Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R065XY054NE
Sandy High P.Z. 22-25
Accessed: 04/19/2024
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): 065X–Nebraska Sand Hills
This PROVISIONAL ECOLOGICAL SITE has been developed to meet the standards established in the National Ecological Site Handbook. The information associated with this ecological site does not meet the Approved Ecological Site Description Standard, but it has been through a Quality Control and Quality Assurance processes to assure consistency and completeness. Further investigations, reviews and correlations are necessary before it becomes an Approved Ecological Site Description.
Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) and Land Resource Unit (LRU) (USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2006)
Revision Notes:
A PROVISIONAL ECOLOGICAL SITE is a conceptual grouping of soil map unit components within a Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) based on the similarities in response to management. Although there may be wide variability in the productivity of the soils grouped into a Provisional Site, the soil vegetation interactions as expressed in the State and Transition Model are similar and the management actions required to achieve objectives, whether maintaining the existing ecological state or managing for an alternative state, are similar. Provisional Sites are likely to be refined into more precise group during the process of meeting the APPROVED ECOLOGICAL SITE DESCRIPTION criteria.
Ecological site concept
Landform/landscape position: Interdune , or a dune /hill.
Edaphic: The soil texture is Sandy Loam or finer, or a dark colored surface greater than 10 inches thick. For the dune position, slopes are greater than 3 percent, but catsteps are not evident.
Sandy sites that are interdune features have less than 3 percent slope.
Vegetation Dynamics: This primary plant community for this site is the warm season mid-grass community with a native shrub component. A shift towards a cool-season and shorter warm season grasses will occur with excessive long-term grazing pressure. Eastern red cedars spreading from introduced windbreaks will increase and potentially dominate the grasslands in the absence of fire or other brush control practices.
Associated sites
| R065XY024NE |
Subirrigated Subirrigated |
|---|---|
| R065XY041NE |
Shallow To Gravel Shallow to Gravel 17-25" P.Z. |
| R065XY055NE |
Sands High P.Z. 22-25 Sands 22-25" P.Z. |
Similar sites
| R065XY055NE |
Sands High P.Z. 22-25 Sands 22-25" P.Z. (steeper slope; lower production; sand bluestem dominant; less little bluestem) |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Andropogon hallii |
Physiographic features
This area consists of Quaternary sand dunes. The sands are derived from the underlying Tertiary Ogallala and Arikaree Groups. These units formed when rivers deposited sediments that originated as erosional detritus following the uplift of the Rocky Mountains to the west. The Ogallala aquifer underlies this are. It is the most extensive and heavily used aquifer on the high plains between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River. The major recharge area for this aquifer is the Sand Hills.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Interdune
|
|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,000 – 3,400 ft |
| Slope | 3% |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The mean average annual precipitation varies from 22 to 25 inches, but has varied from 13 to 29 inches in the driest to wettest season. Approximately 70 percent of the annual precipitation occurs during the growing season of mid-April to late September. The average annual snowfall varies from about 34 inches to about 42 inches. The wind velocity is high throughout the year, averaging 10 to 12 miles per hour. Maximum wind velocities generally occur in the spring.
The average length of the growing season is 138 days, but the growing season has varied from 114 to 168 days. The average date of first frost in the fall is September 25, and the last frost in the spring is about May 8. July is the hottest month and January is the coldest. It is not uncommon for the temperature to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Summer humidity is low and evaporation is high. The winters are characterized with frequent northerly winds, producing severe cold with temperatures dropping to as low as negative 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Growth of native cool season plants begins mid to late March and continues to late June. Native warm season plants begin growth in early May and continue to late August. 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) | 130 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 151 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 28 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 4. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 5. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) BARTLETT 1S [USC00250525], Bartlett, NE
-
(2) BREWSTER [USC00251130], Brewster, NE
-
(3) CHAMBERS [USC00251590], Chambers, NE
-
(4) EWING [USC00252805], Ewing, NE
-
(5) ROSE 10 WNW [USC00257318], Long Pine, NE
-
(6) ATKINSON 3SW [USC00250420], Atkinson, NE
-
(7) ELSMERE 9 ENE [USC00252680], Johnstown, NE
-
(8) ERICSON 8 WNW [USC00252770], Burwell, NE
-
(9) GREELEY [USC00253425], Greeley, NE
-
(10) NEWPORT [USC00255925], Newport, NE
-
(11) PURDUM [USC00256970], Purdum, NE
Influencing water features
None.
