Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R067AY138WY
Saline Lowland (SL)
Last updated: 12/10/2024
Accessed: 12/22/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 067A–Central High Plains, Northern Part
MLRA 67A-Central High Plains, Northern Part is located in southeastern Wyoming (58 percent), the southwestern portion of the Nebraska panhandle (38 percent), and extreme northeastern Colorado (4 percent). It is comprised of rolling plains, upland breaks, and river valleys. The major rivers are the North Platte and Laramie. The headwaters of these systems are in the Rocky Mountains. Other tributaries include Crow, Horse, and Lodgepole Creeks. This MLRA is traversed by Interstate 25 and Interstate 80, and by U.S. Highways 26, 30 and 85. Major land uses include rangeland (71 percent), cropland (21 percent), pasture and hayland (1 percent), urban (3 percent), and miscellaneous (4 percent). Cities in this area include Cheyenne, Torrington, and Wheatland, WY; and Kimball, Oshkosh, and Scottsbluff, NE. Land ownership is mostly private. Areas of interest include Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock and Fort Laramie National Historic Sites; Hawk Springs, Lake Minatare, and Wildcat Hills State Recreation Areas; Ash Hollow and Guernsey State Parks.
The elevations in MLRA 67A range from approximately 3,300 to 6,200 feet. The average annual precipitation in this area ranges from 13 to17 inches per year, but may increase up to 18 inches per year, in localized areas. Precipitation occurs mostly during the growing season from rapidly developing thunderstorms. Mean annual air temperature ranges from 47 degrees Fahrenheit in the western part to 52 degrees Fahrenheit in the eastern part. Summer temperatures may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures may drop to sub-zero, and snowfall varies from 20 to 50 inches per year.
Classification relationships
MLRA 67A is in the Western Great Plains Range and Irrigation Land Resource Region. It is in the High Plains Section, of the Great Plains Province, of the Interior Plains (USDA, 2006). MLRAs can be defined by climate, landscapes, geology, and annual precipitation zones (PZ). Other features such as landforms, soil properties, and key vegetation further refine these concepts, and are described at the Ecological Site Description (ESD) level.
Revision Notes
The Saline Lowland (SL) 12 to 17 Precipitation Zone (PZ) Ecological Site was developed by an earlier version of the Saline Lowland (SL) ESD (2005, updated 2008). The earlier version of the Saline Lowland (SL) 12 to 17 inch Precipitation Zone ESD was based on input from NRCS (formerly Soil Conservation Service) and historical information obtained from the Saline Lowland (SL) Range Site Description (1988) and earlier (1970). This ESD meets the Provisional requirements of the National Ecological Site Handbook (NESH). This ESD will continue refinement towards an Approved status according to the NESH.
Ecological site concept
The Saline Lowland Ecological Site is a run-on site that has salts on the surface or in the top six inches of the soil profile. The water table is deeper than 36 inches.
Associated sites
| R067AY150WY |
Sandy (Sy) This ecological site is commonly adjacent. |
|---|---|
| R067AY152WY |
Sandy Lowland (SyL) This ecological site is commonly adjacent. |
| R067AY144WY |
Saline Upland (SU) This ecological site is commonly adjacent. |
Similar sites
| R067AY144WY |
Saline Upland (SU) The Saline Upland Ecological Site is a run-off site. |
|---|---|
| R067AY124WY |
Loamy Lowland (LyL) The Loamy Lowland Ecological Site does not have salts on the soil surface or in the top six inches of the profile. |
| R067AY152WY |
Sandy Lowland (SyL) The Sandy Lowland Ecological Site does not have salts on the soil surface or in the top six inches of the profile. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Sarcobatus vermiculatus |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Sporobolus airoides |
Physiographic features
This site typically occurs on the floodplains, drainageways, or floodplain-steps of the river valleys; but may also occur on low stream terraces that have very rare to no flooding.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Flood plain
(2) Flood-plain step (3) Drainageway |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Negligible to low |
| Flooding duration | Very brief (4 to 48 hours) |
| Flooding frequency | None to rare |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 3,000 – 5,500 ft |
| Slope | 3% |
| Water table depth | 80 – 240 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Wide fluctuations in precipitation may occur from year to year, as well as occasional periods of drought (longer than one year in duration). Two-thirds of the annual precipitation occurs during the growing season from April to September. The mean annual air temperature (MAAT) ranges from 47 degrees Fahrenheit in the western part to 52 degrees Fahrenheit in the eastern part. Cold air outbreaks from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may also occur in winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranch operations during the late winter and spring months. High-intensity afternoon thunderstorms may arise in summer. Wind speed averages about 8 miles per hour, ranging from 10 during the spring to 7 during late summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 75 mph. The average length of the freeze-free period (28 degrees Fahrenheit) is 150 days from May 4 to October 1. The average frost-free period (32 degrees Fahrenheit) is 128 days from May 16 to September 21. Growing season increases from west to east (Wyoming to Nebraska). Growth of native cool-season plants begins about April 1 and continues to mid-June. Native warm-season plants begin growth about May 15 and continue to about August 15. Regrowth of cool-season plants occur in September in most years, depending upon moisture.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 85-117 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 119-135 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 16-17 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 84-123 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 116-137 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 14-18 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 103 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 128 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 16 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) OSHKOSH [USC00256385], Oshkosh, NE
-
(2) BRIDGEPORT [USC00251145], Bridgeport, NE
-
(3) HARRISBURG 12WNW [USC00253605], Harrisburg, NE
-
(4) CHUGWATER [USC00481730], Chugwater, WY
-
(5) CHEYENNE [USW00024018], Cheyenne, WY
-
(6) SCOTTSBLUFF HEILIG AP [USW00024028], Scottsbluff, NE
-
(7) WHEATLAND 4 N [USC00489615], Wheatland, WY
-
(8) KIMBALL 2NE [USC00254440], Kimball, NE
-
(9) OLD FT LARAMIE [USC00486852], Yoder, WY
-
(10) PHILLIPS [USC00487200], LaGrange, WY
Influencing water features
There are no water features associated with the ecological site.
