Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R080AY010OK
Claypan Upland (North)
Last updated: 9/19/2023
Accessed: 11/13/2024
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): 080A–Central Rolling Red Prairies
MLRA 80A is characterized by dark red Permian sandstones or shales that are exposed on gently sloping plains. The dominant soil order in this MLRA is Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a thermic soil temperature regime, an ustic soil moisture regime, and mixed, siliceous, or smectitic mineralogy. They generally are shallow to very deep, are well drained, and generally are loamy or clayey. These plains are dissected by rivers that flow from northwest to southeast. Major rivers of this MLRA include the Chickaskia and Bluff rivers in KS, the Salt Fork, Cimarron, North and South Canadian, Washita, Cache, Red River in OK, and branches of the Wichita River in TX.
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
These sites occur on upland topography over deep soils weathered from shales or clays. The representative soils are mollisols, however, this site differs from the Loamy Upland site due to the dense clay subsoils (Claypan) that can limit plant available water and lead to lower productivity. The reference grassland state is a mixture of tallgrasses, midgrasses, forbs , and occasional shrubs.
Associated sites
R080AY056OK |
Loamy Upland Adjacent upland site. Loamy surface, lacks abrupt textural change. |
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Similar sites
R080AY011OK |
Claypan Upland (South) R080AY011OK lays south of R080AY010OK beginning at Interstate 40. The sites are very similar for several miles north and south of the interstate. |
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R080AY056OK |
Loamy Upland Adjacent upland site. Loamy surface, lacks abrupt textural change. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
(1) Amorpha canescens |
Herbaceous |
(1) Schizachyrium scoparium |
Physiographic features
This site is an upland site on hills and paleoterraces. Slopes vary from 1 to 5 percent. The site may receive some run-on water from uphill sites and also shed water via run-off to sites downslope.
Figure 2. Claypan Prairie
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Plains
> Hill
(2) Plains > Paleoterrace |
---|---|
Runoff class | High to very high |
Flooding frequency | None |
Ponding frequency | None |
Elevation | 700 – 1,500 ft |
Slope | 1 – 5% |
Ponding depth |
Not specified |
Water table depth | 80 in |
Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate is characterized by moist, cool, springs; hot, often dry summers; mild autumns; and mild to cold winters. Variation in timing and amounts of precipition from year to year is quite common. Drought cycles range from three to five years duration with occasionally longer periods occurring at unpredictable intervals. Above normal rainfall cycles are usually just as random, but shorter in duration.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) | 183-189 days |
---|---|
Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 202-219 days |
Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 32-39 in |
Frost-free period (actual range) | 174-193 days |
Freeze-free period (actual range) | 196-226 days |
Precipitation total (actual range) | 31-40 in |
Frost-free period (average) | 185 days |
Freeze-free period (average) | 209 days |
Precipitation total (average) | 35 in |
Figure 3. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 8. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) CUSHING [USC00342318], Cushing, OK
-
(2) GEARY [USC00343497], Calumet, OK
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(3) MEEKER 5 W [USC00345779], Meeker, OK
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(4) NORMAN 3SSE [USC00346386], Norman, OK
-
(5) OKEENE [USC00346629], Okeene, OK
-
(6) PONCA CITY MUNI AP [USW00013969], Ponca City, OK
-
(7) CHEROKEE 4W [USC00341724], Cherokee, OK
-
(8) CHICKASHA EXP STATION [USC00341750], Chickasha, OK
-
(9) ANTHONY [USW00013980], Anthony, KS
Influencing water features
This site's dense clayey subsoils slow moisture infiltration. Surface soils may become saturated and remain extremely wet for extended periods of time following heavy rainfall events. Subsoils have the ability to store water, but this water is tightly held by clay particles, so, during periods of below normal precipitation, plants stress quickly.
Wetland description
NA
Figure 9.
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 inclusional areas of additional Ecological Sites which are correlated to the minor components of that particular soil Mapunit.
