Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R066XY055NE
Sands 22-25" P.Z.
Last updated: 11/18/2024
Accessed: 12/03/2024
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.
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 66 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. Bluestems, prairie sandreed, 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
There is a significant decline in precipitation from east to west across MLRA 66 which impacts plant community composition and annual production. For the purpose of ecological site development, the Sands ecological site is divided into two ecological sites to address this precipitation gradient and its impacts to the site. The Sands 22-25" PZ typically occurs east of a line that extends roughly from Johnstown, Nebraska to Witten, South Dakota.
The Sands 22-25" ecological site occurs on upland landscapes and does not receive additional moisture from run-off or overflow. The slopes typically range from 0 to 24 percent but may be as steep as 30 percent. Soil surface textures are predominantly fine sand and loamy fine sand, but may be sand, fine sandy loam, or loamy sand. Soils have a dark colored surface horizon that is less than seven inches thick. Catsteps are not evident on this site.
The historical native vegetation is Mixed Grass Prairie. The vegetation in the Reference Plant Community (1.1) is dominated by warm-season, tall- and midgrasses. Dominant species include Indiangrass, sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, switchgrass, needleandthread, and porcupinegrass. Forbs are common and diverse. Shrubs include leadplant, rose, and western sandcherry. This site is susceptible to invasion of non-native, cool-season grasses, especially Kentucky bluegrass.
Associated sites
| R066XY056NE |
Choppy Sands Subirrigated ecological sites may be found adjacent to and on a lower landscape position Sands 22-25" PZ ecological sites in interdune areas where the water table is within 18 to 36inches of the soil surface. |
|---|---|
| R066XY056NE |
Choppy Sands Choppy Sands ecological sites are often located adjacent to but on a higher landscape position than the Sands 22-25" PZ ecological site. |
| R066XY054NE |
Sandy 22-25 P.Z. Sandy 18-22" PZ ecological sites are often intermixed with or located adjacent to but on a lower landscape position than Sands 22-25" PZ ecological sites. |
Similar sites
| R066XY054NE |
Sandy 22-25 P.Z. Sandy 22-25" PZ and Sands 22-25" PZ ecological sites have similar soils and often occur in the same landscape but Sandy 18-22" PZ has finer soil textures and a thicker (more than seven inches thick) dark surface layer. |
|---|---|
| R066XY056NE |
Choppy Sands Choppy Sands and Sands 22-25" PZ ecological sites are found on similar soils and landscapes but Choppy Sands sites occur on steeper slopes with catsteps often present. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Andropogon hallii |
Physiographic features
The Sands 22-25 PZ ecological site occurs on dunes, hillslopes, and sand sheets of uplands where eolian sands have been deposited and on floodplains in sandy and gravelly alluvium.
Figure 2. Block diagram for the Sands site.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Dune
(2) Hillslope (3) Sand sheet (4) Flood plain |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Negligible to low |
| Flooding duration | Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) |
| Flooding frequency | None to occasional |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 1,900 – 3,000 ft |
| Slope | 30% |
| 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 in MLRA 66 and is split into two precipitation zones. The 18-22” zone lies West of a line beginning in on the Eastern border of Brown County Nebraska in the South and extending due North. This line effectively bisects Key Paha County, Nebraska and places the Eastern quarter of Tripp County, South Dakota in the 22-25” zone. 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 this area's climate. Hourly winds average about 10 miles per hour annually, ranging from about 11 miles per hour during the spring to about 9 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) | 117-127 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 137-147 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 25-26 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 113-129 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 134-152 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 24-27 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 123 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 143 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 25 in |
Figure 3. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 8. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) GREGORY [USC00393452], Gregory, SD
-
(2) NEWPORT [USC00255925], Newport, NE
-
(3) ATKINSON 3SW [USC00250420], Atkinson, NE
-
(4) O NEILL [USC00256290], Oneill, NE
-
(5) LYNCH [USC00255040], Lynch, NE
-
(6) BUTTE [USC00251365], Butte, NE
-
(7) FAIRFAX #2 [USC00392822], Fairfax, SD
-
(8) NIOBRARA [USC00255960], Niobrara, NE
-
(9) EWING [USC00252805], Ewing, NE
Influencing water features
None noted.
Soil features
The soil series correlated to the Sands 22-25 PZ" ecological site are moderately to very deep, somewhat excessively to excessively drained soils formed in sandy eolian sediments and alluvium. Soil surface textures are predominately fine sand, loamy fine sand, or sand but may be fine sandy loam or loamy sand. The dark colored surface layer is typically less than seven inches thick and may be a little as one inch thick. The slopes range from 0 to 30 percent but are typically less than 24 percent. Permeability is moderately rapid to rapid.
Runoff as evidenced by patterns of rill, gully, or other water flow is negligible to low, depending upon the percent of slope. Water infiltration is high because of the sandy surface layer. 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 percent of the plants.
The primary soil series associated with this ecological site are Inavale, Simeon, Thurman, and Valentine. Additional 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. Duda series profile.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Eolian sands
(2) Alluvium |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Fine sand (2) Loamy fine sand (3) Sand (4) Fine sandy loam (5) Loamy sand |
| Family particle size |
(1) Sandy |
| Drainage class | Somewhat excessively drained to excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately rapid to very rapid |
| Soil depth | 20 – 80 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 3% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (Depth not specified) |
2 – 4 in |
| Electrical conductivity (Depth not specified) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified) |
4 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified) |
5.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
3% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
The Sands 22-25 PZ 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: by herbivory, fire, and variable climate. Changes occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and exotic plant and animal species, and management actions.
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 wildfires, severe grazing by transient bison herds, and drought contributed to the lack of stability of the sand dunes causing the dunes to fluctuate 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 native plants such as sandbur, woolly plantain, annual buckwheat, and annual sunflower eventually colonized the areas between the perennials.
The introduction of domestic livestock by European settlers along with season-long, continuous grazing had a profound impact on the vegetation of the Sands 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, prairie sandreed, sand dropseed, and blue grama increase while sand bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass will decrease in frequency and production. As this site deteriorates, prairie sandreed, sand dropseed, and blue grama will increase. Species such as sand bluestem and switchgrass will decrease in frequency and production. The site is extremely resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high resistance to drought.
The State and Transition Model (STM) is depicted below and includes a Reference State (1), an Eroded State (2), a Native/Invaded Grass State (3), an Invaded Woody State (4), and a Sodbusted State (5). 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 also have been used. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
State and transition model
Figure 10. State and Transition Model Diagram. MLRA 66 Sands 22-25" PZ Ecological Site.
More interactive model formats are also available.
