Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R064XY032NE
Sandy 17-20" PZ
Accessed: 04/26/2024
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
R064XY012NE |
Sands |
---|---|
R064XY024NE |
Subirrigated |
GX064X01X036 |
Loamy 17-20" PZ |
R064XY040NE |
Shallow |
Similar sites
R064XY012NE |
Sands [More sand bluestem; no western wheatgrass; less blue grama.] |
---|---|
GX064X01X036 |
Loamy 17-20" PZ [Less bluestem; more western wheatgrass.] |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
Not specified |
Herbaceous |
(1) Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level to steeply sloping hillslopes, terraces and alluvial fans.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Hill
(2) Stream terrace (3) Alluvial fan |
---|---|
Flooding frequency | None |
Ponding frequency | None |
Elevation | 2,900 – 4,000 ft |
Slope | 30% |
Water table depth | 80 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 17 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 72° F (Hemingford, NE) 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 are estimated to 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
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with this site.
Soil features
The features common to soils in this site are the loamy very fine sand to very fine sandy loam textured surface layers and slopes of 0 to 30 percent. The soils in this site are well to somewhat excessively drained and formed in eolian deposits, alluvium, colluvium or residuum. The surface layer is 3 to 30 inches thick. The texture of the subsurface generally ranges from loam to fine sand. 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 susceptible to wind and water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Loss of 50 percent or more of the surface layer of the soils 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) Fine sandy loam (2) Very fine sandy loam (3) Loamy very fine sand |
---|---|
Drainage class | Well drained to somewhat excessively drained |
Permeability class | Moderate to rapid |
Soil depth | 20 – 80 in |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
3 – 7 in |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
10% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
9 |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
5.6 – 8.4 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
10% |
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. Natural fire played a significant role in the maintenance of this site by limiting conifer establishment. The recent control of fire and the increased seed source from shelterbelts result in occasional juniper and/or ponderosa pine encroachment.
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 Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community. Species such as western wheatgrass, prairie sandreed, needleandthread, prairie junegrass, Scribner’s panicum, and sedges will increase. Continued deterioration results in a community dominated by bluegrass, cheatgrass, Scribner’s panicum, sand dropseed, and western ragweed. Warm season grasses such as sand bluestem, big bluestem, little bluestem, and eventually prairie sandreed will decrease in frequency and production.
Interpretations are primarily based on the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed 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
Juniper/Ponderosa Pine
Community 1.1
Juniper/Ponderosa Pine
Historically, ponderosa pine and juniper were confined to ridges and steep shallow slopes located adjacent to this ecological site. Ponderosa pine and juniper are expanding on to this ecological site due to the suppression of fire, and the available seed source from wildlife plantings and shelterbelts. Juniper/pine canopy cover consists of more than 10% of mature trees, but total canopy cover can be considerably higher. The understory production is made up of about 70% grass and grass-like species, 10% forbs and 20% shrubs. Dominant grasses include needleandthread, blue grama, sand dropseed and western wheatgrass. Some grasses of secondary importance include Canada wildrye and threadleaf sedge. This plant community can be changed easily in the early stages of encroachment. The invading trees can be removed with a prescribed fire followed by prescribed grazing. If the encroachment is allowed to continue without managing the invading trees, and the mature tree canopy cover becomes high enough, the plant community will become resistant to change. The herbaceous vegetation in the understory is capable of enduring fire; however, very hot crown fires will have a detrimental effect to the plant community. Reclamation of juniper/pine dominated areas can be costly and prove to be temporary without proper management (i.e. prescribed burning and prescribed grazing).
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 | 380 | 630 | 1080 |
Shrub/Vine | 40 | 112 | 185 |
Tree | 40 | 90 | 140 |
Forb | 40 | 68 | 95 |
Total | 500 | 900 | 1500 |
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6411, Pine Ridge/Badlands, heavy conifer canopy. Mature ponderosa pine/juniper overstory.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
1 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 20 | 28 | 15 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
State 2
Prairie Sandreed/Needleandthread
Community 2.1
Prairie Sandreed/Needleandthread
This plant community is resilient and develops from continuous season-long grazing. The more palatable bluestems have decreased while prairie sandreed, western wheatgrass, and needleandthread have increased. Forbs and shrubs do not change significantly in composition compared to the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community. This plant community maintains diversity, but production levels are lower. With non-use by herbivores and no fire, litter can accumulate and the production will eventually be reduced. Initially, the composition will not change. However, with long term non-use and no fire, this plant community can deteriorate and be susceptible to non-native plant invasion.
