Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R075XY050NE
Loamy Terrace
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.
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): 075X–Central Loess Plains
This approved ecological site description has been developed to meet the standards established in the National Ecological Site Handbook. The information associated with the Loamy Lowland ecological site meets the Approved Ecological Site Description Standard, and has been through a Quality Control and Quality Assurance processes to assure consistency and completeness. Further investigations, reviews, and correlations are necessary before it progresses to the Correlated level.
Named “The Central Loess Plains,” MLRA 75 is located primarily in south-central Nebraska, with about 10 percent lying in north-central Kansas. The approximately 5.3 million acre landscape covers all or parts of 21 counties: mainly Phelps, Kearney, Adams, Clay, Fillmore, York, Hamilton, Seward, Butler, Saline, Thayer, Nuckolls, and Webster in Nebraska, with a significant presence in Republic and Washington counties in Kansas. The physical appearance primarily consists of gently rolling plains, with a number of narrow, shallow stream valleys. The river valleys are broader, and most feature a number of terraces. The northern border is defined by the Platte River. This MLRA is home to the unique ecological system called “The Rainwater Basin,” which is comprised of a 24,000 acre network of wetlands and uplands that occupy portions of 13 of the northern counties.
The elevation in MLRA 75 ranges from nearly 2,600 to less than 1,100 feet above sea level. The local relief averages from 10 to 25 feet, but may stretch to a maximum of 165 feet in some areas.
The predominate soil orders in this geographic area are mesic, ustic Mollisols, commonly represented by the Uly, Hord, Hall, and Holdredge soil series.
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 average annual precipitation ranges from 23 to 36 inches, and the number of freeze-free days range from 150 to 200.
The matrix vegetation type is mixed-grass prairie, with big and little bluestem, switchgrass, Indiangrass, and sideoats and blue grama make up the bulk of the warm-season species, while western wheatgrass is the dominant cool-season grass.
Seventy two percent of the land in this MLRA has been broken out of native prairie and farmed; the land is primarily planted to corn, wheat, and grain sorghum, while only eighteen percent of the grasslands remain intact. Livestock grazing, primarily by cattle, is the main industry on these remnants. Irrigation of croplands uses over 90 percent of the total annual water withdrawal in this area.
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 several upland bird species. Grassland bird populations are somewhat limited by the lack of contiguous native prairie and fragmented habitat created by the farmland.
The rivers, streams, and lakes harbor excellent fisheries, and an estimated tens of millions of migrating and local waterfowl use the wetland complexes. These complexes provide ideal habitat for a number of wading and shore bird species as well.
This landscape serves as a backdrop for a disturbance-driven ecosystem, evolving under the influences of herbivory, fire, and variable climate. Historically, these processes created a heterogeneous mosaic of plant communities and structure heights across the region. Any given site in this landscape experienced fire every 6 to 8 years. The fires were caused by lightning strikes and also 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.
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 (ERC) as a windbreak species further facilitates invasion by this species.
While eastern redcedar is native to Nebraska, the historic population in MLRA 75 was limited to isolated pockets in rugged river drainages that were subsequently insulated from fire. Widespread plantings of windbreaks with eastern redcedar as a primary component have 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 redcedar is very susceptible to fire when under six feet tall. Management with prescribed fire is exceedingly effective if applied before this stage.
Larger redcedars can also be controlled with fire, but successful application requires the use of specifically designed ignition and holding techniques.
Fragmentation of the native grasslands by conversion to cropland, transportation corridors, and other developments have 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.
Classification relationships
NRCS FOTG Section 1 - Nebraska Vegetation Zone 3
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 75 (USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2006)
Revision Notes:
Further work is necessary before this site is upgraded to the Correlated level.
Ecological site concept
The Loamy Lowland ecological site occupies a run-on position on the landscape, but is not influenced by the water table. There are no visible salts on the site, and the soil texture is other than Sandy Loam, Loamy Sand, or Sand.
Associated sites
| R075XY057NE |
Clayey Plains Clayey |
|---|---|
| R075XY058NE |
Loamy Plains Loamy Upland |
Similar sites
| R075XY068NE |
Loamy Floodplain Loamy Overflow |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Andropogon gerardii |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on lowland areas that receives runoff from areas higher on the landscape. The frequency of flooding is none to rare.
