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Ecological site R066XY040NE

Shallow Limy

Last updated: 11/18/2024
Accessed: 12/22/2024

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General information

Approved. An approved ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model, enough information to identify the ecological site, and full documentation for all ecosystem states contained in the state and transition model.

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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): 066X–Dakota-Nebraska Eroded Tableland

The Dakota-Nebraska Eroded Tableland (MLRA 66) occurs in north-central Nebraska (56 percent) and south-central South Dakota (44 percent). MLRA 66 is approximately 3.6 million acres and covers all or parts of twelve counties between the two states. The northern border of the MRLA bisects Tripp County, South Dakota, just south of the town of Winner. Valentine is in the northeastern corner of Cherry County, Nebraska and is located on the MLRA’s southwestern border. From there, the MLRA stretches southeast to the northwestern corner of Antelope County, Nebraska and the town of O’Neil, Nebraska in Holt County its southeastern border.

The MLRA occupies a smooth fluvial plain primarily consisting of broad intervalley areas with terraces, river breaks, and local badlands along the well-defined major drainages. The slopes range from nearly level tablelands to steep ridges and drainages. The elevation ranges from 1,970 to 2,950 feet. The Keya Paha, Elkhorn, and the Niobrara Rivers flow through the MLRA. The Niobrara is a designated National Scenic River.

Layers of shaly chalk and limestone marine sediments overlaying the Cretaceous Niobrara Formation make up the bulk of the MLRA, though the western and southwestern portions exhibit surface eolian deposits. The floors of the major drainages are underlain by deposits of alluvial sand and gravel. The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are mesic, ustic or aridic Mollisols and Entisols. Loamy and sandy are the primary soil textures in this landscape.

Twenty-seven percent of the land in this MLRA has been broken out of native prairie and farmed, while sixty-six percent of the grasslands remain intact. The remaining acres are divided between forest, urban development, and other uses. Livestock grazing, primarily by cattle, is a major industry. Corn, winter wheat, and grain sorghum are the primary commodity crops but a significant number of acres are planted to forage sorghum and alfalfa for harvest as hay. With limited irrigation available, and annual precipitation averaging from 18 inches in the west to 25 inches in the east, crop production is marginal across most of the MLRA.

The historical matrix vegetation type is mixed-grass prairie. Big bluestem, sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, little bluestem, sideoats grama, and blue grama make up the bulk of the warm-season species. Western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and needle and thread are the dominant cool-season grasses. Large- and small-patch vegetative communities are found primarily along the riparian zones, on lowland sites, and in closed depressions. Woodlands make up about 3 percent of MLRA 66 and consist primarily of green ash, bur oak, and hackberry. Ponderosa pines can be found on steeper sites in the western portion of the landscape.

Wildlife flourishes in this combination of crop and grassland environments. In a landscape historically occupied by bison herds, white-tailed and mule deer are now the most abundant wild ungulates. Pronghorns also number among the remaining native grazers. A variety of smaller species, including coyote, raccoon, opossum, porcupines, muskrat, beaver, squirrel, prairie dogs, and mink, thrive in the region. Grassland birds, including several upland game birds, are common across the MLRA.

This landscape serves as a backdrop for a disturbance-driven ecosystem, evolving under the influences of herbivory, fire, and variable climate. Historically, these processes created a heterogeneous mosaic of plant communities and structure heights across the region. Any given site in this landscape burned every six to ten years, with most of the MLRA experiencing a six to eight year fire regime. The fires were caused by lightning strikes and were also set by Native Americans, who used fire for warfare, signaling, and to refresh the native grasses. Indigenous inhabitants understood the value of fire as a tool, and that the highly palatable growth following a fire provided excellent forage for their horses and attracted grazing game animals such as bison and elk.

Land use patterns by post-European settlers have greatly altered the historical fire regime, allowing the expansion of woody species. Fragmentation of the native grasslands by conversion to cropland, transportation corridors, and other developments has contributed to disruption of the natural fire regime of this ecosystem. The most common encroaching woody species is eastern redcedar. While eastern redcedar is native to the landscape, the historic population in MLRA 66 was limited to isolated pockets in rugged river drainageways that were protected from wildfire. Widespread plantings of windbreaks with eastern redcedar as a primary component provide a seed source for the aggressive woody plant which further facilitates woody encroachment. Encroachment of native and introduced shrubs and trees into the native grasslands degrades wildlife habit and causes significant forage loss for domestic livestock. Aggressive fire suppression policies have exacerbated this process to the point that shrub and tree encroachment is a major ecological threat to grasslands throughout most of the MLRA.

Classification relationships

►EPA◄
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States
43—Northwestern Great Plains:
43i—Keya Paha Tablelands.

►USDA◄
Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas (USDA-NRCS, 2006)
Land Resource Region: G—Western Great Plains Range and Irrigated Region:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 66 Dakota-Nebraska Eroded Tableland.

