Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site HX074XY130
Shallow Sandstone
Last updated: 10/04/2019
Accessed: 11/21/2024
General information
Approved. An approved ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model, enough information to identify the ecological site, and full documentation for all ecosystem states contained in the state and transition model.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 074X–Central Kansas Sandstone Hills
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 74, Central Kansas Sandstone Hills, is entirely located in Kansas. It makes up about 8,365 square miles (21,675 square kilometers). The city of Salina and the towns of Concordia, Junction City, McPherson, and Newton are in this MLRA. Interstate Highways 70 and 135 meet in Salina, and Interstate 35 crosses the southern part of this area. Wilson and Kanopolis State Parks are in this area. McConnell Air Force Base is in the southern part of the area.
Following are the various kinds of land use in this MLRA: Cropland--private, 52 percent; Grassland--private, 38 percent, Federal 2 percent; Forest--private, 3 percent; Urban development--private, 3 percent; Water--private, 1 percent; Other--private, 1 percent.
Most of MLRA 74 is in farms. More than one-half of the area is cropland. Winter wheat is the principal crop. Other small grains, grain sorghum, hay, and corn also are important crops. Some areas along the large rivers are irrigated. The crops grown in nonirrigated areas also are grown in irrigated areas, but more corn and less wheat are grown in the irrigated areas. More than one-third of the area supports native grasses grazed by cattle.
The major soil resource concerns are the hazard of water erosion, maintenance of the content of organic matter and tilth of the soils, and soil moisture management. The resource concerns on pasture and rangeland are the productivity, health, and vigor of plants and the spread of noxious and invasive species.
Conservation practices on cropland generally include high-residue crops in the cropping system; systems of crop residue management, such as no-till and mulch-till; a combination of terraces and grassed waterways; contour farming; contour stripcropping; conservation crop rotations; and nutrient management. Conservation practices on rangeland generally include prescribed grazing, brush management, management of upland wildlife habitat, proper distribution of watering facilities, and control of noxious and invasive plant species.
Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 074X--Central Kansas Sandstone Hills
Ecological site concept
The Shallow Sandstone ecological site is characterized by the Hedville soil which is shallow to very shallow. Many areas of exposed sandstone rock are evident on the higher elevations. This soil formed in residuum weathered from noncalcareous sandstone. This site is found on uplands that are moderately to strongly sloping with a loamy surface layer that may be cobbly.
Associated sites
| HX074XY107 |
Clay Hills The Clay Hills ecological site sits adjacent to and in conjunction with the Shallow Sandstone ecological site. This site is made up of very deep to moderately deep, moderately well to well drained upland soils. This site has a loamy to silty surface (7 to 14 inches) over clayey subsoils and is non-calcareous to the surface. The clay content in the soil is approximately greater than 45 percent at depths less than 14 inches. Generally, the Clay Hills ecological site is located on uplands with a slope range of 0 to 40 percent. |
|---|---|
| HX074XY115 |
Loamy Hills The Loamy Hills ecological site sits adjacent to and in conjunction with the Shallow Sandstone ecological site. This site is made up of moderately deep to deep, moderately well to well drained upland soils. This site has a fine-silty and loamy surface texture and is non-calcareous to the surface. Generally, the Loamy Hills ecological site is located on uplands with a slope range of 0 to 16 percent. |
Figure 1. MLRA 74 ESD block diagram.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Schizachyrium scoparium |
Legacy ID
R074XY130KS
Physiographic features
The northwest half of MLRA 74 is in the Plains Border Section of the Great Plains Province of the Interior Plains. The northeast corner is in the Dissected Till Plains Section of the Central Lowland Province of the Interior Plains, and the rest of the area is in the Osage Plains Section of the same province and division. This area is an undulating to hilly, dissected plain. Wide flood plains and terraces are along the larger rivers, and narrow bottom land is along the small streams. Elevation is generally 1,310 to 1,640 feet (400 to 500 meters), increasing from east to west. Local relief is typically 65 to 130 feet (20 to 40 meters).
The extent of the major Hydrologic Unit Areas (identified by four-digit numbers) that make up this MLRA is as follows: Smoky Hill (1026), 47 percent; Middle Arkansas (1103), 22 percent; Kansas (1027), 11 percent; Republican (1025), 10 percent; and Neosho-Verdigris (1107), 10 percent. The Little Arkansas River forms the southwestern border of this area. From north to south, other rivers that cross the area include the Little Blue, Big Blue, Republican, Solomon, Salt, Saline, Cottonwood, Walnut, and Arkansas Rivers. The Solomon and Saline Rivers join the Smoky Hill River just south of Salina.
The Shallow Sandstone ecological site is situated on uplands that are moderately to strongly sloping and somewhat excessively drained. The major soil series that represents this site is Hedville. It is often found as a complex in association with loamy upland soils such as Lancaster. Runoff is medium to very high with moderate permeability.
Figure 2. MLRA 74 ESD block diagram.