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
States 1, 5 and 2 (additional transitions)
| T1A | - | Heavy grazing with wildfire, drought, or disturbance, wind erosion. |
|---|---|---|
| T1B | - | Heavy grazing or haying with inadequate growing season recovery periods. |
| T1C | - | Woody encroachment with no fire or brush management. |
| T1D | - | Tillage to facilitate production agriculture. |
| R2A | - | Removal of disturbance with long-term (> 10 years) prescribed grazing. |
| R2B | - | Removal of disturbance with long-term (>10 years) prescribed grazing. |
| R2C | - | Removal of disturbance with long-term (>10 years) prescribed grazing. |
| R3A | - | Long-term (> 15 years) prescribed grazing which includes adequate growing season recovery periods. This restoration may not be feasible. |
| T3A | - | Heavy grazing with drought, wildfire or other disturbance, wind erosion. |
| T3B | - | Woody encroachment with no fire or brush management. |
| T3C | - | Tillage to facilitate production agriculture. |
| R4A | - | Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, brush management. |
| R4B | - | Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, brush management. |
| R4C | - | Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, brush management. |
| T5A | - | Heavy grazing with drought, wildfire or other disturbance, wind erosion. |
| T5B | - | Woody encroachment with no fire or brush management. |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1A | - | Continuous, season long grazing or rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods. Repetitive haying. |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1B | - | Prolonged (> 5 years) absence of herbivory and fire. |
| 1.2A | - | Prescribed grazing with adequate goring season recovery periods. |
| 1.2B | - | Heavy, repeated grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods. Repetitive haying. |
| 1.2C | - | Prolonged (> 5 years) absence of herbivory and fire. |
| 1.3A | - | Prescribed grazing with adequate, growing season recovery periods. |
| 1.3B | - | Prolonged (> 5 years) absence of herbivory and fire. |
| 1.4A | - | Prescribed grazing, prescribed burning. |
| 1.4B | - | Prescribed grazing, prescribed burning. |
| 1.4C | - | Prescribed grazing, prescribed burning. |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
| 2.1A | - | Prescribed grazing with concentrated, short-term animal impact. |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2A | - | Heavy grazing, rotational grazing with inadequate recovery periods, wildfire, drought. |
State 3 submodel, plant communities
| 3.1A | - | Continuous grazing in summer and fall. |
|---|---|---|
| 3.2A | - | Prescribed grazing in the spring followed by deferment. |
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
Figure 11. MLRA 66, Sands 22-25" PZ. Reference State. Brown County, NE.
The Reference State (1) describes the range of vegetative community phases that occur on the Sands 22-25 PZ 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 abundant soil moisture retention, vegetative production and overall soil quality. The Reference State includes the Reference Community (1.1), the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2), the At-Risk Community (1.3), and the Excessive Litter Community (1.4). 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 Degraded Native Grass (1.2) and At-Risk (1.3) Communities result from management decisions that are unfavorable for a healthy Reference Community. The Excessive Litter Community (1.4) occurs when herbivory and fire are eliminated from the landscape. All community phases are susceptible to eastern redcedar invasion and subject to crossing a threshold into the Invaded Woody State (4).
Dominant plant species
-
leadplant (Amorpha canescens), shrub
-
sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii), grass
-
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
-
sand lovegrass (Eragrostis trichodes), grass
-
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
-
porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea), grass
Community 1.1
Reference Community
Interpretations are primarily based on the Reference or Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed (Andropogon-Calamovilfa longifolia) Community (1.1). This plant community serves as a description of the native 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 evolved with grazing by large herbivores and is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock. This plant community consists chiefly of warm-season, tall- and midgrasses. Principle dominants are sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, little bluestem, needle and thread, and porcupinegrass. Grasses of secondary importance are Indiangrass, switchgrass, sand lovegrass, and hairy or blue grama. Sedges occur in the understory. Forbs and shrubs such as scale blazing star, dotted blazing star, stiff sunflower, leadplant, rose, and sandcherry are significant. This plant community is 85 to 95 percent grasses, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 1 to 5 percent shrubs by weight. 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 eastern redcedar encroachment where a seed source is present. 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. It is a sustainable in terms of site and soil stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity. Plant litter is properly distributed with some movement off-site and natural plant mortality is low. The diversity in plant species allows for high resistance to drought. Moderate or high available water capacity provides a favorable soil-water-plant relationship.
Dominant plant species
-
sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii), grass
-
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
-
porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea), grass
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 | 1740 | 2506 | 2955 |
| Forb | 135 | 210 | 300 |
| Shrub/Vine | 25 | 84 | 145 |
| Total | 1900 | 2800 | 3400 |
Figure 13. 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 |
Community 1.2
Degraded Native Grass Community
The Degraded Native Grass, or Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed-Switchgrass (Andropogon-Calamovilfa longifolia-Panicum virgatum) Community (1.2) develops under livestock grazing with inadequate recovery periods. Most of the palatable plants from the Reference Community (1.1) are present but occur in reduced amounts. Warm-season, tall- and midgrasses still comprise a significant component of this plant community. The composition of the plant community contributes to the high level of production during the summer months. These warm-season grasses cure well for winter forage stockpiling. Dominant grasses include sand bluestem, little bluestem, and prairie sandreed. Grasses of secondary importance include blue or hairy grama, switchgrass, sand dropseed, and Scribner’s rosette grass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include stiff sunflower, heath aster, and goldenrod. Indiangrass is no longer present and sand bluestem and perennial forbs are present in lesser amounts. The potential vegetation is 75 to 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 5 to 15 percent forbs, and 5 to 10 percent shrubs by weight. Strong healthy root systems allow production on this plant community to increase with favorable precipitation. This community is drought resistant due to its tall- and midgrass diversity. This plant community has slightly less litter than the Reference Community. This plant community phase is somewhat resistant to change; however, management which is designed to favor the warm-season, tall- and midgrasses can move this community to the Reference Community while continued grazing with inadequate recovery periods or annual haying during the same stage of plant growth will move this community to the At-Risk Community (1.3). The resiliency of this community is dependent on the type of management strategy implemented and the intensity and duration of the disturbance.
Dominant plant species
-
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
-
switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii), grass
Figure 14. 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 | 1570 | 1980 | 2275 |
| Forb | 115 | 240 | 375 |
| Shrub/Vine | 115 | 180 | 250 |
| Total | 1800 | 2400 | 2900 |
Figure 15. 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 1.3
At-Risk Community
Figure 16. Sand 22-25 PZ Ecological Site, At-Risk Community (1.3), Knox County, Nebraska.
The At-Risk Community or Prairie Sandreed/Cuman Ragweed (Calamovilfa longifolia/Ambrosia psilostachya) Community (1.3) occurs when heavy grazing is combined with continued seasonal grazing or continuous season-long starting early in the growing season. This community can also develop with heavy rotational grazing with inadequate recovery periods during the growing season. The plant community contains a mixture of warm- and cool-season grasses and increased presence of forbs and shrubs as compared to the Reference Community (1.1). The dominant plants include prairie sandreed, sand dropseed, and Cuman ragweed. Other grasses commonly present include blue grama, hairy grama, and Scribner’s rosette grass. Other forbs present may include tarragon and dotted and scaly blazing star. Shrubs, typically western snowberry or American plum have increased as compared to the Reference and Degraded Native Grass (1.2) Communities. Cool-season grasses and warm-season shortgrasses increase significantly while warm-season, tall- and midgrasses, such as sand bluestem, switchgrass, and little bluestem decrease. Prairie sandreed will initially increase as a percentage of the community and then decrease as heavy, continuous grazing continues. Non-native, cool-season grasses, especially smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass may begin to invade the site. The potential vegetation is 65 to 75 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 15 to 20 percent forbs, and 10 to 20 percent shrubs by weight. The soil surface remains intact. Compared to the Reference Plant Community, the total annual production is reduced by 25 to 35 percent. Plant diversity and amount of litter is lower. The percentage of ground cover and plant density will decrease; however, when non-native grasses such as smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass invade the site the percent ground cover and plant density may increase. This community is considered to be stable but is at risk of crossing a threshold if a major shift in climatic conditions or overgrazing occurs. The resiliency of this plant community is moderate, depending upon the intensity and duration of disturbance. Infiltration and runoff are not greatly affected due to the sandy nature of the soil.
