Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R064XY025NE
Saline Subirrigated
Last updated: 7/19/2024
Accessed: 11/21/2024
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): 064X–Mixed Sandy and Silty Tableland and Badlands
The Mixed Sandy and Silty Tableland and Badlands (MLRA 64) is shared almost equally between South Dakota (42 percent) and Nebraska (41 percent). A small portion is in Wyoming (17 percent). The MLRA consists of 11,895 square miles. The towns of Kadoka and Pine Ridge, South Dakota; Chadron and Alliance, Nebraska; and Lusk, Wyoming, are all within the boundaries of this MLRA.
The following areas of special interest are in this MLRA: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Chadron State Park, Fort Robinson State Park, and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation; parts of the Oglala and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, which are in the Nebraska National Forest; and nearly all of Badlands National Park. The Badlands are internationally renowned for their Oligocene vertebrate fossils.
The northern section of the MLRA consists of old plateaus and terraces that have been deeply eroded by wind, water, and time. The southern section consists of nearly level to broad intervalley remnants of smooth fluvial plains. These two sections are separated by the Pine Ridge escarpment. Elevations gradually increase from 2,950 to 5,073 feet from east to west. The main drainageway through Badlands National Park is the White River. The headwaters of both the White and Niobrara Rivers are in MLRA 64. The Pine Ridge escarpment is at the northernmost extent of the Ogallala Aquifer.
Tertiary continental sediments consisting of sandstone, siltstone, and claystone underlie most of the area. Many of the bedrock units in the southern third of the MLRA are covered by loess. Soils range from shallow to very deep and from generally well drained to excessively drained. They are loamy or sandy. The Badlands consist of stream-laid layers of silt, clay, and sand mixed with layers of volcanic ash.
Average annual precipitation for the area is 14 to 20 inches. Most of the rainfall occurs as frontal storms in the spring and early summer. This area supports a mixture of short-, mid-, and tall-statured warm- and cool-season grasses. On the Pine Ridge escarpment, these plants grow in association with ponderosa pine, Rocky Mountain juniper, western snowberry, skunkbush sumac, common chokecherry, and rose. Wyoming big sagebrush grows in minor amounts in the drier, far western portion of the MLRA; however, small remnant stands can be found in the eastern portion of the Oglala National Grassland in Nebraska.
Sixty percent of the MLRA is grassland, 11 percent of which is under Federal management. Twenty-two percent of the area is used as cropland, and 4 percent is forested. Major resource concerns include wind erosion, water erosion, and surface water quality (USDA-NRCS, 2006, Ag Handbook 296).
For development of ecological sites, MLRA 64 is divided into two precipitation zones (PZ): 14 to 17 inches per year and 17 to 20 inches per year. The wetter zone extends from the western end of the Pine Ridge escarpment near Lusk, Wyoming, eastward along the escarpment through Nebraska and into the Big Badlands area of South Dakota. The drier zone extends from Wyoming eastward to Alliance and Oshkosh, Nebraska, south of the Pine Ridge escarpment. MLRA 64 stops at the western edge of the Nebraska Sand Hills (MLRA 65).
A unique geologic area known as the Hartville Uplift is in the far southwest corner of the 14 to 17 inch precipitation zone. The Hartville Uplift is an elongated, north-northwest-oriented, broad domal arch of Laramide age (70-50 million years ago). It extends approximately 45 miles between Guernsey and Lusk, Wyoming, and is 15 miles wide at its widest point. Erosion has exposed a core of granite and Precambrian metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks (Steele et al., 2018). In addition to the ecological sites in the 14 to 17 inch precipitation zone of MLRA 64, three unique ecological site descriptions were developed to describe the soils and plant community dynamics in the Hartville Uplift.
Classification relationships
USDA Land Resource Region G—Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 64—Mixed Sandy and Silty Tableland and Badlands
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States:
High Plains—25:
Pine Ridge Escarpment—25a.
Flat to Rolling Plains—25d.
Pine Bluffs and Hills—25f.
Sandy and Silty Tablelands—25g.
Northwestern Great Plains—43:
White River Badlands—43h.
Keya Paha Tablelands—43i.
USDA Forest Service
Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of Conterminous United States:
Great Plains and Palouse Dry Steppe Province—331:
Western Great Plains Section—331F:
Subsections:
Shale Scablands—331Fb.
White River Badlands—331Fh.
Pine Ridge Escarpment—331Fj.