Ecological site concept

The Shallow Limy ecological site is located on the breaks and sidehills of the uplands. Soils range from very shallow to shallow with bedrock within 20 inches of the soil surface. Typically, the soils on this site are calcareous within the top 10 inches of the soil profile, although some are not. Slopes are typically less than 15 percent but may be as high as 70 percent.

The vegetation in the Reference Plant Community (1.1) is dominated by a mixture of warm-season tall- and midgrasses. Dominant grasses include little bluestem, sideoats grama, sand bluestem, and big bluestem. Needle and thread, porcupinegrass, western wheatgrass, and blue grama as grasses of secondary importance. Forbs are common and diverse.

Shallow Limy ecological sites are generally not suited to cultivation due to the shallow nature of the soils associated with this site. As a result, most of the Shallow Limy ecological site remains intact as grassland.

Associated sites

R066XY032NE	Sandy 18-22" P.Z. Sandy 18-22 PZ ecological sites may be found adjacent to but typically on a lower landscape position than Shallow Limy ecological sites.
R066XY036NE	Loamy 18-22 P.Z. Loamy 18-22 PZ ecological sites may be found adjacent to but typically on a lower landscape position than Shallow Limy ecological sites.
R066XY054NE	Sandy 22-25 P.Z. Sandy 22-25 PZ ecological sites may be found adjacent to but typically on a lower landscape position than Shallow Limy ecological sites.
R066XY059NE	Thin Upland Thin Upland ecological sites may be found adjacent to but typically on a slightly lower landscape position than Shallow Limy ecological sites.
R066XY058NE	Loamy 22-25 P.Z. Loamy 22-25 PZ ecological sites may be found adjacent to but typically on a lower landscape position than Shallow Limy ecological sites.

Similar sites

R066XY059NE	Thin Upland Thin Upland and Shallow Limy ecological site occurs on similar landscape positions similar but Shallow Limy sites have bedrock within 20 inches of the soil surface while Thin Upland sites do not.

R066XY059NE

Thin Upland

Thin Upland and Shallow Limy ecological site occurs on similar landscape positions similar but Shallow Limy sites have bedrock within 20 inches of the soil surface while Thin Upland sites do not.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Schizachyrium scoparium (2) Bouteloua curtipendula

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Physiographic features

The Shallow Limy ecological site typically occurs on hillslopes and hills, valley sides, and knolls but is sometimes found on plains, sand sheets, buttes, and ridges.

Figure 2. Block diagram for the Shallow Limy ecological site.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Hillslope (2) Hill (3) Valley side (4) Knoll
Runoff class	Very low to very high
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	1,900 – 3,000 ft
Slope	60%
Water table depth	80 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

MLRA 66 is considered to have a continental climate with 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 the winds move freely across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.

Annual precipitation ranges from 18 to 25 inches per year. The normal average annual temperature is about 48°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 19°F (Bonesteel, SD) to about 23°F (Ainsworth, NE). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 73°F (Harrington, SD) to about 75°F (Gregory, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 54°F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of the climate this area. Hourly winds average about ten miles per hour annually, ranging from about 11 miles per hour during the spring to about nine 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 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 (characteristic range)	111-124 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	129-139 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	21-25 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	72-128 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	83-146 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	20-26 in
Frost-free period (average)	110 days
Freeze-free period (average)	128 days
Precipitation total (average)	23 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 8. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) HARRINGTON [USC00393574], Tuthill, SD
(2) MISSION [USC00395620], Mission, SD
(3) MISSION 14 S [USC00395638], Mission, SD
(4) KILGORE 1NE [USC00254432], Kilgore, NE
(5) VALENTINE MILLER FLD [USW00024032], Valentine, NE
(6) WINNER WILEY FLD [USW00094990], Winner, SD
(7) GREGORY [USC00393452], Gregory, SD
(8) SPRINGVIEW [USC00258090], Springview, NE
(9) AINSWORTH [USC00250050], Ainsworth, NE
(10) NEWPORT [USC00255925], Newport, NE
(11) FAIRFAX #2 [USC00392822], Fairfax, SD
(12) BUTTE [USC00251365], Butte, NE

Soil features

The primary characteristic of soils correlated to the Shallow Limy ecological site are the very shallow to shallow (20 inches or less) depths to bedrock. The soil surface textures range from loamy fine sand to silt loam. Soils are formed in sandy and loamy residuum from calcareous sandstone, sandstone, limestone, or siltstone. Slopes are typically 6 to 30 percent but range from 0 to 70 percent. The soils are well to excessively drained.

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 restrictive to water movement and root penetration. These soils are susceptible to water erosion when slopes exceed 15 percent and the hazard of water erosion increases as slopes increase. Low available water capacity caused by the shallow rooting depth strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship.