Representative soil components for this site include:
Agra, Kirkland, & Renfrow
These are silt loam to clay loam surface textured soils, eight to twelve inches deep, with compact blocky clay subsoils.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material |
(1)
Residuum
–
clayey shale
|
---|---|
Surface texture |
(1) Silt loam (2) Clay loam (3) Silty clay loam |
Drainage class | Moderately well drained to well drained |
Permeability class | Very slow to slow |
Soil depth | 26 – 99 in |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | 2% |
Surface fragment cover >3" | 2% |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
2 – 8 in |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
2% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
2 |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
5.6 – 8.4 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
44% |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
30% |
Table 5. Representative soil features (actual values)
Drainage class | Not specified |
---|---|
Permeability class | Not specified |
Soil depth | Not specified |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
Not specified |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
4 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
12 |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
Not specified |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
Like many sites across the Great Plains, this Claypan Upland site evolved under periodic disturbances by fire, drought, and grazing (Frost 1998, Fuhlendorf 2009). The soils are well suited for herbaceous plant growth but are somewhat limited by their dense clay subsoil. The potential of the clay subsoil to restrict plant available water makes the site more susceptible to influence by drought the the loamy upland sites. However, the reference state of this site is very resilient to natural disturbances. Alternative land uses include cropland and pastureland. Alternative states within the rangeland land use include a woody encroached state, a reseeded state and an eroded state.
The reference state for this site is dominated by warm-season perennial grasses. The composition consists of fluctuating tallgrasses and midgrasses interspersed with numerous perennial warm-season forbs. A small component of cool-season grasses and forbs occurs on this site. The dominant grasses and forbs have evolved under extreme conditions of excessive moisture and extended drought. Grazing by large herbivores and fire were both common during the development of this reference state.
The soils typically have dense clayey subsoils that greatly influence plant growth. Clayey subsoils slow moisture infiltration. Surface soils may become saturated and remain extremely wet for extended periods of time following heavy rainfall events. Subsoils may store large amounts of water, but usually this moisture is tightly held (bonded) so, during periods of below normal precipitation, plants stress quickly.
The absence of fire or alternative brush management can lead to the increase of woody species on the site. The woody species begin to dominate ecological processes (hydrology, energy flow, etc.) and transition the site to the woody state (Scholtz, 2018).
Historically, the focus of conservation efforts has been on proper stocking rates and restoration of the woody encroached sites across the Great Plains. However, new research suggests that a more effective strategy involves addressing woody plants in the seed dispersal stage prior to the change in ecological states. Preserving intact prairie for both agricultural production and ecosystem services must become a priority for land managers and conservationist alike.
Additionally, the site is well suited for crop production and a large portion of the site remains in the cultivated state of the cropland land use.
This site has the potential to be converted to a variety of introduced monocultures. This requires cultivation, seeding or sprigging, and fertilization. There are eroded soils mapped in Claypan Upland ESD, so an eroded state has been added to the State and Transition Model. This state is usually a result of cultivation and water erosion.
State and Transition Diagram:
A State and Transition Diagram for the Claypan Upland (R080AY010OK) is depicted below. Descriptions of each state, transition, and pathway follow the model. Experts based 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.
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
Land use 1 submodel, ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
Land use 2 submodel, ecosystem states
Land use 3 submodel, ecosystem states
Land use 1
Rangeland
This land use is predominately used for grazingland or recreational use. This land use often requires fewer or less intensive inputs than other land use types. The rangeland land use includes both reference, unplowed rangeland as well as land that has been reseeded or repopulated to native species post-cultivation.
State 1.1
Grassland (Reference)
This is the reference or diagnostic community for the site. The description is based on early range site descriptions, clipping data, professional consensus of experienced range specialists, and analysis of field work.