Figure 3. Landscape block diagram in MLRA 74.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Hillslope profile |
(1) Shoulder (2) Backslope |
|---|---|
| Landforms |
(1)
Upland
> Hillslope
|
| Runoff class | Medium to very high |
| Elevation | 396 – 500 m |
| Slope | 3 – 30% |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The average annual precipitation in MLRA 74 is 27 to 34 inches (680 to 860 millimeters). Most of the rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the growing season. The maximum precipitation occurs from the middle of spring to early in autumn. The annual snowfall averages 20 inches (50 centimeters). The average annual temperature is 54 to 57 degrees F (12 to 14 degrees C). The freeze-free period averages 200 days. Precipitation is usually evenly distributed throughout the year with the exception of November through February as the driest months and May and June as the wettest months. Summer precipitation occurs during intense summer thunderstorms. The following weather data originated from weather stations chosen across the geographical extent of the ecological site, and will likely vary from the data for the entire MLRA. The climate data from this narrative and from the tables below derives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) National Water and Climate Center. The dataset is from 1981-2010. The climate data from the geographical extent of the ecological site could be different from the MLRA 74 data. Climate stations that were used for this ecological site are listed.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 149-154 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 176-191 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 737-787 mm |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 139-157 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 170-193 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 711-813 mm |
| Frost-free period (average) | 151 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 184 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 762 mm |
Figure 4. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 5. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 6. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 7. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 8. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 9. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) CONCORDIA 1 W [USC00141761], Concordia, KS
-
(2) CONCORDIA MUNI AP [USW00013984], Concordia, KS
-
(3) CLAY CTR [USC00141559], Clay Center, KS
-
(4) MINNEAPOLIS [USC00145363], Minneapolis, KS
-
(5) ELLSWORTH [USC00142459], Ellsworth, KS
-
(6) SALINA MUNI AP [USW00003919], Salina, KS
-
(7) SMOLAN 1NE [USC00147551], Lindsborg, KS
-
(8) KANOPOLIS LAKE [USC00144178], Ellsworth, KS
-
(9) MCPHERSON [USC00145152], McPherson, KS
Influencing water features
The Shallow Sandstone ecological site is somewhat excessively drained, has medium to rapid runoff, and has moderate permeability. The hazard of water erosion, gully erosion in particular, is a major concern when vegetation is overgrazed or otherwise mismanaged.
Figure 10.
Soil features
The Hedville soil series representing the Shallow Sandstone ecological site consists of shallow and very shallow, somewhat excessively drained, and moderately permeable soils on uplands. These soils formed in residuum weathered from noncalcareous sandstone. The Hedville soil has a loamy surface layer that may be cobbly or stony. The underlying substrata is a reddish brown sandstone, somewhat excessively drained, and medium to rapid runoff.
Figure 11. Hedville soil series (tape in photo is in cm).
Figure 12. Roadside profile of Hedville soil in Saline County, Kansas.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Residuum
–
sandstone
|
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Loam (2) Fine sandy loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained to somewhat excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate |
| Depth to restrictive layer | 10 – 48 cm |
| Soil depth | 10 – 48 cm |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 0 – 30% |
| Available water capacity (0-50.8cm) |
4.06 – 5.08 cm |
| Electrical conductivity (0-50.8cm) |
0 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-50.8cm) |
0 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-50.8cm) |
5.6 – 7.3 |
Ecological dynamics
The Shallow Sandstone ecological site in MLRA 74 consists of dynamic plant communities resulting from the complex interaction of many ecological factors and processes. The vegetation evolved on shallow to very deep, moderately well drained to somewhat excessively drained, and loamy or clayey soils under a diverse, fluctuating climate. Plants were historically grazed by herds of large herbivores and periodically subjected to intense wildfires.
The original plant community developed with fires of various intensities and frequencies during different seasons of the year playing an important part in ecological processes. Historically, wildfires started by lightning often occurred in the spring and early summer months when thunderstorms were prevalent, but also in late summer and fall during dry weather periods. It is also recognized that early Native Americans often used fire to attract herds of migratory herbivores, especially bison.
The dominant tall grasses were rhizomatous, enabling them to survive the ravages of even intense wildfires and thus gain a competitive advantage in the plant community. In contrast, most trees and shrubs were suppressed by fire and occurred only sparsely on protected areas. Growth of perennial forbs, and especially legumes, were usually enhanced following a fire event. After an intense fire there was usually a substantial, but short-term, increase in the abundance of annual forbs as well.
Grazing history has had a major impact on the dynamics of the site. The vegetative community developed under a grazing regime that consisted primarily of periodic grazing by large herds of bison. As the herds moved through an area, grazing was probably intense. When herds moved to adjacent areas, grazed vegetation was afforded an extended period of rest and recovery during the growing season. Other grazing and feeding animals such as elk, pronghorns, deer, rabbits, insects, and numerous burrowing rodents had secondary influences on plant community development.
Variations in climate, especially a pattern of annual late summer drought and long-term drought cycles spanning several years, also had a major impact upon plant community development. Species composition fluctuated according to the duration and severity of long-term droughts. During prolonged dry cycles, many of the weaker, shallow-rooted plants died and production of deeper-rooted plants significantly decreased. When sufficient rainfall occurred following an extended dry period, annual forbs and annual grasses would temporarily occur in abundance. When precipitation returned to normal or above-normal, the deeper-rooted grasses and forbs responded and returned to their production potentials.
Typically, growth of warm-season grasses in MLRA 74 begins during the period of May 1 to May 15 and continues until mid-September. Generally, 70 percent of total production is completed by mid-July. This varies only slightly from year to year depending on temperature and precipitation patterns. Cool-season grasses generally have two short growing periods, one in the fall (September and October) and again in the spring (April, May, and June).
