Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R064XY025NE
Saline Subirrigated
Accessed: 03/28/2024
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
R064XY002NE |
Wet Subirrigated |
---|---|
R064XY022NE |
Wet Land |
R064XY024NE |
Subirrigated |
R064XY030NE |
Saline Lowland |
Similar sites
R064XY024NE |
Subirrigated [Big bluestem, Indiangrass dominant; less prairie cordgrass; more productive.] |
---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
Not specified |
Herbaceous |
(1) Sporobolus airoides |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level to gently sloping alluvial fans and flood plains. A water table generally occurs within reach of the plants for some portion of the growing season.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Alluvial fan
(2) Flood plain |
---|---|
Flooding duration | Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) |
Flooding frequency | Rare to occasional |
Ponding frequency | None |
Elevation | 2,900 – 4,000 ft |
Slope | 3% |
Water table depth | 12 – 48 in |
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) | 20 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
Cowardin, et al., 1979
Soil features
The features common to soils in this site are the loam to loamy fine sand textured surface layers and slopes of 0 to 3 percent. The soils in this site are somewhat poorly drained and formed in mixed alluvium. The surface layer is 2 to 18 inches thick. The texture of the subsurface ranges from loamy sand to silty clay loam. 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 with numerous debris dams or vegetative barriers. The soil surface is stable and intact.
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) Loam (2) Very fine sandy loam (3) Loamy fine sand |
---|---|
Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
Drainage class | Somewhat poorly drained |
Permeability class | Moderately slow to moderate |
Soil depth | 72 in |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
5 – 8 in |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
15% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
20 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
90 |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 9.9 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
5% |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused wildfire (often of light intensities), and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions describe more typical transitions between communities that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well-below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition.
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 Alkali Sacaton Plant Community. Species such as inland saltgrass and foxtail barley increase. Grasses such as alkali sacaton, alkali cordgrass, western wheatgrass and slender wheatgrass will decrease in frequency and production.
Interpretations are primarily based on the Alkali Sacaton 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
Alkali Sacaton
Community 1.1
Alkali Sacaton
Interpretations are primarily based on the Alkali Sacaton Plant Community (this is also considered to be climax). This plant community 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. This plant community consists mainly of mid warm and cool season grasses. The principle dominant plants are alkali sacaton, inland saltgrass and western wheatgrass. Grasses of secondary importance are alkali cordgrass, slender wheatgrass, little bluestem and foxtail barley. Blue grasses, sedges and spike rushes occur as an understory. Forbs such as heath aster, milkvetch and prairie gentian are significant. This plant community is about 80% grasses, 15% grass-likes and 5% forbs by air-dry weight. This plant community is adapted to high salt content inherent of the soils. White crusts can occupy many areas of the soil surface due to seasonal fluctuations in the water table. This is a healthy and sustainable plant community in terms of soil stability, watershed function and biological integrity.
Figure 4. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 1965 | 2450 | 2905 |
Shrub/Vine | 135 | 280 | 450 |
Forb | 0 | 70 | 145 |
Total | 2100 | 2800 | 3500 |
Figure 5. 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 2
Inland Saltgrass/Alkali Sacaton
Community 2.1
Inland Saltgrass/Alkali Sacaton
This plant community developed with relatively short term continuous grazing without periodic rest, or with annual haying. Plants resistant to removal are maintaining vigor. The potential vegetation is about 80% grasses, 15% grass-like plants, and 5% forbs. Inland saltgrass is increasing and alkali sacaton has decreased in abundance. Most of the palatable plants such as western wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass, and alkali cordgrass are present but occur in lesser amounts. The soil is stable; however, water cycle, nutrient cycle and energy flow are altered but continue to adequately function. This community indicates key management concerns. Proper grazing management techniques at this point will stabilize the community at or near the Alkali Sacaton Plant Community. Increased disturbance can easily move the community to a more degraded scenario.