Dominant plant species
-
leadplant (Amorpha canescens), shrub
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
Community 1.1.1
Tallgrass Dominant(Reference)
The plant community is dominated by a composite of tallgrasses with a few midgrasses and shortgrasses. Big bluestem, little bluestem, Indiangrass and switchgrass comprise nearly 70 to 80 percent of the vegetation. Secondary grasses include tall dropseed, sand dropseed, Florida paspalum, sideoats grama, blue grama, buffalograss and silver bluestem. Cool season grasses may produce up to five to eight percent of the total annual herbage, depending on annual precipation patterns. These cool season grasses include Canada wildrye, Virginia wildrye, western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass and Scribners’ panicum. Approximately 70 percent of the annual herbage production on this site occurs during the growing months April through June. Numerous palatable forbs are found on this site. The more abundant forbs are compassplant, Maximilian sunflower, halfshrub sundrop, catclaw sensitivebrier, Illinois bundleflower and pale echinacea. Other common forbs are slimflower scurfpea, Missouri goldenrod, heathaster, purple prairieclover, roundhead lespedeza, fringeleaf ruellia, Louisiana sagewort and upright prairie coneflower. Continuous heavy grazing by livestock during the growing season will eventually impact the vegetative composition. A decrease in vigor of the more palatable plants to domestic animal grazing (usually cattle, but can be sheep, goats, horses, etc.) encourages a gradual increase in secondary plants such as tall dropseed, silver bluestem and sideoats grama. Many of the reference community forbs are very palatable and readily selected by domestic livestock. These forbs decrease with even moderate grazing, but can be maintained by prescribed grazing using planned deferments. Forbs that increase under these circumstances include heathaster, Missouri goldenrod, Western ragweed, and Louisiana sagewort. The absence of both grazing and fire will encourage a gradual increase of mulch and litter. Heavy accumulations of mulch, litter, or both reduces herbage production and reduces vigor and abundance of bunch grasses, especially little bluestem. Heavy mulch accumulations, over time, accommodates the encroachment of woody species such as buckbrush, roughleaf dogwood, smooth sumac and elm.
Figure 11. 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 | 2636 | 3592 | 4548 |
Forb | 202 | 283 | 364 |
Shrub/Vine | 0 | 25 | 52 |
Total | 2838 | 3900 | 4964 |
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OK0009, Native Warm-Season Grasses. The growing season for warm season(C4) grasses in this region runs from last frost to first frost with peak production from mid April through mid July. The curve listed below is intended to be a representative of normal growing conditions. The monthly production pecentages can vary from year to year deopending upon temperature and rainfall variatioins..
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 | 25 | 28 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.1.2
Little Bluestem Dominant
This plant community is dominated by little bluestem. Secondary grasses are tall dropseed, sideoats grama, silver bluestem, purpletop, knotroot bristlegrass, buffalograss, blue grama and Scribners panicum. Site productivity is reduced slightly compared to the reference community. In this community, there has been an increase of midgrasses in the plant community. Also, the more palatable tallgrasses are in a low state of vigor. Many of the more palatable warm-season forbs such as compassplant, Maximilian sunflower and catclaw sensitivebriar have decreased in abundance. They have been partially replaced by an increases of heathaster, western ragweed, Missouri goldenrod and Louisiana sagewort. Daisy fleabane, prairie scurfpea, blue wildindigo are forbs usually found in abundance in late spring. Canada wildrye, Scribners’ panicum, winter bentgrass and annual bromes are common in late winter and early spring months, and to some extent, in the fall. Prescribed grazing involving deferment during all or a part of the growing season will enhance the vigor and stature of the climax grasses. This site can be restored to near the reference community in 3-6 years.
Figure 13. 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 | 2364 | 3232 | 4099 |
Forb | 156 | 234 | 312 |
Shrub/Vine | 52 | 76 | 100 |
Total | 2572 | 3542 | 4511 |
Community 1.1.3
Midgrass Dominant
This plant community is predominately midgrasses. Sideoats grama, tall dropseed, silver bluestem, western wheatgrass, fringeleaf paspalum and sand dropseed are dominant species. In some cases there may be remnants of little bluestem, big bluestem and switchgrass. Generally, these species are in a state of very low vigor. Shortgrasses, including buffalograss, blue grama, windmillgrass, and tumblegrass are common. Cheatgrass, six-weeks fescue and little barley are cool-season annual grasses prevalent in fall and spring months depending on precipitation patterns. Most of the cattle palatable forbs have disappeared. With proper management, this site can be restored to a plant community resembling the reference in 15 to 20 years. The time for reclamation is dependent upon the abundance and distribution of remnant plants, and the level of management applied.
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 | 1588 | 2328 | 3068 |
Forb | 240 | 320 | 400 |
Shrub/Vine | 80 | 80 | 80 |
Total | 1908 | 2728 | 3548 |
Pathway P
Community 1.1.1 to 1.1.2
State 1.2
Woody
In the woody state of this ecological site, trees and/or shrub species have increased to >30% cover. This is most often caused by lack of fire and facilitated by continued overgrazing beyond carrying capacity for the site. Grazing resources are compromised in this state as well as the health and vigor of the grassland plant community. Brush species may include native trees and shrubs such as Sumac, Roughleaf Dogwood, sand Plum, or Eastern Redcedar.