Figure 2. Loamy Lowland Geographic Diagram
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Terrace
|
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) |
| Flooding frequency | None to rare |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 1,130 – 2,765 ft |
| Slope | 3% |
| Water table depth | 36 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Like most Great Plains landscapes, the climate in this MLRA is under the sway of the continental effect. This creates a regime of extremes, with summer highs often in the triple digits, and winter lows plunging well below zero. Blizzards can occur anytime between early fall and late spring, often dropping the temperature more than 50 degrees in just a few hours. These events can pile up several feet of snow, often driven by winds in excess of 50 miles an hour. The resulting huge snow drifts can cause serious hardship for livestock, wildlife, and humans. Winters can be open, with bare ground for most of the season, or closed, with up to several feet of snow persisting until March. Most winters have a number of warm days, interspersed with dropping temperatures, usually associated with approaching cold fronts. Spring brings violent thunderstorms, hail, and high winds. Tornadoes occur frequently.
Daily winds range from an average of 14 miles per hour during the spring to 11 miles per hour during the late summer. Occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 80 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 (average) | 155 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 177 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 30 in |
Figure 3. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) YORK [USC00259510], York, NE
-
(2) GENEVA [USC00253175], Geneva, NE
-
(3) MINDEN [USC00255565], Minden, NE
-
(4) RED CLOUD [USC00257070], Red Cloud, NE
-
(5) BELLEVILLE [USC00140682], Belleville, KS
-
(6) AURORA [USC00250445], Aurora, NE
-
(7) FRIEND 3E [USC00253065], Friend, NE
-
(8) CLAY CTR [USC00251684], Saronville, NE
-
(9) FAIRMONT [USC00252840], Fairmont, NE
-
(10) HASTINGS 4N [USC00253660], Hastings, NE
-
(11) HEBRON [USC00253735], Hebron, NE
-
(12) OSCEOLA [USC00256375], Osceola, NE
-
(13) RAGAN [USC00257002], Alma, NE
-
(14) SUPERIOR 4E [USC00258320], Hardy, NE
-
(15) SURPRISE [USC00258328], Surprise, NE
Influencing water features
This site occurs on lowland areas that receives runoff from areas higher on the landscape. The frequency of flooding is none to rare.
Soil features
These very deep soils are moderately well to well drained and typically receive extra water from runoff. Textures are dominantly loamy and silty, but sandy textures may occur in the lower part of the root zone. The seasonal water table normally ranges below 80 inches, but may be present in the lower part of some profiles during part of the growing season.
Major soil series correlated to the Loamy Lowland ecological site include: Hord, Hall, Cozad, Muir, and Detroit
The Reference Plant Community should exhibit slight to no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths, if any, are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous with numerous debris dams or vegetative barriers. The soil surface is stable and intact. Sub-surface soil layers are non-restrictive to water movement and root penetration. These soils are susceptible to wind and water erosion where vegetative cover is inadequate.
The Reference Plant Community should exhibit slight to no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths, if any, are broken, irregular in appearance or discontinuous with numerous debris dams or vegetative barriers. The soil surface is stable and intact. Sub-surface soil layers are non-restrictive to water movement and root penetration. These soils are susceptible to wind and water erosion where vegetative cover is inadequate.
Figure 7. Hord Series Profile
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Silt loam (2) Silty clay loam |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Moderately well drained to well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately slow to moderate |
| Soil depth | 80 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
7 – 11 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
10% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
2 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
5.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
Loamy Lowland sites developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused wildfire, and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. This continues to be a disturbance-driven site, by herbivory, fire, and variable climate. Changes occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions.
On the surviving grasslands, one of the primary impacts introduced by European-man is season-long continuous grazing by domestic livestock. This management practice causes the repeated removal of the growing point and excessive defoliation of the leaf area of individual tall warm-season grasses. The resulting reduction of the plant’s ability to harvest sunlight depletes the root reserves, subsequently decreasing the root mass. This negatively impacts the plants long-term ability to compete, and results in a decline in vigor and eventual mortality. The space created in the vegetative community is then occupied by a species that evades the negative grazing impacts by a growing season adaptation (such as a cool season), a shorter structure, or a reduced palatability mechanism.
The State-and-Transition Model (STM) is depicted below, and is made up of a Reference State, a Native/Invaded State, a Sod-busted State, and an Invaded Woody State. Each state represents the crossing of a major ecological threshold due to alteration of the functional dynamic properties of the ecosystem. The main properties observed to determine this change are the soil and vegetative communities and the hydrological cycle.
Each state may have one or more vegetative communities that fluctuate in species composition and abundance within the normal parameters of that 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.
Growth of native cool-season plants begins about April 1, and continues to about June 15. Native warm-season plants begin growth about May 15, and continue to about August 15. Green-up of cool-season plants may occur in September and October if adequate moisture is available.
The Mixed Native Grass Community is best described as an herbaceous-dominated site on the higher reaches of the landscape position where trees encroach from the adjacent sites and flooding events are infrequent. Loamy Lowland sites occupying the lower reaches in the landscape position or plant communities adjacent to riparian areas may have scattered mixed hardwood trees present.