Dominant plant species
-
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
-
sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
-
Cuman ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), other herbaceous
Figure 17. 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 | 1125 | 1377 | 1450 |
| Forb | 185 | 333 | 550 |
| Shrub/Vine | 90 | 190 | 300 |
| Total | 1400 | 1900 | 2300 |
Figure 18. 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 |
Community 1.4
Excessive Litter Community
The Excessive Litter Community (1.4) develops when the natural disturbances of livestock grazing and fire have been removed from the land for a prolonged period of time (more than five years). Periodic fire may extend the amount of time it will take to reach this community. The litter amount has clearly increased and few or no sedges or understory shortgrasses are present. As the undisturbed duff layer deepens, infiltration of the precipitation is interrupted and evaporation increases significantly, simulating drought-like conditions. Typically, bunchgrasses have developed dead centers and rhizomatous grasses have formed small colonies due to a lack of tiller stimulation. Plant frequency and production have decreased. Pedestalling is usually evident. The dominant grasses include sand bluestem, little bluestem, porcupinegrass, and needle and thread. Other grasses present may include sand dropseed, switchgrass, and prairie Junegrass. The dominant forbs typically include Cuman ragweed, tarragon, lemon scurfpea and prairie sunflower. The shrubs present include rose, leadplant, and western sandcherry. The potential vegetation is 85 to 95 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 1 to 5 percent forbs, and 1 to 5 percent shrubs. As compared to the Reference Community (1.1), plant diversity has decreased and native plants tend to occur in individual colonies. This plant community has a high amount of litter covering the soil between widely dispersed mature plants. As the litter layer thickens, the health and vigor of native, warm-season, tall- and midgrasses declines. Soil erosion is low and infiltration and runoff are not significantly different than the Reference Community. This plant community will change rapidly when grazing or fire is returned to the landscape.
Dominant plant species
-
sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii), grass
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
-
porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea), grass
Figure 19. 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 | 1710 | 2138 | 2560 |
| Forb | 45 | 81 | 120 |
| Shrub/Vine | 45 | 81 | 120 |
| Total | 1800 | 2300 | 2800 |
Figure 20. 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
A shift from the Reference Community (1.1) to the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) occurs with long-term (more than ten years) continuous season-long grazing, continuous seasonal grazing in the summer, or rotational grazing with inadequate growing-season recovery periods. The shift will also occur with repetitive haying without allowing adequate recovery periods during the growing season or annual haying during the same point in the growing season each year.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.4
Prolonged interruption (more than five years) of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will convert the Reference Community (1.1) to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4).
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Prescribed grazing with adequate growing season recovery periods will return the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) to the Reference Community (1.1). Appropriately timed prescribed fire may accelerate this process. Haying during a different time in the growing season each year or biennial haying will also return the community to the Reference Community.
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3
A shift from the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) to the At-Risk Community (1.3) occurs when heavy grazing is combined with continuous season-long grazing, continuous seasonal, or rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery time. Annual haying during the same growth stage will also cause this change.
Pathway 1.2C
Community 1.2 to 1.4
Prolonged (more than five years) interruption of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will convert the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4).
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Prescribed grazing with adequate growing season recovery periods will move the At-Risk Community (1.3) toward the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2). Appropriately timed prescribed fire may accelerate this process. Haying during a different point in the growing season each year or biennial haying will also return the community to the Reference Community.
Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.4
Prolonged (more than five years) interruption of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will move the At-Risk Community (1.3) to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4).
Pathway 1.4A
Community 1.4 to 1.1
Reintroduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire will return the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) to the Reference Community (1.1).
Pathway 1.4B
Community 1.4 to 1.2
Reintroduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire will return the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) to the Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2).
Pathway 1.4C
Community 1.4 to 1.3
Reintroduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire will return the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) to the At-Risk Community (1.3).
State 2
Eroded State
The threshold to the Eroded State (2) is crossed as a result of multiple disturbances, typically heavy grazing and multi-year drought, which causes large bare areas to develop. The resulting wind erosion produces large areas of blowing sand. The Eroded State includes the Active Blowout Community (2.1) and the Early Seral Community (2.2). If the Eroded State transitioned from the Native/Invaded Grass State (3) or the Sodbusted State (5), the land cannot transition to the Reference State (1) as the native plant community and soils have been too severely impacted to allow the return to the Reference State.
Dominant plant species
-
blowout grass (Redfieldia flexuosa), grass
-
sandhill muhly (Muhlenbergia pungens), grass
Community 2.1
Active Blowout Community
The Active Blowout or Blowout Grass-Sandhill Muhly (Redfieldia flexuosa-Muhlenbergia pungens) Community (2.1) develops in the presence of heavy disturbance and multi-year drought which causes large unvegetated areas to develop. Blowing sand damages adjacent vegetation and reduces cover causing additional soil movement and enlargement of the blowout. This condition can be reached from any other herbaceous plant community. Evaporation is extremely high. Transpiration of the few existing plants is also high due to bare ground, lack of litter, and low plant density. Due to their drought tolerance, sandhill muhly and blowout grass are present in areas of the blowout where soil movement is minimal.
Dominant plant species
-
blowout grass (Redfieldia flexuosa), grass
-
sandhill muhly (Muhlenbergia pungens), grass
Figure 21. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 22. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6638, Eroded Tableland, warm-season dominant.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 15 | 20 | 30 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 2.2
Early Seral Community
The Early Seral or Blowout Grass-Sandhill Muhly/Lemon Scurfpea (Redfieldia flexuosa-Muhlenbergia pungens/Psoralidium lanceolatum) Community (2.2) develops as the disturbances that created the Active Blowout Community (2.1) are removed. Sandhill muhly, and blowout grass, along with lemon scurfpea, and prairie sunflower are early colonizers. As succession progresses, sandhill muhly and blowout grass patches expand, and sand bluestem begins to colonize the site. Prairie sandreed, hairy grama, and rose will slowly expand into the plant community from areas outside the blowout.
Dominant plant species
-
blowout grass (Redfieldia flexuosa), grass
-
sandhill muhly (Muhlenbergia pungens), grass
-
lemon scurfpea (Psoralidium lanceolatum), other herbaceous
-
prairie sunflower (Helianthus petiolaris), other herbaceous
Figure 23. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 9. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 90 | 450 | 1085 |
| Forb | 100 | 225 | 375 |
| Shrub/Vine | 10 | 25 | 40 |
| Total | 200 | 700 | 1500 |
Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Elimination of the disturbance followed by prescribed grazing that incorporates concentrated, short-term animal impact, will move the Blowout Community (2.1) to the Early Seral Community (2.2).
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Any negative disturbance, such as heavy grazing, rotational grazing with inadequate recovery periods, wildfire, or drought can return the Early Seral Community (2.2) to the Active Blowout Community (2.1),
State 3
Native/Invaded Grass State
The Reference State (1) has been degraded and transitioned to the Native/Invaded Grass State (3). Most of the native warm-season, tall- and midgrass community has been replaced by warm-season shortgrasses and non-native cool-season grass. The loss of warm-season mid- and tallgrasses 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 plant community. The Native/Invaded Grass State includes the Shortgrass Sod (3.1) and the Invasive Grass (3.2) Communities.