Dominant plant species
-
eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
-
sumac (Rhus), shrub
Community 1.2.1
Tree/Shrub Encroachment
Within this community phase, the ecological function of the site has been greatly altered. The woody species are becoming more dominant and outcompeting herbaceous plants for resources(sunlight, moisture, etc.). Tall and midgrass species may still persist in the open areas depending upon grazing pressure. If no action is taken during this community phase, the site may eventually become closed canopy woodland.
State 1.3
Reseeded
This state represents the land use change back to rangeland after a period of cultivation. The site can be reseeded to native species or left to naturally revegetate (go-back). While many species of the reference state may be present, soil structure, biology, and chemistry have been significantly altered through cultivation. It may take many years to recover to something similar to reference conditions.
Dominant plant species
-
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
Community 1.3.1
Reseeded
This community phase represents reseeded rangeland. The native species persist and can help restore degraded soils post-cultivation.
State 1.4
Eroded
This state is the result of water erosion over bare soil as a result of cultivation. Most of the "A" horizon of the soil profile has been displaced. The remaining subsoil is very low in fertility. Some native grasses and forbs will persist in this state, however, production is greatly reduced.
Resilience management. With time, eroded sites may revegetate or be reseeded with native species. While the plant communities can resemble the reference state, the soil physical, chemical, and biological properties may take many years to recover.
Dominant plant species
-
silver beardgrass (Bothriochloa laguroides), grass
-
threeawn (Aristida), grass
Transition T1A
State 1.1 to 1.2
If heavy grazing that exceeds the carrying capacity continues without some type of brush managment measures, there will likely be an increase in the woody component of the plant community. Without the fine fuels, prescribed fire is not very effective at controling the woody encroachment and thus, is seldom attempted. The community will transition to a state of woody dominance(2).
Transition T1B
State 1.1 to 1.3
This transition involves the land use change to cropland or introduced pastureland and then returning to rangeland use. The site has been cultivated for a period of time and returned to perennial vegetation.
Constraints to recovery. While the return of perennial vegetation can stabilize the soil and begin to improve structure and biological processes, the site may not recover to reference soil conditions for a very long time.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 1.2 to 1.1
Through a conservation system of brush management, prescribed grazing(deferment), and prescribed the burning, the woody state may be restored to a plant community within the Grassland(Reference) State.
Transition T3A
State 1.3 to 1.2
If land is abandonded once in the converted state, it may be very easy for woody species to dominate the plant community if no prescribed fire program is implemented.
Land use 2
Cropland
The site has been cultivated for the production of crops. Primary use is agronomic crop production.
State 2.1
Conventional Tillage
This community represent a conventional tillage system where subsequent crops are planted into a clean tilled seedbed. Crop rotations may also be used in this production system, however, the field are consistently plowed between plantings. Perennial cultivation can lead to accelerated soil loss from water and wind erosion. Proper planning is essential to ensure soil and water conservation in this system.
Characteristics and indicators. The soil is disturbed through plowing or discing the soil multiple times a year.
Resilience management. This management system is at great risk of soil erosion through water and or wind. Soil structure and biology are also at risk of degradation through this style of management.
Dominant plant species
-
wheat (Triticum), grass
-
soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
State 2.2
No-Till
This community represents a no-till management system where subsequent crops are planted directly through residue remaining in the field. Crop rotations are often used in this system and, over time, this system may result in increased soil aggregation and increase organic matter. A no-till system may also help mitigate soil erosion.
Characteristics and indicators. This system includes minimal soil disturbance and the use of No-Till planting methods. Residue is left in the field after harvest.
Resilience management. With this management system, soil biology and structure may begin to recover. Erosion risk is much lower than the conventional tillage system.
Dominant plant species
-
wheat (Triticum), grass
-
soybean (Glycine max), other herbaceous
Dominant resource concerns
-
Sheet and rill erosion
-
Wind erosion
-
Ephemeral gully erosion
Transition T
State 2.1 to 2.2
Restoration pathway R
State 2.2 to 2.1
Land use 3
Introduced Pastureland
The site has been replanted to introduced forage grasses after cultivation ceased. Primary use is livestock and/or hay production. Often, this land use is managed as a monoculture with little biotic diversity. However, in some cases, forb/legume/grass mixtures are maintained with may increase soil and ecosystem health.