As European settlers began utilizing the area for production of domestic livestock within fenced pastures in place of roaming bison herds, the ecological dynamics and physical aspects were altered, and the plant community shifted from its original composition. These changes were usually in proportion to the season and intensity of the use by livestock and were accelerated by a combination of drought and overgrazing. Taller grasses and forbs more palatable to bison were similarly selected and consumed by cattle and horses. Those palatable species were repeatedly grazed throughout the growing season, thus weakening them. Over time, they were gradually replaced by the increase and spread of less palatable species. Where the history of overuse by domestic livestock was more intense, even the plants which initially increased were often replaced by less desirable and lower-producing plants. In some instances, production and plant diversity was reduced to a mixture of mid- and shortgrasses, annual grasses, and unpalatable forbs.
The frequency and role that fires played in maintaining the plant community was reduced with the advent of roads, cultivated fields, and fire suppression techniques developed by European settlers. Use of prescribed fire as a management tool has also diminished in some localities, especially surrounding population centers. In the absence of periodic, intense fire, there has often been a gradual increase in woody species. In some areas, shrubs and trees have encroached to the point of being the dominant influence in the plant community.
The gently rolling topography of this ecological site was attractive to European settlers who sought to create agrarian lifestyles. Some areas of this site were brought under cultivation and used to grow wheat, corn, sorghum, and other crops. Tillage and crop production caused the destruction of the original native plant community and often major degradation of the inherent structure and fertility of the surface soil layer. Many acres that were formerly used for cultivated crops have been reseeded or allowed to revegetate through natural succession.
The following diagram illustrates some of the pathways that the vegetation on this site may take from the Reference Plant Community as influencing ecological factors change. There may be other states or plant communities not shown on the diagram, as well as noticeable variations within those illustrated.
State and transition model
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Ecosystem states
| 1 to 2 | - | Long-term, heavy, continuous overgrazing, no rest and recovery |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | - | Lack of fire and brush control |
| 3 to 1 | - | Prescribed grazing, brush management, and prescribed burning |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1 to 1.2 | - | Repetitive heavy use, no rest or recovery |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 to 1.1 | - | Adequate rest and recovery of key forage species |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Grassland State
The Grassland State defines the ecological potential and natural range of variability resulting from the natural disturbance regime of the Shallow Sandstone ecological site. This state is supported by empirical data, historical data, local expertise, and photographs. It is defined by two native plant communities that are the result of periodic fire, drought, and grazing. These events are part of the natural disturbance regime and climatic process. The Reference Plant Community consists of warm-season, tall- and midgrasses, cool-season and sod-forming grasses, forbs, and shrubs. The Midgrass Plant Community is made up primarily of warm-season midgrasses, an interspersed cool-season component, and decreasing amounts of forbs and tallgrasses.
Characteristics and indicators. Tallgrasses and midgrasses are dominant in the Grassland State.
Resilience management. Management strategies that will sustain this state include monitoring key forage species and providing a forage and animal balance.
Dominant plant species
-
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), grass
-
switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
-
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
Community 1.1
Reference Plant Community
Figure 13. Reference Plant Community
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Reference Plant Community, and represents the original plant community that existed prior to European settlement. The site is characterized as a grassland that is essentially free of trees and large shrubs. It is dominated by tall, warm-season grasses including big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. The major midgrasses are little bluestem and sideoats grama. Combined, these grasses account for 70 to 80 percent of vegetation produced annually on the Shallow Sandstone ecological site. Other prevalent grasses are composite dropseed, sand dropseed, and western wheatgrass. Shortgrasses are located on the shallowest areas and include blue grama, hairy grama, and buffalograss. This site supports a wide variety of forbs and legume species, which are interspersed throughout the grass sward. The most abundant are dotted blazing star, white heath aster, white sagebrush, slimflower scurfpea, upright prairie coneflower, Cuman ragweed, and woolly plantain. Prickly pear, nylon hedgehog cactus, and aromatic and smooth sumac are some of the cacti and shrubs that occur over the site. These plants can escape the heat of fire due to limited amounts of fuel in and around rocky areas where they grow. Total annual production ranges from 1500 to 3500 pounds of air-dry vegetation per acre and averages about 2500 pounds.
Resilience management. This is a stable plant community when adequately managed. A prescribed grazing program that incorporates periods of deferment during the grazing season benefits the tall grasses and even the more palatable forb species. The steepness of the site and associated rock outcrops are likely to lessen the grazing pressure on this site compared to more level associated sites.
Dominant plant species
-
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), grass
-
switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
-
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
-
composite dropseed (Sporobolus compositus var. compositus), grass
-
Scribner's rosette grass (Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum), grass
-
sedge (Carex), grass
-
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Figure 14. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 1480 | 2466 | 3452 |
| Forb | 168 | 280 | 392 |
| Shrub/Vine | 34 | 56 | 78 |
| Total | 1682 | 2802 | 3922 |
Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). KS7402, Shallow Sandstone.
| 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 | 10 | 26 | 34 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Midgrass Plant Community
Figure 16. Midgrass Plant Community Saline County, Kansas.
This plant community developed as a result of many years of continuous overgrazing. Midgrasses dominate the site and comprise 60 to 70 percent of the annual production. Most abundant midgrasses include sideoats grama, western wheatgrass, and little bluestem. Composite dropseed and sand dropseed are tallgrasses and have increased. Shortgrasses such as hairy grama, blue grama, Scribner’s rosette grass, and buffalograss produce 10 to 15 percent of the vegetation. Five to 15 percent of remnant plants of big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass are commonly found scattered throughout the site. These plants are usually grazed repeatedly and remain in a low state of vigor. Of these remnants, big bluestem is generally the most abundant. It has rhizomes that can persist for many years in a weakened condition. When in this state, new growth consisting of three to five leaves will emerge in a prostrate position rather than upright. This allows the plants to partially escape grazing between rocks. These remnants respond favorably to periods of rest from grazing and may regain vigor in two to three years. Forb production is quite variable and may range from 10 to 40 percent of the total vegetation, depending uoon amounts and timing of rainfall events. Perennial forbs include dotted blazing star, white health aster, slimflower scurfpea, upright prairie coneflower, and Cuman ragweed. An annual forb common to the site is annual ragweed. In some locations shrubs, such as aromatic or smooth sumac, comprise 5 to 10 percent of the vegetation.