Interpretations are primarily based on this community, and have been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and those under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics have been interpreted from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant communities that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities.
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
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
This state describes the range of vegetative community phases that occur on the Loamy Lowland site where the natural processes are mostly intact. The Reference Community is a representation of the native plant community phase that occupies a site that has been minimally altered by management. The Degraded Native Grass Community and the Excessive Litter Community are the phases that result from management decisions that are unfavorable for a healthy Reference Community. The Ephemeral Forb Community is the result of a high-intensity disturbance event. High perennial grass cover and production allows for increased soil moisture retention, vegetative production, and overall soil quality.
Community 1.1
Mixed Native Grass Community
Figure 8. Mixed Native Grass
The Mixed Native Grass Community serves as a description of the native plant community that naturally occurs on the site when the natural disturbance regimes are intact or are closely mimicked by management practices. This phase is dynamic, with fluid relative abundance and spatial boundaries between the dominant structural vegetative groups. These fluctuations primarily are driven by different responses of the species to changes in precipitation timing and abundance, and by fire and grazing events. The potential vegetation consists of approximately 80-90 percent grasses and grass-like plants, 2-5 percent forbs, and 0-5 percent shrubs. The dominant grasses include big bluestem, little bluestem, and Indiangrass. Other grasses and grass-likes include switchgrass and sedges. The forb component is diverse and includes sunflowers, goldenrods, and native legume species. The most common woody species in the plant community are leadplant and rose. The potential for tree encroachment varies from low to high, depending upon the local fire regime and the specific landscape position of each particular site. This plant community is resilient, productive, and diverse. This diversity allows for high drought tolerance and promotes a sustainable plant community in regard to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity. The total annual production ranges from 3,500 to 4,500 pounds of air-dry vegetation per acre per year.
Figure 9. 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 | 3425 | 3760 | 4090 |
| Shrub/Vine | 0 | 100 | 205 |
| Forb | 75 | 140 | 205 |
| Total | 3500 | 4000 | 4500 |
Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE7507, Central Loess Plains, native - receiving water flow site. Warm season dominant on sites receiving runoff water.
| 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 | 4 | 9 | 27 | 29 | 15 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Degraded Native Grass Community
Figure 11. Big bluestem/Little bluestem/Gramas
Big and little bluestem are the dominant grasses. This is considered an at-risk community phase with a significant loss of production. This is due to continuous, season-long grazing with inadequate recovery periods. Indiangrass has been significantly reduced, while the grazing-evasive warm and cool-season grasses increase. The composition of the forb component remains diverse, but the potential for encroachment by invasive woody species becomes more likely, due to fewer deep-rooted species and a reduced fuel load to carry fire. While this plant community is less productive and less diverse than the representative plant community, it remains sustainable in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity. The total annual production ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of air dry vegetation per acre per year.
Community 1.3
Excessive Litter Community
The Excessive Litter Community Phase describes the response of the community to the removal of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire. As the undisturbed duff layer deepens, infiltration of the precipitation is interrupted and evaporation increases significantly, simulating drought-like conditions.
Community 1.4
Ephemeral Forb Community
This community describes the flush of forbs that occurs in response to a major disturbance, or combination of disturbances. Growing season wildfire followed by hail, extreme prolonged drought, or extreme defoliation by herbivores are all examples of these disturbances. The native warm-season grasses reestablish dominance within a few years of the event.
Pathway CP 1.1-1.2
Community 1.1 to 1.2
A shift from the Mixed Native Grass community toward the Degraded Native Grass community occurs with continuous season long grazing and inadequate recovery periods during the growing season. Repeated grazing of the growing point of tall warm season grasses and grazing below recommended heights are other common reasons for a reduction in tall warm season grasses.
Pathway CP 1.1-1.3
Community 1.1 to 1.3
Interruption of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will result in conversion from this community to the Excessive Litter Community.
Pathway CP 1.1-1.4
Community 1.1 to 1.4
A high-impact disturbance event, or combination of events causing excessive defoliation of the vegetation, i.e. a growing season wildfire followed by a significant hailstorm, prolonged intensive grazing event, or long-term drought, etc.
Pathway CP 1.2-1.1
Community 1.2 to 1.1
A shift from the Degraded Native Grass community toward the Reference community can be achieved through prescribed grazing. Applying grazing pressure during the growth period of the undesirable cool-season grasses, and allowing rest during the warm growing season favors our desired species. This grazing regime will enable the deeply rooted tall warm-season grasses to out -compete the shallow-rooted grazing-evasive warm-season and the cool-season grasses.
Conservation practices
| Access Control | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Grazing |
Pathway CP 1.2-1.3
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Interruption of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will result in conversion from this community to the Excessive Litter Community.