High Plains—331Fk.
Hartville Uplift—331Fm.
Western Nebraska Sandy and Silty Tablelands—331Fn.
Keye Paha Tablelands—331Ft.
Powder River Basin Section—331G:
Subsection: Powder River Basin—331Ge.
Ecological site concept
The Saline Subirrigated ecological site is throughout MLRA 64. It is a run-in site on nearly level to gently sloping alluvial fans and flood plains. Slopes range from 0 to 3 percent. The soils are very deep and formed in alluvium of mixed origin. The surface layer is 2 to 18 inches in depth and has a texture of loam to loamy fine sand. The soils are somewhat poorly drained and have moderately slow or moderate permeability. The texture of the subsurface ranges from loamy sand to silty clay loam. Sodium accumulation can be found in the subsoil. A seasonal water table occurs within a depth of 1 to 4 feet.
Vegetation in the Reference State (1.0) consists of salt-tolerant, warm- and cool-season grasses and forbs. Shrubs and trees are unlikely to grow in areas of this site.
Associated sites
| R064XY030NE |
Saline Lowland The Saline Lowland ecological site is on low terraces above the Saline Subirrigated ecological site. |
|---|---|
| R064XY022NE |
Wet Land The Wet Land ecological site is adjacent to the Saline Subirrigated ecological site but is subject to permanent or seasonal flooding. |
| R064XY024NE |
Subirrigated The Subirrigated ecological site is in landscape position similar to those of the Saline Subirrigated ecological site, but the soils are not saline-affected. |
Similar sites
| R064XY024NE |
Subirrigated The Subirrigated ecological site is in landscape positions similar to those of the Saline Subirrigated site. The Subirrigated plant community has more big bluestem and Indiangrass and less cordgrass. Forage production is higher in the Subirrigated site than in the Saline Subirrigated site. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Sporobolus airoides |
Physiographic features
The Saline Subirrigated ecological site is on nearly level to gently sloping alluvial fans and flood plains. A water table is generally within reach of the plants for some portion of the growing season.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Alluvial fan
(2) Flood plain |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Negligible to medium |
| 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 – 5,000 ft |
| Slope | 3% |
| Water table depth | 12 – 48 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
MLRA 64 has a continental climate consisting of cold winters and hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and ample sunshine. Extremes in temperature are common in some years. The climate results from MLRA 64 being near the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the Northern Great Plains. Air masses move freely across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.
Average annual precipitation ranges from 14 to 20 inches. 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 average temperatures ranging from about 70 °F (Keeline 3 W, WY: 1953–1986) 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 the climate of this area. Wind speed averages 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 winds. Occasionally, strong storms bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 miles per hour.
Growth of cool-season plants begins in early to mid-March, slowing or ceasing in late June. Warm-season plants begin growth about mid-May and continue to early or mid-September. Cool-season plants may green-up in September and October if adequate soil moisture is present.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 92-120 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 119-139 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 16-19 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 87-122 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 110-149 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 15-20 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 107 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 130 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 17 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) HARRISON 20 SSE [USW00094077], Harrison, NE
-
(2) ALLIANCE 1WNW [USC00250130], Alliance, NE
-
(3) HARRISON [USC00253615], Harrison, NE
-
(4) HEMINGFORD [USC00253755], Hemingford, NE
-
(5) INTERIOR 3 NE [USC00394184], Interior, SD
-
(6) MARTIN [USC00395281], Martin, SD
-
(7) WOOD [USC00399442], Wood, SD
-
(8) LUSK 2 SW [USC00485830], Lusk, WY
-
(9) TORRINGTON 29N [USC00488997], Jay Em, WY
-
(10) GLENDO 6NE [USC00483936], Glendo, WY
-
(11) CHADRON 3NE [USC00251578], Chadron, NE
Influencing water features
The Saline Subirrigated ecological site is adjacent to intermittent streams and drainageways. It has a combination of physical and hydrological features that: (1) provide season-long ground water within 3.5 feet of the surface, (2) allow relatively free movement of water and air in the upper part of the soil, and (3) are rarely or occasionally flooded.
Wetland description
System: Palustrine
Class: Emergent Wetland
Subclass: Persistent
(Cowardin et al., 1979)
Soil features
The soils in this site commonly have a surface layer of loam to loamy fine sand. Slopes range from 0 to 3 percent. The soils are somewhat poorly drained and formed in mixed alluvium. The surface layer is 2 to 18 inches thick. Subsurface layers typically have sodium accumulation and range from loamy sand to silty clay loam. A fluctuating water table occurs within a depth of 1 to 3 feet.
