Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R077EY066TX
Sandy Loam 16-24" PZ
Last updated: 9/12/2023
Accessed: 04/26/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 077E–Southern High Plains, Breaks
MLRA 77E occurs along moderately sloping breaks and steep escarpments associated with dissecting river systems and erosional margins of the Southern High Plains. Soil temperature regime is thermic and soil moisture regime is ustic bordering on aridic. Loamy and sandy soils are generally well drained, range from shallow to deep, and developed in Ogallala Formation sediments.
Classification relationships
This ecological site is correlated to soil components at the Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) level which is further described in USDA Ag Handbook 296.
Ecological site concept
The sites occur on deep sandy loam soils on uplands. The reference vegetation consists of native midgrass species with some tallgrasses, forbs, and scattered shrubs. Sand sagebrush, a common shrub, may increase in canopy cover without periodic fire or brush management. Continued abusive grazing practices may lead to a decrease in palatable plant species and an altered plant community.
Associated sites
| R077EY061TX |
Mixedland Slopes 16-24" PZ Very gently to moderately steeply sloping, very deep coarse-loamy soils on adjacent hillslopes. Tallgrasses and midgrasses dominate with forbs, and few shrub species. |
|---|---|
| R077EY063TX |
Sand Hills 16-24" PZ Very sandy soils on adjacent undulating to steep dune topography with a mixture of tall and midgrasses, forbs, and few shrub species and bare ground. |
| R077EY064TX |
Sandy 16-24" PZ Undulating to rolling loamy sand soils on adjacent positions. Dominantly tallgrasses, forbs, and few shrubs. |
Similar sites
| R077AY012TX |
Sandy Loam 16-22" PZ A similar site in MLRA 77A with soils formed in a slightly cooler mesic soil temperature regime. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Artemisia filifolia |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Schizachyrium scoparium |
Physiographic features
This site occurs as a level to sloping uplands. Slopes vary from less than 1 percent to as much as 8 percent.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Plains
> Hillslope
(2) Plains > Stream terrace (3) Plains > Sand sheet (4) Plains > Dune |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Negligible to medium |
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 2,000 – 4,500 ft |
| Slope | 8% |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Table 3. Representative physiographic features (actual ranges)
| Runoff class | Negligible to medium |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 2,000 – 4,500 ft |
| Slope | 8% |
Climatic features
Climate is a cold semi-arid steppe (Koppen-Geiger classification BSk). Summers are hot and winters are cold. Temperature extremes are common. Humidity is generally low, evaporation is high, and short-term droughts are common. Average annual wind speed is 12 mph with highest winds in early spring. The prevailing wind direction is south. Summertime brings strong high pressure systems that build into heat domes with highs in the upper 90 to mid-100 degree F range. Evaporation in summer is high and open pan evaporation exceeds 6 feet per year. Early autumn temperatures are mild, with Canadian and Pacific cold fronts bringing cold air in mid-autumn throughout winter. Arctic air can settle in and dominate for several weeks during winter with very cold air in place for 2 to 3 weeks at a time.
Most of the precipitation comes in the form of rain from May through September. Rainfall events often occur as intense showers of relatively short duration. Snowfall average is about 17 inches but is also variable from 8 to 36 inches annually. Long term droughts are likely to occur every 15 to 20 years and may last 4 to 5 years. Mean precipitation is around 21 inches but varies significantly from year to year. Rainfall amounts over the last 100 years have varied from as little as 9 inches to as much as 37 inches. The probability is about 70% that precipitation will fall between 14 to 24 inches. Growing season averages 190 days. Average first frost is around October 22, and the last freeze of the season occurs around April 15.