Dominant plant species
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
sedge (Carex), grass
-
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
-
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
Community 3.1
Shortgrass Sod Community
The Shortgrass Sod or Blue Grama/Sedge (Bouteloua gracilis/Carex) Community (3.1) develops under heavy grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods. This community can also arise with continuous, summer long grazing or with rotational grazing that does not allow adequate recovery time before pastures are re-entered. This plant community will also occur in large pastures with poor grazing distribution which leads to animals repeatedly grazing individual plants. The Shortgrass Sod Community is dominated by warm-season shortgrasses, cool-season grasses, and grass-likes. Blue grama and sedges are the dominant species. Other grasses include hairy grama, sand dropseed, and needle and thread. Cuman ragweed and prairie sunflower are common forbs. Shrubs include rose and brittle pricklypear. Non-native, cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome, are significant but are 15 percent or less of the plant community by weight. Compared to the Reference Community (1.1), blue grama, hairy grama, sedges, Cuman ragweed, and rose have increased, while prairie sandreed, sand bluestem, and switchgrass have decreased significantly and may be present only as remnants. Plant diversity has decreased. Soil erosion is low. The high density of shallow rooted grasses decreases water infiltration resulting in an impaired hydrologic cycle. Due to the sod-forming nature of plants present and the corresponding high level of ground cover, this community is resistant to change. With disturbance, this plant community is also highly resilient.
Dominant plant species
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
sedge (Carex), other herbaceous
Figure 24. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 10. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 480 | 805 | 930 |
| Forb | 15 | 54 | 95 |
| Shrub/Vine | 5 | 41 | 75 |
| Total | 500 | 900 | 1100 |
Figure 25. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6638, Eroded Tableland, warm-season dominant.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 15 | 20 | 30 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 3.2
Invasive Grass Community
The Invasive Grass or Kentucky Bluegrass-Smooth Brome (Poa pratensis-Bromus inermis) Community (3.2) develops with heavy grazing during in the summer and fall. This plant community may also develop with continuous, season-long grazing or with rotational grazing that does not allow adequate, growing season recovery periods. Non-native cool-season grasses dominate the plant community and are at least 30 percent of the plant community composition by weight. Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome are the primary grasses. This community may include remnant native grasses but these will be eliminated unless management is changed. Plant diversity is extremely reduced when compared to the Reference Community (1.1) in terms of both individual species and functional and structural groups.
Dominant plant species
-
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
-
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2
The shift from the Shortgrass Sod Community (3.1) to the Invasive Grass Community (3.2) develops with heavy, continuous grazing with inadequate recovery periods when grazing is limited to summer and fall. Grazing in this manner causes native warm-season grasses to decrease and causes non-native, cool-season grasses to increase as a proportion of annual production.
Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1
When native, warm-season remnants remain in the plant community, the Invasive Grass Community (3.1) can shift to the Shortgrass Sod Community (3.1) with the implementation of prescribed grazing in the spring followed by deferment in the summer and fall. Native, warm-season grass remnants will increase in vigor and eventually replace the non-native, cool-season grasses. The amount of time required for this shift is dependent upon the amount of native grasses remaining in the plant community.
State 4
Invaded Woody State
The Invaded Woody State (4) 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 the Native/Invaded Grass State (3) or the Sodbusted State (5), 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 (4.1).
Dominant plant species
-
eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
-
rose (Rosa), shrub
-
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Community 4.1
Invaded Woody Community
The Invaded Woody or Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) Community (4.1) has at least 15 percent canopy cover consisting of trees generally 5 feet or taller. Encroaching trees are primarily eastern redcedar. Additional woody cover from deciduous trees and shrubs may be present. In the absence of fire and brush management, this ecological site is very susceptible to eastern redcedar seedling invasion, especially when adjacent to a seed source. Eastern redcedar can eventually dominate the site resulting in a closed canopy monoculture which drastically reduces forage production and which has limited value for either livestock grazing or wildlife habitat. With long-term fire suppression, this plant community will develop extensive ladder fuels which can lead to a removal of most tree species with a wildfire. With properly managed intensive grazing, encroachment of deciduous trees will be minimal; however, this will not impact encroachment of conifers. The herbaceous component decreases proportionately in relation to the percent canopy cover, with the reduction being greater under a coniferous overstory. Eastern redcedar control can usually be accomplished with prescribed burning while the trees are six feet tall or less and fine fuel production is greater than 1,500 pounds per acres. Larger red cedars can also be controlled with prescribed burning, but successful application requires the use of specifically designed ignition and holding techniques (https://www.loesscanyonsburning group.com). Resprouting brush must be chemically treated immediately after mechanical removal to achieve effective treatment. The forb component will initially increase following tree removal. To prevent return to a woody dominated community, ongoing brush management such as hand cutting, chemical spot treatments, or periodic prescribed burning is required . This plant community is resistant to change and resilient given normal disturbances. In higher canopy cover situations, the soil erosion will increase in relation to most of the plant communities from which this plant community originated. The hydrologic function is also significantly altered under higher canopy cover. Infiltration is reduced and runoff is typically increased because of a lack of herbaceous cover and the rooting structure provided by the herbaceous species. Total annual production during an average year varies significantly, depending on the production level prior to encroachment and the percentage of canopy cover.
Dominant plant species
-
eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
-
smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), shrub
-
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Figure 26. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 11. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 675 | 1001 | 1210 |
| Tree | 135 | 210 | 300 |
| Shrub/Vine | 25 | 84 | 145 |
| Forb | 65 | 105 | 145 |
| Total | 900 | 1400 | 1800 |
Figure 27. 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 |
State 5
Sodbusted State
The threshold to the Sodbusted State (5) is crossed as a result of mechanical disturbance to facilitate production agriculture. If farming operations are suspended, the site can seeded to native grasses and forms resulting in the Reseeded Native Grass Community (5.1), be seeded to a tame pasture forage mixture resulting in the Seeded Pasture Community (5.2) or be abandoned with no seeding which will result in the Natural Reclamation Community (5.3). Permanent alterations of the soil, plant community, and hydrologic cycle make restoration to the Reference State (1) extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Community 5.1
Reseeded Native Grass Community
The Reseeded Native Grass Community (3.1) does not contain native remnants, and varies considerably depending upon the seed mixture, the degree of soil erosion, the age of the stand, fertility management, and past grazing management. Native range and grasslands seeded to native species are ecologically different and should be managed separately. Factors such as functional group, species, stand density, and improved varieties all impact the production level and palatability of the seedings. Species diversity is often limited, and when grazed in conjunction with native rangelands, uneven forage utilization may occur. Total annual production during an average year varies significantly depending upon precipitation, management, and grass species seeded. Prescribed grazing including appropriate utilization levels, adequate growing-season recovery periods, and timing of grazing that favor the productivity, health, and vigor of the seeded species is required to maintain this community. Periodic prescribed burning and brush management may also be needed.
Community 5.2
Seeded Pasture Community
The Seeded Pasture Community (5.2) does not contain native remnants and varies considerably depending upon the extent of soil erosion, the species seeded, the quality of the stand that was established, the age of the stand, and management of the stand since establishment. There are several factors that make seeded tame pasture a different grazing resource than native rangeland and land seeded to a native grass mixture. Factors such as species selected, stand density, improved varieties, and harvest efficiency all impact production levels and palatability. Species diversity on seeded tame pasture is often limited to a few species. When seeded pasture and native rangelands or seeded pasture and seeded rangeland are in the same grazing unit, uneven forage utilization will occur. Improve forage utilization and stand longevity by managing this community separately from native rangelands or land seeded to native grass species. Total annual production during an average year varies significantly depending on the level of management and species seeded. Improved varieties of warm-season or cool-season grasses are recommended for optimum forage production. Fertilization, weed management, and prescribed grazing including appropriate utilization levels, adequate growing-season recovery periods, and timing of grazing that favor the productivity, health, and vigor of the seeded species are required to maintain this community. Periodic prescribed burning and brush management may also be needed.
