Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R064XY026NE
Loamy Overflow
Accessed: 03/29/2024
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
GX064X01X015 |
Loamy 14-17" PZ |
---|---|
GX064X01X036 |
Loamy 17-20" PZ |
R064XY037NE |
Thin Upland |
Similar sites
R064XY027NE |
Clayey Overflow [Less bluestems; more western wheatgrass.] |
---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
Not specified |
Herbaceous |
(1) Andropogon gerardii |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level areas that receive additional water from overflow of intermittent streams or runoff from adjacent slopes.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Flood plain
(2) Stream terrace (3) Swale |
---|---|
Flooding duration | Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) |
Flooding frequency | Rare to frequent |
Ponding frequency | None |
Elevation | 2,900 – 4,000 ft |
Slope | 5% |
Water table depth | 42 – 72 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
B6, C6
(Rosgen System)
Soil features
The soils of this site are very deep, moderately well to well drained soils that formed in alluvium. These soils have slow to moderate permeability. The surface layer will vary from 3 to 15 inches deep and have one of the following textures: very fine sandy loam, loam, silt loam, and silty clay loam. These areas receive additional water from overflow of intermittent streams or runoff from adjacent slopes. Available water capacity is typically high. The general fertility level and organic content of these soils is medium to high. 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. Sub-surface soil layers are not restrictive to water movement and root penetration.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. Headcuts may develop if adequate vegetative cover is not maintained. A drastic loss of the soil surface layer on this site can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.
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) Silty clay loam (3) Loam |
---|---|
Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
Drainage class | Moderately well drained to well drained |
Permeability class | Slow to moderate |
Soil depth | 72 in |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
6 – 8 in |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
25% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
8 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
10 |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.1 – 9 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
10% |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
5% |
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 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/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community. Western wheatgrass increases initially and will eventually decrease with continuous grazing. Grasses such as big bluestem, prairie cordgrass and switchgrass will decrease in frequency and production. Introduced species such as Kentucky bluegrass, cheatgrass and smooth bromegrass invade the site as a result of inadequate recovery periods between grazing events and overstocking. Where trees dominate the site, woody regeneration will decline and grasses and forbs will become dominant in the understory. It is thought that the climax is an herbaceous dominated site on higher landscape positions where trees encroach from the adjacent Thin Breaks site, and flooding events are infrequent. Loamy Overflow sites occupying lower landscape positions or plant communities adjacent to riparian areas will typically be dominated by a mixed hardwood overstory.
Interpretations are primarily based on the Big Bluestem/Western Wheatgrass 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
Figure 4. Loamy Overflow
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/Western Wheatgrass
Community 1.1
Big Bluestem/Western Wheatgrass
Interpretations are based primarily on the Big Bluestem/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community (this is also considered to be climax). Potential vegetation is about 85% grasses or grass-like plants, 10% forbs, and 5% shrubs. The plant community is dominated by both warm and cool season grasses. The major grasses include big bluestem and western wheatgrass. Other grasses and grass-likes include switchgrass and sedges. Forbs consist of American licorice, American vetch, aster species, and goldenrod. Woody species included in the plant community are western snowberry and rose. The potential is relatively low for tree establishment or regeneration. This plant community is productive and diverse. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 5. 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 | 2030 | 2670 | 2885 |
Forb | 145 | 225 | 325 |
Shrub/Vine | 25 | 90 | 155 |
Tree | 0 | 15 | 35 |
Total | 2200 | 3000 | 3400 |
Figure 6. 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 2
Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass, Big Bluestem Remnant
Community 2.1
Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass, Big Bluestem Remnant
This plant community is a result continuous season-long grazing. Western wheatgrass has increased. Big bluestem has decreased but remains in remnant amounts. Other grasses and grass-likes include switchgrass, sand dropseed, tall dropseed and sedges. The potential is low for any woody regeneration. Kentucky bluegrass has invaded and is beginning to dominate the plant community. Production and diversity has declined compared to the Big Bluestem/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community. Loss of warm season grasses has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration can be reduced due to the shallow root system, characteristic of Kentucky bluegrass.
Figure 7. 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 | 1670 | 2000 | 2200 |
Shrub/Vine | 20 | 127 | 250 |
Forb | 110 | 173 | 250 |
Total | 1800 | 2300 | 2700 |
Figure 8. 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 |
State 3
Kentucky Bluegrass, Annuals
Community 3.1
Kentucky Bluegrass, Annuals
This plant community developed under continuous season-long grazing. It is dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, annual brome and other annual grasses and forbs. The dominant forbs include common mullein, western ragweed, scurfpeas, cudweed sagewort, and verbenas. Dominant shrubs in this community include snowberry, and rose. Compared to the Western Wheatgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass, Remnant Big Bluestem Plant Community, Kentucky bluegrass increases significantly and western wheatgrass and big bluestem has decreased significantly. Plant diversity and productivity has declined. This plant community is resistant to change, and if disturbed, it is resilient. Bluegrass will increase under grazing pressure. Cool, moist climatic conditions will also tend to increase bluegrass production. Soil erosion is low. Compared to the Big Bluestem/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community, infiltration is reduced, and runoff increases. Once this plant community is reached, time and external resources will be needed to see any immediate recovery in the diversity.