Figure 6. 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 | 1220 | 1488 | 1735 |
Shrub/Vine | 80 | 170 | 275 |
Forb | 0 | 42 | 90 |
Total | 1300 | 1700 | 2100 |
Figure 7. 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 3
Inland Saltgrass Sod
Community 3.1
Inland Saltgrass Sod
This plant community developed with further continuous grazing or areas that have been tilled and abandoned. Inland saltgrass dominates and has developed into a sod bound condition. Alkali sacaton has been greatly reduced. Slender and western wheatgrass are gone and have been replaced by increased amounts of foxtail barley, plains pricklypear and non-native plants such as kochia and Russian thistle. The potential vegetation is about 80% grasses, 15% grass-like plants, and 5% forbs. The plant community lacks diversity. Evaporation has increased resulting in a higher salt content on the soil surface. Organic matter/carbon reserves are severely diminished. Renovation of this plant community would be very costly due to high salt content and water table.
Figure 8. 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 | 755 | 875 | 990 |
Shrub/Vine | 45 | 100 | 155 |
Forb | 0 | 25 | 55 |
Total | 800 | 1000 | 1200 |
Figure 9. 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 4
Low Plant Density, Excessive Litter
Community 4.1
Low Plant Density, Excessive Litter
This plant community occurs after extended periods of non-use by domestic livestock. Fire is rare or has been eliminated. Litter amounts have increased causing plant density to decrease. Typically, bunchgrasses (alkali sacaton) have developed dead centers and rhizomatous grasses (inland saltgrass) form small colonies because of a lack of tiller stimulation. Salt crusts and/or annual plant species such as kochia and Russian thistle commonly fill bare ground areas. Plant frequency and production have decreased. The potential vegetation is about 75% grasses, 20% grass-like plants, and 5% forbs. Soil erosion is not a concern due to increased litter levels and landscape position.
Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 1215 | 1568 | 1900 |
Shrub/Vine | 185 | 284 | 400 |
Forb | 0 | 48 | 100 |
Total | 1400 | 1900 | 2400 |
Figure 11. 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 |
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Alkali Sacaton | 560–1120 | ||||
alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 560–1120 | – | ||
2 | Inland Saltgrass | 280–560 | ||||
saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 280–560 | – | ||
3 | Western Wheatgrass | 280–560 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 280–560 | – | ||
4 | Warm-Season Grasses | 140–700 | ||||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–420 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–280 | – | ||
alkali cordgrass | SPGR | Spartina gracilis | 0–280 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–140 | – | ||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–140 | – | ||
scratchgrass | MUAS | Muhlenbergia asperifolia | 0–140 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 280–560 | ||||
plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 140–280 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 140–280 | – | ||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–140 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–140 | – | ||
7 | Grass-Likes | 140–420 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–280 | – | ||
spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–140 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–140 | – | ||
bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–140 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 0–140 | ||||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–56 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–28 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–28 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–28 | – | ||
scouringrush horsetail | EQHY | Equisetum hyemale | 0–28 | – | ||
showy prairie gentian | EUEXR | Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum | 0–28 | – | ||
Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–28 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–28 | – | ||
common dandelion | TAOF | Taraxacum officinale | 0–28 | – |
Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Alkali Sacaton | 255–340 | ||||
alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 255–340 | – | ||
2 | Inland Saltgrass | 510–680 | ||||
saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 510–680 | – | ||
3 | Western Wheatgrass | 0–85 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–85 | – | ||
4 | Warm-Season Grasses | 34–170 | ||||
scratchgrass | MUAS | Muhlenbergia asperifolia | 0–85 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–85 | – | ||
alkali cordgrass | SPGR | Spartina gracilis | 0–85 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–34 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–34 | – | ||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–34 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 85–255 | ||||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 85–170 | – | ||
plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–85 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 0–85 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–34 | – | ||
6 | Non-Native Grasses | 0–85 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–85 | – | ||
7 | Grass-Likes | 85–255 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–170 | – | ||
spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–85 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–85 | – | ||
bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–85 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 0–85 | ||||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–34 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–34 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–34 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–17 | – | ||
scouringrush horsetail | EQHY | Equisetum hyemale | 0–17 | – | ||