State 3.1
Monoculture
This community consists of a planted monoculture of an introduced pasture grass used predominately for grazing and/or hay production. Adapted species include bermudagrass, old world bluestems, and weeping lovegrass (only on well drained sites). These species require a higher level of management inputs than native rangeland species. Soil tests should be performed prior to planting and or subsequent fertilizer applications. Without persistent nutrient management and proper grazing, some undesired "weedy" species may invade the site. While biodiversity can be beneficial to both plants, animals, and soil, it may be undesirable under certain management systems such as certified hay production. Proper grazing should be planned to allow for adequate residual heights in order to ensure the vigor of the grass. These heights vary by species and grazing system. They can be found in the OK NRCS Prescribed Grazing practice specification. Average yields are listed below as representative for the MLRA. These yields can vary greatly depending on precipitation amount and timing. As with any pasture management program, site specific evaluation and monitoring is essential. Yields are represented AUMs or Animal Unit Months. This represents the amount of dry matter required by one Animal Unit Equivalent for one month. For more on AUEs and AUMs consult local extension service fact sheets and publications. Keep in mind these yields are estimated under a high level of management which includes annual additions of nitrogen and other nutrients as required. It is important to note that while these introduced species can provide good grazing potential, often wildlife habitat is limited. These species are also known to expand offsite and become invasive in adjacent native ecosystems.
Dominant plant species
-
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), grass
State 3.2
Grass/Legume Mix
This community represents a planted mixture of introduced grasses and forbs/legumes. Bermudagrass and introduced clover is the most common pasture mix. Incorporation of a legume into the system can help offset inputs associated with nitrogen additions. Special strategies should be used to ensure the health and vigor of both the cool season legumes and warm season grasses. Yields for these pasture mixes are not available as the mixtures and ratios vary from site to site so yields for a monoculture community should be used as a baseline estimate.
Dominant plant species
-
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), grass
-
clover (Trifolium), other herbaceous
Conversion C1
Land use 1 to 2
Through cultivation and seeding of crop species, this land use is converted to Cropland.
Conversion C4
Land use 2 to 1
This land use conversion is achieved through reseeding native grasses and forbs in order to restore the site for livestock grazing or hay production. While the site may be converted back to a rangeland land use, some soil properties and ecological function may not return to pre-cultivation levels.
Conversion C2
Land use 2 to 3
With the cessation of cultivation and planting of perennial introduced forage grasses, this land use is converted to Introduced Pastureland.
Conversion C3
Land use 3 to 1
This land use conversion is achieved through reseeding native grasses and forbs or allowing native species to repopulate the site by reducing management of introduced species. While the site may be converted back to a rangeland land use, some soil properties and ecological function may not return to pre-cultivation levels.