Table 4. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 146-164 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 184-194 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 20-24 in |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 144-176 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 180-198 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 19-26 in |
| Frost-free period (average) | 156 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 189 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 22 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) GATE [USC00343489], Gate, OK
-
(2) FOLLETT [USC00413225], Follett, TX
-
(3) CANADIAN [USC00411412], Canadian, TX
-
(4) SANFORD DAM [USC00418040], Fritch, TX
-
(5) GUYMON MUNI AP [USW00003030], Guymon, OK
-
(6) BEAVER [USC00340593], Beaver, OK
-
(7) MEADE [USC00145171], Meade, KS
-
(8) BOYS RANCH [USC00411000], Vega, TX
-
(9) CLARENDON [USW00023072], Clarendon, TX
-
(10) LIPSCOMB [USC00415247], Booker, TX
-
(11) CHANNING 2 [USC00411649], Channing, TX
-
(12) MIAMI [USC00415875], Miami, TX
-
(13) COLDWATER [USC00141704], Coldwater, KS
-
(14) REYDON 2SSE [USC00347579], Reydon, OK
Influencing water features
Non-stream characteristics: Sandy loam soils allow for moderately rapid infiltration. Runoff is negligible to moderate. With poor cover, minor gullies may form from water concentration. Plant available water in the soil is moderately high.
Wetland description
Soils in this ecological site are not part of wetland ecosystems.
Soil features
Soils are mapped for each county within the MLRA. Mapunits are representations of the major soil series component(s) and named accordingly. Each Mapunit is spatially represented on a digital soils map as polygons of different shapes and sizes. Within these Mapunits, there are often minor soil series components included. These minor components are soils that occur within a Mapunit polygon but are of small extent (15% or less of the Mapunit area). However, it is difficult to separate these minor soils spatially due to the scale of soil mapping.
Ecological sites are correlated at the component level of the soil survey. Therefore, a single Mapunit may contain multiple Ecological Sites just as it may contain multiple soil components. This is important to understand when investigating soils and Ecological Sites. A soil survey Mapunit may be correlated to a single Ecological Site based on the major component; however, there may be inclusions of areas of additional Ecological Sites which are correlated to the minor components of that particular soil Mapunit.
These are very deep sandy loam soils that are part of the Ogallala geologic formation or reworked eolian deposits from the same formation. Slopes vary from approximately 0 to 8 %. They are moderate in fertility, have a medium level of water storage capability, have a moderate or moderately rapid infiltration rate, and exhibit negligible to moderate runoff depending on vegetative cover and slope. They yield water to plants readily. They are subject to wind erosion without good cover. If cover is poor and runoff is excessive, significant water erosion can also occur. Plant roots easily penetrate the soil.
Representative soil components for this site include: Abbie fine sandy loam, Ady fine sandy loam, and Lipscomb. Some older surveys may also include Devol, Grandfield, and Springer series.
Table 5. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
(2) Eolian deposits |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Fine sandy loam (2) Sandy loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Coarse-loamy (2) Fine-loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate to moderately rapid |
| Soil depth | 80 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 2% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
3.5 – 7.5 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
12% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
3 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.1 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-40in) |
3% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-40in) |
1% |
Ecological dynamics
The information contained in the State and Transition Diagram (STD) and the Ecological Site Description was developed using archeological and historical data, professional experience, and scientific studies. The information presented is representative of a very complex set of plant communities. Not all scenarios or plants are included. Key indicator plants, animals and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.
This site is dominated by warm-season midgrass species with a lesser amount of tallgrasses and shortgrasses. The main species in the reference community are little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula). Smaller amounts of Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) and sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii) occur and in areas where “tight” pockets occur, blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is frequent. It is really a mixed-grass site. There are several species of forbs present in relatively small amounts. The productive capacity of the site is moderately high if good management is applied. The tallgrasses are fairly sensitive to overgrazing and will begin to decrease if continuous heavy grazing occurs for very long. The little bluestem and sideoats grama are fairly resistant to grazing pressure but will decline if continuous heavy grazing persist. The main woody shrubs are sand sagebrush (Artemisia filafolia) and yucca (Yucca spp.). These shrubs are generally scattered in reference conditions but are more frequent under grazing pressure. Long-term abuse will see a great increase in western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris), goldaster (Heterotheca canescens), and annuals. At the same time, woody species especially sand sagebrush will also increase. In a degraded state typical vegetation will be annuals, ragweed, three-awn (Aristida spp.), low vigor blue grama, buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), gummy lovegrass (Eragrostis curtipedicellata), and a significant amount of sand sagebrush and/or yucca. This site can be taken from mid and tallgrass to shortgrass by heavy continuous grazing over a period of perhaps twenty to twenty-five years. Once this degraded state is reached, management alone will likely not be able to restore the former plant community. Nutrient cycling, the water cycle, watershed protection and biological function are dependent upon keeping a balance of mid and tall grasses, forbs and shrubs on the site.