Resilience management. Prescribed grazing with adequate rest and recovery periods during the growing season will shift this plant community to include more productive midgrasses. With continued management the taller grasses will gradually increase in abundance
Dominant plant species
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula var. caespitosa), grass
-
composite dropseed (Sporobolus compositus var. compositus), grass
Pathway 1.1 to 1.2
Community 1.1 to 1.2
These mechanisms include management controlled by repetitive heavy use, no rest or recovery of the key forage species, and no forage and animal balance for many extended grazing seasons. This type of management lasting for periods greater than ten years will shift functional and structural plant group dominance towards a midgrass plant community.
Context dependence. Plant community composition shifts from tallgrass- to midgrass-dominant.
Pathway 1.2 to 1.1
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Causes of plant community shift include management (10-15 years) with adequate rest and recovery of the key forage species (sand bluestem, switchgrass, and Indiangrass) within the Reference Plant Community . If woody species are present, prescription fires every 6-8 years will be necessary for their removal and/or maintenance.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Burning | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Grazing |
State 2
Shortgrass State
With heavy, continuous grazing, blue grama and buffalograss will become the dominant species and have a sod-bound appearance. Unable to withstand the grazing pressure, only a remnant population of midgrass species remains. Species diversity has been reduced further. Water infiltration is reduced and runoff is increased due to the sod nature of the blue grama and buffalograss.
Characteristics and indicators. The Shortgrass State is characterized with specific dynamic soil property changes. Changes between the Grassland State and the Shortgrass State have been documented. As plant community cover decreases from bunchgrasses to more of the sodgrasses, there is a decrease in infiltration and interception and an increase in surface runoff (Thurow, T., 2003).
Resilience management. This is a resistant and resilient state. Grazing management practice should include a forage and animal balance.
Dominant plant species
-
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
Community 2.1
Shortgrass Plant Community
Figure 17. Shortgrass Plant Community in MLRA 74.
The Shortgrass Plant Community presents a distinctive shortgrass aspect on the landscape. This plant community developed as a result of many years of continuous, heavy grazing. Shortgrasses dominate the site and comprise 50 to 60 percent of the annual production. The most abundant shortgrasses are blue grama, hairy grama, and buffalo grass. Cool-season grasses such as Japanese brome and Kentucky bluegrass are plentiful in the first part of the grazing season. Remnant plants of big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass, and little bluestem, although sparse (greater than 2 percent of the composition), can be found scattered throughout the site. Of these remnants, big bluestem generally is the most abundant due to its rhizomes that can persist for many years in a weakened condition. When in this state, new growth consisting of three to five leaves will emerge in a prostrate position rather than upright. These remnants respond favorably to periods of rest from grazing, but will take several years to show any vigor. The restoration pathway to another state from the Shortgrass State has not been documented. Forb production is quite variable and may range from 20 to 40 percent of the total vegetation. Forb variability is dependent upon the amount and timing of rainfall events. Common perennial forbs are Cuman ragweed and slimflower scurfpea. Annual ragweed is an annual forb common in the Shortgrass state. If a seed source is present, shrubs and/or trees such as aromatic and smooth sumac and eastern redcedar can increase, comprising 20 to 30 percent of the vegetation.
Resilience management. Prescribed grazing that includes a forage and animal balance and adequate rest and recovery periods during the growing season will maintain this plant community.
Dominant plant species
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
-
hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
State 3
Woody State
This state is dominated by a shrub and/or tree plant community. The increase and spread of shrubs and trees results from an absence of fire. Woody plants can increase up to 34 percent from a lack of fire according to a study from 1937 to 1969, in contrast to a 1 percent increase on burned areas (Bragg and Hulbert, 1976). Periodic burning will hinder the establishment of most woody species and favor forbs and grasses. However, it should be pointed out that not all unburned areas have a woody plant invasion. Birds, small mammals, and livestock are instrumental in the distribution of seed and accelerating the spread of most trees and shrubs common to this site. The speed of encroachment varies considerably and can occur on both grazed and non-grazed pastures. Many species of wildlife, especially bobwhite quail, turkey, and white-tailed deer, benefit from the growth of trees and shrubs for both food and cover. When management for specific wildlife populations is desirable, these options should be considered in any brush management plan.
Characteristics and indicators. Hydrologic function is affected by the amount of vegetative cover. Canopy interception loss can vary from 25.4 percent to 36.7 percent (Thurow and Hester, 1997). A small rainfall event is usually retained in the foliage and does not reach the litter layer at the base of the tree. Only when canopy storage is reached and exceeded does precipitation fall to the soil surface. Interception losses associated with the accumulation of leaves, twigs, and branches at the bases of trees are considerably higher than losses associated with the canopy. The decomposed material retains approximately 40 percent of the water that is not retained in the canopy (Thurow and Hester, 1997). Soil properties affected include biological activity, infiltration rates, and soil fertility.
