Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R071XY037NE
Limy Upland
Last updated: 1/08/2025
Accessed: 04/17/2025
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.
- Basemap provided by ESRI. Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community.
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): 071X–Central Nebraska Loess Hills
MLRA 71 is named “The Central Nebraska Loess Hills” and is located exclusively in Nebraska. The approximately 5.3 million acre landscape covers all or parts of 21 counties, primarily Custer, Dawson, Buffalo, Sherman, Howard, Valley, Greeley, and Hall. The physical appearance of the landscape is dominated by loess hills dissected by the North, Middle, and South Loup Rivers and their tributaries. The Platte River defines the southern border. The elevation in MLRA 71 ranges from over 3,000 to less than 1,700 feet above sea level, with average local relief stretching from 20 to 200 feet. Average annual precipitation ranges from 21 to 26 inches, with the number of freeze-free days averaging around 200.
Loess overlays the surface of almost all of the uplands in this MLRA. Alluvial clay, silt, sand, and gravel are deposited in the stream and river valleys and can be extensive in the major drainages. Terraces are common in the valleys along the river systems. The predominate soil orders are mesic, udic Mollisols and Entisols, commonly represented by the Coly, Uly, Cozad, Hord, Hall, and Holdrege soil series.
The matrix vegetation type is mixed-grass prairie, with big and little bluestem, switchgrass, Indiangrass, and sideoats and blue grama making up the bulk of the warm-season species, while western wheatgrass is the dominant cool-season species. The primary large-patch vegetative component of the landscape is dominated by needle and thread, prairie sandreed, sand and little bluestem, and blue grama. The majority of the small-patch communities are associated with upland playas and the wetter sites found along the floodplains.
Forty four percent of the land in this MLRA has been broken out of native prairie and farmed; mostly corn, alfalfa, and some soybeans, while 48 percent of the grasslands remain intact. Livestock grazing, primarily cattle, is a major industry here. Wildlife flourishes in this combination of crop and grassland environment, with both mule and white-tailed deer being the most abundant wild ungulate. A variety of smaller species, including coyote, raccoon, opossum, porcupines, muskrat, beaver, squirrel, and mink thrive in the region, as well as a suite of grassland and upland birds. The rivers, streams, and lakes harbor excellent fisheries.
This landscape developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, and repeated natural or man-caused wildfire. Other biotic and abiotic factors also typically influence soil and site development. This is a disturbance driven ecosystem, evolving under the influences of herbivory, fire, and variable climate. Historically, these processes created a heterogenous mosaic of plant communities and structure heights across the region. Any given site in this landscape experienced fire every 7 to 9 years. The fires were caused both by lightning strikes, and were set by native Americans, who used fire for warfare, signaling, and to refresh the native grasses. These people understood the value of fire as a tool, and that the highly palatable growth following a fire provided both excellent forage for their horses and attracted grazing game animals such as bison and elk.
Fragmentation of the native grasslands by conversion to cropland, transportation corridors, and other development by European man has effectively disrupted the natural fire regime of this ecosystem. This has allowed encroachment by native and introduced shrubs and trees into the remnants of the native prairie throughout the MLRA. Aggressive fire suppression policies have exacerbated this process to the point that shrub and tree encroachment is a major ecological issue in the majority of both native and re-seeded grasslands.
Even as post European settlement's alteration of the fire regime allows the expansion of the woody component of the native prairie, introduction of eastern redcedar as a windbreak component further facilitates invasion by this species. While eastern redcedar is native to Nebraska, the historic population in MLRA 71 was limited to isolated pockets in rugged river drainages that were subsequently insulated from fire, or non-existent. Widespread plantings of windbreaks with eastern redcedar as a primary component has established a seed source for the aggressive woody plant. The ensuing encroachment into the native grasslands degrades the native wildlife habit and causes significant forage loss for domestic livestock. However, since it is not a root-sprouter, eastern redcedar is very susceptible to fire when under six feet tall. Management with prescribed fire is exceedingly effective if applied before this stage. Larger eastern redcedars can also be controlled with fire but requires the use of specially designed ignition and suppression techniques.
Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 71 (USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2006)
Ecological site concept
This site occupies a run-off position on the landscape on slopes of less than 30 percent. The soils associated with this site are effervescent due to the presence of calcium carbonate at or near the surface.
