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Ecological site R083AY022TX

Loamy Sand

Last updated: 9/19/2023
Accessed: 11/21/2024

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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.

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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): 083A–Northern Rio Grande Plain

This area is entirely in Texas and south of San Antonio. It makes up about 11,115 square miles (28,805 square kilometers). The towns of Uvalde, Cotulla, and Hondo are in the western part of the area, and Beeville, Goliad, and Kenedy are in the eastern part. The town of Alice is just outside the southern edge of the area. Interstate Highways 35 and 37 cross this area. This area is comprised of inland, dissected coastal plains.

Classification relationships

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2006.
-Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 83A

Ecological site concept

The Loamy Sand site has a sandy surface over a loamy or clayey subsoil. These sites are located on uplands or stream terraces.

Associated sites

R083AY020TX	Sand Hills
R083AY021TX	Sandy
R083AY024TX	Tight Sandy Loam
R083AY004TX	Shallow Sandy Loam
R083AY010TX	Vega
R083AY011TX	Claypan Prairie
R083AY012TX	Loamy Draw

Similar sites

R083CY022TX	Loamy Sand
R083EY022TX	Loamy Sand

R083CY022TX

Loamy Sand

R083EY022TX

Loamy Sand

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Quercus virginiana (2) Lantana
Herbaceous	(1) Schizachyrium littorale (2) Bothriochloa laguroides ssp. torreyana

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Physiographic features

The soils for this site formed from fluviomarine deposits and/or loamy residuum weathered from sandstone. The site can be found on interfluves of the Coastal Plains and stream terraces of river valleys. The slopes are nearly level to gently sloping. Slope gradients range from 0 to 8 percent with the majority of the slopes less than 4 percent. Elevation ranges from 200 to 1,000 feet. This area is comprised of inland, dissected coastal plains.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Coastal plain > Interfluve (2) Coastal plain > Stream terrace
Runoff class	Negligible to high
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	200 – 1,000 ft
Slope	8%
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

MLRA 83A is subtropical, subhumid on the western boundary and subtropical humid on the eastern boundary. Winters are dry and mild and the summers are hot and humid. Tropical maritime air masses predominate throughout spring, summer, and fall. Modified polar air masses exert considerable influence during winter, creating a continental climate characterized by large variations in temperature. Average precipitation for MLRA 83A is 20 inches on the western boundary and 35 inches on the eastern boundary. Peak rainfall, because of rain showers, occurs late in spring and a secondary peak occurs early in fall. Heavy thunderstorm activities increase in April, May, and June. July is hot and dry with little weather variations. Rainfall increases again in late August and September as tropical disturbances increase and become more frequent. Tropical air masses from the Gulf of Mexico dominate during the spring, summer, and fall. Prevailing winds are southerly to southeasterly throughout the year except in December when winds are predominately northerly.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	223-251 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	263-365 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	25-32 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	208-263 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	254-365 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	24-37 in
Frost-free period (average)	235 days
Freeze-free period (average)	314 days
Precipitation total (average)	29 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

Bar

Line

Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

Bar

Line

Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) BEEVILLE 5 NE [USC00410639], Beeville, TX
(2) CROSS [USC00412125], Tilden, TX
(3) DILLEY [USC00412458], Dilley, TX
(4) FLORESVILLE [USC00413201], Floresville, TX
(5) GOLIAD [USC00413618], Goliad, TX
(6) LYTLE 3W [USC00415454], Natalia, TX
(7) HONDO MUNI AP [USW00012962], Hondo, TX
(8) CHEAPSIDE [USC00411671], Gonzales, TX
(9) CUERO [USC00412173], Cuero, TX
(10) HONDO [USC00414254], Hondo, TX
(11) NIXON [USC00416368], Stockdale, TX
(12) CARRIZO SPRINGS 3W [USC00411486], Carrizo Springs, TX
(13) KARNES CITY 2N [USC00414696], Karnes City, TX
(14) MATHIS 4 SSW [USC00415661], Mathis, TX
(15) PLEASANTON [USC00417111], Pleasanton, TX
(16) TILDEN 4 SSE [USC00419031], Tilden, TX
(17) UVALDE 3 SW [USC00419268], Uvalde, TX
(18) CHARLOTTE 5 NNW [USC00411663], Charlotte, TX
(19) FOWLERTON [USC00413299], Fowlerton, TX
(20) PEARSALL [USC00416879], Pearsall, TX
(21) POTEET [USC00417215], Poteet, TX
(22) CALLIHAM [USC00411337], Calliham, TX