Resilience management. Special planning will be necessary to assure that sufficient amounts of fine fuel are available to carry fires with enough intensity to control woody species. In some locations the use of chemicals as a brush management tool may be desirable to initiate and accelerate this transition.
Dominant plant species
-
eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
-
skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata), shrub
-
smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), shrub
Community 3.1
Shrubs and/or Trees Plant Community
This plant community is dominated by shrubs consisting primarily of skunkbush sumac and smooth sumac. Trees, including honeylocust, eastern redcedar, common hackberry, and Osage orange have invaded and become established in isolated areas. Tree size is limited by the depth of the soil to bedrock. Shrubs and trees may produce more than 20 percent of the total vegetation. The absence of fire allows shrubs and trees to spread because periodic burning tends to hinder their establishment and favor grasses and forbs. It is important to note, however, that not all unburned areas have woody plant problems, and the pace of woody encroachment varies considerably. Other than the lack of fire, factors that accelerate encroachment include seed availability in surrounding areas and the presence of numerous animals (mainly birds), which distribute seed over the site. In addition, woody encroachment may occur on areas subjected to long-term, continuous overgrazing. In these situations the associated grasses will usually consist of gramas and buffalograss. Shrubs also will invade and spread on areas where both grazing and fire have been excluded for many years. Grass production is significantly reduced by competition forbs and woody species. Grass yields vary from 40 to 50 percent of the total vegetative production. Forbs often produce 15 to 20 percent of the total. Major forbs include dotted blazing star, white health aster, slimflower scurfpea, and Cuman ragweed. Normally a prescribed burning program accompanied by prescribed grazing will gradually return the plant community to one dominated by grasses and forbs. A longer time period is necessary where the tall- and midgrasses have been greatly reduced or eliminated. Special planning will be necessary to assure that sufficient amounts of fine fuel are available to carry fires with enough intensity to control woody species. Use of labeled herbicides as a brush management tool will usually be necessary to reduce populations of fire resistant species like osage orange and honeylocust and to accelerate the recovery of desired vegetative cover. Many species of wildlife, especially bobwhite quail and white-tailed deer, benefit from the growth of shrubs for both food and as cover. When wildlife populations are a desirable component, this should be considered in any brush management plans.
Resilience management. The shrub and tree plant community is sustained by the absence of fire and brush control.
Dominant plant species
-
eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
-
skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata), shrub
-
smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), shrub
Transition 1 to 2
State 1 to 2
Long-term management (approximately 30 years) without a forage and animal balance and heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods between grazing events will convert the Grassland State to a Shortgrass State made up of blue grama and buffalograss sod. Drought in combination with this type of management will quicken the rate at which this transition occurs.
Constraints to recovery. The ecological processes affected are the hydrologic and nutrient cycles. There is an increase in evaporation rate, runoff, and in bulk density. There is a decrease in infiltration, a change in plant composition, and the functional and structural groups have changed dominance. These are all examples of the soil and vegetation properties that have compromised the resilience of the Grassland State and therefore transitioned to a Shortgrass State.
Transition 1 to 3
State 1 to 3
Changes from a Grassland State to a Woody State lead to changes in hydrologic function, forage production, dominant functional and structural groups, and wildlife habitat. Understory plants may be negatively affected by trees and shrubs by reductions in light, soil moisture, and soil nutrients. Increases in tree and shrub density and size have the effects of reducing understory plant cover and productivity, and desirable forage grasses often are most severely reduced (Eddleman, 1983). As vegetation cover changes from grasses to trees, a greater proportion of precipitation is lost throughout interception and evaporation; therefore, less precipitation is available for producing herbaceous forage or for deep drainage or runoff (Thurow and Hester, 1997).
Constraints to recovery. Recovery is possible through management.
Restoration pathway 3 to 1
State 3 to 1
Restoration efforts will be costly, labor-intensive, and can take many years, if not decades, to return to a Grassland State. Once canopy levels reach greater than 20 percent, estimated cost to remove trees is very expensive and includes high energy inputs. The technologies needed in order to go from an invaded Woody State to a Grassland State include but are not limited to: prescribed burning—the use of fire as a tool to achieve a management objective on a predetermined area under conditions where the intensity and extent of the fire are controlled; brush management—manipulating woody plant cover to obtain desired quantities and types of woody cover and/or to reduce competition with herbaceous understory vegetation, in accordance with overall resource management objectives; and prescribed grazing—the controlled harvest of vegetation with grazing or browsing animals managed with the intent to achieve a specified objective. In addition, to grazing at an intensity that will maintain enough cover to protect the soil and maintain or improve the quantity and quality of desirable vegetation. When a juniper tree is cut and removed, the soil structure and the associated high infiltration rate may be maintained for over a decade (Hester, 1996). This explains why the area near the dripline usually has substantially greater forage production for many years after the tree has been cut. It also explains why runoff will not necessarily dramatically increase once juniper is removed. Rather, the water continues to infiltrate at high rates into soils previously ameliorated by junipers, thereby increasing deep drainage potential. In rangeland, deep drainage amounts can be 16 percent of the total rainfall amount per year (Thurow and Hester, 1997).