Soil features
The features common to all soils in this site are the loam to fine sand textured surface soils and slopes of 0 to 3 percent. The soils in this site are from moderately well drained to excessively drained and formed in eolian sand or alluvium. The surface layer is 3 to 10 inches thick. The texture of the subsurface generally ranges from loam to fine sand. Runoff as evidenced by patterns of rill, gully or other water flow is generally low due to the moderate to low slope gradient and high intake rate of these soils. Cryptobiotic crusts are present, but their function is not well understood. Some pedestalling of plants occurs, but it is not very evident on casual observation and occurs on less than 5% of the plants.
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.
Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Boelus, Calamus, Dunday, and Hersh.
Other soil series that have been correlated to this site include: Anselmo, Brunswick, Doger, Ipage, Jansen, Pivot, Thurman and Valentine.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Fine sandy loam (2) Loamy fine sand (3) Fine sand |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Sandy |
| Drainage class | Moderately well drained to excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate to rapid |
| Soil depth | 80 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
3 – 6 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
5.1 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
28% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
Historically, large areas of blowing sand resulted in the active movement of the sand dunes. Evaporation from the soil surface was extremely high due to the large areas of bare ground, lack of litter, and sparse plant populations. The transpiration rate of these sparse plant populations was also high due to the harsh soil environment. Occasional wild fires, severe grazing by transient bison herds, and drought contributed to the lack of stability of the sand dunes. This lack of stability caused the dunes to go back and forth through multiple stages of plant succession over the course of time. Early perennial plants such as sandhill muhly, blowout grass, and blowout penstemon were common due to their ability to tolerate the movement of the sand and droughty conditions. As these plants began to colonize and stabilize the sand movement, other perennials such as prairie sandreed, sand bluestem, hairy grama, lemon scurfpea, and rose slowly became evident on the site. Annual plants such as sandbur, Texas croton, and common sunflower eventually colonized the areas between the perennials.
As this site deteriorates, species such as prairie sandreed, little bluestem, sand dropseed, and blue grama will increase initially. Species such as sand and/or big bluestem, switchgrass, and Indiangrass will decrease in frequency and production. With continued improper management, prairie sandreed and little bluestem will also decrease. The site is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought resistance.
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. Subclimax 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 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Bluestem/Priaire Sandreed Plant Community
Community 1.1
Bluestem/Priaire Sandreed Plant Community
Interpretations are primarily based on the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community (this is also considered climax). The site evolved with grazing by large herbivores and is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock. This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed. The potential vegetation is about 85% grasses or grass-like plants, 10% forbs, and 5% shrubs. Warm-season mid and tall grasses dominate this plant community. Principal grasses are prairie sandreed, sand bluestem, big bluestem, and little bluestem. The cool season grasses, needleandthread and western wheatgrass, are important. Grama grasses and sedges occur as an understory. Forbs and shrubs are not abundant. Natural fire played a significant role in the succession of this site by limiting eastern redcedar from becoming established. Wildfires have been actively controlled in recent times, allowing occasional eastern redcedar encroachment. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a healthy and sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity). The following growth curve shows the estimated monthly percentages of total annual growth of the dominant species expected during a normal year: Growth curve number: NE6534 Growth curve name: Nebraska/South Dakota Sandhills, Native Grasslands Growth curve description: Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant, mid & tall grasses. Transitional pathways and/or community pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: Continuous season-long grazing will convert the plant community to the Switchgrass/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community.
Figure 6. 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 | 2130 | 2685 | 3020 |
| Forb | 145 | 225 | 325 |
| Shrub/Vine | 25 | 90 | 155 |
| Total | 2300 | 3000 | 3500 |
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6534, NE/SD Sandhills, Native Grasslands. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant, mid- and tallgrasses.