Community 5.3
Natural Reclamation Community
The Natural Reclamation Community (5.3) consists of annual and perennial weeds and less desirable grasses. These sites have been farmed and abandoned without being reseeded. Soil organic matter and carbon reserves are reduced, soil structure is changed, and a plowpan or compacted layer can form, which decreases water infiltration. Residual synthetic chemicals may remain from farming operations. In early successional stages, this community is not stable. The hazard of erosion is a resource concern. Total annual production during an average year varies significantly depending on the succession stage of the plant community and any management applied to the system.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Multiple heavy disturbances such as heavy grazing with wildfire, multi-year drought, or other disturbance will cause the Reference State (1) to transition to the Eroded State (2). These disturbances create large areas of bare ground resulting in wind erosion with areas of blowing sand called blowouts. Concentration of livestock near fence corners, mineral feeders, and water tanks or trailing can be factors in development of a blowout.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Heavy grazing or haying with inadequate growing season recovery periods will cause the Reference State (1) to lose a significant proportion of warm- season, tall- and midgrass species and cross a threshold to the Native/Invaded Grass State (3). Water infiltration and other hydrologic functions will be reduced due to the root-matting presence of sod-forming grasses. When warm-season, tall-and midgrasses are reduced to remnant or trace amounts, biotic integrity may degraded to the point that restoration to the Reference State is not feasible.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4
Disruption of the natural fire regime and encroachment of invasive exotic and native woody species with no woody species management will cause the Reference State (1) to transition to the Invaded Woody State (4) if woody species control measures are not implemented.
Transition T1D
State 1 to 5
The Reference State (1) has been significantly altered by tillage to facilitate production agriculture. When the land is no longer cropped, the resulting state is the Sodbusted State (5). The disruption to the plant community, the soil, and the hydrology of the system make restoration to a true Reference State unlikely.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
Removal of the disturbance accompanied by prescribed grazing that includes short periods of concentrated short-term animal impact (such as feeding hay on the blowout) and adequate, growing season recovery periods will return the Eroded State (2) to the Reference State (1). This restoration is a long-term process and will typically take more than ten years to develop a plant community of the Reference State. Land that entered the Eroded State from the Native/Invaded Grass State (3) or the Sodbusted State (5) cannot return to the Reference State as the plant community has been too significantly altered.
Restoration pathway R2B
State 2 to 3
Removal of the disturbance accompanied by prescribed grazing that includes short periods of concentrated short-term animal impact (such as feeding hay on the blowout) and adequate, growing season recovery periods will return the Eroded State (2) to the Native/Invaded Grass State (3). This restoration is a long-term process and will typically take more than ten years to achieve. Land that entered the Eroded State from the Native/Invaded Grass State or the Sodbusted State (5) cannot return to the Reference State (1) as the plant community has been too significantly altered.
Restoration pathway R2C
State 2 to 5
Removal of the disturbance accompanied by prescribed grazing that includes short periods of concentrated short-term animal impact (such as feeding hay on the blowout) and adequate, growing season recovery periods will return the Eroded State (2) to the Sodbusted State (5). This restoration is a long-term process and will typically take more than ten years to achieve. Land that entered the Eroded State from the Native/Invaded Grass State (3) or the Sodbusted State cannot return to the Reference State (1) from the Eroded State as the plant community has been too significantly altered.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
The Native/Invaded Grass State (3) may be restored to the Reference State (3) with long-term prescribed grazing which includes adequate growing season recovery periods (deferment). This process will take a significant amount of time (more than fifteen years) and will only occur If adequate numbers of native, warm-season, tall- and midgrasses and cool-season remnants are present. If these plants have been removed from the community, this restoration may not be feasible.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 2
Multiple heavy disturbances such as heavy grazing with wildfire, multi-year drought, or other disturbance will cause the Native/Invaded Grass State (3) to transition to the Eroded State (2). These disturbances create large areas of bare ground resulting in wind erosion with areas of blowing sand called blowouts. Concentration of livestock near fence corners, mineral feeders, and water tanks or trailing can be factors in development of a blowout.
Transition T3B
State 3 to 4
Disruption of the natural fire regime and the encroachment of invasive exotic and native woody species can cause the Native/Invaded Grass State (3) to transition to the Invaded Woody State (4) if woody species control measures are not implemented.
Transition T3C
State 3 to 5
The Native/Invaded Grass State (3) has been significantly altered by mechanical tillage to facilitate production agriculture. When the land is no longer cropped, the resulting state is the Sodbusted State (5). The disruption to the plant community, the soils, and the hydrology of the system make restoration to the Native/Invaded Grass State unlikely.
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 1
Prescribed burning, wildfire, harvest, and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State (4) 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 (4) from the Native/Invaded Grass State (3) or the Sodbusted State (4), 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 R4B
State 4 to 3
Prescribed burning, wildfire, harvest, and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State (4) toward the Native/Invaded Grass State (3). 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 Native/Invaded Grass State or the Sodbusted State (5), 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.
Restoration pathway R4C
State 4 to 5
Prescribed burning, wildfire, harvest, and brush management will move the Invaded Woody State (4) toward the Sodbusted State (5). 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 Native/Invaded Grass State (3) or the Sodbusted 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.
Transition T5A
State 5 to 2
The Sodbusted State (5) crosses the threshold to the Eroded State (2) with a series of heavy disturbances such as heavy grazing with wildfire, multi-year drought, or other disturbance. These multiple disturbances create large areas of bare ground resulting in wind erosion with areas of blowing sand called blowouts. Concentration of livestock near fence corners, mineral feeders, and water tanks or trailing can be factors in development of a blowout.
Transition T5B
State 5 to 4
Disruption of the natural fire regime and encroachment of invasive exotic and native woody species with no woody species management will cause the Sodbusted State (5) to transition to the Invaded Woody State (4) if woody species control measures are not implemented.