Soil features

This site consists of deep to very deep, moderately well and well drained soils 50 to 80 inches over eolian sediments, alluvial sediments, and sandstone. Sandy surface thickness ranges from 10 inches to 40 inches before an increase in clay content is noticed, also called the argillic horizon. Secondary calcium carbonate is at depths deeper than 35 inches. Runoff is negligible to low. Soil series correlated to this site include: Alum, Comitas, Duval, Leming, Poth and Wilco.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium – sedimentary rock (2) Residuum – sedimentary rock (3) Eolian sands – sedimentary rock
Surface texture	(1) Loamy fine sand (2) Loamy sand
Family particle size	(1) Loamy
Drainage class	Moderately well drained to well drained
Permeability class	Slow to moderate
Soil depth	50 – 80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	3 – 6 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	10%
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	2 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	2
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	5.6 – 7.3
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	7%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	5%

Ecological dynamics

The plant communities of this site are dynamic and community composition varies with topographic position, soil moisture, grazing, and fire. The site is subject to extreme variation in rainfall. During the years 1900 to 1983, 36 percent were drought years and 34 percent were wet years. During dry periods the amount of bare ground increases. Bare ground may predominate during droughts. Shortgrasses such as fringed signalgrass (Urochloa ciliatissima), red lovegrass (Eragrostis secundiflora), and hooded windmillgrass (Chloris cucullata), in addition to forbs, increase in abundance at the expense of the dominant midgrasses during drought.

The reference plant community was a grassland with scattered woody plants. Seacoast bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium var. littorale), brownseed paspalum (Paspalum plicatulum), and Pan American balsamscale (Elyonurus tripsacoides) dominated moister sites. Drier sites were dominated by seacoast bluestem, brownseed paspalum, tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus), and arrow feather threeawn (Aristida purpurascens). Swales at the bottom of slopes with high soil moisture levels supported a woody community dominated by mesquite, wolfberry (Lycium spp.), and granjeno (Celtis pallida).

Historically fire maintained this site as grassland with scattered mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and associated woody plants. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and pronghorns (Antilocapra americana) were the major large herbivores on this site before colonization by Europeans. Bison (Bos bison) were infrequent visitors to the site. Continued overuse by livestock results in a decline of seacoast bluestem and an increase in Pan American balsamscale, arrow feather threeawn, hooded windmillgrass, thin paspalum (Paspalum setaceum), and forbs. Mesquite seedlings become established with lack of fire and heavy grazing. Pan-American balsamscale, arrow feather three-awn, hooded windmillgrass, and thin paspalum decline on severely grazed rangeland. Seacoast bluestem is virtually eliminated by severe grazing and is replaced by fringed signalgrass, red lovegrass, grassbur (Cenchrus spp.), and forbs. Mesquite increases in abundance with continued overuse. Once the mesquites reach sufficient size, understory shrubs including granjeno, wolfberry, and lime prickly-ash (Zanthoxylum fagara) establish beneath them forming brush mottes.

State and transition model

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Standard diagram

Figure 8. STM

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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Grassland

2. Shrubland

3. Converted Land

T1A	-	Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be coupled with excessive grazing pressure
T1B	-	Removal of vegetation followed by extensive soil disturbance and planting with non-native species
R2A	-	Reintroduction of historic disturbance return intervals
T2A	-	Removal of vegetation followed by extensive soil disturbance and planting with non-native species
T3A	-	Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be coupled with excessive grazing pressure

State 1
Grassland

Dominant plant species

shore little bluestem (Schizachyrium littorale), grass
brownseed paspalum (Paspalum plicatulum), grass

Community 1.1
Midgrass Dominant

Figure 9. 1.1 Midgrass Dominant Community

The reference community is dominated by midgrasses. The grassland state is composed of midgrasses with scattered mesquites and associated subordinate shrubs. Mesquite-dominated mottes compose about five percent of the vegetation canopy cover. Heavy grazing or absence of fire shifts community composition to either a short grass community, or to a community dominated by larger mesquites and associated woody plants composing 5 to 20 percent of the canopy cover. Prescribed grazing and prescribed fire at periodic intervals are required to maintain the original midgrass dominated community.

Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	1800	3150	4500
Shrub/Vine	100	175	250
Forb	100	175	250
Tree	0	0	0
Total	2000	3500	5000

Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX4537, Mid/Tallgrass Community. Mid and tallgrasses dominant with less than 5% woody canopy species..

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	10	20	15	5	10	15	10	5	5

Community 1.2
Shortgrass Dominant

Heavy grazing or absence of fire results in establishment of woody plant seedlings and a shift from dominance by midgrasses to a community dominated by shortgrasses, including arrow feather threeawn, fringed signalgrass, red lovegrass, and hooded windmillgrass. The overstory consists of 5 to 10 percent canopy cover of mesquites and associated woody plants under three feet tall. Drought will hasten the process. At this point, the restoration of prescribed fire and grazing management can restore this plant community back to one similar to the Midgrass Dominant Community (1.1). There are usually enough residual herbaceous plants to recolonize the site. Once the woody plants have established, grazing management alone will not completely restore the plant community. However, fire can maintain this plant community which does have beneficial uses, especially for wildlife.

Figure 12. 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	850	1700	2400
Shrub/Vine	150	175	325
Forb	100	125	275
Tree	0	0	0
Total	1100	2000	3000

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX4547, Shortgrass Dominant Grassland Community 5-10% woody canopy. Shortgrass dominant with some midgrass remnants and increasing forbs and shrubs approaching 10% canopy..

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	10	20	15	5	10	15	10	5	5

Community 1.3
Savannah Grassland

Figure 14. 1.3 Savannah Grassland

A continued abusive grazing or absence of fire results in a shift from dominance by midgrasses or shortgrasses to a community with 5 to 20 percent canopy cover of mesquite and associated woody plants. Prescribed fire at periodic intervals and proper grazing management can maintain a savannah-like structure to the community. A very aggressive prescribed burn program, coupled with some individual plant treatment (IPT), can transition this plant community back to the Shortgrass Dominated Community (1.2), and eventually the Midgrass Dominant Community (1.1). With mesquite and most of the mixed brush on this site being resprouters following top removal, suppression of the woody species will provide an openness to the site. Once recurring fire is removed, then the canopy will quickly thicken and increase in structure. As the canopy approaches 20 percent a threshold to the Shrubland State (2) is being approached.

Figure 15. 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	800	1600	2300
Shrub/Vine	200	275	425
Forb	100	125	275
Tree	0	0	0
Total	1100	2000	3000

Figure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX4548, Savannah Grassland Community. Mid and shortgrass community with 5-20 percent canopy cover of mesquite and associated woody plants. .

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	10	20	15	5	10	15	10	5	5

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

The reference community (1.1) will transition to the Shortgrass Dominant Community (1.2) with lack of fire, continued overgrazing, insufficient rest cycles, and/or natural disturbances, like prolonged drought.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

This phase can be managed back to the Midgrass Dominant Community (1.1) but will take the reintroduction of fire to the ecosystem or some method of brush management that allows selective removal of the plants. A prescribed grazing plan will be essential to reverse the trend and returning the midgrasses back to the plant community over an extended period time.

Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3

If heavy continuous grazing continues with the exclusion of fire, the phase will transition to the Savannah Grassland Community (1.3).

Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.1

Savannah Grassland

Midgrass Dominant

This phase can be managed back to the Community 1.2, and eventually 1.1 but will take the reintroduction of fire to the ecosystem or some method of brush management that allows selective removal of the plants. A prescribed grazing plan will be essential to reverse the trend and restoring the plant community over an extended period time.

State 2
Shrubland

Dominant plant species

mesquite (Prosopis), shrub
acacia (Acacia), shrub

Community 2.1
Moderate Canopy Shrub/Woodland

Elimination of fire on this site results in crossing a threshold from the grassland state to a shrubland complex with 20 to 50 percent woody cover. At this point, prescribed grazing will not reduce the brush. Once canopy exceeds 30 percent, then the shade is a major factor preventing herbaceous recovery. Brush management and implementation of proper grazing management are required to cause a transition back to the grassland state once the shrubland complex has developed. Fire can be used to maintain it once it has transitioned. The shrubland complex that develops is a mix of mesquite, acacia, wolfberry, granjeno, and hogplum (Colubrina texensis).