Soils Correlated to the Saline Subirrigated Site: Janise, Lisco, and Lute.
Janise soils are also correlated to the Saline Lowland ecological site (R064XY030NE) in areas that are rarely flooded.
The Saline Subirrigated site typically has slight to no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. Waterflow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous and obstructed by numerous debris dams or vegetative barriers. The surface of the soil is stable and intact.
More information regarding the soil is available in soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center or use the Web Soil Survey online for details specific to your area of interest.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
–
sandstone and shale
(2) Alluvium – siltstone |
|---|---|
| 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
The Saline Subirrigated ecological site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions; light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores; sporadic, natural or human-caused wildfire (often of light intensities); and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil and site development. Changes occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, effects of native and exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. Although the following plant community descriptions are typical of the transitions between communities, severe disturbances, such as periods of well below average precipitation and the introduction of non-native cool-season grasses, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and species composition.
Continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October), or 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 (1.1). Species such as inland saltgrass and foxtail barley increase in frequency and production. Grasses such as alkali sacaton, alkali cordgrass, western wheatgrass, and slender wheatgrass decrease in frequency and production.
Interpretations are primarily based on the Alkali Sacaton Plant Community (1.1). The community was determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Also studied were trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds were determined through similar studies and experience.
The following state-and-transition diagram illustrates the common plant communities on the site and the transition pathways between communities. The ecological processes are discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The Reference State (1.0)represents the best estimate of the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics in this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site is dominated by warm- and cool-season grasses. In pre-European times, the primary disturbances included natural erosion, fire, and grazing by large ungulates, small mammals, and insects. Favorable growing conditions occur during the spring and the warm months of June through August. This state is in areas that have a history of proper grazing management, including adequate recovery periods between grazing events.
Community 1.1
Alkali Sacaton
Interpretations are primarily based on the Alkali Sacaton Plant Community. This is considered the Reference Plant Community (1.1). This plant community can be found in areas that are properly managed with grazing or prescribed burning and in some areas that received occasional short periods of rest. This plant community consists mainly of mid-statured warm- and cool-season grasses. The principal 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 form an understory. Forbs such as heath aster, milkvetch, and prairie gentian are significant. By air-dry weight, this plant community is about 80 percent grasses, 15 percent grass-like species, and 5 percent forbs. This plant community is adapted to the high salt content inherent in the soils. White crusts can occupy many areas of the soil surface due to seasonal fluctuations in the water table. This plant community is healthy and sustainable in terms of soil stability, watershed function, and biological integrity.
Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 2045 | 2702 | 3355 |
| Forb | 55 | 98 | 145 |
| Total | 2100 | 2800 | 3500 |
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 |
Community 1.2
Inland Saltgrass-Alkali Sacaton
This plant community developed due to relatively short term, continuous grazing without periodic rest or due to excessive haying. Plants that are resistant to removal maintain vigor. The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses, 15 percent grass-like species, and 5 percent forbs. Inland saltgrass increases in abundance, and alkali sacaton decreases. Most of the palatable plants, such as western wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass, and alkali cordgrass, are present but in lesser amounts. The soil is stable. Water cycle, nutrient cycle, and energy flow are altered but continue to adequately function. The presence of this community indicates key management concerns. Proper grazing management techniques can stabilize the community at or near the Alkali Sacaton Plant Community (1.1). Increased disturbance can easily move the community to a more degraded scenario.
Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 1270 | 1640 | 2010 |
| Forb | 30 | 60 | 90 |
| Total | 1300 | 1700 | 2100 |
Figure 11. 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 |
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods, excessive haying, or heavy disturbance convert the Alkali Sacaton Plant Community (1.1) to the Inland Saltgrass-Alkali Sacaton Plant Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Prescribed grazing that includes proper stocking rates, change in season of use, and adequate time for plant recovery shift the Inland Saltgrass-Alkali Sacaton Plant Community (1.2) to the Alkali Sacaton Plant Community (1.1).
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
State 2
Degraded State
The Degraded State (2.0) is the result of continuous grazing, excessive haying, or heavy disturbance, which could include usage as animal feeding areas or possibly tillage and abandonment. In most cases, this state is dominated by inland saltgrass, pioneer perennials, and annual grasses and by forb species. The extent of bare ground is also much higher than in any other plant community phase.