Soil features
The soils on Saline Lowland site are typically very deep, well to somewhat excessively drained soils that formed from alluvium. They typically have a moderate to moderately rapid permeability class. The available water capacity is low to moderate. The soil moisture regime is typically aridic ustic. The soil temperature regime is mesic.
The surface layer of the soils in this site are typically fine sandy loam, loamy fine sand, or very fine sandy loam, but may include loamy very fine sand or fine sand. The surface layer ranges from a depth of 3 to 11 inches thick. The subsoil is typically fine sandy loam, very fine sandy loam, loamy fine sand, or fine sand, and typically include strata of each of these textures. Soils in this site have carbonates at the surface but may be leached to 5 inches in some soils. These soils are slightly to moderately saline. The higher levels of salinity adversely affect plant species composition and growth. These soils are susceptible to erosion by water and wind if not covered. The potential for erosion increases where vegetative cover is inadequate. Channel cutting, deposition, and removals may occur adjacent to ephemeral or intermittent streams. These areas are subject to occasional overflow.
Surface soil structure is typically granular, and structure below the surface is single grain or massive but may include weak subangular blocky. Soil structure describes the manner in which soil particles are aggregated and defines the nature of the system of pores and channels in a soil.
Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Craft and Pathfinder.
Other soil series that have been correlated to this site include: Laird.
The attributes listed below represent 0-40 inches in depth or to the first restrictive layer.
Note: Revisions to soil surveys are ongoing. For the most recent updates, visit the Web Soil Survey, the official site for soils information: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
|
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Fine sandy loam (2) Loamy fine sand (3) Very fine sandy loam |
| Drainage class | Well drained to somewhat excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate to moderately rapid |
| Soil depth | 80 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (Depth not specified) |
3 – 6 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified) |
15% |
| Electrical conductivity (Depth not specified) |
4 – 16 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified) |
5 – 13 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified) |
7.4 – 9 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
The information in this ESD, including the State-and-Transition Model (STM) diagram, was developed using archeological and historical data, professional experience, and scientific studies. The information is representative of a dynamic set of plant communities that represent the complex interaction of several ecological processes. The plant composition has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, seasonal use pastures, short duration and/or time-controlled grazing strategies, and historical accounts.
The Saline Lowland ecological site is characterized by three states: Reference, Sod-bound, and Increased Bare Ground. The Reference State is characterized by warm-season midgrass (alkali sacaton) and cool-season rhizomatous midgrass (western wheatgrass). Secondary grasses include slender wheatgrass, Canada wildrye, alkali bluegrass (also known as Sandberg bluegrass), and shortgrasses including inland saltgrass and blue grama. A minor component of forbs and shrubs (black greasewood, fourwing saltbush, and silver buffaloberry), are also present. See the species composition list in this ESD. The Sod-bound State is characterized by warm-season shortgrass (inland saltgrass and blue grama), and greasewood. The Increased Bare Ground State is characterized by remnant inland saltgrass, warm-season bunchgrass (Fendler threeawn), annual grass (sixweeks fescue), and forbs such as curlycup gumweed, and annuals. Shrubs such as greasewood, broom snakeweed, and pricklypear have increased. Annual invasive species include burningbush, Russian thistle, and cheatgrass. Other noxious weeds that may invade include knapweeds and whitetop (also known as hoary cress).
As this site begins to deteriorate from a combination of frequent and severe grazing during the growing season, grasses such as alkali sacaton and western wheatgrass decrease in both frequency and production. Grasses such as inland saltgrass and blue grama increase. Under continued frequent and severe defoliation, alkali sacaton may eventually be removed from the plant community. Key shrubs such as fourwing saltbush are removed and black greasewood significantly increases. If continued, the plant community becomes sod-bound, and all midgrasses may eventually be removed from the plant community. Over the long-term, this continuous use in combination with high stock densities, results in a broken sod, with areas of bare ground developing, and species such as cheatgrass invading.
The degree of grazing has a significant impact on the ecological dynamics of the site. This region was historically occupied by large grazing animals, such as bison, elk, pronghorn, and mule deer. Grazing by these large herbivores, along with climatic and seasonal weather fluctuations, had a major influence on the ecological dynamics of the site. Deer and pronghorn are widely distributed throughout the MLRA. Secondary influences of herbivory by species such as prairie dogs and other small rodents, insects, and root-feeding organisms continues to impact the vegetation.
Historically, grazing patterns by herds of large ungulates were driven by water distribution, precipitation events, drought events, and fire. It is believed that grazing periods would have been shorter, followed by longer recovery periods. These large migrating herds impacted the ecological processes of nutrient and hydrologic cycles, by urination, trampling (incorporation of litter into the soil surface), and breaking of surface crust, (which increases water infiltration).
Today, livestock grazing, especially beef cattle has been a major influence on the ecological dynamics of the site. Grazing management, coupled with the effects of annual climatic variations, largely dictates the plant communities for the site.
Recurrent drought has historically impacted the vegetation of this region. Changes in species composition vary depending upon the duration and severity of the drought cycle and prior grazing management. Drought events since 2002 have significantly increased mortality of blue grama and buffalograss in some locales.