| 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 | 5 | 15 | 25 | 30 | 10 | 7 | 3 |
State 2
Switchgrass/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community
Community 2.1
Switchgrass/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community
This plant community is resilient and can be found on areas that have been properly managed with grazing for long periods of time. The potential vegetation is about 80% grasses or grass-like plants, 10% forbs and 10% shrubs. Dominant grasses include switchgrass, little bluestem, and prairie sandreed. Other grasses include sand bluestem and Indiangrass. Dominant forbs include white heath aster, blazing star (gayfeather), and Cuman (western) ragweed. Dominant shrubs include leadplant and rose. The bluestems and needlegrasses have decreased, while prairie sandreed and switchgrass have increased. Forbs remain in balance similar to the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community and shrubs, such as rose and leadplant, show a moderate increase under current management conditions. This plant community maintains diversity while sustaining production. The following growth curve shows the estimated monthly percentages of total annual growth of the dominant species expected during a normal year: Growth curve number: NE6534 Growth curve name: Nebraska/South Dakota Sandhills, Native Grasslands Growth curve description: Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant, mid & tall grasses. Transitional pathways and/or community pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: Continuous heavy grazing will convert the plant community to the Kentucky Bluegrass/Ragweed Plant Community. Continuous season-long grazing may convert the plant community to the Blue Grama/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community. Prescribed grazing will move this plant community back to the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community.
Figure 8. 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 | 1660 | 2175 | 2650 |
| Shrub/Vine | 20 | 138 | 275 |
| Forb | 120 | 188 | 275 |
| Total | 1800 | 2501 | 3200 |
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6534, NE/SD Sandhills, Native Grasslands. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant, mid- and tallgrasses.
| 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 | 5 | 15 | 25 | 30 | 10 | 7 | 3 |
State 3
Blue Grama/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community
Community 3.1
Blue Grama/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community
This plant community develops with heavy livestock grazing, usually season-long. Plant diversity is diminished as the bluestems, prairie sandreed, switchgrass, and Indiangrass are removed from the plant community. Small isolated plants may exist in a prostrate form to avoid defoliation. The potential vegetation is about 80% grasses or grass-like plants, 15% forbs, and 5% shrubs. Dominant grasses include blue grama and western wheatgrass. Other grasses or grass-likes include sand dropseed, needleandthread, prairie sandreed, and sedges. Dominant forbs include green sagewort, white heath aster, blazing star (gayfeather), and Cuman (western) ragweed. Dominant shrubs include rose and western sandcherry. Cool season plants such as western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, and Scribners panicum increase. Blue grama will actually increase due to its ability to avoid grazing because of its short growth form. Forbs such as western ragweed and green sagewort will tend to increase, especially in periods of favorable moisture. Rose, leadplant, and western sandcherry will diminish while small soapweed, cactus, and other less palatable shrubs will increase. The following growth curve shows the estimated monthly percentages of total annual growth of the dominant species expected during a normal year: Growth curve number: NE6540 Growth curve name: Nebraska/South Dakota Sandhills, Native Grasslands, Grama/Wheatgrass Growth curve description: Warm-season and cool-season co-dominant, short and mid grasses. Transitional pathways and/or community pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: Continuous heavy grazing will convert the plant community to the Kentucky Bluegrass/Ragweed Plant Community. This is a relatively stable plant community that requires a considerable amount of input to return it to the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community. Prescribed grazing will move this plant community to the Switchgrass/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community or the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community, depending on how long it has been in this plant community and the number and species of tall warm-season grass remnants remaining.
Figure 10. 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 | 1305 | 1479 | 1635 |
| Forb | 80 | 170 | 275 |
| Shrub/Vine | 15 | 51 | 90 |
| Total | 1400 | 1700 | 2000 |
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6540, NE/SD Sandhills, Native Grass, Grama/Wheatgrass. Warm-season and cool-season co-dominant, short and mid grasses.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 4
Kentucky Bluegrass/Ragweed Plant Community
Community 4.1
Kentucky Bluegrass/Ragweed Plant Community
With sustained heavy stocking during the summer months this plant community will become dominated by cool season grasses and forbs. The potential vegetation is about 75% grasses or grass-like plants, 20% forbs, and 5% shrubs. Dominant grasses include Kentucky bluegrass, sand dropseed, and blue grama. Other grasses or grass-likes include Scribner's panicum, sedges, and smooth bromegrass. Dominant forbs include green sagewort, Cuman (western) ragweed, Rocky Mountain beeplant, common sunflower, and thistles. The palatable warm season grasses are replaced by blue grama and sand dropseed. Cool season grasses such as Scribner's panicum, annual brome, and bluegrass will increase and fill the void left by the disappearing warm season tall grasses. Sedges will flourish in the understory. Cuman (western) ragweed and green sagewort increase in abundance along with other less-palatable forbs. Invader thistles and annual forbs increase along with grazing resistant shrubs such as cactus and small soapweed. Once this plant community is reached, time and external resources will be needed to see any immediate recovery in the diversity of this plant community. The following growth curve shows the estimated monthly percentages of total annual growth of the dominant species expected during a normal year: Growth curve number: NE6541 Growth curve name: Nebraska/South Dakota Sandhills, Native Grasslands, Cool Seasons/Forbs. Growth curve description: Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant, short & mid grasses. Transitional pathways and/or community pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: Prescribed grazing will convert the plant community to either the Switchgrass/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community or the Blue Grama/Western Wheatgrass Plant Community. The direction this plant community moves depends on the characteristics of the plant community prior to converting to the Kentucky Bluegrass/Ragweed Plant Community.