Community 2.1
Inland Saltgrass Sod
This plant community developed from further continuous grazing or haying or in areas that have heavy disturbance, including areas that were tilled and abandoned. Inland saltgrass dominates and develops into a sod bound condition. Alkali sacaton is greatly reduced. Slender wheatgrass and western wheatgrass are replaced by increased amounts of foxtail barley and non-native plants, such as kochia and Russian thistle. The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses, 15 percent grass-like plants, and 5 percent forbs. The plant community lacks diversity. Evaporation is increased, resulting in a higher salt content on the soil surface. Organic matter and carbon reserves are severely diminished. Renovation of this plant community is very costly due to the high salt content and high water table.
Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 785 | 940 | 1095 |
| Forb | 15 | 60 | 105 |
| Total | 800 | 1000 | 1200 |
Figure 13. 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 |
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Continuous grazing with no recovery opportunity, excessive haying with no recovery opportunity, or heavy disturbance, transition this state to the Degraded State (2.0).
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
Removal of a management induced disturbance coupled with long-term prescribed grazing, including periods of non-use, may eventually move the Degraded State (2.0) toward the Reference State (1.0). This transition is difficult to achieve because the inland saltgrass and foxtail barley are persistent and competitive.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
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 | Warm-Season Bunch Grasses | 560–1120 | ||||
| alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 560–1120 | – | ||
| 2 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 280–560 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 280–560 | – | ||
| 3 | Rhizomatous 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 | – | ||
| 6 | Grass-Like | 140–420 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 56–280 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 28–140 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 28–140 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 28–56 | – | ||
| 7 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 0 | ||||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 8 | Forbs | 56–140 | ||||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 28–56 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 28–56 | – | ||
| scouringrush horsetail | EQHY | Equisetum hyemale | 28–56 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 28–56 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 28–56 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–28 | – | ||
| showy prairie gentian | EUEXR | Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum | 0–28 | – | ||
| Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–28 | – | ||
| common dandelion | TAOF | Taraxacum officinale | 0–28 | – | ||
Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Bunchgrasses | 255–340 | ||||
| alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 255–340 | – | ||
| 2 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 510–680 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 510–680 | – | ||
| 3 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrass | 17–85 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 17–85 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Grasses | 34–170 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–85 | – | ||
| alkali cordgrass | SPGR | Spartina gracilis | 17–85 | – | ||
| scratchgrass | MUAS | Muhlenbergia asperifolia | 17–85 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–34 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–34 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–34 | – | ||
| 5 | Other Native Grasses | 85–255 | ||||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 85–170 | – | ||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–85 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–85 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–34 | – | ||
| 6 | Grass-Like | 85–255 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 17–170 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 17–85 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 34–85 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–34 | – | ||
| 7 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 0–85 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–85 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–17 | – | ||
| field brome | BRAR5 | Bromus arvensis | 0–17 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 8 | Forbs | 34–85 | ||||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 17–34 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 17–34 | – | ||
| scouringrush horsetail | EQHY | Equisetum hyemale | 17–34 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 17–34 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 17–34 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–34 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–17 | – | ||
| showy prairie gentian | EUEXR | Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum | 0–17 | – | ||
| Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–17 | – | ||
| common dandelion | TAOF | Taraxacum officinale | 0–17 | – | ||
Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Bunchgrasses | 0–100 | ||||
| alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 0–100 | – | ||
| 2 | Short Warm-Season Grasses | 600–900 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 600–900 | – | ||
| 3 | Rhizomatous Wheatgrass | 10–20 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 10–20 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Grasses | 10–50 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–20 | – | ||
| alkali cordgrass | SPGR | Spartina gracilis | 10–20 | – | ||
| scratchgrass | MUAS | Muhlenbergia asperifolia | 0–20 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–20 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | – | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | – | – | ||
| 5 | Other Native Grasses | 50–150 | ||||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 50–150 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–20 | – | ||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–20 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–20 | – | ||
| 6 | Grass-Like | 50–150 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 10–50 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 10–50 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 10–50 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 10–20 | – | ||
| 7 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grasses | 10–50 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 10–50 | – | ||
| field brome | BRAR5 | Bromus arvensis | 10–30 | – | ||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–20 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 8 | Forbs | 20–100 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 10–50 | – | ||
| common dandelion | TAOF | Taraxacum officinale | 10–30 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 10–30 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 10–20 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 10–20 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 10–20 | – | ||
| scouringrush horsetail | EQHY | Equisetum hyemale | 10–20 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–10 | – | ||
| showy prairie gentian | EUEXR | Eustoma exaltatum ssp. russellianum | 0–10 | – | ||
| Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–10 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations:
MLRA 64 is in the drier areas of a northern mixed-grass prairie ecosystem in which sagebrush steppes to the west yield to grassland steppes to the east. Prior to European settlement, this MLRA consisted of diverse grassland and shrubland habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional, instream wetlands and woody riparian corridors. These habitats provided critical life cycle components for many users. Many species of grassland birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn were among the inhabitants adapted to this semi-arid region. Roaming herbivores, as well as several species of small mammals and insects, were the primary consumers linking the grassland resources to large predators, such as the wolf, mountain lion, and grizzly bear, and to smaller carnivores, such as the coyote, bobcat, fox, and raptors. The prairie dog was once abundant and remains a keystone species within its range. The black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, mountain plover, and swift fox are associated with prairie dog complexes.