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 | 1470 | 1730 | 1985 |
Shrub/Vine | 15 | 110 | 205 |
Forb | 15 | 110 | 205 |
Tree | 0 | 50 | 105 |
Total | 1500 | 2000 | 2500 |
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6404, Pine Ridge/Badlands, warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant. Warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant.
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 | 15 | 24 | 23 | 15 | 5 | 5 |
State 3
Dropseed/Bluegrass
Community 3.1
Dropseed/Bluegrass
This plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing over a period of years, or from long-term non-use by herbivores and no fire. The grasses in this plant community consist of sand dropseed, bluegrass, Scribners panicum, sedge and blue grama. Green sagewort, western ragweed and other less palatable forbs will begin to increase in this plant community, especially with above average precipitation. Native annuals and non-native species such as sixweeks fescue and annual brome will begin to increase and/or invade on this plant community. Prairie sandreed and needleandthread can still be found, but in lesser amounts. If these remnants are virtually eliminated through excessive disturbance, it may become difficult to return to the Prairie Sandreed/Needleandthread Plant Community.
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 | 825 | 113 | 1280 |
Forb | 65 | 175 | 300 |
Shrub/Vine | 10 | 77 | 145 |
Tree | 0 | 35 | 75 |
Total | 900 | 400 | 1800 |
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6403, Pine Ridge/Badlands, cool-season/warm-season co-dominant. Cool-season, warm-season co-dominant.
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 | 10 | 20 | 25 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 5 |
State 4
Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed
Community 4.1
Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed
Historically, ponderosa pine and juniper were confined to ridges and steep shallow slopes located adjacent to this ecological site. Ponderosa pine and juniper are expanding on to this ecological site due to the suppression of fire, and the available seed source from wildlife plantings and shelterbelts. Juniper/pine canopy cover consists of more than 10% of mature trees, but total canopy cover can be considerably higher. The understory production is made up of about 70% grass and grass-like species, 10% forbs and 20% shrubs. Dominant grasses include needleandthread, blue grama, sand dropseed and western wheatgrass. Some grasses of secondary importance include Canada wildrye and threadleaf sedge. This plant community can be changed easily in the early stages of encroachment. The invading trees can be removed with a prescribed fire followed by prescribed grazing. If the encroachment is allowed to continue without managing the invading trees, and the mature tree canopy cover becomes high enough, the plant community will become resistant to change. The herbaceous vegetation in the understory is capable of enduring fire; however, very hot crown fires will have a detrimental effect to the plant community. Reclamation of juniper/pine dominated areas can be costly and prove to be temporary without proper management (i.e. prescribed burning and prescribed grazing).
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 | 1640 | 2016 | 2375 |
Shrub/Vine | 45 | 144 | 250 |
Forb | 115 | 180 | 250 |
Tree | 0 | 60 | 125 |
Total | 1800 | 2400 | 3000 |
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6405, Pine Ridge/Badlands, warm-season dominant. Warm-season dominant.