This site developed with occasional fire as part of the ecological processes. Historic fire frequency (pre-industrial) is estimated at 10 to14 years (Guyette, 2012), randomly distributed, and started by lightning at various times throughout the growing season. Early human inhabitants also were likely to start fires for various reasons (deliberate or accidental). It is believed that fires were set as a management tool for attracting herds of large migratory herbivores (Stewart, 2002). The impact of fire over the past 100 years has been relatively insignificant due to the human control of wildfires and the lack of acceptance of prescribed fire as a management tool.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
| T1A | - | Excessive grazing. Lack of fire. |
|---|---|---|
| R2A | - | Prescribed grazing. Prescribed fire. Mechanical brush control. |
| T2A | - | Excessive grazing. Lack of fire. |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1A | - | Excessive grazing. Lack of fire. |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1B | - | Lack of grazing. Lack of fire. |
| 1.2A | - | Prescribed grazing. Prescribed fire. |
| 1.3A | - | Prescribed grazing. Prescribed fire. |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference
The Reference state is characterized by three distinct plant community phases. These plant communities and the various successional stages between them represent the natural range of variability within the Reference state.
Dominant plant species
-
greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
-
fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), shrub
-
alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), grass
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
Community 1.1
Greasewood, Fourwing Saltbush, Alkali Sacaton, and Western Wheatgrass
The Reference Plant Community is the interpretive plant community for the Saline Lowland Ecological Site. This community developed with grazing by large herbivores and is suited to grazing by domestic livestock. Historically, fires likely occurred infrequently, and were randomly distributed. This plant community can be found on areas where grazed plants receive adequate periods of recovery during the growing season. The potential vegetation is about 75 to 90 percent grasses and grass-likes, 0 to 5 percent forbs, and 0 to 20 percent woody plants. The major grasses include alkali sacaton and western wheatgrass. Secondary species include cool-season bunchgrasses such as Canada wildrye, alkali bluegrass (also known as Sandberg bluegrass), Nuttall’s alkaligrass, and slender wheatgrass; warm-season bunchgrass such as switchgrass; and warm-season rhizomatous grasses including inland saltgrass, alkali cordgrass, and blue grama. Forbs include scarlet globemallow, silverscale saltbush, scarlet beeblossom (also known as scarlet gaura), and white heath aster. Shrubs include black greasewood, fourwing saltbush, and silver buffaloberry. Plant diversity is very high. The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,500 pounds per acre during an average year, but ranges from about 1,100 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,900 pounds per acre in above-average years. Community dynamics (nutrient and water cycles, and energy flow) are functioning properly. Infiltration rates are moderate, and soil erosion is low. Litter is properly distributed where vegetative cover is continuous. Decadence and natural plant mortality are low. This community is resistant to many disturbances except heavy, continuous grazing, tillage, or development into urban or other uses.
Dominant plant species
-
greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
-
fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), shrub
-
alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), grass
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1105, 12-14SP Extra water w/warm - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. 12-14" Precipitation Zone, Southern Plains (SP), with warm-season (grasses); sites which receive additional water (run-on position, from adjacent sites)..
| 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 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Greasewood, Inland Saltgrass, and Western Wheatgrass
The dominant grasses include inland saltgrass and western wheatgrass. Remnant amounts of alkali sacaton are still present in scattered clumps. Palatable shrubs such as fourwing saltbush have been reduced, while less palatable shrubs such as greasewood are becoming more vigorous. Plant diversity is moderate. Management changes can move this plant community towards the Reference Plant Community since all plant species are still present. This transition can be slowed or made more difficult if greasewood has increased significantly. Soil erosion is low because of slope. Infiltration is moderate and slightly reduced. Total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 1,300 pounds per acre during an average year, but ranges from about 1,000 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,600 pounds per acre in above-average years. Total aboveground biomass has been reduced. Reduction of rhizomatous wheatgrasses, nitrogen-fixing forbs, and increased warm-season shortgrasses, and the reduction of palatable shrubs have begun to alter the biotic integrity of this community. Water and nutrient cycles may be impaired. Nearly all plant species typically found in the Reference Plant Community are present and will respond to changes in grazing management.
Dominant plant species
-
greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
-
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), grass
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1002, 15-19SE extra water sites.
| 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 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 35 | 30 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.3
Greasewood, Fourwing Saltbush, Alkali Sacaton, Western Wheatgrass, Low Plant Density
This plant community developed under many years of non-use and lack of fire. Plant species resemble the Reference Plant Community however, frequency and production are reduced. Eventually, litter levels can become high enough to cause decadence and mortality of the stand. Bunchgrasses typically develop dead centers and rhizomatous grasses can form small decadent communities due to a lack of impact by grazing animals. Much of the available nutrients are tied up in standing dead plant material and increased amounts of litter. The semiarid environment and the absence of animal traffic to break down litter slows nutrient recycling. Cool-season grasses and pricklypear have typically increased. Blue grama is reduced. Noxious weeds may invade if a seed source is readily available. Invasive grasses such as cheatgrass tend to encroach under these conditions. Water flow patterns and pedestalling can become apparent. Total annual production (air-dry weight) can vary from 100 to 1,400 pounds per acre depending upon weather conditions and the plants that are present. The introduction of grazing or fire quickly changes the plant community. It is more vulnerable to severe disturbance than the Reference Plant Community. Soil erosion accelerates if bare ground increases. Infiltration is reduced and runoff is increased.