Additional community tables
Table 12. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 1400–1820 | ||||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 700–1120 | – | ||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 420–840 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 140–560 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 140–420 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–28 | – | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 560–840 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 420–700 | – | ||
| sand lovegrass | ERTR3 | Eragrostis trichodes | 140–420 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–112 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–28 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 280–560 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 140–280 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 140–280 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 28–140 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 28–140 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–28 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 56–280 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 28–280 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 28–140 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–84 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–28 | – | ||
| 6 | Grass-Like | 28–140 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 28–140 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 8 | Forb | 140–280 | ||||
| silverleaf Indian breadroot | PEAR6 | Pediomelum argophyllum | 0–84 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–56 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–56 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–56 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–56 | – | ||
| stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–56 | – | ||
| scaly blazing star | LISQ | Liatris squarrosa | 0–56 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–28 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–28 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–28 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–28 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–28 | – | ||
| prairie spiderwort | TROC | Tradescantia occidentalis | 0–28 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–28 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 9 | Shrub | 28–140 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 28–84 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 28–84 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 28–84 | – | ||
| western sandcherry | PRPUB | Prunus pumila var. besseyi | 28–84 | – | ||
| American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–56 | – | ||
| soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 0–28 | – | ||
| brittle pricklypear | OPFR | Opuntia fragilis | 0–28 | – | ||
Table 13. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 720–1560 | ||||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 360–720 | – | ||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 240–480 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 240–480 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 0–120 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–24 | – | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 360–600 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 360–600 | – | ||
| sand lovegrass | ERTR3 | Eragrostis trichodes | 0–120 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–120 | – | ||
| purple lovegrass | ERSP | Eragrostis spectabilis | 0–120 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–12 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 24–120 | ||||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–120 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–120 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 24–120 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–120 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–24 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 192–360 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 120–240 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 120–240 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–120 | – | ||
| sandhill muhly | MUPU2 | Muhlenbergia pungens | 0–48 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–12 | – | ||
| 5 | Grass-Like | 24–120 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 24–120 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forb | 120–360 | ||||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–96 | – | ||
| scaly blazing star | LISQ | Liatris squarrosa | 0–96 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–96 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–72 | – | ||
| silverleaf Indian breadroot | PEAR6 | Pediomelum argophyllum | 0–72 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–72 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–48 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–48 | – | ||
| prairie spiderwort | TROC | Tradescantia occidentalis | 0–48 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–48 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–48 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–24 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–24 | – | ||
| prairie sunflower | HEPE | Helianthus petiolaris | 0–24 | – | ||
| stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–24 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrub | 120–240 | ||||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 48–120 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 24–96 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–72 | – | ||
| soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 0–72 | – | ||
| western sandcherry | PRPUB | Prunus pumila var. besseyi | 0–48 | – | ||
| American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–24 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–24 | – | ||
Table 14. Community 1.3 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 380–570 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 380–570 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–190 | – | ||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 0–95 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–19 | – | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 95–285 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 95–285 | – | ||
| purple lovegrass | ERSP | Eragrostis spectabilis | 0–190 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–190 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 95–190 | ||||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 95–190 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–95 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–95 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–95 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 190–380 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 95–285 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 95–190 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–95 | – | ||
| Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 0–38 | – | ||
| sandhill muhly | MUPU2 | Muhlenbergia pungens | 0–38 | – | ||
| mat sandbur | CELO3 | Cenchrus longispinus | 0–38 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–19 | – | ||
| 5 | Grasslike | 19–152 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 19–152 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grass | 190–570 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 190–570 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–95 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forb | 190–475 | ||||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 190–380 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–152 | – | ||
| scaly blazing star | LISQ | Liatris squarrosa | 0–152 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–95 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–95 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–95 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–95 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–95 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–95 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–95 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–57 | – | ||
| Rocky Mountain beeplant | CLSE | Cleome serrulata | 0–57 | – | ||
| prairie sunflower | HEPE | Helianthus petiolaris | 0–57 | – | ||
| hoary verbena | VEST | Verbena stricta | 0–38 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–19 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–19 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrub | 95–285 | ||||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 38–190 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 38–152 | – | ||
| soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 19–95 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 19–57 | – | ||
| American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–19 | – | ||
Table 15. Community 1.4 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 575–1265 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 230–575 | – | ||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 345–575 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 115–345 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 0–115 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–23 | – | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 345–690 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 230–460 | – | ||
| sand lovegrass | ERTR3 | Eragrostis trichodes | 115–230 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 115–230 | – | ||
| purple lovegrass | ERSP | Eragrostis spectabilis | 0–69 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 230–575 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 115–460 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 115–460 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 46–184 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 46–184 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–46 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 0–115 | ||||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–115 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–115 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–115 | – | ||
| Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 0–69 | – | ||
| mat sandbur | CELO3 | Cenchrus longispinus | 0–69 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–23 | – | ||
| 6 | Grass-Like | 23–46 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 23–46 | – | ||
| 7 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grass | 0–115 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–115 | – | ||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 0–115 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 8 | Forb | 46–115 | ||||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–115 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–69 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–69 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–69 | – | ||
| Rocky Mountain beeplant | CLSE | Cleome serrulata | 0–46 | – | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–46 | – | ||
| blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–46 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–46 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–46 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–23 | – | ||
| spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–23 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–23 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–23 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–23 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–23 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–23 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 19 | Shrub | 46–115 | ||||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–69 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–69 | – | ||
| western sandcherry | PRPUB | Prunus pumila var. besseyi | 0–69 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–69 | – | ||
| American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–46 | – | ||
| soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 0–23 | – | ||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 0–23 | – | ||
Table 16. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 0–45 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 0–45 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–18 | – | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 45–180 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–27 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–18 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 0–45 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–27 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–27 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–27 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 180–450 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 135–315 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 18–90 | – | ||
| Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 9–45 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–18 | – | ||
| mat sandbur | CELO3 | Cenchrus longispinus | 0–9 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–9 | – | ||
| 5 | Grass-Like | 45–135 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 45–135 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grass | 0–90 | ||||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 0–45 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–18 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forb | 18–90 | ||||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–45 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–45 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–45 | – | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–27 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–27 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–27 | – | ||
| vervain | VERBE | Verbena | 0–18 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–18 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–18 | – | ||
| blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–9 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–9 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–9 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrub | 9–63 | ||||
| pricklypear | OPUNT | Opuntia | 9–45 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–27 | – | ||
| soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 0–18 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–9 | – | ||