Natural fire likely played an important role in the function of most plains sites, especially the mid and tallgrass prairies. Tallgrasses such as sand bluestem, little bluestem, and Indiangrass were dependent upon fire to stimulate them and remove old growth that would accumulate on the soil surface. Fire also kept shrubs from getting too thick. Fire helped to keep a balance between the grasses, forbs and shrubs. Wildlife habitat was improved by opening up canopies and stimulating forb growth. The deep rooted species that grow on the site are not easily damaged by fire. Shrubs usually re-sprout but are suppressed for a time allowing grasses to dominate. If periodic fire does not occur, then the woody plants will slowly increase and with grazing pressure can begin to dominate the site. Since fire is not always available to be applied, then practices such as brush management may need to be used from time to time to help keep the community in balance.
Grazing by large herbivores helped to maintain plains grasslands. Large herds of bison moved about over the plains and grazed heavily where their numbers were concentrated. The movements of these animals were such that they might not return to the grazed area for many months which allowed for sufficient recovery of the grasses. Forbs are more moisture dependent than grasses as to their population within the community but can increase due to heavy grazing. When well managed, this site is productive and the grasses found growing here are nutritious and palatable. This site is preferred by pronghorn and scaled quail. A variety of small mammals can generally be found also. It is mainly an open grassland site therefore cover plants are lacking for white-tailed deer and bob-white quail.
As a site changes in the structure and makeup of the plant community, the changes may be due to management or due to natural occurrences or both. At some point in time thresholds are crossed. This means that once changes have progressed to some certain point, the balance of the community has been altered to the extent that a return to the former state is not possible. That is, not possible unless some form of energy is applied to make it happen. These changes take place on all ecological sites, but some sites support communities that are more resistant to change than other sites. Also, some sites are more resilient, that is, they tend to be able to heal or restore themselves more easily. Usually, changes in management practices alone, such as grazing techniques, will not be sufficient to restore former plant communities An example of energy input might be the implementation of chemical brush management to decrease the amount of woody shrubs and increase the amount of grasses and forbs. This shift in community balance could not be brought about with grazing alone. The amount of energy required to bring about a change in plant community balance may vary a great deal depending on the present state and upon the desired result.
As it relates to this site, the plant community balance is fairly stable and it is not as fragile as some of the tallgrass sites are. This balance is necessary for the community to function properly. Tallgrasses are not as resistant to grazing as short and midgrass species. A fairly long period of abuse is necessary to drive this site to the shortgrass, annual, and shrub dominated community.
But when this does occur, restoration to a more productive plant community will require considerable energy input including introduction of a seed source for the more productive grasses. This site is quite productive and favored by livestock when well managed. It is fairly diverse and has a good compliment of forbs that many species of wildlife prefer.
State and Transition Diagram:
A State and Transition Diagram for the Sandy Loam (R077EY066TX) site is depicted below. Thorough descriptions of each state, transition, and pathway follow the model. Experts base this model on available experimental research, field observations, professional consensus, and interpretations. It is likely to change as knowledge increases.
Plant communities will differ across the MLRA because of the natural variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The Reference Plant Community is not necessarily the management goal; other vegetative states may be desired plant communities as long as the Range Health assessments are in the moderate and above category.
The biological processes on this site are complex. Therefore, representative values are presented in a land management context. The species lists are representative and are not botanical descriptions of all species occurring, or potentially occurring, on this site. They are not intended to cover every situation or the full range of conditions, species, and responses for the site.
Composition by dry weight and percent canopy cover are provided to describing the functional groups. Most observers find it easier to visualize or estimate percent canopy for woody species (trees and shrubs).
The following diagram suggests some pathways that the vegetation on this site might take. There may be other states not shown on the diagram. This information is intended to show what might happen in a given set of circumstances. It does not mean that this would happen the same way in every instance. Local professional guidance should always be sought before pursuing a treatment scenario.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
| T1A | - | Absence of disturbance and excessive grazing pressure |
|---|---|---|
| T2A | - | Absence of disturbance, natural regeneration over time, and prolonged excessive grazing pressure |
| R3A | - | Removal of woody canopy, coupled with adequate rest from defoliation |
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Grassland State
The Midgrass/Tallgrass Community is a mixture of mid and tallgrasses with several shortgrass species present. It has a variety of forbs, and a few woody shrubs. The major grass species are little bluestem, sideoats grama, Indiangrass, and sand bluestem. The Shortgrass/Midgrass with Shrubs Community is composed of midgrasses with some shortgrasses and sparse yucca and sand sagebrush. Sideoats grama is the dominant grass species.