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Burning | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tallgrass Dominant 45% | 807–1261 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 560–981 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 140–280 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 78–140 | – | ||
| composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 22–45 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 6–17 | – | ||
| 2 | Midgrass Subdominant 36% | 689–1009 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 560–897 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 78–140 | – | ||
| thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 6–17 | – | ||
| 3 | Shortgrass Minor 4% | 50–106 | ||||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 22–45 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 22–45 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 6–17 | – | ||
| 4 | Cool-season grass Minor 3% | 45–90 | ||||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 22–45 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 22–45 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 22–45 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 22–45 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | Forbs Minor 10% | 84–280 | ||||
| Nuttall's sensitive-briar | MINU6 | Mimosa nuttallii | 0–28 | – | ||
| slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 11–28 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–28 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–28 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–28 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–28 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–28 | – | ||
| woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 0–28 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–28 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–28 | – | ||
| Baldwin's ironweed | VEBA | Vernonia baldwinii | 0–28 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 6 | Shrubs Trace 2% | 0–56 | ||||
| fragrant sumac | RHARS | Rhus aromatica var. serotina | 0–17 | – | ||
| coralberry | SYOR | Symphoricarpos orbiculatus | 0–17 | – | ||
| twistspine pricklypear | OPMA2 | Opuntia macrorhiza | 0–17 | – | ||
| smooth sumac | RHGL | Rhus glabra | 0–17 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife
A variety of small native rodents find refuge in the nooks and crannies formed by rocks. Inclusions of deep soil pockets, as well as scattered small caves and rock outcrops, make this a preferred den site for prairie predators such as coyotes and foxes as well as the badger. Reptiles including lizards such as the collared lizard and others like the common bull snake make this site their home.
The rough topography provided by this site offers protection for many wildlife species during severe weather periods. The native forb species found growing on this site provide a variety of desirable food for birds and small mammals.
Some animals are important because of their threatened and endangered status and require special consideration. Please check the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) website at http://ksoutdoors.com for the most current listing for your county.
Grazing Interpretations
Calculating Safe Stocking Rates: Proper stocking rates should be incorporated into a grazing management strategy that protects the resource, maintains or improves rangeland health, and is consistent with management objectives. In addition to usable forage, safe stocking rates should consider ecological condition, trend of the site, past grazing use history, season of use, stock density, kind and class of livestock, forage digestibility, forage nutritional value, variation of harvest efficiency based on preference of plant species, and/or grazing system, and site grazeability factors (such as steep slopes, site inaccessibility, or distance to drinking water).
Often the current plant community does not entirely match any particular Community Phase as described in this Ecological Site Description. Because of this, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. Proper interpretation of inventory data will permit the establishment of a safe initial stocking rate.
No two years have exactly the same weather conditions. For this reason, year-to-year and season-to-season fluctuations in forage production are to be expected on grazing lands. Livestock producers must make timely adjustments in the numbers of animals or in the length of grazing periods to avoid overuse of forage plants when production is unfavorable, and to make advantageous adjustments when forage supplies are above average.
Initial stocking rates should be improved through the use of vegetation monitoring and actual use records that include number and type of livestock, the timing and duration of grazing, and utilization levels. Actual use records over time will assist in making stocking rate adjustments based on the variability factors.
Average annual production must be measured or estimated to properly assess useable forage production and stocking rates.
Hydrological functions
Following are the estimated withdrawals of freshwater by use in MLRA 74: Public supply—surface water, 6.5%; ground water, 5.7% Livestock—surface water, 0.3%; ground water, 4.2% Irrigation—surface water, 70.8%; ground water, 0.5% Other—surface water, 12.0%; ground water, 0.0%.
The total withdrawals average 210 million gallons per day (795 million liters per day). About 10 percent is from ground water sources, and 90 percent is from surface water sources. If moisture is carefully conserved, the moderate precipitation generally is adequate for crops and pasture. The surface water is generally suitable for most uses with appropriate treatment. Water is stored in reservoirs outside this area for public supply, industry, and irrigation within this area. Some in-stream diversions also are used.
Hedville is a somewhat excessively drained soil with medium to rapid runoff and moderate permeability. It is classified as a hydrologic group D soil. However, Hedville is most often found in a complex with other soils such as Lancaster, a hydrologic group B soil, or Edalgo, a hydrologic group C soil. This makes hydrology determinations for the site somewhat complex. Please refer to the NRCS National Engineering Handbook Section 4 (NEH-4) for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves when making hydrology determinations.
Recreational uses
This site provides for a variety of outdoor activities including bird watching, hiking, and outdoor and wildlife photography. There are a variety of flowering plants in bloom throughout the growing season that provide much aesthetic appeal to the landscape. Recreation can be a valued use, but there are site considerations such as somewhat steep, rocky, rough terrain.
Wood products
Wood products are not a consideration on this site.
Other products
Woody shrubs such as plum and currant, which are protected from browsing and fire by the rough terrain, provide fruits for jams and jellies.
Other information
Of historical significance, large sandstone outcrops found on this site in Central Kansas were often used by Native Americans to carve pictures, called petroglyphs, in the soft sandstone. One can only guess as to their purpose and meaning, which have been lost with time. Many are recorded as historical sites. All should be protected and valued as a part of our heritage. The sandstone was gathered and used in prehistory by Native Americans in the Great Plains area as an abrasive to sharpen awls and smooth arrow shafts, and as manos and metates for grinding corn and other native plant foods such as amaranth, little barley, and marsh elder.
In historic times, the legacy of the Sternberg family as fossil hunters started in 1866 when U.S. Army Dr. George M. Sternberg was stationed at Ft. Harker in Ellsworth County, site of present day Kanopolis, Kansas. The family, including his brother Charles, soon followed him from the east to settle on a ranch in Ellsworth County. Young Charles’s interest in fossils was first sparked when he found ancient fossil leaves in sandstone concretions in the Ellsworth area. Thus began a much-storied career for Charles in paleontology and plains fossil hunting and later, for his son George as well, for whom the Sternberg Museum at Hays, Kansas is named.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data, numerous ocular estimates and other inventory data. Field observations from experienced range-trained personnel was used extensively to develop this ecological site description.