Dominant plant species
-
greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
-
fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), shrub
-
alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), grass
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1102, 12-14SP Extra water w/o warm - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. 12-14" Precipitation Zone, Southern Plains (SP), without warm-season (grasses); sites which receive additional water (run-on position), from adjacent sites..
| 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 | 0 | 5 | 25 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Frequent and severe defoliation without adequate recovery between grazing events and lack of fire shifts this plant community to the 1.2 Community. Drought accelerates this process. A single-age class of cottonwood develops. Biotic integrity, and water and nutrient cycles may become impaired as a result of this community pathway.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.3
Non-use and lack of fire cause the Reference Plant Community to shift toward the Low Plant Density Community. Plant decadence and standing dead plant material impede energy flow. Initially, excess litter increases. Eventually, native plant density begins to decrease and weeds and introduced species may begin to invade. Water and nutrient cycles are impaired as a result of this community pathway.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Grazing that allows for adequate recovery between grazing events, proper stocking rates, and prescribed fire shift the 1.2 Community back to the Reference Plant Community.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Grazing |
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1
The return of grazing with adequate recovery and normal fire frequency shifts this plant community to the Reference Plant Community. This change can occur in a relatively short timeframe with the return of these disturbances.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Grazing |
State 2
Sod Bound
An ecological threshold has been crossed and a significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference state. Significant biotic and soil changes have negatively impacted energy flow, and the nutrient and hydrologic cycles. This is a very stable state, resistant to change due to the high tolerance of inland saltgrass and blue grama to grazing, the development of a shallow root system (root pan), and subsequent changes in hydrology and nutrient cycling. The loss of other functional/structural groups such as cool-season bunch and rhizomatous grasses, forbs, and shrubs, reduces the biodiversity productivity of this site.
Dominant plant species
-
greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
-
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Community 2.1
Greasewood, Saltgrass, and Blue Grama
The midgrasses, and palatable forbs have been eliminated. The dominant species are inland saltgrass and blue grama. These species have developed into a sod-bound condition occurring in localized colonies exhibiting a mosaic appearance. Purple threeawn has increased. Forbs and shrubs that continue to increase are Cuman ragweed (also known as western ragweed), curlycup gumweed, scarlet globemallow, pricklypear, broom snakeweed, and greasewood. Plant diversity is very low. Energy flow, water cycle, and mineral cycle have been negatively affected. Litter levels are very low and unevenly distributed. The total annual production (air-dry weight) is about 900 pounds per acre during an average year, but ranges from about 600 pounds per acre in unfavorable years to about 1,200 pounds per acre in above-average years.
Dominant plant species
-
greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
-
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1102, 12-14SP Extra water w/o warm - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. 12-14" Precipitation Zone, Southern Plains (SP), without warm-season (grasses); sites which receive additional water (run-on position), from adjacent sites..
| 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 | 0 | 5 | 25 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
State 3
Increased Bare Ground
An ecological threshold has been crossed. The Increased Bare Ground State denotes changes in infiltration, runoff, aggregate stability, and species composition. The changes in water movement and the plant community affect changes in hydrologic functionality, biotic integrity, and soil and site stability. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion vary depending upon the vegetation present. Erosion and loss of organic matter and carbon reserves are resource concerns.
Dominant plant species
-
greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
-
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), grass
-
Fendler threeawn (Aristida purpurea var. longiseta), grass
Community 3.1
Greasewood, Saltgrass, and Blue Grama
The plant composition is made up introduced grasses, annuals, noxious weeds, and a few species of native forbs and grasses that are very tolerant to frequent and severe defoliation. The site may also be invaded with introduced trees. The dominant grasses typically include inland saltgrass and purple threeawn. Annual grasses such as sixweeks fescue, foxtail barley, and cheatgrass have increased or invaded. The dominant perennial forbs include curlycup gumweed and Cuman ragweed. Other forbs that increase or invade the site include burningbush, Russian thistle, and pigweed. Shrubs include pricklypear, broom snakeweed, and black greasewood. Noxious weeds such as whitetop and knapweeds may have invaded the site. Introduced trees such as Russian olive and tamarisk may invade the site. This plant community is highly variable, in both species composition and production. This plant community is very resistant to change because of the lack of native species and the amount of introduced plants and weeds present. It is nearly impossible to change the plant composition in a reasonable management timeframe. Litter levels are extremely low due to reduced production. The changes in water movement and the plant community affect changes in hydrologic functionality, biotic integrity, and soil and site stability. Infiltration, runoff, and soil erosion vary depending on the vegetation present.
Dominant plant species
-
greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
-
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), grass
-
Fendler threeawn (Aristida purpurea var. longiseta), grass
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY1102, 12-14SP Extra water w/o warm - LL, Ov, CyO, SL. 12-14" Precipitation Zone, Southern Plains (SP), without warm-season (grasses); sites which receive additional water (run-on position), from adjacent sites..
| 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 | 0 | 5 | 25 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Frequent and severe defoliation, and lack of fire shift this plant community across an ecological threshold toward the Sod-bound State. Biotic integrity and hydrologic function is impaired as a result of this transition.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
Very long-term prescribed grazing moves this plant community to the Reference State. This transition, however, could take generations. Prescribed fire and mechanical brush control accelerate this process.
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Burning | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Long-term frequent and severe defoliation and lack of fire cause a shift across an ecological threshold to the Increased Bare Ground State. Erosion and loss of organic matter along with invasion of introduced plants and noxious weeds are resource concerns.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | 12 | 375–450 | ||||
| alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 375–450 | – | ||
| 2 | 12 | 225–300 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 225–300 | – | ||
| 3 | 12 | 150–225 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 150–225 | – | ||
| 4 | 12 | 375–525 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–75 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–75 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–75 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–75 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–75 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–75 | – | ||
| bluegrass | POA | Poa | 0–75 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–75 | – | ||
| Nuttall's alkaligrass | PUNU2 | Puccinellia nuttalliana | 0–75 | – | ||
| alkali cordgrass | SPGR | Spartina gracilis | 0–75 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | 12 | 15–75 | ||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 15–75 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–30 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–30 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–30 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–30 | – | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–30 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYERE | Symphyotrichum ericoides var. ericoides | 0–30 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 6 | 12 | 15–300 | ||||
| greasewood | SAVE4 | Sarcobatus vermiculatus | 15–300 | – | ||
| silver buffaloberry | SHAR | Shepherdia argentea | 0–75 | – | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 15–75 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 0–75 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–30 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations:
Reference Plant Community— Alkali Sacaton, Western Wheatgrass:
The predominance of grasses in this community favors large grazers such as bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for deer may be limited due to the low quantities of woody plants. However, topographical variations could provide some escape cover. Other birds that frequent this plant community include western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles. Many grassland-obligate small mammals live here.