Pathway CP 1.2-1.4
Community 1.2 to 1.4
A high-impact disturbance event or combination of events, causing excessive defoliation of the vegetation, i.e. a growing season wildfire followed by a significant hailstorm, prolonged intensive grazing event, or long-term drought, etc.
Pathway CP 1.3-1.1
Community 1.3 to 1.1
Re-introduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire will allow the vegetation to return to the previous community.
Pathway CP 1.3-1.2
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Re-introduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire will allow the vegetation to return to the previous community.
Pathway CP 1.3-1.4
Community 1.3 to 1.4
A high-impact disturbance event or combination of events causing excessive defoliation of the vegetation, i.e. a growing season wildfire followed by a significant hailstorm, prolonged intensive grazing event or long-term drought, etc.
Pathway CP 1.4-1.1
Community 1.4 to 1.1
Restoration occurs naturally once the disturbance event has subsided. Allowing growing season rest will accelerate the recovery.
Pathway CP 1.4-1.2
Community 1.4 to 1.2
Restoration occurs naturally once the disturbance event has subsided. Allowing growing season rest will accelerate the recovery.
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 tall and mid- warm-season grasses has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced due to the shallow root system and rapid runoff characteristics of the grazing-evasive plant communities. The Native Shortgrass/Invasives and the Smooth Bromegrass communities are the components of the Native/Invaded Grass State.
Community 2.1
Native Shortgrass/Invasives
This plant community represents a shift from the Reference State across a major threshold. Blue grama, Kentucky bluegrass, and other grazing-adapted grasses have become the dominant plant species, with only trace remnants of the tall and mid warm-season grasses such as big and little bluestem remaining. This plant community is now in a sod-bound condition, and forb richness and diversity will decrease. Total annual production ranges from 2,200 to 2,800 pounds of air dry vegetation per acre per year.
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE7503, Central Loess Plains, warm season/cool season co-dominant. Native warm season plant community encroached with cool season grasses growth curve MLRA 75.
| 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 | 9 | 27 | 25 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Community 2.2
Smooth bromegrass
This plant community contains predominately smooth bromegrass, but also some native warm-season grass remnants. Production of smooth bromegrass-dominated plant communities is highly variable depending upon the percent composition present and outside inputs such as fertilizer and weed control. Production can range from 2,500 lbs./acre to 3,100 lbs./acre in normal years on rangelands with a smooth bromegrass component of 50 percent or more. Clipping or ocular estimates of production should be conducted to verify current annual production. Prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, and the use of herbicide treatments at critical time periods can reduce the smooth bromegrass and increase the warm-season grasses in this community.
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE7506, Central Loess Plains, cool season dominant, warm season remnants - receiving water flow site. Cool season, smooth brome with native warm season remnants, sites receiving water runoff, plant community growth curve MLRA 75.
| 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 | 2 | 13 | 27 | 17 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
Pathway CP 2.1-2.2
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Introduced grass seeding, excessive warm-season grazing, inadequate growing season rest, multi-season haying, and nitrogen fertilizing in spring and/or fall are all management practices that will degrade CP 2.1 to CP 2.2. Prolonged drought will also cause this change to the plant community.
Pathway CP 2.2-2.1
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Restoration can be achieved by herbicide treatment and reseeding. If adequate native remnants are present, appropriately-timed prescribed fire, and a follow up prescribed grazing program may achieve the desired results.
State 3
Sod-busted State
This threshold is crossed as a result of mechanical disturbance to facilitate production agriculture. If farming operations are suspended, the site can; be abandoned, which will result in the Naturally Reclaimed Community, or be re-seeded to a desired perennial forage mixture, which is described as the Re-seeded Community. Permanent alterations of the soil community and the hydrological cycle make restoration to the original native Reference Community extremely difficult, if not impossible. Formation of a compacted plow pan in the soil profile is likely.
Community 3.1
Re- Seeded Pasture Community
This plant community does not contain native remnants, and varies considerably depending on the seed mixture, the degree of soil erosion, the age of the stand, nitrogen fertilizer use, and past grazing management. Prescribed grazing with adequate recovery periods will be needed to maintain productivity and desirable species. Native range and seeded grasslands are ecologically different, and should be managed separately. Factors such as functional group, species, stand density, and improved varieties all impact the production level and palatability of the seedings. Species diversity is often limited, and when grazed in conjunction with native rangelands, uneven forage utilization may occur. Total annual production during an average year varies significantly depending on precipitation, management and grass species seeded. Single species stands of big bluestem, Indiangrass, or switchgrass, or well managed cool-season grasses/legume plantings with improved varieties can yield 4,000-5,000 lbs./acre/year.