NRCS contracted the development of MLRA 79 ESDs in 2005. Extensive review and improvements were made to those foundational ESDs in 2017-2018 which provided an approved product.
Range Condition Guides and Technical Range Site Descriptions for Kansas, Shallow Sandstone, USDA, Soil Conservation Service, March, 1967.
Range Site Description for Kansas, Shallow Sandstone, USDA-Soil Conservation Service, September, 1985.
Ecological Site Description for Kansas, Shallow Sandstone (R074XY030KS) located in Ecological Site Information System (ESIS), 2007
References
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USDA, N. 2018 (Date accessed). The PLANTS Database. http://plants.usda.gov.
-
. 2018 (Date accessed). Web Soil Survey (SSS NRCS WSS). https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/.
-
SSS NRCS OSD and . 2018 (Date accessed). Official Soil Series Descriptions. https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/osdname.aspx.
-
Bestelmeyer, B.T., K. Moseley, P.L. Shaver, H. Sanchez, D.D. Briske, and M.E. Fernandez-Gimenez. 2010. Practical guidance for developing state-and-transition models. Rangelands 32:23–30.
-
Bestelmeyer, B. and J.R. Brown. 2005. State-and-Transition Models 101: a Fresh Look at Vegetation Change.
-
Bestelmeyer, B.T., J.C. Williamson, C.J. Talbot, G.W. Cates, M.C. Duniway, and J.R. Brown. 2016. Improving the Effectiveness of Ecological Site Descriptions: General State-and-Transition Models and the Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool (EDIT). Rangelands 38:329–335.
-
Caudle, D., H. Sanchez, J. DiBenedetto, C. Talbot, and M. Karl. 2013. Interagency Ecological Site Handbook for Rangelands.
-
Bestelmeyer, J., J.E. Herrick, J.R. Brown, D.A. Truillo, and K.M. Havstad. 2005. Land Management in the American Southwest: a State-and-Transition approach to ecosystem complexity. Environmental Management 34:38–51.
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United States Department of Agriculture, . 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin... USDA Handbook 296 1–682.
-
Herrick J. E., J.W. Van Zee, K.M. Havstad, L.M. Burkett, and W.G. Whitford. 2005. Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems. Volume 1: Quick Start.
-
Herrick, J.E., J.W. Van Zee, K.M. Havstad, L.M. Burkett, and W.G. Whitford. 2005. Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems. Volume II: Design, Supplimentary Methods, and Interpretation..
-
National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS). 2018 (Date accessed). National Cooperative Soil Characterization Database. https://ncsslabdatamart.sc.egov.usda.gov/.
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Natural Resources Conservation Service. . National Ecological Site Handbook.
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Bestelmeyer, B., J.R. Brown, K.M. Havstad, B. Alexander, G. Chavez, and J.E. Herrick. 2003. Development and Use of State and Transition Models for Rangelands. Jornal of Range Management 56:114–126.
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Anderson, R.C. 1982. An evolutionary model summarizing the roles of fire, climate, and grazing animals in the origin and maintenance of grasslands. Pages 297–308 in , , and , editors. Grasses and grasslands: systematics and ecology.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2018 (Date accessed). Climate Data 1980-2010. https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/land-based-station-data/find-station.
Other references
Brady, N. and R. Weil. 2008. The nature and properties of soils, 14th ed.
Bragg, T. and L. Hulbert. 1976. Woody plant invasion of unburned Kansas bluestem prairie. J. Range Management., 29:19-23.
Dyksteruis, E.J. 1958. Range conservation as based on sites and condition classes. J. Soil and Water Conserv. 13: 151-155.
Eddleman, L. 1983. Some ecological attributes of western juniper. P. 32-34 in Research in rangeland management. Agric. Exp. Stan. Oregon State Univ., Corvallis Spec. Rep. 682.
Hester, J.W. 1996. Influence of woody dominated rangelands on site hydrology and herbaceous production, Edwards Plateau, Texas. M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M University, College State, TX.
Holechek, J., R. Pieper, and C. Herbel. Range Management: principles and practices.—5th ed.
Kuchler, A., A new vegetation map of Kansas. Ecology (1974) 55: pp. 586-604.
Launchbaugh, John. Clenton Owensby. Kansas Rangelands, their management based on a half century of research. Bull. 622 Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, October, 1978.
Moore, R., J. Frye, J. Jewett, W. Lee, and H. O'Connor. 1951. The Kansas rock column. Univ. Kans. Pub., State Geol. Survey Kans. Bull. 89. 132p.
National Climatic Data Center. Weather data. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/. Accessed online 04/05/2017.
Society for Rangeland Management. 1994. Rangeland cover types of the United States.
Sauer, Carl. 1950. Grassland climax, fire, and man. J. Range Manage. 3: 16-21.
Thurow, T. and J. Hester. 1997. How an increase or reduction in juniper cover alters rangeland hydrology. In: C.A. Taylor, Jr. (ed.). Proc. 1997 Juniper Symposium. Texas Agr. Exp. Sta. Tech. Rep. 97-1. San Angelo, TX: 4:9-22.
USDA-NRCS. 1997. National range and pasture handbook, Chapter 7, rangeland and pastureland hydrology and erosion.