The soil series correlated to this site are Longpine, Tassel, Mariaville, Canyon, Epping, Shena, and Fishberry. 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 or visit Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov).

Figure 9. Fishberry series profile

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Residuum – calcareous sandstone (2) Residuum – limestone (3) Residuum – siltstone (4) Residuum – sandstone
Surface texture	(1) Fine sandy loam (2) Loamy fine sand (3) Loam (4) Silt loam (5) Loamy sand (6) Very fine sandy loam
Family particle size	(1) Loamy
Drainage class	Well drained to excessively drained
Permeability class	Very slow to rapid
Depth to restrictive layer	6 – 20 in
Soil depth	6 – 20 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	12%
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	0.7 – 3.3 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	15%
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	2 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	6
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	6.6 – 8.4
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	36%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	5%

Ecological dynamics

Shallow Limy ecological sites developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused wildfire, and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil and site development. This continues to be a disturbance-driven site with herbivory, fire, and variable climate being the primary disturbances. Changes occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and exotic plant and animal species, and management actions.

The introduction of domestic livestock by European settlers along with season-long, continuous grazing had a profound impact on the vegetation of the Shallow Limy ecological site. Season-long, continuous grazing causes a repeated removal of the growing point and excessive defoliation of the leaf area of individual warm-season tallgrasses. The resulting reduction in the ability of the plants to harvest sunlight depletes root reserves, subsequently decreasing root mass. The ability of the plants to compete for nutrients is impaired, resulting in decreased vigor and eventual mortality. Species that evade negative grazing impacts through mechanisms such as a growing season adaptation (i.e., cool-season), growing points located near the soil surface, a shorter structure, or reduced palatability will increase. As this site deteriorates, blue grama, hairy grama, needle and thread, and threadleaf sedge increase as a proportion of the plant community while warm-season tallgrasses and sideoats grama decrease in frequency and production.

The State and Transition Model (STM) is depicted below and includes a Reference State (1), a Shortgrass Sod State (2), and an Invaded Woody State (3). Each state represents the crossing of a major ecological threshold due to the alteration of the functional dynamic properties of the ecosystem. The primary properties observed to determine this change are soil stability, vegetative communities, and the hydrologic cycle. Each state may have one or more plant communities that fluctuate in species composition and abundance within the normal parameters of the state. Within each state, communities may degrade or recover in response to natural and man caused disturbances such as variation in the degree and timing of herbivory, presence or absence of fire, and climatic and local fluctuations in the precipitation regime. The processes that cause the movement between the states and communities are discussed in more detail in the state and community descriptions following the diagram.

Interpretations are primarily based on the Reference Community (1.1). 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 have been used as well. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.

State and transition model

Custom diagram

Standard diagram

Figure 10. State and Transition Model Diagram. MLRA 66, Shallow Limy Ecological Site.

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

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Shortgrass Sod State

3. Invaded Woody State

T1A	-	Long-term (> 10 years) heavy grazing.
T1B	-	Woody encroachment and no fire or woody species management.
T2A	-	Woody encroachment and no fire or woody species management.
R3A	-	Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, and brush management.
R3B	-	Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, and brush management.

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Reference Community

1.2. At-Risk Community

1.1A	-	Continuous seasonal, continuous season-long, or rotational grazing with inadequate recovery periods.
1.2A	-	Prescribed grazing with adequate growing season recovery periods.

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Shortgrass Community

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Invaded Woody Community

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State (1) describes the range of vegetative community phases that occur on the Shallow Limy ecological site where the range of natural variability under historic conditions and disturbance regimes is mostly intact. The Reference State developed under the combined influences of climatic conditions, periodic fire activity, grazing by large herbivores, and impacts from small mammals and insects. High perennial grass cover and production allows for increased soil moisture retention, vegetative production and overall soil quality. The Reference State includes the Reference Community (1.1) and the At-Risk Community (1.2). The Reference Community (1.1) serves as a description of the native plant community that naturally occurs on the site when the natural disturbance regimes are intact or closely mimicked by management practices. The At-Risk Community (1.2) results from management decisions that are unfavorable for a healthy Reference Community.

Dominant plant species

little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea), grass
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass

Community 1.1
Reference Community

Figure 11. Shallow Limy Ecological Site, Reference Community (1.1), Tripp County, South Dakota.