Dominant plant species
-
sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia), shrub
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
-
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass
Community 1.1
Mid/Tallgrass Community
Figure 8. 1.1 Mid/Tallgrass Community
The reference plant community is a mixture of mid and tallgrasses with several shortgrass species present. It has a variety of forbs, and a few woody shrubs. The major grass species are little bluestem, sideoats grama, Indiangrass, and sand bluestem. Blue grama is scattered throughout the community generally occupying “tighter” spots. There are some perennial forbs present and a few shrubs, namely sand sagebrush and yucca.
Figure 9. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 1000 | 1500 | 2200 |
| Forb | 50 | 150 | 200 |
| Shrub/Vine | 50 | 70 | 80 |
| Tree | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Microbiotic Crusts | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1100 | 1720 | 2480 |
Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX1513, Warm season tall and midgrasses. "It is a mixture of mid and tall grasses with several short grass species present. It has a variety of forbs, and a few woody shrubs. The major grass species are little bluestem, sideoats grama, Indiangrass, and sand bluestem. ".
| 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 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 22 | 25 | 12 | 6 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Community 1.2
Shortgrass & Midgrass with Shrubs Community
Figure 11. 1.2 Shortgrass & Midgrass with Shrubs Community
This plant community is composed of midgrasses with some shortgrasses and sparse yucca and sand sagebrush. Sideoats grama is the dominant grass species. This site is in transition and could be moved toward the reference community with proper grazing and brush management. No threshold has been crossed. Total annual production is slightly less than plant community 1.1.
Figure 12. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 850 | 1350 | 2000 |
| Forb | 50 | 150 | 200 |
| Shrub/Vine | 75 | 95 | 110 |
| Microbiotic Crusts | 10 | 15 | 15 |
| Tree | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 985 | 1610 | 2325 |
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX1742, Warm season mid and shortgrasses with shrubs. Production is slightly less than historic climax plant community. Midgrasses and some shortgrasses with sparse yucca and sand sagebrush..
| 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 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 25 | 22 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2
With the combination of heavy continuous grazing and no fires, the Mid/Tallgrass Community will shift to the Short/Midgrass with Shrubs Community.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1
With the implementation of various conservation practices such as Prescribed Grazing and Brush Management, the Short/Midgrass with Shrubs Community will shift back to the Mid/Tallgrass Community.
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Grazing |
State 2
Shortgrass/Shrub State
The Shortgrass/Shrub State is dominantly short and midgrasses with a few scattered shrubs and annual forbs. The community is less productive than the reference plant community. Main species are buffalograss, blue grama and silver bluestem. There are also sand sage present at the site.
Dominant plant species
-
silver bluestem (Bothriochloa saccharoides), grass
-
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
-
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
Community 2.1
Shortgrass & Midgrass with Scattered Shrubs Community
Figure 14. 2.1 Short/Midgrass with Scattered Shrubs Community
The plant community is dominantly short and midgrasses with a few scattered shrubs and annual forbs. The community is less productive than the reference plant community. Main species are buffalograss, blue grama and silver bluestem. There are also sand sage present at the site. Heavy grazing shifted this plant community into shortgrass dominance. This site has crossed a threshold and will require some energy input such as prescribed grazing, brush management, and prescribed burning to transition the community to a grassland state.
Figure 15. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 8. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 700 | 1000 | 1400 |
| Forb | 100 | 150 | 200 |
| Shrub/Vine | 10 | 20 | 25 |
| Microbiotic Crusts | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Tree | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 810 | 1175 | 1630 |
Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX1741, Shortgrass with few midgrasses. Shortgrass with few midgrasses and scattered shrubs..
| 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 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 25 | 22 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
State 3
Shrubland State
The Shrubland State is a severely degraded plant community where a definite threshold has been crossed. No tall or midgrasses remain. Shortgrasses such as buffalograss dominates and shrubs such as sand sagebrush have increased. Years of heavy continuous grazing has completely changed the plant community. There does not appear to be any seed source present to enable the more productive perennial grasses and forbs to return.