Community 3.2
Natural Reclamation
This plant community consists of annual and perennial weeds and less desirable grasses. These sites have been farmed 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. 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.
State 4
Invaded Woody State
Once the tree canopy cover reaches 15 percent with an average tree height exceeding 5 feet, the threshold is crossed to the Invaded Woody State. The primary coniferous interloper is eastern redcedar. Locust, elm and green ash number among the deciduous native trees, along with several exotic introduced species. These woody species are encroaching due to lack of prescribed fire and other brush management practices. Typical ecological impacts are a loss of native warm-season grasses, degraded forage productivity, and reduced soil quality. This state includes the Mixed Woody Community, and the Eastern Redcedar Community.
Community 4.1
Mixed Woody Community
This plant community typically develops under an existing deciduous canopy on the lower slopes of the site. Shading by this canopy provides a suitable microclimate for the establishment of eastern redcedar. In the absence of fire, the eastern redcedar will continue to increase in size, and in the process, and change the microclimate (soil moisture) so that it becomes less suitable for the deciduous trees. This plant community is the beginning stage of this transformation, and typically will have numerous immature cedar under the deciduous tree canopy. The herbaceous/shrub understory will begin to decline rapidly.
Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE7505, Central Loess Plains, woody encroachment. Woody plant encroachment with warm and cool season grasses growth curve MLRA 75.
| 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 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 20 | 25 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Community 4.2
Eastern Redcedar
This community develops when brush management, harvest, prescribed burning, grazing by browsing animals, or wildfire is absent from the site over an extended period of time. Eastern redcedar typically occupies landscape positions somewhat protected from wildfire or prescribed fire treatments. The percent composition of eastern redcedar normally does not exceed 5 percent of the plant community when fire is regularly present in the ecosystem. With the absence of fire, mechanical brush control and harvesting, the steady encroachment of eastern redcedar will occur with the resulting loss of the herbaceous plant community as tree density and canopy cover increases. Soil erosion underneath a closed tree canopy can be high. Honey locust encroachment may also occur as you move south and east within the MLRA. Eastern redcedar control can usually be effectively accomplished with a prescribed burn while the trees are six foot tall or less and fine fuel production is over 1500 pounds per acre. Eastern redcedar of all size classes can be controlled with prescribed fire, but canopies over 6 feet require specialized ignition and holding techniques. Locust, and many deciduous species are root sprouters, and not well controlled by fire. Mechanical removal followed by immediate chemical treatment of the stumps is the most effective management practice for these woody invaders.
Pathway CP 4.1-4.2
Community 4.1 to 4.2
In the absence of fire or other controlling mechanisms, the eastern redcedar increases in the woody community, eventually becoming the dominant canopy.
Pathway CP 4.2-4.1
Community 4.2 to 4.1
Fire or mechanical harvest removes the encroaching cedars, and allows the deciduous community to regain dominance. As ERC is not a root sprouter, it can be killed by fire. Many of the deciduous trees are root sprouters, and while fire may temporarily reduce the above ground biomass, they will survive, and be able to regenerate.
Transition T1-2
State 1 to 2
Heavy grazing without adequate recovery periods will cause this state to lose a significant proportion of tall and mid- warm-season grass species and cross a threshold to the Native/Invaded State. Water infiltration and other hydrologic functions will be reduced due to the root matting presence of sod-forming grasses. With the decline and loss of deeper penetrating root systems, soil structure and biological integrity are catastrophically degraded to the point that recovery is unlikely. Once this occurs, it is highly unlikely that grazing management alone will return the community to the Reference State.
Transition T1-3
State 1 to 3
The Reference State is significantly altered by mechanical tillage to allow the site to be placed into production agriculture. The disruption to the plant community, the soil and the hydrology of the system make restoration to a true reference state unlikely.
Transition T1-4
State 1 to 4
Disruption of the natural fire regime and the planting of invasive exotic and native woody species can cause this state to shift to the Invaded Woody State.
Transition T 2-3
State 2 to 3
The state is significantly altered by mechanical tillage to allow the site to be placed into production agriculture. The disruption to the plant community, the soil, and the hydrology of the system make restoration to a true Reference State unlikely.
Transition T 2-4
State 2 to 4
Disruption of the natural fire regime and the planting of invasive exotic and native woody species can cause this state to shift to the Invaded Woody State.
Transition T 3-4
State 3 to 4
Disruption of the natural fire regime, and the planting of invasive exotic and native woody species causes a major shift in the vegetative community. The resulting impacts to the system cross the threshold into the Invaded Woody State.