Associated sites
| R071XY028NE |
Loamy Lowland The Loamy Lowland ecological site is often found adjacent to Limy Upland sites but positioned lower on the landscape. |
|---|---|
| R071XY036NE |
Loamy Upland The Loamy Upland ecological site occupies a similar landscape position and slope and can occur adjacent to Limy Upland sites. |
| R071XY042NE |
Loess Breaks The Loess Breaks ecological site occurs adjacent to Limy Upland sites but is usually higher on the landscape. |
Similar sites
| R071XY042NE |
Loess Breaks The Loess Breaks ecological site occurs on slopes greater than 30 percent and cat-steps are often evident. The steeper slopes and cat-steps differentiates this site from the Limy Upland site. |
|---|---|
| R071XY036NE |
Loamy Upland The Loamy Upland ecological site consists of soils that do not have the presence of calcium carbonate at or near the soil surface and so is non-effervescent which differentiates this site from the Limy Upland site. |
Figure 2. Block diagram
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Andropogon gerardii |
Physiographic features
The Limy Upland site occurs on nearly level to steeply sloping uplands or high terraces. The associated soils are very deep with silty or loamy surface layers and subsoils. On all slopes a primary identifying feature is the presence of calcium carbonate at or near the soil surface. The site produces runoff to areas lower on the landscape and is subject to severe water erosion without adequate vegetative cover.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Hillslope
|
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Low to high |
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 1,630 – 3,075 ft |
| Slope | 1 – 30% |
| Water table depth | 80 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Annual precipitation ranges from 22 to 26 inches per year. Winds are estimated to average about 14 miles per hour annually. Occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 60 miles per hour. Growth of native cool-season plants begins in early April and continues to about mid-June. Native warm-season plants begin growth in early June and continue to early August. Green up of cool-season plants may occur in September and October.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 120-131 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 135-154 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 23-26 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 115-140 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 134-165 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 23-27 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 127 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 147 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) BROKEN BOW 2 W [USC00251200], Broken Bow, NE
-
(2) BURWELL [USC00251345], Burwell, NE
-
(3) NORTH LOUP [USC00256040], North Loup, NE
-
(4) RAVENNA [USC00257040], Ravenna, NE
-
(5) STAPLETON 5W [USC00258133], Stapleton, NE
-
(6) KEARNEY 4 NE [USC00254335], Kearney, NE
-
(7) ANSELMO 2 SE [USC00250245], Anselmo, NE
-
(8) CANADAY STEAM PLT [USC00251450], Lexington, NE
-
(9) LOUP CITY [USC00254985], Loup City, NE
-
(10) MASON CITY [USC00255250], Mason City, NE
-
(11) SAINT PAUL [USC00257515], Saint Paul, NE
-
(12) GRAND ISLAND AP [USW00014935], Grand Island, NE
-
(13) ARNOLD [USC00250355], Arnold, NE
-
(14) CENTRAL CITY [USC00251560], Central City, NE
-
(15) COMSTOCK [USC00251835], Comstock, NE
-
(16) GOTHENBURG [USC00253365], Gothenburg, NE
-
(17) OCONTO [USC00256167], Oconto, NE
-
(18) OVERTON 3 W [USC00256439], Overton, NE
-
(19) TAYLOR [USC00258455], Taylor, NE
Influencing water features
This site is an upland site and functions independently from ground and surface water features.
Soil features
These very deep soils are characterized by thin (less than 7 inches) surface layers. Under cultivation, calcium carbonate is usually at the surface and throughout the entire soil depth, but often is leached in the upper 3 to 6 inches in non-cultivated areas. Soil textures for both surface and subsoil layers of these soils range from silty to loamy. Organic matter content is generally low to moderately low in the surface layer.
Coly and Sully are the major soil series associated with this ecological site. More information can be found in the various soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center for internet links to soil survey data that includes more details specific to your location.
Figure 9. Coly series profile
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Loess
|
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Silt loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate |
| Soil depth | 80 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
6.4 – 8 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5 – 15% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
The Limy Uplands site generally occurs on nearly level to steeply sloping uplands or high terraces where no extra moisture from drainage or overflow is received. With excessive overgrazing or grazing without adequate recovery periods, little bluestem, sideoats grama, big bluestem, and other tall- and midgrasses are generally reduced. Blue grama and Kentucky bluegrass increase. Forbs and shrubs make up about 15 percent of the plant components on this site and increase significantly as excessive grazing occurs.
This is a disturbance driven site, with the disturbances being 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. Even as post European settlement's alteration of the fire regime allows the expansion of the woody component of the native prairie, introduction of eastern redcedar as a windbreak species has compounded the issue.
While eastern redcedar is native to Nebraska, the historic population in MLRA 71 was limited to isolated pockets in rugged river drainages that were subsequently insulated from fire, or non-existent. Widespread plantings of windbreaks with eastern red cedar as a primary component has provided a seed source for the aggressive woody plant. The ensuing encroachment into the native grasslands degrades the native wildlife habit and causes significant forage loss for domestic livestock. However, since it is not a root sprouter, eastern red cedar is very susceptible to fire when under six feet tall. Management with prescribed fire is exceedingly effective if applied before this stage.
Heavy grazing without adequate rest periods causes big bluestem and other tallgrass species to rapidly lose productive capacity through loss of vigor and reproductive potential. Sideoats grama will initially increase to fill the voids left by declining tall grass species. Continued overgrazing results in a decrease of sideoats grama, and blue grama, Kentucky bluegrass, and the less palatable forbs increase as the taller warm-season grass species decline. Smooth brome readily encroaches on this site, and erosion in the form of gullying and terraces on the steeper areas occur with continued heavy grazing without adequate recovery periods.
Grazing management that includes proper stocking rates with adequate recovery periods for the entire grazing unit is usually required to improve or maintain this site. Intensive grazing management using concentrated livestock numbers, combined with long recovery periods can be beneficial in improving forage utilization, quantity, and quality.
The reference plant community has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, seasonal use pastures, appropriately timed and controlled grazing, and historical accounts.
The State and Transition Model (STM) is depicted below, and includes a Reference State, a Native/Invaded Grass State, an Invaded Grass State, an Invaded Woody State, and a Sodbusted State. 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.