Interpretations are primarily based on the Reference or Little Bluestem-Sideoats Grama-Needlegrass (Schizachyrium scoparium-Bouteloua curtipendula-Hesperostipa) Community (1.1). This plant community serves as a description of the native plant community that occurs on the site when the natural disturbance regimes are intact or are closely mimicked by management practices. This phase is dynamic, with fluid relative abundance and spatial boundaries between the dominant structural vegetative groups. These fluctuations are primarily driven by different responses of the species to changes in precipitation timing and abundance, and to fire and grazing events. This site developed with grazing by large herbivores and is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock. The plant community is dominated by a mixture of cool- and warm-season grasses. The major grasses include the little bluestem, sideoats grama, big bluestem, sand bluestem, needle and thread, and porcupine grass. Other grasses and grass-likes occurring include prairie sandreed, blue grama, western wheatgrass, plains muhly, and sedge. Significant forbs include blacksamson echinacea, and purple prairie clover. Shrubs occurring in this plant community include leadplant, rose, prairie sagewort, and soapweed yucca. The potential vegetation is 80 to 90 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 5 to10 percent forbs, and 5 to10 percent shrubs. Natural fire played a significant role in the succession of this site by limiting the extent of eastern redcedar and ponderosa pine. Wildfires have been actively controlled in recent times, allowing expansion of eastern redcedar and ponderosa pine. This plant community can be found on areas that are managed with prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, and may be found on areas receiving occasional periods of short-term rest. This plant community is extremely resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high tolerance to drought . Community dynamics, nutrient cycle, water cycle, and energy flow are functioning properly. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement off-site, and natural plant mortality is very low.

Dominant plant species

little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea), grass
blacksamson echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), other herbaceous
white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
dotted blazing star (Liatris punctata), other herbaceous

Figure 12. 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	840	1427	1915
Forb	80	128	175
Shrub/Vine	80	128	175
Tree	0	17	35
Total	1000	1700	2300

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6637, Eroded Tableland, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant.

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

Community 1.2
At-Risk Community

Figure 14. Shallow Limy Ecological Site, At-Risk Community (1.2), Tripp County, South Dakota.

The At-Risk or the Little Bluestem-Needle and Thread-Blue Grama (Schizachyrium scoparium-Hesperostipa comata-Bouteloua gracilis) Community (1.2) develops under continuous seasonal grazing, rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods, or in some cases with low stock densities under continuous season-long grazing. Needle and thread, little bluestem, and blue grama are significant species in this plant community. As compared to the Reference Community (1.1), big bluestem and sideoats grama have decreased while warm-season shortgrasses and grass-likes, such as blue grama, hairy grama, and sedge have increased. Common forbs include white sagebrush, tarragon, and scurfpea. Significant shrubs include yucca, cactus, rose, and prairie sagewort. Non-native cool-season grasses may be beginning to invade the plant community. The potential vegetation is 85 to 90 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 5 to10 percent forbs, and 2 to 8 percent shrubs. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. Without a management change, this community is at-risk to transition to the Shortgrass Sod State (2).

Dominant plant species

little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass

Figure 15. 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	710	1211	1610
Forb	65	105	145
Shrub/Vine	25	70	115
Tree	0	14	30
Total	800	1400	1900

Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6637, Eroded Tableland, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant.

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

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Reference Community

At-Risk Community

Continuous seasonal grazing, continuous season-long grazing with low stock densities, or rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods will convert the Reference Community (1.1) to the At-Risk Community (1.2).

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

At-Risk Community

Reference Community

Prescribed grazing with adequate growing season recovery periods will convert the At-Risk Community (1.2) to the Reference Community (1.1).

State 2
Shortgrass Sod State

The Reference State (1) has been degraded and transitioned to the Shortgrass Sod State (2). Much of the native warm-season tall- and midgrass components have been replaced by warm-season, sod-forming shortgrasses and threadleaf sedge. Non-native, cool-season grasses may have a significant presence in the plant community. The loss of warm-season, tall- and midgrasses has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced due to the shallow root system and rapid runoff characteristics of the shortgrass sod communities. The Shortgrass Sod State includes the Shortgrass Community (2.1).

Dominant plant species

blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), other herbaceous

Community 2.1
Shortgrass Community

Figure 17. Shallow Limy Ecological Site, Shortgrass Sod Community (2.1), Knox County, Nebraska.

The Shortgrass or Blue Grama/Threadleaf Sedge (Bouteloua gracilis/Carex filifolia) Community (2.1) develops with long-term (greater than 10 years) heavy grazing. Grazing tolerant species such as blue grama, hairy grama, and threadleaf sedge replace big bluestem, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and needle and thread. Sideoats grama initially is present in a reduced vigor condition but as heavy mid-summer grazing pressure continues, it is reduced to a remnant. As heavy grazing pressure continues, prairie sagewort, white sagebrush, soapweed yucca, tarragon, Cuman ragweed, and pricklypear become more prevalent in the plant community. The potential vegetation is 80 to 90 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 5 to10 percent forbs, and 2 to10 percent shrubs. The Shortgrass Community is typically resistant to change. As the shortgrasses become dominant in the plant community, plant diversity decreases. Non-native species such as Kentucky bluegrass and cheatgrass maybe a significant part the plant community. Runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease compared to the Reference Community (1.1) as the sod forming grasses become dominant in the plant community. Continued heavy grazing results in a considerable increase in bare ground and high erosion potential.