Restoration pathway R 4 -1,2,3
State 4 to 1
Prescribed burning, wildfire, harvest, and brush management will move this plant community toward one of the herbaceous plant dominated plant communities. The forb component of a site with heavy tree density or canopy cover will initially increase following tree removal through mechanical brush management treatments and prescribed fire. If re-sprouting brush such as Honey locust or Siberian elm is present, stumps must be chemically treated immediately after mechanical removal. Ongoing brush management such as hand cutting, chemical spot treatments or periodic prescribed burning is required to prevent a return to this state.
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tall Warm Season Grasses | 1450–2000 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 1000–1600 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 200–600 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 200–400 | – | ||
| 2 | Mid Warm Season Grasses | 1050–1400 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 800–1200 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 200–400 | – | ||
| composite dropseed | SPCOC2 | Sporobolus compositus var. compositus | 0–200 | – | ||
| 3 | Native Cool Season Grasses | 130–400 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 80–400 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 40–200 | – | ||
| porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–200 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–120 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–80 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–80 | – | ||
| 4 | Short Warm Season Grasses | 80–350 | ||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–200 | – | ||
| 5 | Other Native Grasses and Grass-Likes | 45–80 | ||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–80 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 40–80 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 80–200 | ||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 40–80 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–80 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–80 | – | ||
| spiderwort | TRADE | Tradescantia | 0–80 | – | ||
| purple prairie clover | DAPUA | Dalea purpurea var. arenicola | 0–80 | – | ||
| hairy false goldenaster | HEVI4 | Heterotheca villosa | 0–80 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–80 | – | ||
| Nuttall's sensitive-briar | MINU6 | Mimosa nuttallii | 0–80 | – | ||
| evening primrose | OENOT | Oenothera | 0–80 | – | ||
| silverleaf Indian breadroot | PEAR6 | Pediomelum argophyllum | 0–80 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–80 | – | ||
| slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 0–80 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–80 | – | ||
| ragwort | SENEC | Senecio | 0–40 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–40 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–40 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | Shrubs | 0–200 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–120 | – | ||
| leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–120 | – | ||
| prairie rose | ROAR3 | Rosa arkansana | 0–80 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–40 | – | ||
| smooth sumac | RHGL | Rhus glabra | 0–40 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Grazing by domestic livestock, primarily cattle, is one of the primary uses of the native grasslands. During the dormant period, the protein levels of the forage may be lower than the minimum needed to meet livestock requirements.
The following table lists annual, suggested initial stocking rates with average growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended in all cases to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data and actual stocking records, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. With consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity.
Suggested stocking rates (carrying capacity) for cattle under continuous season-long grazing under normal growing conditions are listed below:
- Mixed Native Grass; 4,000 lbs./acre production and 1.10 AUM/acre carrying capacity*
- Degraded Native Grass; 3,500 lbs./acre production and 0.96 AUM/acre carrying capacity*
- Native Shortgrass/Invasives; 2500 lbs/acre production and 0.68 AUM/acre carrying capacity*
- Smooth bromegrass (dryland, unfertilized, > 50 percent plant composition); 2750 lbs./acre and 0.75 AUM/acre carrying capacity*
-Seeded pasture (high managed/fertilized Big bluestem or Switchgrass single species plantings and Smooth bromegrass/legume plantings); 4500 lbs./acre production and 1.23 AUM/acre carrying capacity. Production for seeded pastures will increase with increased management and inputs such as nitrogen fertilizer, pasture plantings with improved varieties and rotational grazing.
* Continuous season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions, 25 percent harvest efficiency. Air dry forage requirements based on 3 percent of animal body weight, or 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM). If distribution problems occur, stocking rates must be reduced to maintain plant health and vigor.
WILDLIFE INTERPRETATIONS:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 75 lies primarily within the loess mixed-grass prairie ecosystem mixed with tallgrass prairie in lower areas. Prior to European settlement, this area consisted of diverse grassland habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional wetlands and limited woody riparian corridors. These habitats provided critical life cycle components for the grassland birds, prairie dogs and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn that historically occupied this landscape. Diverse populations of small mammals and insects provided a bountiful prey base for raptors and omnivores such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons and opossums. Native Americans, bobcats, wolves, and mountain lions occupied the apex predator niche. In addition, a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians thrived in this landscape.
The loess mixed-grass prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory and climate functioning as the primary disturbances. Following European settlement, elimination of fire, widespread conversion to cropland, and other sources of habitat fragmentation significantly altered the appearance and functionality of the entire ecosystem. The reduced stability of the system is reflected by major changes in the composition and abundance of the native flora and fauna. Introduced and invading species further degrade the ecological integrity of the plant and animal communities. Bison and prairie dogs were historically keystone species but free-roaming bison herds and nearly all prairie dogs have been extirpated. 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. Many grassland nesting bird populations such as dickcissel and Henslow's sparrow are also declining. In addition to free-ranging bison, extirpated species include pronghorn, wolves and swift fox.