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
States 2 and 5 (additional transitions)
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The Reference State describes the range of vegetative communities that occur on the Limy Upland site where the natural processes are mostly intact. The Reference and the Degraded Native Grass Communities are representative of the native plant communities historically maintained by frequent fire and herbivory(grazing) with adequate recovery periods. The At-Risk Native Grass and Excessive Litter Communities result from management decisions that are unfavorable for the plant community and soil health. High perennial grass cover and production allows for increased soil moisture retention, vegetative production, and overall soil quality.
Dominant plant species
-
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
Community 1.1
Reference Community
The Reference Community 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 Reference Community developed under large herbivore grazing and occasional wildfire. The community is made up of 70 to 90 percent grasses and grass-like plants, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 5 to 10 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include big bluestem, little bluestem, and sideoats grama. Secondary species include blue grama, western wheatgrass, and Indiangrass. Forbs include dotted blazingstar, white heath aster, Cuman ragweed, and purple prairie clover. Shrubs that may be present include leadplant, western snowberry, rose, and smooth sumac. This plant community is highly productive and diverse. Plant health and vigor maintained by prescribed grazing and adequate recovery periods between grazing events, allows this site to withstand short-term environmental stress, short-term heavy grazing or several years of non-use by grazing animals. Total annual production during ranges from 2000 to 3250 pounds of air dry vegetation per acre per year and will average 2625 pounds.
Dominant plant species
-
leadplant (Amorpha canescens), shrub
-
western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), shrub
-
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
-
dotted blazing star (Liatris punctata), other herbaceous
-
white heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), other herbaceous
-
purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea), other herbaceous
Figure 10. 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 | 1845 | 2349 | 2840 |
| Forb | 130 | 197 | 275 |
| Shrub/Vine | 25 | 79 | 135 |
| Total | 2000 | 2625 | 3250 |
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE7138, Central NE Loess Hills, warm-season dominant. Warm-season grass 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 1.2
Degraded Native Grass Community
The Degraded Native Grass Community develops under continued grazing without adequate recovery periods during the growing season. Big bluestem and other tallgrass species rapidly lose productive capacity through loss of vigor and reproductive potential. Little bluestem, sideoats grama, and blue grama increase to fill the voids left by the decrease of the more desirable warm-season tallgrass species. Forbs and some shrubs also increase in this plant community. Soil health is not adversely affected. Total annual production ranges from 1600 to 2800 pounds of air dry vegetation per acre per year and will average 2200 pounds.
Dominant plant species
-
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
Figure 12. 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 | 1475 | 1969 | 2460 |
| Forb | 105 | 165 | 225 |
| Shrub/Vine | 20 | 66 | 115 |
| Total | 1600 | 2200 | 2800 |
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE7138, Central NE Loess Hills, warm-season dominant. Warm-season grass 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 1.3
At-Risk Native Grass Community
The At-Risk Native Grass community marks a shift in plant composition from that of a tall- and midgrass community to a mid- and shortgrass community. Big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass are decreasing in vigor with continued defoliation. Little bluestem declines. These grasses will be replaced by shortgrasses such as blue grama, forbs and shrubs. Dominant plant species include blue grama, sideoats grama, and western wheatgrass. Cuman ragweed increases as well. Timing of defoliation events will have an impact on the proportions of species within the community such as western wheatgrass, needle and thread, and sedge species. Due to the decrease in the amount of plant litter generated, effective precipitation is reduced, causing a significant decline in production compared to the Degraded Native Grass community. Soil health is affected by inefficient nutrient, mineral and hydrology cycles. Total annual production ranges from 1200 to 2400 pounds of air dry vegetation per acre per year and will average 1800 pounds.
Dominant plant species
-
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
-
Cuman ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), other herbaceous
Figure 14. 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 | 1010 | 1521 | 2005 |
| Forb | 175 | 225 | 300 |
| Shrub/Vine | 15 | 54 | 95 |
| Total | 1200 | 1800 | 2400 |
Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE7137, Central NE Loess Hills, warm-season dominant, cool-season sub-dominant. Warm-season grass dominant with cool-season plants sub-dominant.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 15 | 24 | 23 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.4
Excessive Litter Community
The Excessive Litter Community occurs when grazing is removed for long periods of time or there is an absence of fire. Plant composition is similar to the Reference Plant Community, however individual species production and frequency will be lower. Over time, species diversity decreases. Much of the nutrients on the site are tied up in excessive litter. Nutrient recycling is severely reduced by the lack of animal impact. Decomposition is slowed due to the semiarid environment. The litter limits sunlight from reaching root crowns, and many plants, especially bunchgrasses, die. The reproductive potential of perennial plants is reduced. Bare ground is common in advanced stages. Annual forbs, grasses and on occasion cryptogamic crusts often occupy these areas. If periodic grazing and/or grazing and fire are limited, perennial plants die and on steeper slopes erosion may increase. Increased practice cost and management will be required to establish a more productive perennial plant community.
Dominant plant species
-
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods will convert the reference plant community to the Degraded Native Grass Community. Continued defoliation during critical growth periods will reduce the proportion of tall grass species. The more accessible slopes of this site are preferred by livestock and can lead to uneven grazing distribution.
Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.4
No-Fire and No-use can also result in heavy mulch/thatch build-up, reduced plant vigor, and will eventually cause plant mortality, which can move the reference plant community to the Excessive Litter Community. Prescribed grazing and prescribed burning will maintain the reference plant community.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods, will improve the vigor and health of the tallgrass species and maintain midgrass species and will shift this community to the Reference Community. This movement can occur over relatively short periods of time (less than five years).
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods will cause this plant community to change to a Degraded Native Grass Community. Continued defoliation without adequate rest periods will significantly reduce the remaining proportions of the tallgrass species and begin to reduce the proportions of midgrass species. The more accessible slopes of this site are preferred by livestock and can lead to uneven grazing distribution.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods, will improve the vigor and health of the mid-grass species and move towards the Sideoats Grama, Little bluestem, Blue grama plant community. This movement will occur over longer periods of time (five to fifteen years).
Pathway 1.4A
Community 1.4 to 1.1
Prescribed grazing (with adequate recovery periods) and/or prescribed burning or wildfire (to reduce excess litter) will shift this plant community toward the Reference Community.
State 2
Native/Invaded Grass State
This state has been degraded from the Reference State and much of the native warm-season grass community has been replaced by less desirable plants. The loss of warm-season tall- and midgrasses has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced due to the shallow root system and rapid runoff characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass and blue grama plant communities.
Dominant plant species
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
-
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
Community 2.1
Native Shortgrass/Invaded Grass Community
Blue grama and Kentucky bluegrass have developed a dense sod due to continued defoliation without rest periods. All tallgrass species have been lost and many midgrass species are only remnants. Plant diversity is extremely low and plant vigor is significantly reduced. Deep percolation will be severely impacted by the root mass present in this plant community. Total annual production ranges from 500 to 900 pounds of air dry vegetation per acre per year and will average 700 pounds.
Dominant plant species
-
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE7141, Central NE Loess Hills, lowland cool season/warm season co-dominant. Cool-season and warm-season grasses co-dominant, lowland 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 | 5 | 12 | 20 | 25 | 19 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Community 2.2
Smooth Brome Community
This plant community contains predominately smooth brome but may contain native warm-season grass remnants. Production on smooth brome dominated plant communities are highly variable depending upon the percent composition present and outside inputs such as fertilizer and weed control. Production can range from 2,500 to 3,000 pounds per acre with an average of 2,750 pounds per acre in normal years on rangelands with a smooth brome component of 50 percent or more. Clipping or ocular estimates of production should be conducted to verify current annual production. Prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, or the use of herbicide treatments at critical time periods can reduce the smooth brome component in the plant community.
Dominant plant species
-
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Transition to the Smooth Brome Community may occur with excessive summer grazing, inadequate rest during the summer, multi-season haying, nitrogen fertilization in spring and/or fall or introduced grass seeding. Smooth brome and/or other non-native plants are predominant and there is limited plant species diversity.
Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Restoration can be achieved by herbicide treatment and reseeding. If native remnants are present, appropriately timed prescribed fire followed by a prescribed grazing program may achieve the desired results.
State 3
Invaded Woody State
The spatial extent of eastern redcedar encroachment has expanded and individual trees have grown substantially. The areas under and near individual eastern redcedar have experienced altered function through shading, evergreen litter, and suppressed herbaceous understory. The woody overstory now dictates certain disturbance responses, and prescribed fire options become increasingly problematic as any fire will be largely carried by the volatile evergreen canopy instead of the herbaceous understory.
Dominant plant species
-
eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
-
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
Community 3.1
Eastern Redcedar Community
This community can develop when fire is withheld from any plant community over an extended period of time. Generally, this site is very conducive to eastern redcedar seedling invasion. Eastern redcedars will eventually dominate the site, reducing grass production and limiting grazing potential. Siberian elm and honeylocust encroachment may occur as you move east within the MLRA. Encroachment can occur within any plant community state or phase. Annual production varies widely depending on condition of the site and degree of encroachment.
Dominant plant species
-
eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
-
honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), tree
-
Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), tree
State 4
Invaded Grass State
Introduced cool-season invasion has progressed to the point that native species comprise a negligible portion of the community and the aggressively rhizomatous invasive smooth brome preclude native germination and seedling survival. The native component may be completely absent, and the site then will resemble a seeded pasture.
Dominant plant species
-
smooth brome (Bromus inermis), grass
Community 4.1
Smooth Brome Community
The Smooth Brome Community can develop when smooth brome is present within or near the native plant community. Roadside plantings of smooth brome are often the source of encroachment. Production on smooth brome dominated plant communities are highly variable depending on the percent composition of the plant in the community. Production can range from 1700 lbs per acre to 3700 lbs per acre with an average of 2700 lbs per acre in average years on rangelands whose smooth brome component is 50% or more. Clipping or ocular estimates of production should be conducted to verify current annual production. Prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, or the use of herbicide treatments at critical time periods can reduce the smooth brome component in the plant community.