1.2 Community—Decreased Midgrasses, Increased Inland Saltgrass, Increased Greasewood:
This plant community may be useful for the same large grazers that use the Reference Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals.
1.3 Community—Excessive Litter, Decadent Plants, and Standing Dead Canopy:
This community has reduced habitat value for most wildlife species found in the Reference Plant Community.
2.1 Community—Inland Saltgrass and Blue Grama, Greasewood:
This community may still be useful for the same large grazers that use the Reference Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals.
3.1 Community—Inland Saltgrass, Annuals, Cheatgrass, Greasewood:
This community has low habitat value for most wildlife species.
Grazing Interpretations:
The following table is a guide to stocking rates for the plant communities described in the Saline Lowland site. These are conservative estimates for initial planning. On-site conditions will vary, and stocking rates should be adjusted based on range inventories, animal kind and class, forage availability (adjusted for slope and distance to water), and the type of grazing system (number of pastures, planned moves, etc.), all of which is determined in the conservation planning process.
The following stocking rates are based on the total annual forage production in a normal year multiplied by 25 percent harvest efficiency of preferred and desirable forage species, divided by 912 pounds of ingested air-dry vegetation for an animal unit per month (Natl. Range and Pasture Handbook, 1997). An animal unit month (AUM) is defined as the amount of forage required by one mature cow, with or without a calf, for one month.
Plant Community (PC) Production (total lbs. /acre in a normal year) and Stocking Rate (AUMs/acre) are listed below:
Example: Reference PC – (1500) (.41)
1,500 lbs. per acre X 25% Harvest Efficiency = 375 lbs. forage demand for one month. Then, 375 lbs. per acre/912 demand per AUM =.41
Plant Community (PC) Production (lbs./ac), and Stocking Rate (AUM/Acre):
Reference PC - (1500) (0.41)
1.2 PC - (1300) (0.36)
2.1 PC - (900) (0.25)
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangelands in this area provide year-long forage under prescribed grazing for cattle, sheep, horses, and other herbivores. During the dormant period, livestock may need supplementation based on reliable forage analysis.
An on-site inventory is required prior to developing a grazing plan.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B and C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. Infiltration ranges from moderate to rapid. Runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (to NRCS Section 4, National Engineering Handbook (USDA–NRCS, 1972–2012) for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
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. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts may be present. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1to 2 percent of the soil surface.
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other opportunities. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
Site Development & Testing Plan
General Data (MLRA and Revision Notes, Hierarchical Classification, Ecological Site Concept, Physiographic, Climate, and Water Features, and Soils Data):
Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.
Community Phase Data (Ecological Dynamics, STM, Transition & Recovery Pathways, Reference Plant Community, Species Composition List, Annual Production Table):
Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.
Annual Production Table is from the “Previously Approved” ESD (2008).
Growth Curves are from the “Previously Approved” ESD (2008).
The Annual Production Table, Species Composition List, and Growth Curves will be reviewed for future updates at Approved level.
Each Alternative State/Community:
Complete to Provisional level.
Supporting Information (Site Interpretations, Assoc. & Similar Sites, Inventory Data References, Agency/State Correlation, References):
Updated. All “Required” items complete to Provisional level.
Wildlife Interpretations: Plant community names updated. Narrative is from “Previously Approved” ESD (2008). Wildlife species will need to be updated at the next Approved level.
Livestock Interpretations: Plant community names and stocking rates updated.
Hydrology, Recreational Uses, Wood Products, and Other Products carried over from previously “Approved” ESD (2008).
Plant Preferences tabled removed. Will be released as a technical guide notice by NE and WY state offices in the future.
Existing NRI or 417 Inventory Data References updated. More field data collection is needed to support this site concept.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
NRI: references to Natural Resource Inventory data
Information presented here has been derived from data collection on private and federal lands using:
• Double Sampling (clipped 2 of 5 plots)*
• Rangeland Health (Pellant et al., 2005)
• Soil Stability (Pellant et al., 2005)
• Line Point Intercept : Foliar canopy, basal cover (Forb, Graminoid, Shrub, subshrub, Lichen, Moss, Rock fragments, bare ground, % Litter) (Herrick et al., 2005)
• Soil pedon descriptions collected on site (Schoeneberger et al., 2012)
*NRCS double-sampling method, CO NRCS Similarity Index Worksheet 528(1).
Additional reconnaissance data collection using numerous ocular estimates and other inventory data; NRCS clipping data for USDA program support; Field observations from experienced range trained personnel. Specific data information is contained in individual landowner/user case files and other files located in county NRCS field offices.
Data Source: NRI
Number of Records: 2
Sample Period: 2013
State:
County: Morrill
References
-
Guyette, R.P., M.C. Stambaugh, D.C. Dey, and R. Muzika. 2012. Predicting Fire Frequency with Chemistry and Climate. Ecosystems 15:322–335.
-
Stewart, O.C., H.T. Lewis, and M.K. Anderson. 2002. Forgotten Fires: Native Americans and the Transient Wilderness. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK. 351p.
Other references
Anderson, R.C. 2006. Evolution and origin of the central grassland of North America: Climate, fire, and mammalian grazers. Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 133:626–647.
Bragg, T.B. 1995. The physical environment of the Great Plains grasslands. In: A. Joern and K.H. Keeler (eds.) The changing prairie, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. pp. 49–81.
Branson, D.H., and G.A. Sword. 2010. An experimental analysis of grasshopper community responses to fire and livestock grazing in a northern mixed-grass prairie. Environmental Entomology 39:1441–1446.