Dominant plant species

blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
sedge (Carex), other herbaceous

Figure 18. 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	440	855	1265
Forb	45	75	105
Shrub/Vine	15	60	105
Tree	0	10	25
Total	500	1000	1500

Figure 19. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6636, Eroded Tableland, cool-season/warm-season codominant.

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 3
Invaded Woody State

The Invaded Woody State (3) is the result of woody encroachment. Once the tree canopy cover reaches 15 percent with an average tree height exceeding five feet, the threshold to the Invaded Woody State has been crossed. Woody species are increasing due to the lack of prescribed fire, brush management, or other woody tree removal. Typical ecological impacts are a loss of native grasses, reduced diversity of functional and structural groups, reduced forage production, and reduced soil quality. Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State toward a grass dominated state. If the Invaded Woody State transitioned from Shortgrass Sod State (2), the land cannot return to the Reference State (1) as the native plant community, soils, and hydrologic function had been too severely impacted prior to the woody encroachment to allow the return to the Reference State through woody species removal alone. The Invaded Woody State includes one community, the Invaded Woody Community (3.1).

Dominant plant species

eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), tree
smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), shrub
needle and thread (Hesperostipa), grass
green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), other herbaceous

Community 3.1
Invaded Woody Community

The Invaded Woody or Eastern Redcedar-Ponderosa Pine (Juniperus virginiana-Pinus ponderosa) Community (3.1) has at least 15 percent canopy cover consisting of trees generally 5 feet or taller. Encroaching trees are primarily eastern redcedar but may include ponderosa pine or deciduous trees and shrubs. In the absence of fire and brush management, this ecological site is very susceptible to eastern redcedar and, when conditions are conducive to germination, ponderosa pine seedling invasion, especially when adjacent to a seed source. Historically, periodic fire prevented woody species encroachment confining ponderosa pine and juniper to ridges and the steepest portions of the ecological site. Fire suppression facilitates the encroachment of eastern redcedar, ponderosa pine, and other woody species onto the less steep portion of the Shallow Limy ecological site. Dominant grasses and grass-likes include needle and thread, green needlegrass, Canada wildrye, and Kentucky bluegrass. Grasses and grass-likes of secondary importance include sedge, blue grama, western wheatgrass, and cheatgrass. Forbs commonly found in this community include white sagebrush, goldenrod, tarragon, and Cuman ragweed. Non-native species such as cheatgrass and Kentucky bluegrass are typically present in this plant community. When compared to the Reference Community (1.1), ponderosa pine or eastern redcedar have increased significantly. As the buildup of duff increases, the grass component of the plant community will decrease dramatically and annual production of the understory decreases significantly. Total annual production during an average year varies significantly, depending on the production level prior to encroachment and the percentage of canopy cover. While the tree canopy provides excellent protection from the weather for livestock and wildlife, decreased forage production reduces the carrying capacity for both domestic livestock and wildlife and significantly reduces habitat for grassland birds. This plant community is resistant to change. A significant reduction of eastern redcedar and ponderosa pine can only be accomplished through timber harvesting or crown fire. The vegetation in the understory is capable of surviving fire; however, very hot crown fires will have a detrimental effect to the plant community. Reclamation of tree dominated areas using mechanical methods is quite costly and temporary without proper management including prescribed burning, timber harvest, and brush management.

Dominant plant species

eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), tree
Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis), tree
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), tree
rose (Rosa), shrub
prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), shrub
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), grass
white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
goldenrod (Solidago), other herbaceous
threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), other herbaceous

Figure 20. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6644, Eroded Tableland, heavy conifer canopy.

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

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Long-term (more than 10 years) heavy grazing will cause the Reference State (1) to lose a significant proportion of warm-season, tall- and midgrass species and cross a threshold to the Shortgrass Sod State (2). Water infiltration and other hydrologic functions will be reduced due to the root-matting presence of sod-forming grasses. With the decline and loss of deeper-penetrating root systems, soil structure and biological integrity are catastrophically degraded to the point that recovery is unlikely. Once this occurs, it is highly unlikely that grazing management alone will return the site to the Reference State.

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

Disruption of the natural fire regime, encroachment of invasive exotic and native woody species will cause the Reference State (1) to transition to the Invaded Woody State (3) if woody species control measures are not implemented.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

Disruption of the natural fire regime, encroachment of invasive exotic and native woody species with no woody species management will cause the Shortgrass Sod State (2) to transition to the Invaded Woody State (3) if woody species control measures are not implemented. .

Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1

Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State (3) toward the Reference State (1). The forb component may initially increase following tree removal. Ongoing brush management such as hand cutting, chemical spot treatments, or periodic prescribed burning is required to prevent a return to the Invaded Woody State. The heavier the existing canopy cover, the greater the energy input required to return to the Reference State by management practices. The amount of time required for this restoration to occur depends on the severity and duration of the encroachment. Land that transitioned to the Invaded Woody State from the Shortgrass Sod State (2) cannot be restored to the Reference State through removal of woody species as the native plant community, soils, and hydrologic function have been too severely impacted for that restoration to occur.

Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2

Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State (3) toward the Shortgrass Sod State (2). The forb component may initially increase following tree removal. Ongoing brush management such as hand cutting, chemical spot treatments, or periodic prescribed burning is required to prevent a return to the Invaded Woody State. The heavier the existing canopy cover, the greater the energy input required to return to the Shortgrass Sod State by management practices. The amount of time required for this restoration to occur depends on the severity and duration of the encroachment. Land that transitioned to the Invaded Woody State from the Shortgrass Sod State cannot be restored to the Reference State (1) through removal of woody species as the native plant community, soils, and hydrologic function have been too severely impacted for that restoration to occur.

Additional community tables

Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Warm-Season Midgrass			255–510
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	170–425	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	170–425	–
	plains muhly	MUCU3	Muhlenbergia cuspidata	34–170	–
	purple lovegrass	ERSP	Eragrostis spectabilis	0–85	–
	sand dropseed	SPCR	Sporobolus cryptandrus	17–51	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–34	–
2	Warm-Season Tallgrass			255–425
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	85–340	–
	sand bluestem	ANHA	Andropogon hallii	85–340	–
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	34–170	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	0–85	–
	Indiangrass	SONU2	Sorghastrum nutans	0–85	–
3	Cool-Season Bunchgrass			170–425
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	85–255	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	85–255	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	34–170	–
	Canada wildrye	ELCA4	Elymus canadensis	0–51	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	17–51	–
	Scribner's rosette grass	DIOLS	Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum	0–34	–
	fall rosette grass	DIWI5	Dichanthelium wilcoxianum	0–34	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–34	–
4	Warm-Season Shortgrass			85–255
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	85–170	–
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	17–85	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	0–85	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	0–34	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–17	–
5	Cool-Season Rhizomatous Grass			34–170
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	34–170	–
9	Grass-like			0–34
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	0–34	–
	sedge	CAREX	Carex	0–34	–
Forb
6	Forb			85–170
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	17–51	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	17–51	–
	tarragon	ARDR4	Artemisia dracunculus	17–51	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	17–51	–
	blacksamson echinacea	ECAN2	Echinacea angustifolia	17–51	–
	hairy false goldenaster	HEVI4	Heterotheca villosa	17–51	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	17–34	–
	wavyleaf thistle	CIUN	Cirsium undulatum	0–34	–
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	17–34	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–34	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	17–34	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	17–34	–
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	17–34	–
	stiff sunflower	HEPA19	Helianthus pauciflorus	17–34	–
	Nuttall's sensitive-briar	MINU6	Mimosa nuttallii	0–34	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	17–34	–
	beardtongue	PENST	Penstemon	17–34	–
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–17	–
	purple locoweed	OXLA3	Oxytropis lambertii	0–17	–
	Indian breadroot	PEDIO2	Pediomelum	0–17	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–17	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	0–17	–
	stemless four-nerve daisy	TEACA2	Tetraneuris acaulis var. acaulis	0–17	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–17	–
	textile onion	ALTE	Allium textile	0–17	–
	onion	ALLIU	Allium	0–17	–
	yellow sundrops	CASE12	Calylophus serrulatus	0–17	–
	white prairie clover	DACA7	Dalea candida	0–17	–
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	0–17	–
	American bird's-foot trefoil	LOUNU	Lotus unifoliolatus var. unifoliolatus	0–17	–
	rush skeletonplant	LYJU	Lygodesmia juncea	0–17	–
	lacy tansyaster	MAPI	Machaeranthera pinnatifida	0–17	–
Shrub/Vine
7	Shrub			85–170
	leadplant	AMCA6	Amorpha canescens	17–85	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	17–51	–
	smooth sumac	RHGL	Rhus glabra	0–51	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	17–51	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–51	–
Tree
8	Tree			0–34
	Tree	2TREE	Tree	0–34	–
	eastern redcedar	JUVI	Juniperus virginiana	0–34	–
	ponderosa pine	PIPO	Pinus ponderosa	0–34	–

Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Warm-Season Midgrass			280–490
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	210–490	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	70–210	–
	purple lovegrass	ERSP	Eragrostis spectabilis	0–112	–
	sand dropseed	SPCR	Sporobolus cryptandrus	14–70	–
	plains muhly	MUCU3	Muhlenbergia cuspidata	14–70	–
2	Warm-Season Tallgrass			28–112
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	28–112	–
	big bluestem	ANGE	Andropogon gerardii	0–70	–
	sand bluestem	ANHA	Andropogon hallii	0–70	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–14	–
3	Cool-Season Bunchgrass			140–350
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	140–280	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	0–70	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	0–70	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	14–42	–
	Scribner's rosette grass	DIOLS	Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum	14–28	–
	fall rosette grass	DIWI5	Dichanthelium wilcoxianum	0–28	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–14	–
4	Warm-Season Shortgrass			70–280
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	70–210	–
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	14–140	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	0–112	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	14–70	–
5	Cool-Season Rhizomatous Grass			28–112
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	28–112	–
6	Grass-Like			28–140
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	28–140	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–70	–
7	Non-Native Cool-Season Grass			28–70
	Kentucky bluegrass	POPR	Poa pratensis	14–70	–
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	14–42	–
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	0–42	–
Forb
8	Forb			70–140
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	28–70	–
	field sagewort	ARCA12	Artemisia campestris	14–70	–
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	0–56	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	14–56	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	14–56	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	14–56	–
	wavyleaf thistle	CIUN	Cirsium undulatum	14–42	–
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	14–42	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	14–42	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	0–28	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	14–28	–
	blacksamson echinacea	ECAN2	Echinacea angustifolia	0–28	–
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	0–14	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–14	–
	rush skeletonplant	LYJU	Lygodesmia juncea	0–14	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–14	–
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–14	–
	stemless four-nerve daisy	TEACA2	Tetraneuris acaulis var. acaulis	0–14	–
	stiff sunflower	HEPA19	Helianthus pauciflorus	0–14	–
	onion	ALLIU	Allium	0–14	–
	large Indian breadroot	PEES	Pediomelum esculentum	0–14	–
	purple locoweed	OXLA3	Oxytropis lambertii	0–14	–
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	0–14	–
	beardtongue	PENST	Penstemon	0–14	–
	hairy false goldenaster	HEVI4	Heterotheca villosa	0–14	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	0–14	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	0–14	–
Shrub/Vine
9	Shrub			28–112
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	14–70	–
	smooth sumac	RHGL	Rhus glabra	0–70	–
	soapweed yucca	YUGL	Yucca glauca	0–56	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	14–42	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	14–42	–
	skunkbush sumac	RHTR	Rhus trilobata	0–28	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–28	–
	leadplant	AMCA6	Amorpha canescens	0–28	–
Tree
10	Tree			0–28
	eastern redcedar	JUVI	Juniperus virginiana	0–28	–
	ponderosa pine	PIPO	Pinus ponderosa	0–28	–
	Tree	2TREE	Tree	0–28	–

Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Warm-Season Midgrass			10–120
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	0–100	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–100	–
	sand dropseed	SPCR	Sporobolus cryptandrus	20–80	–
	purple lovegrass	ERSP	Eragrostis spectabilis	0–50	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–20	–
2	Warm-Season Tallgrass			0–50
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	0–50	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–20	–
3	Cool-Season Bunchgrass			20–100
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	20–100	–
	Scribner's rosette grass	DIOLS	Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum	0–20	–
	fall rosette grass	DIWI5	Dichanthelium wilcoxianum	0–20	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–20	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–20	–
4	Warm-Season Shortgrass			200–350
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	150–350	–
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	50–150	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	20–100	–
	buffalograss	BODA2	Bouteloua dactyloides	0–100	–
5	Cool-Season Rhizomatous Grass			10–50
	western wheatgrass	PASM	Pascopyrum smithii	10–50	–
6	Grass-Like			50–180
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	50–180	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–100	–
7	Non-Native Grass			50–150
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	20–150	–
	Kentucky bluegrass	POPR	Poa pratensis	20–150	–
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	0–50	–
Forb
8	Forb			50–100
	tarragon	ARDR4	Artemisia dracunculus	20–70	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	20–70	–
	sweetclover	MELIL	Melilotus	0–70	–
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	0–60	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	10–60	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	10–50	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	10–40	–
	goatsbeard	TRAGO	Tragopogon	10–40	–
	scurfpea	PSORA2	Psoralidium	10–40	–
	wavyleaf thistle	CIUN	Cirsium undulatum	0–30	–
	western yarrow	ACMIO	Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis	0–30	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–20	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–10	–
	blacksamson echinacea	ECAN2	Echinacea angustifolia	0–10	–
	rush skeletonplant	LYJU	Lygodesmia juncea	0–10	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	0–10	–
	purple locoweed	OXLA3	Oxytropis lambertii	0–10	–
	spiny phlox	PHHO	Phlox hoodii	0–10	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–10	–
Shrub/Vine
9	Shrub			20–100
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	20–80	–
	smooth sumac	RHGL	Rhus glabra	0–80	–
	soapweed yucca	YUGL	Yucca glauca	0–50	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	10–40	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	10–40	–
	skunkbush sumac	RHTR	Rhus trilobata	0–30	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–10	–
Tree
10	Tree			0–20
	eastern redcedar	JUVI	Juniperus virginiana	0–20	–
	ponderosa pine	PIPO	Pinus ponderosa	0–20	–

Interpretations

Animal community

LIVESTOCK - GRAZING INTERPRETATIONS:
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide year-long forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the protein levels of the forage may be lower than the minimum needed to meet livestock (primarily cattle and sheep)requirements. The following table lists suggested stocking rates for cattle under continuous season-long grazing under normal growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using this information along with animal preference data, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. With consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity.