State 5
Sodbusted State
The Sodbusted State is a result of mechanical disturbance to facilitate production agriculture. If farming operations are suspended, the site can be abandoned or seeded to a perennial grass mixture. When tilled and abandoned the Natural Reclamation Community will result. When seeded the resulting community will be either the Reseeded Native Grass Community or the Seeded Pasture Community depending upon the type of seeding implemented. Nutrient cycling, hydrologic function and/or soil stability have been severely altered and possibly compromised. This is a highly variable state in which the specific observed plants will depend largely on the original community and the nature of the disturbance. Permanent alterations of soils and hydrology make restoration to the Reference State extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Community 5.1
Reseeded Native Grass Community
The Reseeded Native Grass Community does not contain native remnants and has been seeded to a mixture of native grasses and forbs. The community will vary considerably depending on the extent of soil erosion, the species seeded, the quality of the stand that was established, how long ago the stand was established, and the management of the stand since establishment. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods will be needed to maintain productivity and desirable species. There are several factors that make seeded rangeland a different grazing resource than native rangeland. Factors such as species selected, stand density, improved or selected varieties, and harvest efficiency all impact the production level and palatability. Species diversity on seeded rangeland is often lower and native forb species generally take longer to establish. This results in uneven utilization when both seeded and native rangelands are in the same grazing unit. Therefore, the seeded rangeland should be managed as a separate grazing unit if possible unless intensive grazing management methods are used.
Community 5.2
Seeded Pasture Community
This plant community does not contain native remnants and will vary considerably depending on the extent of soil erosion, the species seeded, the quality of the stand that was established, how long ago the stand was established, and the management of the stand since establishment. There are several factors that make seeded pasture a different grazing resource than native rangeland and land seeded to a rangeland grass mixture. Factors such as species selected, stand density, improved varieties, and harvest efficiency all impact the production level and palatability. Species diversity on seeded 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 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 grass species seeded. Improved varieties of warm-season or cool-season grasses are recommended for forage purposes. Single species stands of big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass, or well managed cool-season grasses and legume plantings with improved varieties will yield 4,000 to 5,000 pounds per acre with an average of 4.500 pounds per acre annually.
Community 5.3
Natural Reclamation Community
This plant community consists of annual and perennial weeds and less desirable grasses. These sites have been farmed (all previous plant communities were destroyed) and abandoned without being reseeded. Soil organic matter/carbon reserves are reduced, soil structure is changed, and a plow-pan or compacted layer can be formed which decreases water infiltration. Residual synthetic chemicals may remain from farming operations. In early successional stages, this community is not stable. Erosion is a concern. In some cases, this community may result from extremely heavy, continuous grazing. In those cases, blue grama may exist as a remnant. Production, the nutrient cycle, water cycle, and overall energy flow have been severely impaired. 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
Continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods will cause the Reference State to cross a threshold and shift to the Native/Invaded Grass State. Continued defoliation without adequate recovery periods will significantly reduce the proportions of the midgrass species and begin to increase the proportions of shortgrass species.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3
Encroachment of woody species with no fire will cause the Reference State to transition to the Invaded Woody State.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4
Continuous heavy grazing or grazing without adequate recovery periods can allow smooth brome to invade the plant communities of the Reference State and cause it to transition to the Native Shortgrass/Invaded Grass State.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1
Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods between grazing events will gradually restore the Native Shortgrass/Invaded Grass State to the Reference State. A shift to the Reference State could take many years to achieve.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
Encroachment of woody species with no fire will cause the Native Shortgrass/Invaded Grass State to transition to the Invaded Woody State.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4
Continuous heavy grazing or grazing without adequate recovery periods will cause smooth bromegrass to continue to invade the plant communities of the Native Shortgrass/Invaded Grass State and cause it to transition to the Invaded Grass State.
Transition T2C
State 2 to 5
The site has been significantly altered by mechanical tillage to facilitate production agriculture. The disruption to the plant community, the soil and the hydrology of the system make restoration to a true reference state unlikely.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1
Restoration from the Invaded Woody State toward the Reference State will require aggressive intervening actions to simultaneously recolonize native grasses and suppress vigor in undesirable species. Restoration can be achieved with brush management and/or prescribed burning for eastern redcedar control. If resprouting species such as honeylocust or Siberian elm are present, stumps must be treated after mechanical removal. Ongoing brush management such as hand cutting, chemical spot treatments or periodic prescribed burning is required.
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2
Restoration from the Invaded Woody State toward the Native Shortgrass/Invaded Grass State will require aggressive intervening actions to simultaneously recolonize native grasses and suppress vigor in undesirable species. Prescribed burning, brush management, and prescribed grazing will be needed to return the site to the previous state. Ongoing brush management will be needed to maintain the herbaceous state.
Restoration pathway R3C
State 3 to 4
Aggressive intervening actions will be required to simultaneously recolonize native grasses and suppress vigor in undesirable species. Prescribed burning, brush management, and prescribed grazing can cause the Invaded Woody State to transition to the Invaded Grass State. Ongoing brush management will be needed to maintain the herbaceous state.
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2
Restoration from the Invaded Grass State to the Native Shortgrass/Invaded State can be achieved if significant native remnants exist. Prescribed fire, chemical treatments, targeted grazing of undesired species with adequate recovery periods over an extended period of time will eventually return the site to the Native/Invaded State.
