 30 | 15 | 10 | 2 | 5 |
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Warm Season Mid-Tall Grasses | 2410–3615 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 723–1205 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 241–723 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 482–723 | – | ||
Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 482–723 | – | ||
prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 482–723 | – | ||
2 | Cool Season Mid-Grasses | 0–482 | ||||
slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 0–482 | – | ||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–482 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–241 | – | ||
3 | Sedges and Rushes | 241–482 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 241–482 | – | ||
spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–96 | – | ||
smooth horsetail | EQLA | Equisetum laevigatum | 0–96 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–96 | – | ||
bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–96 | – | ||
4 | Miscellaneous Grasses | 0–241 | ||||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–241 | – | ||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–241 | – | ||
marsh muhly | MURA | Muhlenbergia racemosa | 0–241 | – | ||
alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 0–241 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
5 | Forbs | 241–482 | ||||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–96 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–96 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–96 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–96 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–96 | – | ||
shootingstar | DODEC | Dodecatheon | 0–96 | – | ||
American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–96 | – | ||
Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–96 | – | ||
knotweed | POLYG4 | Polygonum | 0–96 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–96 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–96 | – | ||
clover | TRIFO | Trifolium | 0–96 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
6 | Shrubs | 0–241 | ||||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–241 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–241 | – | ||
silver buffaloberry | SHAR | Shepherdia argentea | 0–241 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–241 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
7 | Trees | 0–241 | ||||
willow | SALIX | Salix | 0–241 | – |
Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Warm Season Mid-Tall Grasses | 673–1513 | ||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 168–673 | – | ||
prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 168–336 | – | ||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 168–336 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 168–336 | – | ||
Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 0–168 | – | ||
2 | Cool Season Mid-Grasses | 168–504 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 168–504 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–168 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 0–67 | – | ||
3 | Sedges and Rushes | 168–673 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 168–673 | – | ||
spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–67 | – | ||
smooth horsetail | EQLA | Equisetum laevigatum | 0–67 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–67 | – | ||
bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–67 | – | ||
4 | Miscellaneous Grasses | 168–504 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 168–504 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–168 | – | ||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–168 | – | ||
marsh muhly | MURA | Muhlenbergia racemosa | 0–168 | – | ||
alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 0–67 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
5 | Forbs | 168–336 | ||||
American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 34–168 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–168 | – | ||
knotweed | POLYG4 | Polygonum | 0–168 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–168 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–168 | – | ||
clover | TRIFO | Trifolium | 0–168 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–67 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–67 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–67 | – | ||
shootingstar | DODEC | Dodecatheon | 0–67 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–67 | – | ||
Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–34 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
6 | Shrubs | 0–168 | ||||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–168 | – | ||
silver buffaloberry | SHAR | Shepherdia argentea | 0–168 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–168 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–101 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
7 | Trees | 0–168 | ||||
willow | SALIX | Salix | 0–168 | – |
Table 11. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Warm Season Mid-Tall Grasses | 202–404 | ||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 202–605 | – | ||
Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 202–404 | – | ||
prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 202–404 | – | ||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 202–404 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 202–404 | – | ||
2 | Cool Season Mid-Grasses | 0–404 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–404 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–202 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 0–202 | – | ||
3 | Sedges and Rushes | 202–807 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 202–807 | – | ||
spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–202 | – | ||
smooth horsetail | EQLA | Equisetum laevigatum | 0–81 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–81 | – | ||
bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–81 | – | ||
4 | Miscellaneous Grasses | 202–605 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 202–605 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–202 | – | ||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–202 | – | ||
marsh muhly | MURA | Muhlenbergia racemosa | 0–202 | – | ||
alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 0–81 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
5 | Forbs | 202–404 | ||||
American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 40–202 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–202 | – | ||
knotweed | POLYG4 | Polygonum | 0–202 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–202 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–202 | – | ||