Table 17. Community 2.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 105–140 | ||||
| blowout grass | REFL | Redfieldia flexuosa | 35–70 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–70 | – | ||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 0–35 | – | ||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 0–35 | – | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 0–42 | ||||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–21 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–21 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 0–42 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–28 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–14 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 105–280 | ||||
| mat sandbur | CELO3 | Cenchrus longispinus | 70–105 | – | ||
| Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 14–70 | – | ||
| sandhill muhly | MUPU2 | Muhlenbergia pungens | 35–70 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–21 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–21 | – | ||
| 5 | Grass-like | 0–14 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–14 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-Native Cool-season Grass | 0–140 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–140 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–140 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forb | 105–350 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 35–245 | – | ||
| lemon scurfpea | PSLA3 | Psoralidium lanceolatum | 70–140 | – | ||
| prairie sunflower | HEPE | Helianthus petiolaris | 35–140 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–70 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 35–70 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–70 | – | ||
| Rocky Mountain beeplant | CLSE | Cleome serrulata | 7–35 | – | ||
| hoary verbena | VEST | Verbena stricta | 0–14 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrub | 14–35 | ||||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 7–21 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 7–21 | – | ||
Table 18. Community 3.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 0–45 | ||||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 0–45 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–18 | – | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 45–180 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 45–180 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–90 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 0–45 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–27 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–27 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–27 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 180–450 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 135–315 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 18–90 | – | ||
| Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 9–45 | – | ||
| mat sandbur | CELO3 | Cenchrus longispinus | 0–45 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–18 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–9 | – | ||
| 5 | Grass-like | 45–135 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 45–135 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grass | 0–90 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–90 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–18 | – | ||
| Grass, annual | 2GA | Grass, annual | 0–18 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–18 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forb | 18–90 | ||||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–45 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 0–45 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–45 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–27 | – | ||
| prairie sunflower | HEPE | Helianthus petiolaris | 0–27 | – | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–27 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–27 | – | ||
| hoary verbena | VEST | Verbena stricta | 0–18 | – | ||
| palmleaf Indian breadroot | PEDI9 | Pediomelum digitatum | 0–18 | – | ||
| slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 0–18 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–18 | – | ||
| scaly blazing star | LISQ | Liatris squarrosa | 0–9 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–9 | – | ||
| Missouri goldenrod | SOMI2 | Solidago missouriensis | 0–9 | – | ||
| stiff goldenrod | OLRI | Oligoneuron rigidum | 0–9 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–9 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrub | 9–63 | ||||
| brittle pricklypear | OPFR | Opuntia fragilis | 9–45 | – | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–27 | – | ||
| soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 0–18 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–9 | – | ||
Table 19. Community 4.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 210–350 | ||||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 70–140 | – | ||
| prairie sandreed | CALO | Calamovilfa longifolia | 70–140 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–70 | – | ||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–70 | – | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 140–280 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 70–140 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 70 | – | ||
| purple lovegrass | ERSP | Eragrostis spectabilis | 0–42 | – | ||
| sand lovegrass | ERTR3 | Eragrostis trichodes | 0–28 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-Season Bunchgrass | 210–350 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 140–210 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–140 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 14–70 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–70 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–28 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 70–210 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 70–140 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 28–70 | – | ||
| sandhill muhly | MUPU2 | Muhlenbergia pungens | 0–70 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–28 | – | ||
| Fendler threeawn | ARPUL | Aristida purpurea var. longiseta | 0–28 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 0–14 | – | ||
| 5 | Grass-Like | 28–140 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 28–140 | – | ||
| 6 | Non-Native Cool-Season Grass | 14–70 | ||||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 14–70 | – | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–70 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forb | 70–140 | ||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–70 | – | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–70 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 28–42 | – | ||
| tarragon | ARDR4 | Artemisia dracunculus | 14–42 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 14–28 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 14–28 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–28 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 0–28 | – | ||
| stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–14 | – | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–14 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–14 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–14 | – | ||
| blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–14 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–14 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrub | 65–195 | ||||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 14–70 | – | ||
| smooth sumac | RHGL | Rhus glabra | 14–70 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–70 | – | ||
| soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 0–28 | – | ||
| American plum | PRAM | Prunus americana | 0–28 | – | ||
| brittle pricklypear | OPFR | Opuntia fragilis | 0–28 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–28 | – | ||
| western sandcherry | PRPUB | Prunus pumila var. besseyi | 0–14 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 9 | Tree | 70–280 | ||||
| eastern redcedar | JUVI | Juniperus virginiana | 65–195 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
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: 2,800 lbs/acre, 0.77 AUM/acre
Community 1.2, Degraded Native Community: 2,400 lbs/ac, 0.66 AUM/acre
Community 1.3, At-Risk Community: 1,900 lbs/acre, 0.63 AUM/acre
Community 1.4, Excessive Litter Community: 2,300 lbs/ac, 0.66 AUM/acre**
Community 2.2, Early Seral Community: 700 lbs/ac, 0.19 AUM/acre
Community 3.1, Shortgrass Sod/Invasive Grass Community: 900 lbs/ac, 0.25 AUM/ac
*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.
**Production in the Excessive Litter Community is extremely variable with the amount of production dependent upon the length of time that herbivory and fire have been excluded.
WILDLIFE INTERPRETATIONS:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 66 lies primarily within the Mixed-grass Prairie ecosystem. Though European settlers 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 forage production on this site. Normal rainfall is 22-25 inches per year. Soils on this site are in Hydrologic Soil Group A (low runoff and high infiltration even when thoroughly wetted). Water transmission through Group A soils is normally greater than 0.30 inches per hour. Runoff is expected to occur only during the most intense storms (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
For the Reference Community, rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable, if at all present. 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 percent of the soil surface. Overall, this site has the appearance of being very 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 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)
Bloomfield, (Knox,)
Spencer, (Boyd)
Neligh, (Antelope)
O'Neill, (Holt)
Valentine, (Cherry)
South Dakota:
Burke, (Gregory)
Martin, (Bennett and Shannon)
Winner, (Tripp)
White River, (Mellette and Todd)
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data.
There are 14 SCS-RANGE-417 records from Cherry, Garden, Keith, Lincoln, Sheridan, and Thomas Counties in Nebraska. The sample period was from 1968 to 1983.
Other references
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
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email:
program.intake@usda.gov.
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 Author: Stan Boltz Version V participants: Emily Helms, Nadine Bishop, 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 |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None. Rills are not expected on this site. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None. Water flow patterns are not expected on this site. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Typically, none. Bunch grasses may be slightly pedestalled (0.5 inch/1.25 cm) with no exposed roots; occurrence of pedestalled plants will be rare. Pedestals will typically occur on north and west aspects of slopes exceeding 10 percent and where bunchgrasses are more common. Drought or wildfire can contribute to increased incidences of pedestalled plants. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is typically less than 15 percent. Bare ground patches are not connected and are less than 6 inches (15 cm) across, unless associated with disturbance such as burrowing animals. Multi-year drought and/or wildfire can increase bare ground to 25 percent for up to two years following the disturbance.
Bare ground is exposed mineral soil that is not covered by vegetation (basal and/or foliar canopy), standing dead vegetation, gravel/rock, and visible biological crust (e.g., lichen, mosses, algae). -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. Gullies are not expected on this site. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Typically, none. Occasional areas associated with concentrated animal activity (livestock trailing and burrowing animals) may exhibit wind scoured areas with accompanying deposition. These areas are typically less than 10 feet (3 meters) across and comprise less than 1 percent of the site. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter should fall in place. Slight amount of movement of fine litter from water is possible, but not normal. Movement of fine litter should be less than 6 inches (15 cm). Coarse litter is not expected to move. Litter movement from wind is not expected. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
This site has low organic matter in the surface horizon and the structure is single grain sand. Soil stability will be difficult to measure on these soils. Soil stability ratings of less than 2 are expected. Surface erosion by water rarely occurs due to rapid infiltration, but the surface is susceptible to wind erosion when vegetative cover is reduced due to multi-year drought, wildfire, or multi-year heavy grazing. Biological crusts may be present (up to 10 percent of the surface) and serve to provide resistance to erosion. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
The surface layer should be 1 to 7 inches (2.5 to 18 cm) thick. Soil is dark grayish brown to brown (values of 4 to 5) when dry and dark grayish brown to very dark grayish brown (values of 3 to 4) when moist. Structure is typically weak medium and coarse subangular blocky parting to single grain.
The primary soil series correlated to this site include Inavale, Simeon, Thurman, and Valentine. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
The functional/structural groups provide a combination of rooting depths and structure which positively influences infiltration. Combination of shallow and deep rooted species (mid & tall rhizomatous and tufted perennial cool season grasses) with fine and coarse roots positively influences infiltration. Invasion of introduced cool-season grasses such as annual bromes, Kentucky bluegrass, and smooth brome may have an adverse impact on infiltration and runoff. Woody encroachment may also negatively influence infiltration.
The expected composition of the plant community is 85 percent perennial grasses and grass-likes, 10 percent forbs, and 5 percent shrubs. The perennial grass and grass-like component is made up of C4, rhizomatous, tallgrasses (50-65%); C4, midgrasses (20-30%); C3, bunchgrasses (10-20%); C4, shortgrasses (2-10%); and grass-likes (1-5%). -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. A compaction layer should not be present. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Phase 1.1
1.Native, perennial, C4, tallgrass, 1400-1820 #/ac, 50-65% (4 species minimum): Indiangrass, prairie sandreed, sand bluestem, switchgrass.