Figure 12. 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 | 835 | 1014 | 1185 |
| Forb | 55 | 150 | 250 |
| Shrub/Vine | 10 | 36 | 65 |
| Total | 900 | 1200 | 1500 |
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6541, NE/SD Sandhills, Native Grass, Cool Seasons/Forbs. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant, short & mid grasses.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 30 | 25 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
State 5
Go-back Land Plant Community
Community 5.1
Go-back Land Plant Community
This plant community can be reached whenever severe mechanical disturbance occurs. The vegetation on this plant community varies greatly, sometimes being dominated by Scribner's panicum, bluegrass, three-awn, sand dropseed, horseweed (marestail), green sagewort, and/or ragweed. Other plants that commonly occur include six-weeks fescue, prairie sandreed, witchgrass, little bluestem, switchgrass, and needleandthread. If fire is excluded, eastern redcedar can encroach and become dominant. Compared to the Bluestem/Prairie Sandreed Plant Community, warm season natives have decreased. Annual grasses and forbs have become established in the plant community. This plant community is variable in its resistance to change and is resilient depending on past management practices. The water cycle is not greatly affected.
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 | 600–1050 | ||||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 600–1050 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–300 | – | ||
| 2 | Prairie Sandreed | 450–750 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 450–750 | – | ||
| 3 | Little Bluestem | 450–750 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 450–750 | – | ||
| 4 | Needlegrass | 150–450 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 150–300 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–150 | – | ||
| 5 | Grama | 90–300 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 90–300 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–150 | – | ||
| 6 | Other Warm-Season Grasses | 450–900 | ||||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 300–600 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 150–450 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–150 | – | ||
| sand lovegrass | ERTR3 | Eragrostis trichodes | 0–150 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–150 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–150 | – | ||
| purple lovegrass | ERSP | Eragrostis spectabilis | 0–90 | – | ||
| 7 | Native Grass/Grass-Likes | 150–300 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 30–150 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 30–150 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 30–150 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 30–150 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–60 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 9 | Forbs | 150–300 | ||||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–60 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–60 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–60 | – | ||
| blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–60 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–30 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–30 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–30 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–30 | – | ||
| Missouri goldenrod | SOMI2 | Solidago missouriensis | 0–30 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–30 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–30 | – | ||
| stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–30 | – | ||
| spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–30 | – | ||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–30 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–30 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 10 | Shrubs | 30–150 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 30–90 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–90 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–60 | – | ||
| western sandcherry | PRPUB | Prunus pumila var. besseyi | 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 | Bluestems | 250–500 | ||||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 250–500 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–250 | – | ||
| 2 | Prairie Sandreed | 500–750 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 500–750 | – | ||
| 3 | Little Bluestem | 500–750 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 500–750 | – | ||
| 4 | Needlegrass | 125–250 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 125–250 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–125 | – | ||
| 5 | Grama | 25–250 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 25–250 | – | ||
| 6 | Other Warm-Season Grasses | 500–875 | ||||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 375–625 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 125–375 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–250 | – | ||
| purple lovegrass | ERSP | Eragrostis spectabilis | 0–125 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–125 | – | ||
| 7 | Native Grass/Grass-Likes | 125–375 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 25–250 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 25–125 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 25–125 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 25–125 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–50 | – | ||
| 8 | Non-Native Grasses | 0–125 | ||||
| smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–125 | – | ||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 0–125 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–50 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 9 | Forbs | 125–250 | ||||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–50 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–50 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–50 | – | ||
| blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–50 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–25 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–25 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–25 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–25 | – | ||
| Missouri goldenrod | SOMI2 | Solidago missouriensis | 0–25 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–25 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–25 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–25 | – | ||
| spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–25 | – | ||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–25 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–25 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 10 | Shrubs | 25–250 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–125 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–125 | – | ||
| western sandcherry | PRPUB | Prunus pumila var. besseyi | 0–25 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–15 | – | ||
Table 11. Community 3.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Bluestem | 0–85 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–85 | – | ||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 0–85 | – | ||
| 2 | Prairie Sandreed | 85–255 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 85–255 | – | ||
| 3 | Little Bluestem | 85–255 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 85–255 | – | ||
| 4 | Needlegrass | 0–170 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–170 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–85 | – | ||