Brinson, M.M. 1993. A hydrogeomorphic classification for wetlands. Technical Report WRP–DE–4. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Cleland, D., P. Avers, W.H. McNab, M. Jensen, R. Bailey, T. King, and W. Russell. 1997. National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units, published in Ecosystem Management: Applications for Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Resources, Yale University Press.
Coupland, R.T. 1958. The effects of fluctuations in weather upon the grasslands of the Great Plains. Botanical Review 24:273–317.
Davis, S.K., R.J. Fisher, S.L. Skinner, T.L. Shaffer, and R.M. Brigham. 2013. Songbird abundance in native and planted grassland varies with type and amount of grassland in the surrounding landscape. Journal of Wildlife Management 77:908–919.
DeLuca, T.H. and P. Lesica. 1996. Long-term harmful effects of crested wheatgrass on Great Plains grassland ecosystems. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 51:408–409.
Derner, J.D., and R.H. Hart. 2007. Grazing-induced modifications to peak standing crop in northern mixed-grass prairie. Rangeland Ecology and Management 60:270–276.
Derner, J.D., and A.J. Whitman. 2009. Plant interspaces resulting from contrasting grazing management in northern mixed-grass prairie: Implications for ecosystem function. Rangeland Ecology and Management 62:83–88.
Derner, J.D., W.K. Lauenroth, P. Stapp, and D.J. Augustine. 2009. Livestock as ecosystem engineers for grassland bird habitat in the western Great Plains of North America. Rangeland Ecology and Management 62:111–118.
Dillehay, T.D. 1974. Late Quaternary bison population changes on the southern Plains. Plains Anthropologist 19:180–196.
Dormaar, J.F. and S. Smoliak. 1985. Recovery of vegetative cover and soil organic matter during revegetation of abandoned farmland in a semiarid climate. Journal of Range Management 38:487–491.
Fenneman, N.M. and D.W. Johnson. 1946. Physical divisions of the United States. U.S. Geological Survey, Physiographic Committee. Scale 1:700,000.
Harmoney, K.R. 2007. Grazing and burning Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus) on mixed grass rangelands. Rangeland Ecology and Management 60:479–486.
Heitschmidt, R.K. and L.T. Vermeire. 2005. An ecological and economic risk avoidance drought management decision support system. In: J.A. Milne (ed.) Pastoral systems in marginal environments, 20th International Grasslands Congress, July 2005. p. 178.
Knopf, F.L. 1996. Prairie legacies—Birds. In: F.B. Samson and F.L. Knopf (eds.) Prairie conservation: Preserving North America’s most endangered ecosystem, Island Press, Washington, DC. pp. 135–148.
Knopf, F.L. and F.B. Samson. 1997. Conservation of grassland vertebrates. In: F.B. Samson and F.L. Knopf (eds.) Ecology and conservation of Great Plains vertebrates: Ecological Studies 125, Springer-Verlag, New York, NY. pp. 273–289.
Lauenroth, W.K., O.E. Sala, D.P. Coffin, and T.B. Kirchner. 1994. The importance of soil water in recruitment of Bouteloua gracilis in the shortgrass steppe. Ecological Applications 4:741–749.
Laycock, W.A. 1988. History of grassland plowing and grass planting on the Great Plains. In: J.E. Mitchell (ed.) Impacts of the Conservation Reserve Program in the Great Plains—symposium proceedings, September 16–18, 1987. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, General Technical Report RM-158.
Malloch, D.W., K.A. Pirozynski, and P.H. Raven. 1980. Ecological and evolutionary significance of mycorrhizal symbioses in vascular plants (a review). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 77:2113–2118.
Ogle, S.M., W.A. Reiners, and K.G. Gerow. 2003. Impacts of exotic annual brome grasses (Bromus spp.) on ecosystem properties of the northern mixed grass prairie. American Midland Naturalist 149:46–58.
Roath, L.R. 1988. Implications of land conversions and management for the future. In: J.E. Mitchell (ed.) Impacts of the Conservation Reserve Program in the Great Plains—symposium proceedings, September 16–18, 1987. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, General Technical Report RM-158.
Smoliak, S. and J.F. Dormaar. 1985. Productivity of Russian wildrye and crested wheatgrass and their effect on prairie soils. Journal of Range Management 38:403–405.
Smoliak, S., J.F. Dormaar, and A. Johnston. 1972. Long-term grazing effects on Stipa-Bouteloua prairie soils. Journal of Range Management 25:246–250.
Soil Science Division Staff. 2017. Soil survey manual. C. Ditzler, K. Scheffe, and H.C. Monger (eds.) USDA Handbook 18. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.
Soil Survey Staff. Official Soil Series Descriptions. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available online. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053587. Accessed 15 November 2017.
Soil Survey Staff. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Soil Survey Staff. 2014. Keys to Soil Taxonomy, 12th edition. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC.
Soil Survey Staff. 2018. Web Soil Survey. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available online. https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. Accessed 15 February, 2018.
Soller, D.R. 2001. Map showing the thickness and character of Quaternary sediments in the glaciated United States east of the Rocky Mountains. U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Series I-1970-E, scale 1:3,500,000.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Wetlands Research Program Technical Report Y-87-1 Available online. http://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/Portals/38/docs/USACE%2087%20Wetland%20Delineation%20Manual.pdf. Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Glossary of landform and geologic terms. National Soil Survey Handbook, Title 430-VI, Part 629.02c. Available online. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242. Accessed 16 January, 2018.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2010a. Field indicators of hydric soils in the United States, version 7.0. L.M. Vasilas, G.W. Hurt, and C.V. Noble (eds.) USDA-NRCS, in cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013a. Climate data. National Water and Climate Center. Available online. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate. Accessed 13 October, 2017.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2013b. National Soil Information System. Available online. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/geo/?cid=nrcs142p2_053552. Accessed 30 October, 2017.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey. 2008. LANDFIRE 1.1.0 Vegetation Dynamics Models. Available online. http://landfire.cr.usgs.gov/viewer/.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey. 2011. LANDFIRE 1.1.0 Existing Vegetation Types. Available online. http://landfire.cr.usgs.gov/viewer/.