Figure 9. 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 | 400 | 820 | 1140 |
Forb | 95 | 150 | 205 |
Shrub/Vine | 5 | 30 | 55 |
Total | 500 | 1000 | 1400 |
Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6406, Pine Ridge/Badlands, lowland cool-season dominant. Cool-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 |
5 | 13 | 28 | 28 | 12 | 5 | 6 | 3 |
State 4
Excessive Litter
Community 4.1
Excessive Litter
This plant community developed under extended periods of non-use and no fire. Initially, the dominant grasses include western wheatgrass and big bluestem. Other grasses and grass-likes may include switchgrass, dropseeds, and sedges. With continued non-use and no fire, the plant community becomes dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, western wheatgrass and annual grasses. Forbs include common mullein, western ragweed, scurfpeas, cudweed sagewort, and verbenas. Shrubs in this community include rose and western snowberry. Warm season grasses have decreased along with production and vigor. Soil erosion is low.
Figure 11. 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 | 810 | 1384 | 1850 |
Shrub/Vine | 15 | 88 | 165 |
Forb | 75 | 120 | 165 |
Tree | 0 | 8 | 20 |
Total | 900 | 1600 | 2200 |
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6406, Pine Ridge/Badlands, lowland cool-season dominant. Cool-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 |
5 | 13 | 28 | 28 | 12 | 5 | 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 | Wheatgrass | 600–900 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 600–900 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 0–150 | – | ||
2 | Needlegrass | 150–300 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 150–300 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 60–150 | – | ||
3 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 900–1200 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 900–1350 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 150–450 | – | ||
prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 0–30 | – | ||
4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 150–300 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 150–300 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 60–150 | – | ||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 30–150 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–150 | – | ||
composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 30–150 | – | ||
marsh muhly | MURA | Muhlenbergia racemosa | 0–120 | – | ||
Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–90 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 30–90 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–90 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–60 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–60 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
6 | Forbs | 150–300 | ||||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–90 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–90 | – | ||
common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–90 | – | ||
great ragweed | AMTR | Ambrosia trifida | 0–90 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 30–90 | – | ||
aster | ASTER | Aster | 30–90 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–90 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–90 | – | ||
American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 30–90 | – | ||
starry false lily of the valley | MAST4 | Maianthemum stellatum | 0–90 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–90 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–90 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 30–90 | – | ||
nettle | URTIC | Urtica | 0–90 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–90 | – | ||
American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 30–90 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–60 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
7 | Shrubs | 30–150 | ||||
American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–150 | – | ||
chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 0–150 | – | ||
silver buffaloberry | SHAR | Shepherdia argentea | 0–150 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 30–150 | – | ||
golden currant | RIAU | Ribes aureum | 0–90 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 30–90 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–90 | – | ||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–90 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
8 | Trees | 0–30 | ||||
Tree | 2TREE | Tree | 0–30 | – | ||
boxelder | ACNE2 | Acer negundo | 0–30 | – | ||
common hackberry | CEOC | Celtis occidentalis | 0–30 | – | ||
hawthorn | CRATA | Crataegus | 0–30 | – | ||
green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–30 | – | ||
plains cottonwood | PODEM | Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera | 0–30 | – | ||
bur oak | QUMA2 | Quercus macrocarpa | 0–30 | – | ||
American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | 0–30 | – |
Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Wheatgrass | 690–920 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 690–920 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTRT | Elymus trachycaulus ssp. trachycaulus | 0–69 | – | ||
2 | Needlegrass | 23–115 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 23–115 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–115 | – | ||
3 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 115–345 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 115–345 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–115 | – | ||
4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 23–115 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 23–115 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–115 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–115 | – | ||
composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 23–69 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 23–69 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–46 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–46 | – | ||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 23–46 | – | ||
Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–46 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–23 | – | ||
5 | Non-Native Grasses | 230–460 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 230–460 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–115 | – | ||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 23–115 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
6 | Forbs | 115–230 | ||||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 23–115 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 23–115 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 23–115 | – | ||
American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 23–115 | – | ||
common mullein | VETH | Verbascum thapsus | 23–115 | – | ||
American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 23–69 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 23–69 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 23–69 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 23–69 | – | ||
common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 23–69 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 23–69 | – | ||
aster | ASTER | Aster | 0–69 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 23–69 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 23–69 | – | ||
burdock | ARCTI | Arctium | 0–46 | – | ||
curly dock | RUCR | Rumex crispus | 0–46 | – | ||
nettle | URTIC | Urtica | 0–46 | – | ||
starry false lily of the valley | MAST4 | Maianthemum stellatum | 0–23 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–23 | – | ||
great ragweed | AMTR | Ambrosia trifida | 0–23 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
7 | Shrubs | 23–230 | ||||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 23–115 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 23–115 | – | ||
silver buffaloberry | SHAR | Shepherdia argentea | 0–69 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–46 | – | ||
American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–46 | – | ||
chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 0–46 | – | ||
golden currant | RIAU | Ribes aureum | 0–23 | – | ||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–23 | – |