Dominant plant species
-
sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia), shrub
-
buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), grass
Community 3.1
Shrub Dominant with Shortgrasses Community
Figure 17. 3.1 Shrub dominant with Shortgrasses Community
Severely degraded plant community where a definite threshold has been crossed. No tall or midgrasses remain. Shortgrasses such as buffalograss dominates and shrubs such as sand sagebrush have increased. Years of heavy continuous grazing has completely changed the plant community. Natural processes such as the nutrient & hydrologic cycles are not functioning compared to the reference state. Restoration of a more productive community will require energy input such as prescribed grazing, brush management, and prescribed burning. There does not appear to be any seed source present to enable the more productive perennial grasses and forbs to return. Production is only a fraction of what could be expected in the reference community.
Figure 18. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 9. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrub/Vine | 300 | 350 | 400 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 250 | 350 | 400 |
| Forb | 25 | 50 | 80 |
| Microbiotic Crusts | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Tree | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 575 | 752 | 882 |
Figure 19. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX1746, Shrub dominant shortgrass. "Warm season, lower production, shrub dominant, shortgrasses.".
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 5 | 25 | 34 | 24 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
The Grassland State can transition to the Shortgrass/Shrub State due to heavy continuous grazing, no brush management, and no fires.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3
With the continuation of heavy grazing pressure, no brush management, and no fires, the Shortgrass/Shrub State will transition to the Shrubland State.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 2
With Prescribed Grazing, Brush Management, and Prescribed Burning conservation practices applied, the Shrubland State can be restored back to the Shortgrass/Shrub State.
Conservation practices
| Brush Management | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Burning | |
| Prescribed Grazing |
Additional community tables
Table 10. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tall/Midgrasses | 750–900 | ||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 300–500 | – | ||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 300–500 | – | ||
| 2 | Tallgrasses | 230–300 | ||||
| sand bluestem | ANHA | Andropogon hallii | 100–200 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 100–200 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-season grasses | 50–70 | ||||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 20–50 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 20–50 | – | ||
| 4 | Shortgrasses | 250–310 | ||||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 0–75 | – | ||
| buffalograss | BODA2 | Bouteloua dactyloides | 0–75 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–75 | – | ||
| hairy grama | BOHI2 | Bouteloua hirsuta | 0–75 | – | ||
| silver beardgrass | BOLAT | Bothriochloa laguroides ssp. torreyana | 0–75 | – | ||
| hooded windmill grass | CHCU2 | Chloris cucullata | 0–75 | – | ||
| tumble windmill grass | CHVE2 | Chloris verticillata | 0–75 | – | ||
| fall witchgrass | DICO6 | Digitaria cognata | 0–75 | – | ||
| gummy lovegrass | ERCU | Eragrostis curtipedicellata | 0–75 | – | ||
| vine mesquite | PAOB | Panicum obtusum | 0–75 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 0–75 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | Forbs | 150–200 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 0–50 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–50 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–50 | – | ||
| lyreleaf greeneyes | BELY | Berlandiera lyrata | 0–50 | – | ||
| yellow sundrops | CASE12 | Calylophus serrulatus | 0–50 | – | ||
| Engelmann's daisy | ENGEL | Engelmannia | 0–50 | – | ||
| eastern daisy fleabane | ERAN | Erigeron annuus | 0–50 | – | ||
| kisses | GASU2 | Gaura suffulta | 0–50 | – | ||
| stiffleaf false goldenaster | HEST3 | Heterotheca stenophylla | 0–50 | – | ||
| camphorweed | HESU3 | Heterotheca subaxillaris | 0–50 | – | ||
| Indian rushpea | HOGL2 | Hoffmannseggia glauca | 0–50 | – | ||
| dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 0–50 | – | ||
| grassland blazingstar | MEST3 | Mentzelia strictissima | 0–50 | – | ||
| eastern sensitive plant | MIRU5 | Mimosa rupertiana | 0–50 | – | ||
| evening primrose | OENOT | Oenothera | 0–50 | – | ||
| little combseed | PEPU | Pectocarya pusilla | 0–50 | – | ||
| slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 0–50 | – | ||
| azure blue sage | SAAZA | Salvia azurea var. azurea | 0–50 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 0–50 | – | ||
| stiff greenthread | THFI | Thelesperma filifolium | 0–50 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 6 | Shrubs | 60–80 | ||||
| sand sagebrush | ARFI2 | Artemisia filifolia | 0–20 | – | ||
| Oklahoma plum | PRGR | Prunus gracilis | 0–20 | – | ||
| skunkbush sumac | RHTR | Rhus trilobata | 0–20 | – | ||
| yucca | YUCCA | Yucca | 0–20 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Native animals that occupy this site include scaled quail, pronghorn, lesser prairie chicken and various small mammals and grassland birds. The site lacks woody cover for deer and turkey.