Transition T4A
State 4 to 3
The presence of an invasion source coupled with fire exclusion allows eastern redcedar seeds to germinate and establish within the herbaceous stand. This typically begins near fencerows, woody draws, and windbreaks, and accelerates outward as propagules increase. Lack of intervening action allows cedar expansion to continue and tree sizes to increase. Eastern redcedar will eventually modify site function in ways that promote further encroachment such as rainfall interception and stemflow, heavy duff litter and shading of the herbaceous understory.
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 919–1444 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 656–919 | 25–35 | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 263–394 | 10–15 | ||
| composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 0–131 | 0–5 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–131 | 0–5 | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 394–1181 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 394–788 | 15–30 | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 0–263 | 0–10 | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–131 | 0–5 | ||
| 3 | Native Cool-Season Grass | 131–525 | ||||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–263 | 0–10 | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 131–263 | 5–10 | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–131 | 0–5 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–131 | 0–5 | ||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–131 | 0–5 | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–131 | 0–5 | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–53 | 0–2 | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 131–263 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 131–263 | 5–10 | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–131 | 0–5 | ||
| plains muhly | MUCU3 | Muhlenbergia cuspidata | 0–131 | 0–5 | ||
| 5 | Grass-likes | 26–131 | ||||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–131 | 0–5 | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 26–131 | 1–5 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 131–263 | ||||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–53 | 0–2 | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–53 | 0–2 | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–53 | 0–2 | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–53 | 0–2 | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–53 | 0–2 | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| white penstemon | PEAL2 | Penstemon albidus | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| silverleaf Indian breadroot | PEAR6 | Pediomelum argophyllum | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| hoary verbena | VEST | Verbena stricta | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
| broadbeard beardtongue | PEAN4 | Penstemon angustifolius | 0–26 | 0–1 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrubs | 26–131 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 26–79 | 1–3 | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–53 | 0–2 | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–53 | 0–2 | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–53 | 0–2 | ||
| soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 0–53 | 0–2 | ||
Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 440–1100 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 440–880 | 20–40 | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 220–440 | 10–20 | ||
| composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 0–220 | 0–10 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 220–660 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 220–330 | 10–15 | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| 3 | Native Cool-Season Grass | 220–440 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 220–330 | 10–15 | ||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–44 | 0–2 | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–44 | 0–2 | ||
| 4 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 110–330 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 110–220 | 5–10 | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| 5 | Grass-likes | 22–110 | ||||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 22–110 | 1–5 | ||
| 6 | Non-Native Grasses | 0–110 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–44 | 0–2 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 110–220 | ||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–44 | 0–2 | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–44 | 0–2 | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–44 | 0–2 | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| white penstemon | PEAL2 | Penstemon albidus | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| silverleaf Indian breadroot | PEAR6 | Pediomelum argophyllum | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| hoary verbena | VEST | Verbena stricta | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
| broadbeard beardtongue | PEAN4 | Penstemon angustifolius | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrubs | 22–110 | ||||
| soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–110 | 0–5 | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–66 | 0–3 | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–22 | 0–1 | ||
Table 10. Community 1.3 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Warm-Season Midgrass | 18–1080 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 360–720 | 20–40 | ||
| composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 0–270 | 0–15 | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| 2 | Warm-Season Shortgrass | 360–540 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 270–360 | 15–20 | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| 3 | Native Cool-Season Grass | 180–360 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 180–270 | 10–15 | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| 4 | Grass-likes | 18–90 | ||||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 18–90 | 1–5 | ||
| 5 | Warm-Season Tallgrass | 0–90 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–54 | 0–3 | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–54 | 0–3 | ||
| 6 | Non-Native Grasses | 0–90 | ||||
| cheatgrass | BRTE | Bromus tectorum | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 180–270 | ||||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 36–180 | 2–10 | ||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| silverleaf Indian breadroot | PEAR6 | Pediomelum argophyllum | 36–90 | 2–5 | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 18–90 | 1–5 | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| thistle | CIRSI | Cirsium | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| common sunflower | HEAN3 | Helianthus annuus | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| rush skeletonplant | LYJU | Lygodesmia juncea | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| white penstemon | PEAL2 | Penstemon albidus | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| hoary verbena | VEST | Verbena stricta | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–18 | 0–1 | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 8 | Shrubs | 18–90 | ||||
| soapweed yucca | YUGL | Yucca glauca | 36–180 | 2–10 | ||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–90 | 0–5 | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
LIVESTOCK - GRAZING INTERPRETATIONS:
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide year-long forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.
The following table lists suggested initial stocking rates for cattle with 50% (25% harvest efficiency) forage use under average growing conditions. These are 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/vegetative state (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 herbivores other than cattle are involved. Under more intensive management systems, improved harvest efficiencies can result in an increased carrying capacity.
Plant Community, Total Production (RV), and Carrying Capacity*
Community 1.1, Reference Community: 2,625 lbs/ac and 0.72 AUM/ac
Community 1.2, Degraded Native Grass Community: 2,200 lbs/ac and 0.60 AUM/Ac
Community 1.3, At-risk Native Grass Community: 1,800 lbs/ac and 0.49 AUM/Ac
Community 2.1, Native Shortgrass/Invaded Grass Community: 700 bs/ac and 0.19 AUM/Ac
* Continuous growing season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions (utilizing 50% of usable herbage or 25% harvest efficiency). AUM = The amount of forage required by one animal unit (one mature cow weighing 1000 lbs. and her calf as old as 3 months, or their equivalent) for one month or 912 pounds of air dry forage.