Historically, the northern mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem in which fire, herbivory, and climate functioned as the primary disturbance factors, either singly or in combination. Following European settlement, livestock grazing, cropland conversion, elimination of fire, energy development, and other anthropogenic factors influenced species composition and abundance. Introduced and invasive species further affected plant and animal communities. The bison was a historical keystone species but has been extirpated in this area as a free-ranging herbivore. The loss of the bison and the reduction of prairie dog populations and fire as ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native plant communities and altered wildlife habitats. Human development reduced habitat quality for area-sensitive species.
Within MLRA 64, the Saline Subirrigated ecological site includes upland grassland cover and an associated forb and shrub component. The site was typically part of an expansive grassland landscape that included combinations of Thin Breaks, Clayey, Claypan, Dense Clay, Loamy, Saline, Sandy, Shallow, Overflow, Subirrigated, and Terrace ecological sites.
This site may have sufficient hydrology to support hydrophytic vegetation and wildlife species associated with saturated saline soil conditions. Due to high salinity concentrations, diversity is limited for both plant and wildlife species.
Reference State (1.0): The predominance of grasses and grass-like plants provides adequate forage for grazers and mixed-feeders, such as deer, pronghorn, and small mammals. Insects, including pollinators, play a large role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for grassland birds and other species. Chestnut-collared longspur, vesper sparrow, long-billed curlew, western meadowlark, and sharp-tailed grouse benefit from the shorter structure and composition this plant community provides. Greater sage-grouse may use the site for brood rearing if big sagebrush is on adjacent sites. Prey populations are likely less dense but may be more available for grassland raptors, such as ferruginous hawk, Swainson’s hawk, and northern harrier. This plant community provides lower quality habitat for Great Plains toad, bull snake, and western rattlesnake.
Inland saltgrass and alkali sacaton dominate in areas that are subject to continuous season-long grazing or annual haying. Under such conditions, inland saltgrass increases and provides suboptimal forage opportunity for herbivores. Both forb diversity and abundance increase, providing a suitable forage base for insects, small mammals, and their predators.
Inland Saltgrass Sod (2.1): This state results from further continuous grazing or from repeated annual haying. Inland saltgrass sod dominates. Inland saltgrass significantly increases and provides suboptimal forage opportunity for herbivores. Other grasses and grass-like species comprise a small component of the plant community. The lack of seed producing plants decreases forage opportunities for small mammals. Forb diversity and abundance remain at the same low levels but provide a suitable forage base for insects. Insects, including pollinators, play a large role in maintaining the forb community and provide a forage base for grassland birds and other species. Chestnut-collared longspur, vesper sparrow, long-billed curlew, and western meadowlark benefit from the structure and composition this plant community provides. Prey populations are likely less dense than in the reference community but may be more available for grassland raptors, such as ferruginous hawk, Swainson’s hawk, and northern harrier. This plant community provides lower quality habitat for Great Plains toad, bull snake, and western rattlesnake.
Grazing Interpretations:
The following list suggests annual, initial stocking rates for average growing conditions. These estimates are conservative and should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Commonly, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Therefore, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. More accurate estimates of carrying capacity should eventually be calculated using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data and actual stocking records, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. In consultation with the land manager, a more intensive grazing management program that results in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity may be developed.