Table 11. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Wheatgrass | 20–50 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 20–50 | – | ||
2 | Needlegrass | 0–10 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–10 | – | ||
3 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 10–20 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 10–20 | – | ||
4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 10–50 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 10–50 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–30 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 10–30 | – | ||
composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 10–20 | – | ||
5 | Non-Native Grasses | 350–500 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 350–500 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 20–150 | – | ||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 20–100 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
6 | Forbs | 100–200 | ||||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 50–150 | – | ||
common mullein | VETH | Verbascum thapsus | 10–80 | – | ||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 20–50 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 10–50 | – | ||
common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 10–50 | – | ||
American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–50 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 20–50 | – | ||
curly dock | RUCR | Rumex crispus | 0–50 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 10–50 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 20–50 | – | ||
aster | ASTER | Aster | 20–50 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–30 | – | ||
nettle | URTIC | Urtica | 0–30 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 10–30 | – | ||
burdock | ARCTI | Arctium | 0–30 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
7 | Shrubs | 10–50 | ||||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 10–50 | – | ||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 10–50 | – | ||
American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 10–30 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–20 | – |
Table 12. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Wheatgrass | 80–240 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 80–240 | – | ||
2 | Needlegrass | 16–48 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–48 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 16–48 | – | ||
3 | Tall Warm-Season Grasses | 32–160 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 32–160 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 16–80 | – | ||
4 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 16–80 | ||||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 16–80 | – | ||
composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 32–80 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 32–80 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–48 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–48 | – | ||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–32 | – | ||
Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–32 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–32 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–16 | – | ||
5 | Non-Native Grasses | 240–400 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 240–400 | – | ||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 32–160 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 16–80 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
6 | Forbs | 80–160 | ||||
common mullein | VETH | Verbascum thapsus | 16–160 | – | ||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 32–160 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 32–80 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 32–80 | – | ||
burdock | ARCTI | Arctium | 0–48 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 16–48 | – | ||
aster | ASTER | Aster | 16–48 | – | ||
American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–48 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 16–48 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 16–48 | – | ||
curly dock | RUCR | Rumex crispus | 0–48 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 16–48 | – | ||
nettle | URTIC | Urtica | 0–48 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 16–48 | – | ||
common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 16–48 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–32 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–16 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
7 | Shrubs | 16–160 | ||||
western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 16–112 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 16–80 | – | ||
silver buffaloberry | SHAR | Shepherdia argentea | 0–32 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–32 | – | ||
American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–32 | – | ||
chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 0–32 | – | ||
golden currant | RIAU | Ribes aureum | 0–16 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
8 | Trees | 0–16 | ||||
Tree | 2TREE | Tree | 0–16 | – | ||
boxelder | ACNE2 | Acer negundo | 0–16 | – | ||
common hackberry | CEOC | Celtis occidentalis | 0–16 | – | ||
hawthorn | CRATA | Crataegus | 0–16 | – | ||
green ash | FRPE | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | 0–16 | – | ||
plains cottonwood | PODEM | Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera | 0–16 | – | ||
bur oak | QUMA2 | Quercus macrocarpa | 0–16 | – | ||
American elm | ULAM | Ulmus americana | 0–16 | – |
Interpretations
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B, with localized areas in hydrologic group C. Infiltration rate is moderately to slow. Runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where rhizomatous grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to 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
Local or individual fire wood can be utilized from this site.
Other products
None noted.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. 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 | 01/05/2010 |
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:
Typically none or barely visible. Evidence of water flow may be present after high overland flow events or flooding from adjacent streams, but vegetation normally remains intact. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
0 to 5 percent is typical. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None typical, however limited headcutting may form after high runoff or flooding events. Existing gullies should be stabilized with good vegetative cover. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None typical, but limited deposition may occur after major runoff or flooding events. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter of small and medium size classes will move after average to high rainfall events. Litter does not travel far, typically being trapped in small bunches by the extensive vegetative cover. Litter movement may be fairly extensive after major runoff or flooding events. -
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 5 to 20 inches thick with mollic (dark) 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:
Combination of shallow and deep rooted species (mid & tall rhizomatous and tufted perennial cool- and warm-season grasses) 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 warm-season rhizomatous > Mid cool-season rhizomatous >>Sub-dominant:
Mid/tall cool-season bunchgrasses >Other:
Forbs > Shrubs > Short cool-season grasses/grass-likes > TreesAdditional:
In the woody draw areas, deciduous trees may dominate the site. In these areas, the tall, warm-season rhizomatous functional group may be the third most dominant in the herbaceous understory. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers and shrubs are vigorous. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover 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 2,200 to 3,400 pounds/acre, with the reference values being 3,000 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, snowberry. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic conditions. Do not rate based solely on seed production. Perennial grasses should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers.
Print Options
Sections
Font
Other
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.