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 | 20 | 30 | 15 | 5 | 5 |
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 | Bluestem | 0–45 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–45 | – | ||
sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 0–45 | – | ||
2 | 45–90 | |||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 45–90 | – | ||
prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 0–18 | – | ||
3 | Needlegrass | 90–180 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 90–135 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 45–90 | – | ||
4 | Grama | 45–90 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 45–90 | – | ||
hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 45–90 | – | ||
5 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 45–225 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 18–90 | – | ||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 18–72 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–45 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 9–45 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–45 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 9–45 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–45 | – | ||
sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 9–18 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–9 | – | ||
6 | Non-Native Grasses | 9–90 | ||||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–45 | – | ||
bluegrass | POA | Poa | 9–45 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
7 | Forbs | 45–90 | ||||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–45 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–27 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–27 | – | ||
tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 9–27 | – | ||
hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 9–27 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 9–27 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 9–27 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 9–18 | – | ||
spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–18 | – | ||
common mullein | VETH | Verbascum thapsus | 9–18 | – | ||
annual buckwheat | ERAN4 | Eriogonum annuum | 0–18 | – | ||
lupine | LUPIN | Lupinus | 0–18 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–18 | – | ||
thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–18 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 9–18 | – | ||
prairie clover | DALEA | Dalea | 0–9 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–9 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–9 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–9 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–9 | – | ||
sweetclover | MELIL | Melilotus | 0–9 | – | ||
beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–9 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–9 | – | ||
common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–9 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–9 | – | ||
scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–9 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
8 | Shrubs | 45–180 | ||||
skunkbush sumac | RHTR | Rhus trilobata | 9–63 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 9–45 | – | ||
western poison ivy | TORY | Toxicodendron rydbergii | 18–45 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–45 | – | ||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 9–45 | – | ||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–27 | – | ||
soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 0–27 | – | ||
currant | RIBES | Ribes | 0–27 | – | ||
pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 9–27 | – | ||
western sandcherry | PRPUB | Prunus pumila var. besseyi | 0–9 | – | ||
broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–9 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
9 | Trees | 45–135 | ||||
juniper | JUNIP | Juniperus | 45–135 | – | ||
ponderosa pine | PIPO | Pinus ponderosa | 45–135 | – |
Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Bluestem | 40–200 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 40–200 | – | ||
sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 40–200 | – | ||
2 | 400–800 | |||||
prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 300–700 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 40–200 | – | ||
3 | Needlegrass | 300–600 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 300–600 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–100 | – | ||
4 | Grama | 100–400 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 100–400 | – | ||
hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–100 | – | ||
5 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 300–600 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 100–300 | – | ||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 100–200 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 100–200 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 40–200 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 20–100 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–100 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–40 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
7 | Forbs | 20–200 | ||||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 40–100 | – | ||
tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 20–100 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 20–60 | – | ||
bush morning-glory | IPLE | Ipomoea leptophylla | 20–60 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 20–60 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 20–40 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 20–40 | – | ||
annual buckwheat | ERAN4 | Eriogonum annuum | 20–40 | – | ||
lupine | LUPIN | Lupinus | 20–40 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–40 | – | ||
hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 20–40 | – | ||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–20 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–20 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–20 | – | ||
thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–20 | – | ||
Texas croton | CRTE4 | Croton texensis | 0–20 | – | ||
prairie clover | DALEA | Dalea | 0–20 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–20 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–20 | – | ||
sweetclover | MELIL | Melilotus | 0–20 | – | ||
beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–20 | – | ||
common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–20 | – | ||
stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–20 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–20 | – | ||
hoary puccoon | LICA12 | Lithospermum canescens | 0–20 | – | ||
spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–20 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–20 | – | ||
common mullein | VETH | Verbascum thapsus | 0–20 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–20 | – | ||
scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–20 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
8 | Shrubs | 20–200 | ||||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 20–100 | – | ||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 20–100 | – | ||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–40 | – | ||
pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–40 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–40 | – | ||
soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 20–40 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
9 | Trees | 0–100 | ||||
ponderosa pine | PIPO | Pinus ponderosa | 0–100 | – | ||
juniper | JUNIP | Juniperus | 0–20 | – |
Table 11. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Bluestem | 0–28 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–28 | – | ||
sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 0–28 | – | ||
2 | 28–140 | |||||
prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 28–140 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–28 | – | ||
3 | Needlegrass | 28–70 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 28–70 | – | ||
4 | Grama | 70–350 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 70–350 | – | ||
hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–70 | – | ||
5 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 350–630 | ||||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 140–420 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 140–280 | – | ||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 70–210 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 70–140 | – | ||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–140 | – | ||