2. Native, perennial, C4, midgrass, 560-840 #/ac, 20-30% (3 species minimum): little bluestem, sand lovegrass, sand dropseed.
Phase 1.2
1. Native, perennial, C4, tallgrass, 720-1560 #/ac, 30-65% (3 species minimum): Indiangrass, prairie sandreed, sand bluestem, switchgrass.
2. Native, perennial, C4, midgrass, 360-600 #/ac, 15-25% (1 species minimum): little bluestem, sand lovegrass, sand dropseed, purple lovegrass.
Phase 1.3
1. Native, perennial, C4, tallgrass, 380-570 #/ac, 20-30% (1 species minimum): Indiangrass, prairie sandreed, sand bluestem, switchgrass.
2. Non-native, C3 grass, 190-570 #/ac, 10-30% (1 species minimum): Kentucky bluegrass, cheatgrass.
3. Native forb, 190-475 #ac, 10-25% (6 species minimum): forbs present vary from location to location.Sub-dominant:
Phase 1.1
1. Native, perennial, C3, bunchgrasses, 280-560 #/ac, 10-20% (4 species minimum): needle and thread, porcupinegrass, prairie Junegrass, Scribner’s rosettegrass.
Phase 1.2
1. Native, perennial, C4, shortgrass, 192-360 #/ac, 8-15% (2 species minimum): blue grama, hairy grama, thin paspalum, sandhill muhly.
2. Forbs, 120-360 #/ac, 5-15% (6 species minimum): forbs present vary from location to location.
Phase 1.3
1. Native, perennial, C4, shortgrass, 190-380 #/ac, 10-20% (2 species minimum): blue grama, hairy grama, thin paspalum, sandhill muhly.
2. Native, perennial, C4, midgrass, 95-285 #/ac, 5-15% (1 species minimum): little bluestem, sand lovegrass, sand dropseed, purple lovegrass.
3. Shrub – 95-285 #/ac, 5-15% (3 species minimum): rose, fragile pricklypear, soapweed yucca, and other shrubs which vary from location to location.Other:
Minor - Phase 1.1
1. Native forb, 140-280 #ac, 5-10%: forbs present vary from location to location.
2. Native, perennial, C4, shortgrass, 56-280 #/ac, 2-10%: blue grama, hairy grama, thin paspalum.
3. Grass-like, 28-140 #/ac, 1-5%: sedges.
4. Shrub – 28-140 #/ac, 1-5%: Leadplant, western sandcherry, rose, and other shrubs which vary from location to location.
Minor - Phase 1.2
1. Shrubs – 120-440 #/ac, 5-10%: Leadplant, western sandcherry, rose, and other shrubs which vary from location to location.
2. Grass-likes, 120-240 #/ac, j5-10%: sedges.
3. Native, perennial, C3, bunchgrasses, 24-120 #/ac, 1-5%: needle and thread, porcupinegrass, prairie Junegrass, Scribner’s rosettegrass
Minor - Phase 1.3
1. Native, perennial, C3, bunchgrasses, 95-190 #/ac, 5-10%: needle and thread, porcupinegrass, prairie Junegrass, Scribner’s rosettegrass.
2. Grass-likes, 19-152 #/ac, 1-8%: sedges.Additional:
The Reference Community (1.1) consists of seven F/S groups. These groups are, in order of relative abundance, native, perennial, C4 tallgrass; native, perennial, C4 midgrass; native, perennial, C3 bunchgrass; native forb; native, perennial, C4 shortgrass; grass-like = shrub.
The Degraded Native Community (1.2) consists of seven F/S groups. These groups are, in order of relative abundance, native, perennial, C4, tallgrass; native, perennial, C4, midgrass; native, perennial, C4 shortgrass; native forb; shrub; grass-like; and native, perennial, C3 bunchgrass.
The At Risk Community (1.3) consists of eight groups which are native, perennial, C4, tallgrass; non-native, C3 grass; forbs; native, perennial, C4 shortgrass; native, perennial, C4 midgrass; shrub; native, perennial, C3 bunchgrass; and grass-like. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers with few (less than 3 percent) dead centers. Shrubs may show some dead branches (less than 5 percent) as plants age. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Plant litter cover is evenly distributed throughout the site and is expected to be 60 to 90 percent and at a depth of 0.25 to 0.50 inch (0.65-1.3 cm). Litter cover during and following drought can range from 30 to 50 percent and 5 to 15 percent following wildfire. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
The representative value (RV) for annual production is 2,800 pounds per acre on an air dry weight basis. Low and High production years should yield 1,900 and 3,400 pounds per acre respectively. -
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:
No non-native invasive species are present. Annual bromes (cheatgrass and Japanese/field), leafy spurge, absinth wormwood, eastern redcedar, and Kentucky bluegrass are known invasives that have the potential to become dominant or co-dominant on this site. Consult the state noxious weed and state watch lists for potential invasive species. Note: species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All perennial species exhibit high vigor relative to recent weather conditions. Perennial grasses should have vigorous rhizomes or tillers; vegetative and reproductive structures are not stunted. All perennial species should be capable of reproducing annually.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.
Ecosystem states
States 1, 5 and 2 (additional transitions)
| T1A | - | Heavy grazing with wildfire, drought, or disturbance, wind erosion. |
|---|---|---|
| T1B | - | Heavy grazing or haying with inadequate growing season recovery periods. |
| T1C | - | Woody encroachment with no fire or brush management. |
| T1D | - | Tillage to facilitate production agriculture. |
| R2A | - | Removal of disturbance with long-term (> 10 years) prescribed grazing. |
| R2B | - | Removal of disturbance with long-term (>10 years) prescribed grazing. |
| R2C | - | Removal of disturbance with long-term (>10 years) prescribed grazing. |
| R3A | - | Long-term (> 15 years) prescribed grazing which includes adequate growing season recovery periods. This restoration may not be feasible. |
| T3A | - | Heavy grazing with drought, wildfire or other disturbance, wind erosion. |
| T3B | - | Woody encroachment with no fire or brush management. |
| T3C | - | Tillage to facilitate production agriculture. |
| R4A | - | Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, brush management. |
| R4B | - | Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, brush management. |
| R4C | - | Prescribed burning, wildfire, timber harvest, brush management. |
| T5A | - | Heavy grazing with drought, wildfire or other disturbance, wind erosion. |
| T5B | - | Woody encroachment with no fire or brush management. |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1A | - | Continuous, season long grazing or rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods. Repetitive haying. |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1B | - | Prolonged (> 5 years) absence of herbivory and fire. |
| 1.2A | - | Prescribed grazing with adequate goring season recovery periods. |
| 1.2B | - | Heavy, repeated grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods. Repetitive haying. |
| 1.2C | - | Prolonged (> 5 years) absence of herbivory and fire. |
| 1.3A | - | Prescribed grazing with adequate, growing season recovery periods. |
| 1.3B | - | Prolonged (> 5 years) absence of herbivory and fire. |
| 1.4A | - | Prescribed grazing, prescribed burning. |
| 1.4B | - | Prescribed grazing, prescribed burning. |
| 1.4C | - | Prescribed grazing, prescribed burning. |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
| 2.1A | - | Prescribed grazing with concentrated, short-term animal impact. |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2A | - | Heavy grazing, rotational grazing with inadequate recovery periods, wildfire, drought. |
State 3 submodel, plant communities
| 3.1A | - | Continuous grazing in summer and fall. |
|---|---|---|
| 3.2A | - | Prescribed grazing in the spring followed by deferment. |