Willeke, G.E. 1994. The national drought atlas [CD ROM]. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Water Resources Support Center, Institute for Water Resources Report 94-NDS-4.
Wilson, S.D. and J.M. Shay. 1990. Competition, fire, and nutrients in a mixed-grass prairie. Ecology 71:1959–1967.
With, K.A. 2010. McCown’s longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii). In: A. Poole (ed.) The birds of North America [online], Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY. Available online. https://birdsna.org/Species-Account/bna/home.
Additional References
Augustine, D.J., J. Derner, D. Milchunas, D. Blumenthal, and L. Porensky. 2017. Grazing moderates increases in C3 grass abundance over seven decades across a soil texture gradient in shortgrass steppe. Journal of Vegetation Science, Doi:10.1111/jvs.12508, International Association of Vegetative Science
Augustine, D.J., J. Derner, J.K. Detling. 2014. Testing for thresholds in a semiarid grassland: The influence of prairie dogs and plague. Rangeland Ecology & Management 67(6)
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 1997, revised 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. Available online.
http://www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/publications/nrph.html. Accessed 26 February, 2018.
Clark, J., E. Grimm, J. Donovan, S. Fritz, D. Engrstom, and J. Almendinger. 2002. Drought cycles and landscape responses to past aridity on prairies of the Northern Great Plains, USA. Ecology, 83(3), 595-601.
Collins, S. and S. Barber. (1985). Effects of disturbance on diversity in mixed-grass prairie. Vegetatio, 64, 87-94.
Cooperative climatological data summaries. NOAA. Western Regional Climate Center: Reno, NV. Web. Available online. http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/climatedata/climsum. Accessed 16 November, 2017.
Egan, Timothy. 2006. The Worst Hard Time. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company: New York, NY.
Hart, R. and J. Hart. 1997. Rangelands of the Great Plains before European Settlement. Rangelands, 19(1), 4-11.
Hart, R. 2001. Plant biodiversity on shortgrass steppe after 55 years of zero, light, moderate, or heavy cattle grazing. Plant Ecology, 155, 111-118.
Pellant, M., P. Shaver, D.A. Pyke, J.E. Herrick. (2005) Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, Version 4. BLM National Business Center Printed Materials Distribution Service: Denver, CO.
Mack, Richard N. and J.N. Thompson. 1982. Evolution in Steppe with Few Large, Hooved Mammals. The American Naturalist. 119, No. 6, 757-773
Reyes-Fox, M., Stelzer H., Trlica M.J., McMaster, G.S., Andales, A.A., LeCain, D.R., and Morgan J.A. 2014. Elevated CO2 further lengthens growing season under warming conditions. Nature, April 23, 2014 issue. Available online. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v510/n7504/full/nature13207.html. Accessed 1 March, 2017.
Schoeneberger, P.J., D.A. Wysockie, E.C. Benham, and Soil Survey Staff. 2012. Field book for describing and sampling soils, Version 3.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center: Lincoln, NE.
Stahl, David W., E.R. Cook, M.K. Cleaveland, M.D. Therrell, D.M. Meko, H.D. Grissino-Mayer, E. Watson, and B.H. Luckman. Tree-ring data document 16th century megadrought over North America. 2000. Eos, 81(12), 121-125.
Zelikova, Tamara Jane, D.M. Blumenthal, D.G. Williams, L. Souza, D.R. LeCain, J.Morgan. 2014. Long-term exposure to elevated CO2 enhances plant community stability by suppressing dominant plant species in a mixed-grass prairie. Ecology, 2014 issue at www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1414659111
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2009. Part 630, Hydrology, National Engineering Handbook.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1972-2012. National Engineering Handbook Hydrology Chapters. Available online. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/water/?&cid=stelprdb1043063. Accessed August, 2015.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National Soil Survey Handbook title 430-VI. Available online. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey. Available online. http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx. Accessed 15 November, 2017.
Data collection for this ecological site was done in conjunction with the progressive soil surveys within the 67A Central High Plains (Northern Part) of Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado. It has been mapped and correlated with soils in the following soil surveys:
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.1994. Soil Survey of Banner County, Nebraska.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1997. Soil Survey of Cheyenne County, Nebraska.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1999. Soil Survey of Garden County, Nebraska.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 2005. Soil Survey of Kimball County, Nebraska.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1985. Soil Survey of Morrill County, Nebraska.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1968 Soil Survey of Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.2013. Soil Survey of Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1998. Soil Survey of Sioux County, Nebraska.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1981. Soil Survey of Goshen County, Northern Part, Wyoming.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1971. Soil Survey of Goshen County, Southern Part, Wyoming.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1983. Soil Survey of Laramie County, Eastern Part, Wyoming.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 2001. Soil Survey of Laramie County, Western Part, Wyoming.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 2003. Soil Survey of Platte County, Wyoming.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. 1982. Soil Survey of Weld County, Northern Part, Colorado.