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | 1196–2060 | |||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 814–1400 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 240–416 | – | ||
Indiangrass | SORGH | Sorghastrum | 116–208 | – | ||
eastern gamagrass | TRDA3 | Tripsacum dactyloides | 36–64 | – | ||
2 | 840–1456 | |||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 1050–1820 | – | ||
3 | 420–720 | |||||
dropseed | SPORO | Sporobolus | 157–270 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 87–150 | – | ||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 58–100 | – | ||
thin paspalum | PASE5 | Paspalum setaceum | 58–100 | – | ||
marsh bristlegrass | SEPA10 | Setaria parviflora | 28–50 | – | ||
Florida paspalum | PAFL4 | Paspalum floridanum | 28–50 | – | ||
silver bluestem | BOSA | Bothriochloa saccharoides | 28–50 | – | ||
fall witchgrass | DICO6 | Digitaria cognata | 23–40 | – | ||
purple lovegrass | ERSP | Eragrostis spectabilis | 23–40 | – | ||
white tridens | TRAL2 | Tridens albescens | 18–30 | – | ||
purpletop tridens | TRFL2 | Tridens flavus | 18–30 | – | ||
4 | 180–312 | |||||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 117–200 | – | ||
Virginia wildrye | ELVI3 | Elymus virginicus | 58–100 | – | ||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 58–100 | – | ||
sedge | CAREX | Carex | 46–80 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 41–70 | – | ||
winter bentgrass | AGHY | Agrostis hyemalis | 23–40 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 12–20 | – | ||
prairie wedgescale | SPOB | Sphenopholis obtusata | 12–20 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
5 | 114–208 | |||||
compassplant | SILA3 | Silphium laciniatum | 87–150 | – | ||
Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 87–150 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 41–70 | – | ||
greenthread | THELE | Thelesperma | 29–50 | – | ||
ashy sunflower | HEMO2 | Helianthus mollis | 29–50 | – | ||
dotted blazing star | LIPU | Liatris punctata | 29–50 | – | ||
whitest evening primrose | OEAL | Oenothera albicaulis | 29–50 | – | ||
cobaea beardtongue | PECO4 | Penstemon cobaea | 29–50 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 29–50 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 29–50 | – | ||
false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 29–50 | – | ||
pale purple coneflower | ECPA | Echinacea pallida | 29–50 | – | ||
prairie fleabane | ERST3 | Erigeron strigosus | 29–50 | – | ||
scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 25–50 | – | ||
Canada goldenrod | SOCA6 | Solidago canadensis | 29–50 | – | ||
Missouri goldenrod | SOMI2 | Solidago missouriensis | 29–50 | – | ||
azure blue sage | SAAZ | Salvia azurea | 29–50 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 23–40 | – | ||
Texas goldentop | EUGY | Euthamia gymnospermoides | 18–30 | – | ||
fringeleaf wild petunia | RUHU | Ruellia humilis | 18–30 | – | ||
prairie spiderwort | TROC | Tradescantia occidentalis | 18–30 | – | ||
hoary verbena | VEST | Verbena stricta | 12–20 | – | ||
stiffstem flax | LIRI | Linum rigidum | 12–20 | – | ||
Carolina larkspur | DECA3 | Delphinium carolinianum | 12–20 | – | ||
rainlily | COOPE | Cooperia | 6–10 | – | ||
6 | 88–156 | |||||
Illinois bundleflower | DEIL | Desmanthus illinoensis | 41–70 | – | ||
littleleaf sensitive-briar | MIMI22 | Mimosa microphylla | 41–70 | – | ||
slimflower scurfpea | PSTE5 | Psoralidium tenuiflorum | 29–50 | – | ||
lespedeza | LESPE | Lespedeza | 29–50 | – | ||
groundplum milkvetch | ASCR2 | Astragalus crassicarpus | 18–30 | – | ||
smallflowered milkvetch | ASNU4 | Astragalus nuttallianus | 18–30 | – | ||
white prairie clover | DACA7 | Dalea candida | 18–30 | – | ||
prairie clover | DALEA | Dalea | 18–30 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
7 | 0–52 | |||||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–52 | – | ||
ceanothus | CEANO | Ceanothus | 0–52 | – | ||
smooth sumac | RHGL | Rhus glabra | 0–52 | – | ||
coralberry | SYOR | Symphoricarpos orbiculatus | 0–52 | – |
Table 10. Community 6.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) |
---|
Table 11. Community 7.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) |
---|
Interpretations
Animal community
This site is suited for grazing cattle. Quail utilize the site for food, nesting, and occasional cover. Coyote, badger, skunk, cottontail rabbit and ground squirrels are common. There is some site use by whitetail deer. Hawks, including the red-tailed hawk, Coopers’ hawk, Rough-legged hawk, sparrow hawk and marsh hawk utilize this site for hunting prey.
Hydrological functions
These upland site may shed some water via runoff during heavy rain events. The presence of good ground cover and deep rooted grasses can help facilitate infiltration and reduce sediment loss. As residue height decreases, run off during storm events may increase.
Recreational uses
N/A
Wood products
N/A
Other products
N/A
Other information
N/A
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented has been derived from NRCS clipping data, research from Oklahoma State University, field observations and measurements by trained range personnel. Most of the clipping data was gathered by a team consisting of a range conservationist and a soil scientist and was site/soil specific. Yields were taken at the end of the growing season and, as near as possible, were obtained from areas that were un-grazed that year. Clipping data repository is in the NRCS State Office in Stillwater, OK.