Historically, an ecological mosaic of Loamy Upland, Closed Upland Depression, Loamy Lowland, and Loamy Overflow sites, provided habitat for species requiring unfragmented grasslands. Important habitat features and components found commonly or exclusively on modern day remnants include 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. Within MLRA 75, remaining Loamy Lowland ecological sites provide grassland cover with an associated forb and limited shrub component.
Introduced species such as smooth bromegrass, reed canarygrass, Kentucky bluegrass, nodding plumeless thistle, and Canada thistle further degrade the biological integrity of many of these remnant prairies.
In this fragmented landscape, native grassland bird populations face increasing competition from the opportunistic European starlings and house sparrows, and are subject to nest parasitism from brown-headed cowbirds.
Tree encroachment creates habitat that favors generalist species such as American robin and mourning dove, and provides perches for raptors, increasing the predation mortality.
1. REFERENCE STATE: The predominance of tall and mid-statured grasses plus a high diversity of forbs and shrubs in this community make it ideal for grazers and mixed-feeders. Pollinating insects play a large role in maintaining the forb community and provide a food source for grassland birds and other grassland-dependent species. The vegetative structural diversity provides habitat for reptiles, amphibians, and a wide array of native and introduced bird species including Henslow's sparrow, Western meadowlark, Northern bobwhite, and ringneck pheasants. The abundant prey base supports populations of Swainson’s hawk, burrowing, short-eared, and great horned owls and other grassland raptors.
Western meadowlark and American crow over-winter in this habitat.
The diversity of grasses, forbs, and shrubs provide high nutrition levels for small and large herbivores including moles, mice, ground squirrels, white-tailed jackrabbit, and whitetail deer. The structure of this plant community provides suitable thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores and grassland birds. Many wide-ranging predators utilize this plant community including coyote, badger, red fox, and least and long-tailed weasels.
As the plant community degrades to more mid-grasses and fewer tall grasses, less winter and escape cover are provided. It also provides less cover for predators. As the plant community shifts from tall warm-season grasses to mid-height grasses, it favors grassland birds that prefer shorter vegetation. This structural community provides better habitat for greater prairie chicken, lark bunting, and lark sparrow populations. Habitat in plant community 1.3 is much the same as 1.2, but provides less winter protection because of the reduced plant height and cover.
2. NATIVE/INVADED STATE: Although the amount of Kentucky bluegrass in this plant community varies, the generally lower structure height favors the suite of grassland birds that prefer more visual space. Increased dominance by Kentucky bluegrass with lower plant diversity provides less habitat for ring-necked pheasant, Northern bobwhite, and mixed-feeders, such as whitetail deer and small mammals. Insect populations are somewhat reduced, but still play a large role in maintaining the forb community and provide moderate forage supply for grassland birds and other species.
The reduced stature of this plant community still provides suitable thermal, protective, and escape cover for small herbivores and grassland birds.
3. SODBUSTED STATE: Natural regeneration; As opportunistic disturbance-oriented species, Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass have become the prevalent grass species. The forb component exhibits lower diversity than the Reference State and shifts towards increaser/ introduced forbs including sweetclover, western yarrow, Cuman ragweed, Missouri goldenrod, hoary verbena, and ironweed. Pollinator insect populations are still present, but experience a shift to generalist species.
The Savannah sparrow, American robin, and western meadowlark are common birds that take advantage of the structure and composition of this plant community. The shorter stature of this plant community provides habitat for killdeer, horned lark, black-tailed jackrabbit (better suited to this plant community than white-tailed jackrabbit), and thirteen-lined ground squirrel. Prey populations are reduced and are more vulnerable to predation by raptors and mammalian predators. Burrowing owls may be associated with Richardson’s ground squirrel or other mammal burrows. The short stature of this plant community does not provide suitable thermal/protective cover and escape cover.
4. INVADED WOODY STATE: The Mixed Woody Community provides habitat niches for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, raccoon, and Cooper’s, and sharp-shinned hawk among other species.
Birds that are habitat generalists, such as the Bell’s vireo, common yellowthroat, Eastern Kingbird, mourning dove, American goldfinch, Northern bobwhite, field sparrow, solitary vireo, and pigmy nuthatch use woody cover for nesting, food, and breeding habitats.
While a woody component of the grassland provides specific short-term habitats for some species, an expansive forest component is very detrimental to grassland wildlife species diversity and abundance overall.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B, with localized areas in hydrologic group C. The infiltration rate is moderate to moderately slow. The runoff potential for this site varies from very low to moderate depending upon soil hydrologic group, slope, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where rhizomatous grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting for upland game species along with hiking, photography, bird watching, and other opportunities. The wide varieties of plants blooming from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
Local or individual fire wood can be utilized from this site. Redcedar pulpwood can be utilized for veneer and/or cedar furniture.