For manuscripts of archived soil surveys, see: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx
Contributors
Kimberly Diller, Ecological Site Specialist, NRCS MLRA SSO, Pueblo CO
Andy Steinert, MLRA 67A Soil Survey Leader, NRCS MLRA SSO, Fort Morgan, CO
Doug Whisenhunt, Ecological Site Specialist, NRCS MLRA SSO, Pueblo CO
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 12/10/2024
Acknowledgments
Partners/Contributors:
David Cook, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Oshkosh, NE
George Gamblin, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Wheatland, WY
Cameron Clark, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Douglas, WY
Angie Elg, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Scottsbluff, NE
Tim Becket, Area Resource Conservationist, Douglas, WY
Mitchell Stephenson, Ph.D. Rangeland Management Specialist, UNL-Panhandle Research Station, Scottsbluff, NE
Kristin Dickinson, District Conservationist, NRCS, Sidney, NE
Rick Peterson, Ecological Site Inventory Specialist, SD-NRCS-MLRA SSO, Rapid City, SD
Program Support:
Nadine Bishop, NE State Rangeland Management Specialist/ QC, NRCS, Imperial, NE
John Hartung WY State Rangeland Management Specialist/ QC, NRCS, Casper, WY
David Kraft, NRCS MLRA Ecological Site Specialist-QA, Emporia, KS
James Bauchert, WY State Soil Scientist, WY-NRCS, Casper, WY
Neil Dominy, NE State Soil Scientist, NRCS, Lincoln, NE
Britt Weiser, NE State Resource Conservationist, NRCS, Lincoln, NE
Clayton Schmitz, WY State Resource Conservationist, NRCS, Casper, WY
Carla Green Adams, Editor, NRCS-SSR5, Denver, CO
Chad Remley, Regional Director, N. Great Plains Soil Survey, Salina, KS
Those involved in developing the 2008 version: Chuck Ring, Rangeland Management Specialist, WY-NRCS, Everett Bainter, WY State Rangeland Management Specialist, WY-NRCS
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) | Dave Cook, Kristin Dickinson, George Gamblin, John Hartung, Nadine Bishop |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | |
| Date | 11/19/2020 |
| Approved by | Kirt Walstad |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None. Rills are not expected on the site. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None. Water flow patterns are not expected on this site. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. Erosional pedestals and terracettes are not expected on this site. Alkali sacaton tends to have a hummocky growth form that may appear pedestalled.Essentially non-existent -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 10-20 percent occurring in small areas throughout site. The areas of bare ground may have high amounts of salt crusting. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None. Gullies should not be present on this site. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. Wind-scoured and/or depositional areas are not present on 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. 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):
Soil aggregate stability ratings are typically 3 or greater. Surface organic matter adheres to the soil surface. Soil surface peds will typically retain structure for at least short periods when dipped in distilled water. Some peds will dissolve in less than 1 minute. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
The surface layer ranges from 3 to 11 inches (7.6-27.9 cm) thick. Soil colors range from light brownish gray to grayish brown (values of 5 to 6) when dry and dark grayish brown to very dark grayish brown (values of 3 to 4). Soil surface structure is typically granular. -
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.
The expected composition of the plant community is 75 to 90 percent perennial grasses and grass-likes, 0 to 5 percent forbs, and 0 to 20 percent shrubs. The grass and grass-like component is made up of warm-season, tall, bunch grasses (25-30%); cool-season, rhizomatous grasses (15-20%); cool-season, bunch grasses (5-10%); warm-season, tall, rhizomatous grasses (5-10%); grass-likes (0-5%). -
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 is not expected on this site. -
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:
1. Native, C4, tall, bunch grasses – 375-450 #/ac (25-30%), 1 species minimumSub-dominant:
2. Native, C3, rhizomatous grasses – 225-300 #/ac (15-20%), 1 species minimum
3. Native, C4, short grasses – 225-300 #/ac (15-20%), 1 species minimum
4. Shrubs, vines, cacti – 15-300 #/ac (1-20%), 1 species minimum **Other:
Minor Groups:
5. Native, C4, tall, rhizomatous grasses – 75-150 #/ac (5-10%)
6. Native, C3, bunch grasses – 75-150 #/ac (5-10%)
7. Native, Perennial and Annual Forbs – 15-75 #/ac (1-5%)
8. Grass-likes – 0-75 #/ac (0-5%)Additional:
12a. Relative Dominance:
Community 1.1: Native, C4, bunch grasses > Native, C3, rhizomatous grasses = Native, C4, short grasses >
Shrubs, Cacti, Vine > Native, C4, rhizomatous, tall grasses = Native, C3, bunch grasses > Native, Annual or Perennial Forbs
= Grass-likes
12b. F/S Groups not expected for the site: Introduced annual grasses, perennial introduced and naturalized grasses, trees.
12c. Number of F/S Groups: 8
12d. Species number in Dominant and Sub-dominant F/S Groups: 4
** On some locations the shrub group may be at minor or trace levels. The plant community should be evaluated carefully before determining whether this is a departure. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little evidence of decadence or mortality. Bunch grasses have strong, healthy centers with less than 3 percent mortality and shrubs have few dead stems. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Plant litter cover is evenly distributed throughout the site and is expected to be 50 to 70 percent. Litter depth ranges from of 0.25-0.50 inch (0.65-1.3 cm). -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Annual production ranges from 1,100 to 1,900 pounds per acres on an air dry basis. Average annual production is 1,500 pounds per acre under normal precipitation and weather conditions. -
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:
Annual bromes, curlycup gumweed, kochia, Russian thistle, whitetop, knapweeds, Russian olive and salt cedar (tamarisk) and others as they become known.
See:
Department of Agriculture Invasive Species Website:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/agconservation/noxious-weed-species
Wyoming Weed and Pest Council Website: https://wyoweed.org/
Nebraska Invasive Species website: https://neinvasives.com/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
| T1A | - | Excessive grazing. Lack of fire. |
|---|---|---|
| R2A | - | Prescribed grazing. Prescribed fire. Mechanical brush control. |
| T2A | - | Excessive grazing. Lack of fire. |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1A | - | Excessive grazing. Lack of fire. |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1B | - | Lack of grazing. Lack of fire. |
| 1.2A | - | Prescribed grazing. Prescribed fire. |
| 1.3A | - | Prescribed grazing. Prescribed fire. |