WILDLIFE INTERPRETATIONS:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 71 lies primarily within the Mixed-grass prairie ecosystem. Though European settlers have converted about half of this landscape to farmland, a significant portion 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. Native Americans, 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 brome, 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, which is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B. Permeability is moderate, and runoff potential is medium to high. In general, the infiltration rate is directly proportional to vegetative cover, while the runoff potential is inversely proportional. An exception is sod-bound short grasses. The T erosion factor is 5. Refer to NRCS Section 4, National Engineering Handbook (NEH-4) for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves.
Recreational uses
The sloping portions of this site provide a colorful and rustic landscape used for hunting, birding, and site-seeing.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
none known
Other information
Revision Notes: “This PROVISIONAL ecological site concept has been through the quality control and quality assurance process to ensure that the site meets the NESH standards for a provisional ecological site that provides basic compiled information in one location. This site should not be considered an Approved ESD until further data entry and editing is completed.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Inventory Data References:
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include Dana Larsen, State Rangeland Management Specialist, Chuck Markley, Resource Soil Scientist
Data Source Number of Records Sample Period State County
SCS-RANGE-417 1 1982 NE Custer
SCS-RANGE-417 2 1979 – 1981 NE Greeley
SCS-RANGE-417 1 1968 NE Logan
SCS-RANGE-417 1 1981 NE Howard
SCS-RANGE-417 3 1968-1978 NE Sherman
Field Offices:
Albion, Broken Bow, Burwell, Central City, Fullerton, Grand Island, Greeley, Kearney, Lexington, Loup City, North Platte, Ord, St. Paul, Thedford
Relationship to Other Established Classifications:
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States
Other References:
Other sources used as references include USDA NRCS Water and Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, and USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties.
Other references
Other References:
Other sources used as references include USDA NRCS Water and Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, and USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties.
Contributors
Dana Larsen
Chuck Markley
Doug Whisenhunt
Nadine Bishop
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 1/08/2025
Acknowledgments
Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work is needed to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description. Additional data collection and evaluation may also be needed to develop this ESD to the Approved, then Correlated level. This could include field activities to collect low, medium and high intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Field reviews of the project plan should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document. The State and Transitional Model and corresponding pathways and associated vegetative communities will need to be reviewed and upgraded to adhere to the new guidelines. Annual reviews of the Project Plan are to be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team. The project plan is ES R071XY036NE- MLRA 71.
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) | Jeff Nichols, Nadine Bishop |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | jeffrey.nichols@usda.gov |
| Date | 11/30/2024 |
| 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:
Typically, none. Water flow patterns may occur on steeper slopes (greater than 15 percent). Where they do occur, they are rare (less than 2 per 100 ft2 or 9.3 m2), narrow (less than 6 inches wide), short (less than 1 foot or 0.3 m long), and disconnected, disrupted by perennial vegetation. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Typically, none. Occasionally, bunch grasses may be pedestalled (average of 2 or less / square meter) on steeper slopes (greater than 15 percent) with no exposed roots. Drought, wildfire, and prescribed burns should not increase the incidence of pedestals except on the steepest slopes (greater than 20 percent). -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 10 percent or less. Bare ground patches should be less than 2 inches (5.1cm) and scattered across the site. Bare ground is exposed mineral soil that is not covered by vegetation (basal and/or foliar canopy), litter, 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:
None. Wind scoured and depositional areas are not expected on this site. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter may move short distances (less than 6 inches or 15.2 cm) following a significant run-off event; as interspaces are small, there is no difference between litter movement in interspaces and under canopy. Coarse litter generally does not move. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil stability ratings will be 5 to 6, typically 6. Interspaces are quite small and there should be no difference between interspaces and under canopy. High root content and organic matter will be present in the soil surface. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface horizon is thin and approximately 4 to 7 inches (10 to 17 cm) thick. The A-horizon is very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) to dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2). Structure is moderate fine granular. Soil contains many fine roots. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Plant community composition of 70 to 90 percent perennial grasses and grass-likes, 5 to 10 percent forbs, and 5 to 10 percent shrubs will optimize infiltration on the site. The grass and grass-like component is made up of native, perennial, warm-season, midgrasses (35-55%), native, perennial, warm-season, rhizomatous tallgrasses (15-45%), native, perennial, cool-season grasses (5-20%), native, perennial, warm-season, shortgrasses (5-10%), and grass-likes (1-5%).
Infiltration can be adversely impacted by the invasion of Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, tall fescue, and trees when present above 10 percent (subdominant designation). -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. No compaction layers occur naturally 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:
Phase 1.1
1. Native, perennial, warm-season, midgrass: 919-1444#/ac, 35-55% (2 species minimum): little bluestem, sideoats grama, sand dropseed.
2. Native, perennial, warm-season tallgrass, 394-1181 #/ac, 15-45% (1 species minimum): big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass, composite dropseed.