showy prairie gentian | EUEXR | Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum | 0–17 | – | ||
Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–17 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–17 | – | ||
common dandelion | TAOF | Taraxacum officinale | 0–17 | – |
Table 11. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Alkali Sacaton | 0–100 | ||||
alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 0–100 | – | ||
2 | Inland Saltgrass | 600–900 | ||||
saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 600–900 | – | ||
4 | Warm-Season Grasses | 0–50 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–20 | – | ||
scratchgrass | MUAS | Muhlenbergia asperifolia | 0–20 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–20 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 50–150 | ||||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 50–150 | – | ||
plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–20 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–20 | – | ||
6 | Non-Native Grasses | 0–20 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–20 | – | ||
7 | Grass-Likes | 50–150 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–50 | – | ||
spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–50 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–50 | – | ||
bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–50 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 0–50 | ||||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–20 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–20 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–20 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–10 | – | ||
scouringrush horsetail | EQHY | Equisetum hyemale | 0–10 | – | ||
showy prairie gentian | EUEXR | Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum | 0–10 | – | ||
Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–10 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–10 | – | ||
common dandelion | TAOF | Taraxacum officinale | 0–10 | – |
Table 12. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Alkali Sacaton | 285–570 | ||||
alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 285–570 | – | ||
2 | Inland Saltgrass | 285–570 | ||||
saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 285–570 | – | ||
3 | Western Wheatgrass | 190–380 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 190–380 | – | ||
4 | Warm-Season Grasses | 190–475 | ||||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 95–285 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 95–190 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–95 | – | ||
alkali cordgrass | SPGR | Spartina gracilis | 0–95 | – | ||
scratchgrass | MUAS | Muhlenbergia asperifolia | 0–95 | – | ||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–38 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 285–475 | ||||
slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 190–285 | – | ||
plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 95–190 | – | ||
foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–95 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–38 | – | ||
6 | Non-Native Grasses | 0–38 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–38 | – | ||
7 | Grass-Likes | 190–380 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 95–285 | – | ||
spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–190 | – | ||
rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–190 | – | ||
bulrush | SCHOE6 | Schoenoplectus | 0–190 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 0–95 | ||||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–38 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–19 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–19 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–19 | – | ||
scouringrush horsetail | EQHY | Equisetum hyemale | 0–19 | – | ||
showy prairie gentian | EUEXR | Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum | 0–19 | – | ||
Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–19 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–19 | – | ||
common dandelion | TAOF | Taraxacum officinale | 0–19 | – |
Interpretations
Hydrological functions
Forage production on these sites is limited by saline conditions. Proper management is critical to the continued productivity of these sites. Grass reestablishment on overgrazed or tilled sites is often slow and difficult because increased evaporation (from exposed soil surfaces) causes increased salt concentration at the soil surface. The soils on this site are in hydrologic soil group C, with localized areas in group D. Infiltration rates for these soils are high, but high water tables provide subirrigation of salt tolerant vegetation. Surrounding upland areas tend to have permeable soils and surface inflow peaks on these sites are often muted. These sites do not flood or are flooded only occasionally for brief periods.
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
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 1 to 7 inches thick with very dark grayish brown colors when moist. Structure typically is medium 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 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:
Mid, warm-season bunchgrasses > cool-season rhizomatous grasses = short, warm-season grasses >Sub-dominant:
Tall, warm-season rhizomatous grasses = grass-like species >Other:
Forbs = 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. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover is typically 50 to 80 percent, and depth of litter ranges from 0.25 to 0.5 inches. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Total annual production ranges from 2,100 to 3,500 pounds/acre, with the reference values being 2,800 pounds/acre (air-dry basis). -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
State and local noxious weeds; also Kentucky bluegrass. Russian olive can dominate this site in localized areas. Most invasive species will occupy the perimeter of this site. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.