Hydrological functions
This site captures nearly most of the water that falls on it, provided the vegetation is in good condition. The sandy loam soil infiltrates water fairly rapidly. There is not significant runoff if cover is good. With poor cover, runoff is significant and small gullies can develop.
Recreational uses
Hunting, Camping, Hiking, Bird watching, Photography, Horseback Riding.
Wood products
None.
Other products
None.
Other information
None.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
NRCS FOTG – Section II of the FOTG Range Site Descriptions and numerous historical accounts
of vegetative conditions at the time of early settlement in the area were used in the development of this site description. Vegetative inventories were made at several site locations for support documentation.
Inventory Data References: (documents)
NRCS FOTG – Section II - Range Site Descriptions
NRCS – NRI 417 data
NRCS Clipping Data summaries over a 20 year period
Other references
J.R. Bell, USDA-NRCS Rangeland Management Specialist (retired)
Natural Resources Conservation Service - Range Site Descriptions
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service - Soil Surveys & Website soil database
Rathjen, Frederick W., The Texas Panhandle Frontier, Rev. 1998, Univ. of Texas Press
Hatch, Brown and Ghandi, Vascular Plants of Texas (An Ecological Checklist)
Texas A&M Exp. Station, College Station, Texas
Texas Tech University – Range,Wildlife & Fisheries Dept.
Technical Review:
Mark Moseley, State RMS, NRCS, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Homer Sanchez, State RMS, NRCS, Temple, Texas
Tony Garcia, Zone RMS, NRCS, Lubbock, Texas
Clint Rollins, RMS, NRCS, Amarillo, Texas
Dr. Jack Eckroat, Grazing Lands Specialist, NRCS, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Justin Clary, RMS, NRCS, Temple, Texas
Contributors
Clint Rollins, RMS, NRCS, Amarillo, TX
J.R. Bell, RMS, NRCS, Amarillo, Texas
Steven McGowen, MLRA Office Leader, NRCS, Woodward, OK
Approval
Bryan Christensen, 9/12/2023
Acknowledgments
Site Development and Testing Plan
Future work, as described in a Project Plan, to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description is needed. This will include field activities to collect low, medium and high intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document.
Annual reviews of the Project Plan are to be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team.
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) | Stan Bradbury, Zone RMS, NRCS, Lubbock, Texas |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | 806-791-0581 |
| Date | 09/04/2007 |
| Approved by | Bryan Christensen |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None to slight. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None to slight. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None to slight. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
20-25% bare ground. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None to slight. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None to slight. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
None to slight. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Resistant to surface erosion. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Fine sandy loam; friable surface and medium SOM. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Basal cover and density with small interspaces should make rainfall impact minimal. This site has moderate permeability, runoff is slow and available water holding capacity is high. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. -
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:
Sub-dominant:
Warm-season midgrasses > Cool-season midgrasses > Warm-season shortgrasses >Other:
Shrubs/Vines > ForbsAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Grasses due to their growth habit will exhibit some mortality and decadence, though minimal. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter is dominantly herbaceous. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
1,100 to 2,500 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:
Sand sagebrush and yucca can be invasive. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All plant species should be capable of reproduction except during periods of prolonged drought conditions, heavy natural herbivory or intense wildfires.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.
Ecosystem states
| T1A | - | Absence of disturbance and excessive grazing pressure |
|---|---|---|
| T2A | - | Absence of disturbance, natural regeneration over time, and prolonged excessive grazing pressure |
| R3A | - | Removal of woody canopy, coupled with adequate rest from defoliation |