Physiographic features

This site occurs on plains on loess uplands and on terraces on river valleys. Slopes typically are nearly level to gently sloping but can range to moderately sloping. The frequency of flooding is none to rare.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

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 begin 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

Climate stations used

• (1) AURORA [USC00250445], Aurora, NE

• (2) MINDEN [USC00255565], Minden, NE

• (3) RED CLOUD [USC00257070], Red Cloud, NE

• (4) HEBRON [USC00253735], Hebron, NE

• (5) OSCEOLA [USC00256375], Osceola, NE

• (6) RAGAN [USC00257002], Alma, NE

• (7) CLAY CTR [USC00251684], Saronville, NE

• (8) FAIRMONT [USC00252840], Fairmont, NE

• (9) HASTINGS 4N [USC00253660], Hastings, NE

• (10) SUPERIOR 4E [USC00258320], Hardy, NE

• (11) SURPRISE [USC00258328], Surprise, NE

• (12) YORK [USC00259510], York, NE

• (13) BELLEVILLE [USC00140682], Belleville, KS

• (14) FRIEND 3E [USC00253065], Friend, NE

• (15) GENEVA [USC00253175], Geneva, NE

Influencing water features

This site is an upland site and functions independently from ground and surface water features.

Soil features

This site consists of very deep, clayey soils. Surface textures range from silt loam to silty clay loam. The subsoil is silty clay and has more than 45 percent clay. These soils typically are not hydric. Depth to carbonates ranges from 24 to greater than 80 inches.

The Reference Plant Community should exhibit slight to no evidence of rills, wind-scoured areas, or pedestaled 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. These soils are susceptible to erosion, primarily by water. The potential for soil erosion by water increases as the slope increases.
Wind-deposited Peorian Loess from the late Quaternary period is the parent material for these soils. There is ongoing discussion about whether the source of the loess is Tertiary siltstones, the Sandhills, Platte River sediments, or a combination of the above.

Major soil series correlated to this ecological site include: Crete and Butler.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Animal community

LIVESTOCK – GRAZING INTERPRETATIONS:
This site is well adapted to managed grazing by domestic livestock. The predominance of herbaceous plants across all plant community phases best lends these sites to grazing by cattle but browsing livestock such as goats or sheep that will more heavily utilize invasive forbs and brush. Carrying capacity and production estimates are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in initial stages of grazing lands planning.

Often, the plant community does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in the ecological site description). Because of this, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. Proper interpretation of this inventory data will permit the establishment of a safe, initial stocking rate for the type and class of animals and level of grazing management. Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide year-long forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the protein levels of the forage may be lower than the minimum needed to meet livestock (primarily cattle and sheep) requirements.

Suggested stocking rates (carrying capacity) for cattle under continuous season-long grazing under normal growing conditions are listed below:
-Mixed Native Grass: 3,500 lbs./acre production and 0.96 AUM/acre carrying capacity*
-Degraded Native Grass: 3,100 lbs./acre production and 0.85 AUM/acre carrying capacity*
-At-Risk Native Grass: 2,200 lbs./acre production and 0.60 AUM/acre carrying capacity*
-Smooth bromegrass: 2,600 lbs./ac and 0.71 AUM/acre with 50 percent or more bromegrass component
-Re-Seeded Grass (high managed/fertilized big bluestem or switchgrass single species plantings and smooth bromegrass/legume plantings): 3,500 lbs./acre production and 0.96 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./AUM.

If grazing distribution problems occur, stocking rates must be reduced to maintain plant health and vigor. Carrying capacity and production estimates are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Utilizing a rotational grazing system that allows for adequate rest and recovery will increase plant vigor and carrying capacity. 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 to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates can be calculated based on actual site information along with animal preference data, particularly when livestock 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.

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 also are declining. In addition to free-ranging bison, extirpated species include pronghorn, wolves, and swift fox.

Historically, an ecological mosaic of Loamy Terrace Loamy Plains, Clayey Plains, Closed Upland Depression, Loamy Terrace, and Loamy Floodplain 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 Clayey Plains 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 makes 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 ringneck pheasant, Northern bob-white 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 a 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.

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 Eastern Redcedar/Locust Community provides habitat niches for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, raccoon, and Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawks 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. Runoff is expected to occur only during the most intense storms (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
For the interpretive plant community, rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present. Pedestals are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses such as little bluestem. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present but only cover 1-2 percent of the soil surface. Overall this site has the appearance of being stable and productive.

Recreational uses

This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide varieties of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic value that appeals to visitors.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are present on the site. Red cedar pulpwood can be utilized for veneer and/or cedar furniture.

Other products

No appreciable other products.

Other information

Site Development and Testing Plan: This ESD went through the approval process.
Annual reviews of the Project Plan are to be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team. The project plan is: ES R075XY057NE- MLRA 75 -

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: Mike Kucera (State Resource Conservationist), Mitch Faulkner (Rangeland Management Specialist), Dana Larsen (State Rangeland Management Specialist), Chuck Markley (Resource Soil Scientist), Mark Willoughby (Resource Soil Scientist), and Doug Garrison (Resource Specialist), all in Nebraska; and David Kraft (State Rangeland Management Specialist) and William Wehmueller (Soil Scientist), both in Kansas. Doug Garrison, Dan Shurtliff, and Mike Kucera completed the initial soils correlation and provided some of the 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. (http://hpcc.unl.edu, accessed 12/05/16)

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.

Muhs, Daniel R., E. Bettis III, J. Aleinikoff, J. McGeehin, J. Beann, G. Skipp, B. Marshall, H. Roberts, W. Johnson, and R. Benton.
"Origin and paleoclimatic significance of late Quaternary loess in Nebraska: Evidence from stratigraphy, chronology, sedimentology, and geochemistry" (2008). USGS Staff -- Published Research. Paper 162. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsstaffpub/162 Accessed 12/05/16.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. NRCS National Ecological Site Handbook. January, 2014.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. NRCS National Engineering Handbook, Section 4. August, 2011.

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, Portland, OR. http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov Accessed 12/05/16.

USDA, NRCS.1997. National Range and Pasture Handbook .

USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, Fort Collins, CO. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov Accessed 12/05/16.

USDA, NRCS. 2002. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 http://plants.usda.gov Accessed 12/05/16. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA.

USDA, NRCS Soil Surveys from Gosper, Phelps, Kearney, Adams, Hamilton, Polk, York, Butler, Seward, Saline, Fillmore, Clay, Franklin, Webster, Nuckolls, Thayer and Jefferson counties in Nebraska, and Republic and Washington counties in Kansas.

Contributors

Doug Garrison, Dana Larsen, Mike Kucera
Revised By Doug Whisenhunt