| 5 | Grama | 340–510 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 340–510 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–85 | – | ||
| 6 | Other Warm-Season Grasses | 170–425 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 85–255 | – | ||
| purple lovegrass | ERSP | Eragrostis spectabilis | 85–170 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–85 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–85 | – | ||
| 7 | Native Grass/Grass-Likes | 340–680 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 170–340 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 85–170 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 85–170 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 17–170 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–34 | – | ||
| 8 | Non-Native Grasses | 85–340 | ||||
| smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–170 | – | ||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 0–170 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–85 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 9 | Forbs | 85–255 | ||||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–51 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–51 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–34 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–34 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–34 | – | ||
| blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–34 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–17 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–17 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–17 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–17 | – | ||
| Missouri goldenrod | SOMI2 | Solidago missouriensis | 0–17 | – | ||
| spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–17 | – | ||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–17 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–17 | – | ||
| Rocky Mountain beeplant | CLSE | Cleome serrulata | 0–17 | – | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–17 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–17 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 10 | Shrubs | 17–85 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–85 | – | ||
| western sandcherry | PRPUB | Prunus pumila var. besseyi | 0–17 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–17 | – | ||
Table 12. Community 4.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Prairie Sandreed | 0–60 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 0–60 | – | ||
| 3 | Little Bluestem | 0–60 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–60 | – | ||
| 4 | Needlegrass | 0–120 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–120 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–60 | – | ||
| 5 | Grama | 60–180 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 60–180 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–60 | – | ||
| 6 | Other Warm-Season Grasses | 120–240 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 120–240 | – | ||
| purple lovegrass | ERSP | Eragrostis spectabilis | 0–120 | – | ||
| 7 | Native Grass/Grass-Likes | 180–300 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 60–120 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 60–120 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 12–120 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 12–60 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–24 | – | ||
| 8 | Non-Native Grasses | 120–420 | ||||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 120–240 | – | ||
| smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–180 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–120 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 9 | Forbs | 60–240 | ||||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–60 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–60 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–36 | – | ||
| Rocky Mountain beeplant | CLSE | Cleome serrulata | 0–36 | – | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–36 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–36 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–36 | – | ||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–36 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–24 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–12 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–12 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–12 | – | ||
| Missouri goldenrod | SOMI2 | Solidago missouriensis | 0–12 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 10 | Shrubs | 12–60 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–60 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–12 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements, and added protein will allow 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 forage production on well drained portions of this site. 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).
For the interpretive plant community, rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present in well drained areas. Pedestals are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses such as little bluestem. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present but only cover 1-2% of the soil surface. Overall this site has the appearance of being extremely stable and productive.
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
Other information
Revision Notes: “This PROVISIONAL ecological site concept has been QC’d and QA’d to ensure that the site meets the NESH standards for a provisional ecological site that provides basic compiled information in one location. This site should not be considered an Approved ESD until further data entry and editing is completed.
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 was also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Dave Cook, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS; Dwight Hale, Engineer, NRCS; Sheila Luoma, Resource Conservationist, NRCS; Marla Shelbourn, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS; Dave Steffen, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS.
There are 7 SCS-RANGE-417 records available from Custer, Holt, Lincoln, Loup, and Wheeler counties. The sample period was from 1978 to 1983.
Other references
Other sources used as references include: USDA NRCS Water & Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties, Atlas of the Sandhills.
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work is needed to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description. Additional data collection and evaluation may also be needed to develop this ESD to the Approved, then Correlated level. This could include field activities to collect low, medium and high intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Field reviews of the project plan should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document.
The State and Transitional Model and corresponding pathways and associated vegetative communities will need to be reviewed and upgraded to adhere to the new guidelines.
Annual reviews of the Project Plan are to be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team. The project plan is: ES- R065XY041NE - MLRA 65 -
Contributors
Kim Stine
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 | 10/31/2001 |
| 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-likesAdditional:
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 2,300 to 3,500 pounds/acre, with the reference value 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. -
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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