Waller, S., L. Moser, P. Reece., and G. Gates. 1985. Understanding grass growth. Weaver, J. and F. Albertson. April 1940. Deterioration of midwestern ranges. Ecology, Vol. 21, No. 2. pp. 216-236.
Contributors
Chris Tecklenburg
Approval
David Kraft, 10/04/2019
Acknowledgments
The ecological site development process is a collaborative effort, conceptual in nature, dynamic, and is never considered complete. I thank all those who set the foundational work in the mid-2000s in regard to this ESD. I thank all those who contributed to the development of this site. In advance, I thank those who would provide insight, comments, and questions about this ESD in the future.
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Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
| Author(s)/participant(s) |
Chris Tecklenburg/Revision 10-10-2018 David Kraft, John Henry, Doug Spencer, and Dwayne Rice/original authors 1-15-2005. |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | State Rangeland Management Specialist for Kansas |
| Date | 10/03/2019 |
| Approved by | Chris Tecklenburg |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
No natural rill formation common or part of the Shallow Sandstone ecological site. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
There are no water flow patterns evidenced by litter, soil, or gravel redistribution, or pedestalling of vegetation or stones that break the flow of water as a result of overland flow. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
There is no evidence of pedestals or terracettes that would indicate the movement of soil by water and/or by wind on this site. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Less than 10% bare ground is found on this site. It is the remaining ground cover after accounting for ground surface covered by vegetation (basal and canopy [foliar] cover), litter, standing dead vegetation, gravel/rock, and visible biological crust (e.g., lichen, mosses, algae). -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
No evidence of accelerated water flow resulting in downcutting of the soil. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
No wind-scoured or blowout areas where the finer particles of the topsoil have blown away, sometimes leaving residual gravel, rock, or exposed roots on the soil surface. Also, there are no areas of redeposited soil onto this site from another site due to the wind, i.e., depositional areas. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
No evidence of litter movement (i.e., dead plant material that is in contact with the soil surface). -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil surfaces may be stabilized by soil organic matter which has been fully incorporated into aggregates at the soil surface, adhesion of decomposing organic matter to the soil surface, and biological crusts. A soil stability kit will score a range from 5-6. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Hedville OSD:
A1--0 to 12 inches; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) cobbly loam, very dark brown (10YR 2/2) moist; moderate fine granular structure, upper 1 inch is very fine granular; slightly hard, very friable; many fine roots; many insect burrows and pores; 20 percent pebbles and angular cobbles of sandstone; slightly acid; gradual wavy boundary.
A2--12 to 16 inches; brown (7.5YR 4/2) cobbly loam, dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) moist; weak fine granular structure; slightly hard, very friable; many fine roots; many insect burrows; pebbles and angular cobblestones of weathered sandstone comprise 20 percent of soil mass; moderately acid; clear irregular boundary extending into cracks and pockets weathered into sandstone bedrock. (Combined thickness of the A horizon ranges from 4 to 19 inches.) -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Functional and structural groups have not changed that inhibits the capture and storage of precipitation. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
There is no evidence of a compacted soil layer less than 6 inches from the soil surface. Soil structure is similar to that described in Indicator 9. Compacted physical features will include platy, blocky, dense soil structure over less dense soil layers, horizontal root growth, and increase bulk density (measured by weighing a known volume of oven-dry soil). -
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:
Group 1 Grasses Dominant 45% 1125 lbs. big bluestem 500-875, switchgrass 70-125, Indiangrass 125-250, composite dropseed 20-40, sand dropseed 5-15.Sub-dominant:
Group 2 Grasses Subdominant 36% 900 lbs. little bluestem 500-800, sideoats grama 70-125, sand paspalum 5-15.Other:
Group 3 Shortgrass Minor 4% 95 lbs. buffalograss 20-40, blue grama 20-40, hairy grama 5-15.
Group 4 Cool-season grass Minor 3% 80 lbs. Canada wildrye 20-40, western wheatgrass 20-40, Scribner's rosette grass 20-40, sedge 20-40,Additional:
Group 5 Forbs Minor 10% 250 lbs.
Group 6 Shrubs Trace 2% 50 lbs. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Recruitment of plants is occurring and there is a mixture of many age classes of plants. The majority of the plants are alive and vigorous. Some mortality and decadence is expected for the site, due to drought, unexpected wildfire, or a combination of the two events. This would be expected for both dominant and subdominant groups. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Plant litter is distributed evenly throughout the site. There is no restriction to plant regeneration due to depth of litter. When prescribed burning is practiced, there will be little litter the first half of the growing season. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
All species (e.g., native, seeded, and weeds) alive in the year of the evaluation, are included in the determination of total above ground production. Site potential (total annual production) ranges from 1,500 lbs in a below-average rainfall year and 3,500 lbs in an above-average rainfall year. The representative value for this site is 2,500 lbs production per year. -
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:
There are no noxious weeds present. Invasive plants make up a small percentage of plant community, and invasive brush species are < 5% canopy. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
The number and distribution of tillers or rhizomes is assessed on perennial plants occupying the evaluation area. No reduction in vigor or capability to produce seed or vegetative tillers given the constraints of climate and herbivory.
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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
| 1 to 2 | - | Long-term, heavy, continuous overgrazing, no rest and recovery |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | - | Lack of fire and brush control |
| 3 to 1 | - | Prescribed grazing, brush management, and prescribed burning |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
| 1.1 to 1.2 | - | Repetitive heavy use, no rest or recovery |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 to 1.1 | - | Adequate rest and recovery of key forage species |