The following suggested initial stocking rates are based on 912 lb/acre (air-dry weight) per animal-unit-month (AUM) with a 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species (refer to USDA-NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook). An AUM is defined as the equivalent amount of forage required by a 1,000-pound cow, with or without calf, for one month.
Plant Community: Alkali Sacaton (1.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 2,800
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.77
Plant Community: Inland Saltgrass-Alkali Sacaton (1.2)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 1,700
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.47
*Plant Community: Inland Saltgrass Sod (2.1)
Average Production (lb/acre, air-dry): 1,000
Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): Variable
Plant Community: All other plant communities identified in this document have variable annual production values and require onsite sampling to determine initial stocking rates.
* Total annual production and stocking rates are highly variable and require onsite sampling.
Total onsite annual production may contain vegetation deemed undesirable or untargeted by the grazing animal. Therefore, AUM values may 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 for livestock. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock likely has insufficient protein to meet livestock requirements. Added protein allows ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting herbage production on this site. The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group C and has localized areas of D. The infiltration rate is moderate. Runoff potential varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. In many cases, areas that have greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An exception occurs where shortgrasses form a dense sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff. Refer to the USDA-NRCS National Engineering Handbook, Part 630, for hydrologic soil groups, runoff quantities, and hydrologic curves.
Forage production is limited by saline conditions. Proper management is critical to the continued productivity of these sites. Re-establishment of grasses on overgrazed or tilled sites is commonly slow and difficult because increased evaporation (from exposed soil surfaces) causes increased salt concentration at the soil surface.
Recreational uses
This site provides opportunities for hunting upland game species. The wide variety of plants that bloom from spring until fall have aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
Harvesting the seeds of native plants can provide additional income on this site.
Other information
Revision Notes: “Previously Approved” Provisional
This Provisional ecological site description (ESD) has passed Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure the it meets the 2014 NESH standards for a Provisional ecological site description.
This ESD is an updated “Previously Approved” ESD that represented 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 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 may not contain all tabular and narrative entries as required in the current “Approved” level of documentation, but it is expected that it will continue refinement toward an “Approved” status.
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work, as described in an official project plan, is necessary to validate the information in this provisional ecological site description. The plan will include field activities for low-, medium-, and high-intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of the data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. Final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews are required to produce the final document.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, range management specialist (RMS), NRCS; Jill Epley, RMS, NRCS; Rick Peterson, RMS, NRCS; David Steffen, RMS, NRCS; Jeff Vander Wilt; RMS, NRCS; Phil Young, soil scientist, NRCS; and George Gamblin, RMS, NRCS.
Other references
Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C.A. Carpenter, and W.H McNab. 2007. Ecological subregions: Sections and subsections of the conterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76D. https://www.fs.fed.us/research/publications/misc/73326-wo-gtr-76d-cleland2007.pdf (accessed 31 January 2019).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2018. EPA level III and level IV ecoregions of the conterminous United States. https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- conterminous-united-states (accessed 26 April 2018).
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. 2018. http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/ (accessed 6 April 2018).
Steele, Ken, M.P. Fisher, and D.D. Steele. 2018. Fort Laramie and the Hartville Uplift. In: Geology of Wyoming. https://www.geowyo.com/fort-laramie--hartville-uplift.html (accessed 14 November 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Electronic field office technical guide. https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov (accessed 12 April 2018).
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Official soil series descriptions. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053587 (accessed 12 April 2018).
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Web Soil Survey. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx (accessed 12 April 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agriculture Handbook 296. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_050898.pdf (accessed 17 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2014. National ecological site handbook, 1st Ed. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcseprd1291232 (accessed 27 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2012. National engineering handbook, part 630. Hydrology chapters from e-Directives. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21422 (accessed 17 January 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Climate data. National Water and Climate Center. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ (accessed 12 April 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1997. National range and pasture handbook, rev. 1, 2003. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1043055.pdf (accessed 7 November 2018).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov (accessed 7 November 2017).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. PLANTS database. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC. http://plants.usda.gov (accessed 12 April 2018).
Contributors
Rick L. Peterson
Stan C. Boltz
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 7/19/2024
Acknowledgments
This ecological site was reviewed and approved at the Provisional Level by David Kraft, Regional ESS, Salina, KS on 2/15/2019.
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Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
| Author(s)/participant(s) | Stan Boltz |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | Stan Boltz, stanley.boltz@sd.usda.gov, 605-352-1236 |
| Date | 03/31/2004 |
| Approved by | Suzanne Mayne-Kinney |
| 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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