clover | TRIFO | Trifolium | 0–81 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–81 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–81 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–81 | – | ||
shootingstar | DODEC | Dodecatheon | 0–81 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–81 | – | ||
Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–40 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
6 | Shrubs | 0–202 | ||||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–202 | – | ||
silver buffaloberry | SHAR | Shepherdia argentea | 0–202 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–202 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–121 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
7 | Trees | 0–404 | ||||
willow | SALIX | Salix | 0–404 | – |
Table 12. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Warm Season Mid-Tall Grasses | 36–179 | ||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 36–179 | – | ||
prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 0–90 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–90 | – | ||
Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 0–36 | – | ||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–36 | – | ||
2 | Cool Season Mid-Grasses | 0–179 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–179 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–18 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 0–18 | – | ||
3 | Sedges and Rushes | 179–538 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 179–538 | – | ||
spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 90–179 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–90 | – | ||
bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–36 | – | ||
smooth horsetail | EQLA | Equisetum laevigatum | 0–36 | – | ||
4 | Miscellaneous Grasses | 359–717 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 269–717 | – | ||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 90–179 | – | ||
marsh muhly | MURA | Muhlenbergia racemosa | 0–90 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–90 | – | ||
alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 0–18 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
5 | Forbs | 90–269 | ||||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 18–179 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–90 | – | ||
knotweed | POLYG4 | Polygonum | 0–90 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–90 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–90 | – | ||
American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 18–90 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–36 | – | ||
clover | TRIFO | Trifolium | 0–36 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–36 | – | ||
shootingstar | DODEC | Dodecatheon | 0–18 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–18 | – | ||
Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–18 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
6 | Shrubs | 0–90 | ||||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–90 | – | ||
silver buffaloberry | SHAR | Shepherdia argentea | 0–90 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–90 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–18 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
7 | Trees | 0–36 | ||||
willow | SALIX | Salix | 0–36 | – |
Interpretations
Hydrological functions
Moisture conditions are ideal for forage production on this site. Soils on this site are mostly in Hydrologic Soil Group C, but may include soils in Group D, and local areas in Group A. Although most of these soils are very permeable, water tables provide subirrigation of grasses and other vegetation. Surrounding upland areas tend to also have permeable soils and surface inflow peaks on these sites are often muted. These sites are rarely to occasionally flooded. 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 esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Jill Epley, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Rick Peterson, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; David Steffen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Jeff Vander Wilt; Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Phil Young, Soil Scientist, NRCS.
Other references
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, 830728 Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728. (http://hpccsun.unl.edu)
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97204-3224. (http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
USDA, NRCS, Various Published Soil Surveys.
Contributors
SCB
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 | 03/31/2004 |
Approved by | Stan Boltz |
Approval date | |
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is typically less than 5 percent. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter falls in place. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil aggregate stability ratings should typically be 5 to 6, normally 6. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface fragments will typically retain structure indefinitely when dipped in distilled water. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A-horizon should be 10 to 30 inches thick with black to very dark gray colors when moist. Structure typically is medium to fine granular in the upper A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Deep rooted species (mid and tall rhizomatous cool- and warm-season grasses and grass-likes) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None – when dry, B horizons can be hard and appear to be compacted, but no platy structure will be present. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Tall and mid, warm-season grasses >>Sub-dominant:
Mid and tall, cool-season grasses = grass-likes species >Other:
Forbs > shrubs = treesAdditional:
Other grasses in other functional groups occur in minor amounts. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover is typically 80 to 90 percent, and depth of litter ranges from 0.5 to 1 inches. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Total annual production ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds/acre, with the reference values being 4,300 pounds/acre (air-dry basis). -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
State and local noxious weeds; Kentucky bluegrass may be prevalent during dry cycles, but will typically not dominate the site. Russian olive can dominate this site in localized areas. Most invasive species will occupy the perimeter of this site. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses and grass-likes should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
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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.
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