Other products
No appreciable other products have been identified on the Loamy Lowland ecological site.
Other information
Annual reviews of the Project Plan are to be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team. The project plan is: ES R075XY050NE- MLRA 75 -
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Mitch Faulkner, Rangeland Management Specialist, Nebraska; Dana Larsen, State Rangeland Management Specialist, Nebraska; Chuck Markley, Resource Soil Scientist, Nebraska; Mark Willoughby, Resource Soil Scientist, Nebraska; Doug Garrison, Resource Specialist, Nebraska; David Kraft, State Rangeland Management Specialist, Kansas; William Wehmueller, Soil Scientist, Kansas. Doug Garrison, Dan Shurtliff and Mike Kucera completed the soils correlation and provided photos. The positions listed were those held by the individuals at the time the original ESD was written.
Other references
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, 830728 Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728. (http://hpcc.unl.edu)
Johnsgaard, P.A. 2001. “The Nature of Nebraska”. University of Nebraska Press.
LaGrange, T.G. 2015. Final Report submitted to EPA for the project entitled: Nebraska’s Wetland Condition Assessment: An Intensification Study in Support of the 2011 National Survey (CD# 97714601), and the related project entitled: Nebraska's Supplemental Clean Water Act §106 Funds, as Related to Participation in National Wetland Condition Assessment (I – 97726201). Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln. 183 pp.
Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin (U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296, 2006)
NRCS National Ecological Site Handbook
NRCS National Engineering Handbook, Section 4
Personal communications with professional ecologists and wildlife experts.
Rolfsmeier, S.B. and G. Steinauer. 2010. "Terrestrial Ecological Systems and Natural Communities of Nebraska", (version IV)
Nebraska Natural Heritage Program
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97204-3224. (http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. 2002. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
USDA, NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties.
Contributors
Doug Garrison, Dana Larsen, And Mike Kucera
Revised By Doug Whisenhunt
Acknowledgments
Quality Assurance
Approved Status Verified in Legacy System
Annual reviews of the Project Plan are to be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team. The project plan is: ES R075XY050NE- MLRA 75 -
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) | Pat Broyles, Mike Kucera, Dana Larsen |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | |
| Date | 06/01/2004 |
| Approved by | Nadine Bishop |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Few, if any. No active headcutting and sides are covered with vegetation. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Little, if any, soil deposition or erosion. Water generally flows evenly over the entire landscape. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
No pedestaled plants or terracettes. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
95% or more of the ground is covered by plant canopy, litter, and stones. When prescribed burning is practiced there is little litter the first half the growing season. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Few, if any. No active headcutting and sides are covered with vegetation. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Wind has not created, or enlarged, bare areas or denuded vegetation. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Plant litter is distributed evenly throughout the site. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
A soil fragment will not "melt" or lose its structure when immersed in water for 30 seconds. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
The topsoil layer has not been plowed or eroded. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
No negative effect due to plant composition or distribution. No rill formation or plant pedestalling has occurred. Any alteration to infiltration or runoff is due to cultural practices. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compacted soil layers due to cultural practices. -
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:
Warm Season (rhizomatous) - Big bluestem, Indiangrass, Switchgrass, Eastern gamagrass
Sub-dominant:
Warm Season (bunchgrass) - Little bluestem, Sideoats grama, Blue grama
Warm Season (narrow bladed) - Tall dropseed, Buffalograss, Perennial threeawnsOther:
Minor: Cool Season - Canada wildrye, Scribners panicum, Sedges, Western wheatgrass
Minor: Forbs (perennial) - Blacksamson echinacea, Compassplant, Daisy fleabane, Dotted gayfeather, Heath aster, Lousiana sagewort, Manyflower scurfpea, Spiderwort, Westen ragweed, Wooly plantain
Trace: Shrubs - Leadplant, Prairie roseAdditional:
Warm season rhizomatous grasses comprise 40% to 100% of the plant composition. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
The vast majority of plants are healthy and vigorous. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Plant litter is distributed evenly throughout. 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 the growing season. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
3,500-4,500 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:
Common sunflower, Fall witchgrass, Kochia, Tansy mustard, Japanese brome, Wild lettuce, Flannel mullein, Wooly verbena, Windmill grass, Canada thistle, Musk thistle, Ironweed, Downy brome, Western ragweed, Eastern rededar -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Desirable perennial plants are healthy. The vast majority of perennial plants have healthy rhizomes and/or stolons.
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