sixweeks fescue | VUOC | Vulpia octoflora | 14–42 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–28 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–28 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–28 | – | ||
6 | Non-Native Grasses | 140–420 | ||||
bluegrass | POA | Poa | 140–420 | – | ||
cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–70 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
7 | Forbs | 70–280 | ||||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 70–210 | – | ||
tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 28–210 | – | ||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–70 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 14–42 | – | ||
hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 14–42 | – | ||
sweetclover | MELIL | Melilotus | 0–42 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 14–42 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 14–42 | – | ||
common mullein | VETH | Verbascum thapsus | 0–28 | – | ||
bush morning-glory | IPLE | Ipomoea leptophylla | 0–28 | – | ||
annual buckwheat | ERAN4 | Eriogonum annuum | 14–28 | – | ||
common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–28 | – | ||
lupine | LUPIN | Lupinus | 14–28 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–28 | – | ||
thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–28 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–28 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–28 | – | ||
Rocky Mountain beeplant | CLSE | Cleome serrulata | 0–14 | – | ||
Texas croton | CRTE4 | Croton texensis | 0–14 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–14 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–14 | – | ||
hoary puccoon | LICA12 | Lithospermum canescens | 0–14 | – | ||
spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–14 | – | ||
beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–14 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–14 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–14 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–14 | – | ||
scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–14 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
8 | Shrubs | 14–140 | ||||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–70 | – | ||
pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 14–70 | – | ||
soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 14–42 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–28 | – | ||
broom snakeweed | GUSA2 | Gutierrezia sarothrae | 0–28 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–28 | – | ||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–28 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
9 | Trees | 0–70 | ||||
ponderosa pine | PIPO | Pinus ponderosa | 0–70 | – | ||
juniper | JUNIP | Juniperus | 0–14 | – |
Table 12. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Bluestem | 240–720 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 240–720 | – | ||
sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 240–720 | – | ||
2 | 240–720 | |||||
prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 240–720 | – | ||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 240–720 | – | ||
3 | Needlegrass | 360–600 | ||||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 360–600 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–120 | – | ||
4 | Grama | 120–360 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 120–360 | – | ||
hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–120 | – | ||
5 | Native Grasses and Grass-likes | 240–600 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 120–240 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 120–240 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 48–168 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 24–120 | – | ||
sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 24–120 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 24–72 | – | ||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 24–72 | – | ||
Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 24–72 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
7 | Forbs | 120–240 | ||||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 24–72 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 24–48 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 24–48 | – | ||
Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–48 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–48 | – | ||
bush morning-glory | IPLE | Ipomoea leptophylla | 24–48 | – | ||
lupine | LUPIN | Lupinus | 24–48 | – | ||
rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–24 | – | ||
beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–24 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–24 | – | ||
hoary puccoon | LICA12 | Lithospermum canescens | 0–24 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–24 | – | ||
tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–24 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–24 | – | ||
Texas croton | CRTE4 | Croton texensis | 0–24 | – | ||
prairie clover | DALEA | Dalea | 0–24 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–24 | – | ||
common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–24 | – | ||
stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–24 | – | ||
hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 0–24 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–24 | – | ||
scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–24 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–24 | – | ||
spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–24 | – | ||
vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–24 | – | ||
Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–24 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
8 | Shrubs | 48–240 | ||||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 24–168 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 24–120 | – | ||
soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 24–48 | – | ||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–48 | – | ||
pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–48 | – | ||
Subshrub (<.5m) | 2SUBS | Subshrub (<.5m) | 0–48 | – | ||
western sandcherry | PRPUB | Prunus pumila var. besseyi | 0–24 | – | ||
Tree
|
||||||
9 | Trees | 0–120 | ||||
ponderosa pine | PIPO | Pinus ponderosa | 0–120 | – | ||
juniper | JUNIP | Juniperus | 0–24 | – |
Interpretations
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on well drained portions of this site. Normal rainfall is limited to 17-22 inches per year. Soils on this site are in Hydrologic Soil Group A and B. Some areas have high water tables. On well drained portions of this site, infiltration potential is high. On well drained areas, significant runoff is expected to occur only during intense storms (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 variety of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
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.
Data Source Number of Records Sample Period State County
SCS-RANGE-417 5 1968 – 1974 NE, SD Dawes, Sheridan, Mellette
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:
None, or barely visible and discontinuous. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Typically non-existent, but steeper areas may have limited pedastalling of bunchgrasses. No exposed roots should be present. -
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 should be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter should fall in place. Slight amount of movement of smallest size class litter is possible, but not normal. -
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 4 to 8 inches thick with mollic (dark) colors when moist. Structure typically is medium to fine granular at least 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. -
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 grasses > Mid warm-season bunchgrasses >Sub-dominant:
Mid cool-season bunchgrasses > Short warm-season grasses >Other:
Rhizomatous wheatgrass = Forbs = Shrubs > Short cool-season grasses/grass-likes > TreesAdditional:
Other grasses in other functional groups occur in minor amounts. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers and shrubs are vigorous. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover typically 50 to 70 percent, with depth 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 1,800 to 3,000 pounds/acre, with the reference value being 2,400 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. -
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.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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