Phase 1.2
1. Native, perennial, warm-season, midgrass: 440-1100#/ac, 20-50% (2 species minimum): little bluestem, sideoats grama, sand dropseed.
2. Native, perennial, warm-season, shortgrass, 220-660 #/ac, 10-30% (1 species minimum): blue grama, hairy grama, buffalograss
Phase 1.3
1. Native, perennial, warm-season, midgrass: 360-1080#/ac, 20-60% (1 species minimum): little bluestem, sideoats grama, sand dropseed.
2. Native, perennial, warm-season, shortgrass, 360-540 #/ac, 20-30% (1 species minimum): blue grama, buffalograss.Sub-dominant:
Phase 1.1
1. Native, perennial, cool-season grass, 131-525 #/ac, 5-20% (1 species minimum): western wheatgrass, needle and thread, porcupinegrass, prairie Junegrass, green needlegrass, Canada wildrye, rosettegrasses.
Phase 1.2
1. Native, perennial, cool-season grass, 220-440 #/ac, 10-20% (1 species minimum): western wheatgrass, needle and thread, porcupinegrass, prairie Junegrass, green needlegrass, Canada wildrye, rosettegrasses.
2. Native, perennial, warm-season tallgrass, 110-330 #/ac, 5-15% (1 species minimum): big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass, composite dropseed.
Phase 1.3
1. Native, perennial, cool-season grass, 180-360 #/ac, 10-20% (1 species minimum): western wheatgrass, needle and thread, porcupinegrass, prairie Junegrass, green needlegrass, Canada wildrye, rosettegrasses.
2. Native forbs (annual and perennial), 180-270 #/ac, 10-15%, 3 species minimum: cuman ragweed, silverleaf Indian breadroot, white sagebrush, other species which vary from location to location.Other:
Minor - Phase 1.1
1. Native, perennial, warm-season, shortgrass, 131-263 #/ac, 5-10%: blue grama, hairy grama, plains muhly.
2. Native forb (perennial and annual, 131-263 #/ac (5-10%): forbs present vary from location to location.
3. Grass-like, 26-131 #/ac (1-5%): sedges.
4. Shrub, 26-131 #/ac (1-5%): leadplant, rose, western snowberry, soapweed yucca and other shrubs that vary from location to location
Minor - Phase 1.2
1. Native forbs, 110-220 #/ac, 5-10%: forbs present vary from location to location.
2. Grass-likes, 22-110 #/ac, 1-5%: sedges, other grass-likes.
3. Non-native grasses, 22-110 #/ac, 1-5%: Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome.
4. Shrubs, 22-110 #/ac, 5-10%: soapweed yucca, leadplant, rose, western snowberry, and other shrubs that vary from location to location.
Minor - Phase 1.3
1. Grass-likes, 18-90 #/ac, 1-5%: sedges, other grass-likes.
2. Shrubs, 18-90 #/ac, 1-5%: soapweed yucca, rose, western snowberry, other shrubs.
3. Native, perennial, warm-season, tallgrass: 0-90 #/ac, 0-5%: big bluestem, switchgrass.
4. Non-native Grasses, 0-90 #/ac, 0-5%: cheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass.Additional:
The Reference Community (1.1) includes seven F/S Groups. These groups in order of expected abundance are native, perennial, warm-season, midgrass; native, perennial, warm-season, tallgrass; native, perennial, cool-season, grass; native, perennial, warm-season shortgrass; native forb (perennial and annual); grass-like; and shrub.
The Degraded Native Grass Community (1.2) consists of eight F/S groups which are in order of abundance native, perennial, warm-season, midgrass; native, perennial, warm-season shortgrass; native, perennial, cool-season grass; native, perennial, warm-season, tallgrass; native forbs; grass-likes, shrubs, and non-native grasses.
The At-Risk Native Grass Community also consists of eight F/S groups which are, in order of abundance, native, perennial, warm-season, midgrass; native, perennial, warm-season shortgrass; native, perennial, cool-season grass; native forbs; grass-likes; shrubs; native, perennial, warm-season, tallgrass, and non-native grasses. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
A few (less than 3 percent) dead centers may occur in bunchgrasses. Shrubs may show some dead branches as plants age. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Plant litter cover is evenly distributed throughout the site and is expected to be 80 to 90 percent and at a depth of 0.25 inches (0.6 cm). Kentucky bluegrass excessive litter and woody encroachment can negatively impact the functionality of this site. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Production is shown in air-dry values. The Representative Value (RV) = 2,625 pounds per acre. Low production years = 2,000 pounds per acre. High production years = 3,250 pounds per acre. -
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. Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome, Caucasian bluestem, eastern redcedar, honey locust, nodding plumeless thistle (musk thistle), Canada thistle, common mullein, and Sericea lespedeza are known invasives that have the potential to be dominant or co-dominant on the site. Consult the state noxious weed and state watch lists for potential invasive species on each ecological site. NOTE: Invasive plants (for the purposes of the IIRH protocol) are plant species that are typically not found on the ecological site or should only be in trace or minor categories under the natural disturbance regime and have the potential to become a dominant or codominant species on the site if their establishment and growth are not actively controlled by natural disturbances or management interventions. Species listed characterize degraded states AND have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All perennial species exhibit high vigor relative to climatic 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.