Production and Carrying Capacity*
Community 1.1, Reference Community: 1,700 lbs/acre, 0.47 AUM/acre
Community 1.2, At-Risk Grass Community: 1,400 lbs/ac, 0.38 AUM/acre
Community 2.1, Shortgrass Sod Community: 1,000 lbs/ac, 0.27 AUM/acre

*Based upon the following conditions: continuous season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions, 25 percent harvest efficiency. Air dry forage requirements based on 3 percent of animal body weight, or 912 lbs/AU/month.

WILDLIFE INTERPRETATIONS:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 66 lies primarily within the Mixed-grass prairie ecosystem. Though European settlers have converted about a quarter of this landscape to farmland, the majority of the prairie is still intact. This area still consists of diverse grassland habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional wetlands and limited woody riparian corridors. These habitats historically provided critical life cycle components for the grassland birds, prairie dogs, and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn. Bobcats, wolves, and mountain lions occupied the apex predator niche. Diverse populations of small mammals and insects still provide a bountiful prey base for raptors and omnivores such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and opossums. In addition, a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians thrive in this landscape.

The Mixed-Grass Prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary disturbances. Following European settlement, elimination of fire, overgrazing, and some habitat fragmentation significantly altered the appearance and functionality of the entire ecosystem. Bison and prairie dogs were historically keystone species, but free-roaming bison herds have been extirpated in this region. The loss of bison and fire as ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native grasslands and the habitats that they provide. Fragmentation has reduced habitat quality for numerous area-sensitive species, as highlighted by the decline of the greater prairie chicken.

Historically, an ecological mosaic of the sites provided habitat for species requiring unfragmented grasslands. Most of these important habitat features and components are intact, providing upland nesting habitat for grassland birds and game birds; nesting and escape cover for waterfowl; forbs and insects for brood-rearing habitat; and a forage source for small and large herbivores.

Disruption of the natural fire regime and lack of appropriate grazing management are the greatest threats to the ecosystem dynamics today. Tree and shrub encroachment from lack of fire creates habitat that favors generalist species such as American robin and mourning dove, and provides perches for raptors, increasing the predation mortality on native bird populations. Introduced species such as smooth bromegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, nodding plumeless thistle (musk thistle), and Canada thistle further degrade the biological integrity of many areas of the prairie.

Hydrological functions

Water is the principal factor limiting herbage production on this site. The site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group D. Infiltration varies from very slow to rapid, and runoff varies from low to high depending on slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An exception would be where short grasses form a dense sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

Recreational uses

This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic 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

Field Offices (Counties)
Nebraska:
Ainsworth, (Brown, Keya Paha, and Rock)
Neligh, (Antelope)
O'Neill, (Holt )
Valentine, (Cherry)

South Dakota:
Burke, (Gregory)
Martin, (Bennett and Shannon)
White River, (Mellette and Todd)
Winner, (Tripp)

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 Wayne Bachman, Soil Scientist, NRCS; Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Anna Ferguson, Soil Conservationist, NRCS; Roger Hammer, Soil Scientist, NRCS; Dana Larsen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Dave Schmidt, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS; Kim Stine, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS.

There are 8 SCS-RANGE-417 records from Brown, Keya Paha, Knox, and Cherry counties in Nebraska. The sample period was from 1968 to 1983.

There are also 3 ocular estimates collected in 2002 in Keya Paha County, Nebraska and Todd County, South Dakota.

Other references

High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska.(http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/)
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/national-range-and-pasture-handbook)
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National Water and Climate Center. (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2021b. National Soil Information System. (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/education-and-teaching-materials/national-soil-information-system-nasis).
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2021c. National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/handbook/).
Soil Survey Staff. 2021. Web soil survey. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/)
USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA USA.
USDA, NRCS, various published Soil Surveys

Contributors

Dana Larsen
Doug Whisenhunt
Nadine Bishop

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 11/18/2024

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to the members of the soils, local practitioners and technical teams, as well as the editor.

This Ecological Site was approved for publication in March of 2021.

Non-discrimination statement
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Rangeland health reference sheet

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.

Author(s)/participant(s)	Original Authors: Stan Boltz Version V Authors: Nadine Bishop, Emily Helms, Jeff Nichols
Contact for lead author	jeffrey.nichols@usda.gov
Date	11/18/2024
Approved by	Suzanne Mayne-Kinney
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production