Data from NRI collections and field sampling was also used in the development of this ESD.
Type locality
Location 1: Payne County, OK | |
---|---|
Township/Range/Section | T18N R1E SNW3 |
General legal description | OSU CTER NW3-T18N-R1E |
References
-
. 2021 (Date accessed). USDA PLANTS Database. http://plants.usda.gov.
-
Frost, C.C. 1998. Presettlement Fire Frequency Regimes of the United States: A First Approximation. Plant Conservation Program. North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Raleigh, NC.
-
Fuhlendorf, S.D., D.M. Engle, J. Kerby, and R. Hamilton. 2009. Pyric Herbivory: Rewilding Landscapes through the Recoupling of Fire and Grazing. Conservation Biology 23:588–598.
-
Scholtz, R. and . 2018. Grassland fragmentation and its influence on woody plant cover in the southern Great Plains, USA. Landscape Ecology 33:1785–1797.
Other references
Bestelmeyer, B. T., Brown, J. R., Havstad, K. M., Alexander, R., Chavez, G., & Herrick, J. E. (2003). Development and use of state-and-transition models for rangelands. Journal of Range Management, 114-126.
Frost, Cecil C. 1998. Presettlement fire frequency regimes of the United States: a first approximation. Pages 70-81.Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference Proceedings, No. 20. Tall
Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL.
Fuhlendorf, S. D., Engle, D. M., Kerby, J. A. Y., & Hamilton, R. (2009). Pyric herbivory: rewilding landscapes through the recoupling of fire and grazing. Conservation Biology, 23(3), 588-598.
Harlan, J. R. (1957). Grasslands of Oklahoma.
National Soil Information System (NASIS). Accessed 2013
Shantz, H. L. (1923). The natural vegetation of the Great Plains region. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 13(2), 81-107.
Shiflet, T. N. (1994). Rangeland cover types of the United States (Vol. 152). Denver, CO, USA: Society for Range Management.
Contributors
Dr. Jack Eckroat, Grazing Lands Specialist, NRCS, Oklahoma
Harland Dietz
Approval
Bryan Christensen, 9/19/2023
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) | Mark Moseley, Harry Fritzler, Steve Glasgow, Jack Eckroat |
---|---|
Contact for lead author |
100 USDA Suite 206 Stillwater, OK 74074 |
Date | 04/01/2005 |
Approved by | Colin Walden |
Approval date | |
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
There are few, if any, rills and there is no active headcutting and sides are covered with vegetation. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
There is some evidence of soil deposition or erosion, particularly after significant rain events, but water generally flows evenly over the entire landscape. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
There should not be any evidence of erosional pedestals or terracettes on this site. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
There is ~5% bare ground on this site. Bare areas are small and not connected. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None, drainages are represented as natural stable channels; vegetation is common with no signs of erosion. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Uniform distribution of litter. Litter rarely moves >6 inches on flatter slopes and may be as much as doubled on steeper slopes, then only during high intensity storms. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Surface soil is stabilized (Stability Score 5 – 6). Stability scores based on a minimum of 6 samples tested. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A horizon: 0 to 13 inches; silt loam, clay loam, medium granular structure. Btssl horizon: 13 to 25 inches; reddish brown clay, moderate medium blocky structure.
Refer to specific description for component sampled. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Infiltration and runoff are not affected by any changes in plant community composition and distribution. (Tallgrass dominated). Any changes in infiltration and runoff can be attributed to other factors (e.g. compaction). -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
There is usually no compaction layer. Naturally dense subsoil may be mistaken for a compaction layer. -
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:
TallgrassesSub-dominant:
Midgrasses, ShortgrassesOther:
Forbs, Cool-Season Perennial Grasses, ShrubsAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
There is some plant mortality and decadence on the perennial grasses, especially in the absence of fire and herbivory, but usually <5%. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter should cover 50-75% of the area between plants with accumulations of .25-1 inch deep. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Normal production is 2838-4964 pounds per acre. -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
No invasive species. Invasives might include: eastern redcedar, bois d’arc, mesquite, annuals and non-natives. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All plants capable of reproducing at least every 2 years. Seed stalks, stalk length, and seedheads are numerous and what would be expected. Overall health of plants is what would be expected.
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