Figure 17. 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	600	1400	2100
Shrub/Vine	400	475	625
Forb	100	125	275
Tree	0	0	0
Total	1100	2000	3000

Figure 18. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX4528, Shrub/Woodland Community, 20-50% canopy. Shrub/Woodland Community with 20-50% woody canopy..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
2	2	5	10	18	15	5	9	15	9	5	5

Community 2.2
Heavy Canopy Shrub/Woodland

Figure 19. 2.2 Heavy Canopy Shrub/Woodland

Continued absence of fire or brush management results in a shift from a community with 20 to 50 percent woody cover to a community with greater than 50 percent woody cover. The shrubland complex is mixed with mesquite, acacia, wolfberry, granjeno, and hogplum. These woody communities will persist indefinitely in the absence of fire or brush management. Aggressive brush management along with proper grazing management are required to invoke a transition back to the grassland state once the shrubland complex has developed. The heavy canopy cover of brush reduces herbaceous production, and prescribed fire is usually not possible in this community without an initial mechanical or chemical treatment because there is too little fine fuel. Prescribed fire is the recommended maintenance treatment following mechanical or chemical brush management on this site. Prescribed grazing then becomes important to maintain fuel for burning.

Figure 20. 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	750	1225	1725
Grass/Grasslike	300	700	1050
Forb	50	75	225
Tree	0	0	0
Total	1100	2000	3000

Figure 21. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX4529, Shrub Woodland Community with >50% Woodies. Shrub Woodland Community with >50% Woodies.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
2	2	5	10	18	15	5	9	15	9	5	5

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Continued heavy grazing coupled with lack of fire will cause this community to transition to the Heavy Canopy Shrub/Woodland Community (2.2). Brush density and height will continue to increase and shade the ground.

State 3
Converted Land

Dominant plant species

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), grass
kleingrass (Panicum coloratum), grass

Community 3.1
Converted Land

Any of the prior plant communities can be converted to alternative plants through brush management and seeding. The site can be planted to either native mixtures or to introduced plants depending upon management objectives. Introduced grasses commonly seeded on the site include bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and Kleingrass (Panicum coloratum). The introduced species will require a concerted management effort to keep the stands pure because of the seedbank of woody species. Native plantings will require some form of brush removal such as individual plant treatment, prescribed fire, broadcast treatments, or mechanical treatments to maintain a grassland.

Figure 22. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 10. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Shrub/Vine	750	1225	1725
Grass/Grasslike	300	700	1050
Forb	50	75	225
Tree	0	0	0
Total	1100	2000	3000

Figure 23. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX4530, Converted Land Community. Community converted into warm-season grass seed mixtures..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
2	2	5	10	18	15	5	9	15	9	5	5

Figure 24. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX4531, Converted Land - Introduced Grass Seeding. Seeding Coverted Land into Introduced grass species..

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	10	20	15	5	10	15	10	5	5

Community 3.2
Abandoned Land

This site is sometimes cultivated and used for production of watermelons and other crops. Abandoned fields on this site are usually impoverished in nutrients. Willow baccharis (Baccharis salicina) is commonly one of the initial woody plant species to establish once cultivation ceases. Later in succession, huisache (Acacia smallii) and mesquite establish and become the dominant woody plants on the site. With no form of brush management, the Abandoned Land Community will become solid brush in 10 to 15 years, resulting in a transition to the Shrubland State (2). In most cases, cultivation has destroyed all the residual herbaceous native plants and has deteriorated the soil structure. To restore this plant community back to a grassland will require significant intervention with heavy equipment to remove the brush and replant. An on-going therapy of brush management, fire, and prescribed grazing will be needed to hold off the brush and maintain the grassland.

Figure 25. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 11. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	1850	3200	4550
Forb	100	175	250
Shrub/Vine	50	125	200
Tree	0	0	0
Total	2000	3500	5000

Figure 26. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). TX4534, Converted Land - Woody Seedlings Encroachment. Woody seedling encroachment on converted lands such as abandoned cropland, native seeded land, and introduced seeding lands..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
2	2	5	10	18	15	5	9	15	9	5	5

Pathway 3.1A
Community 3.1 to 3.2

The transition from can occur when crop fields are left to fallow without management. Generally, pastureland will transition to the Shrubland State (2) and not to the Abandoned Land Community (3.2).

Pathway 3.2A
Community 3.2 to 3.1

Many land managers may want to utilize this site as cropland or pastureland. To achieve this transition land clearing practices such as land clearing, dozing and raking will be necessary. After the land has been cleared and an appropriate seedbed prepared, the crop or pasture can be planted.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Once the woody canopy exceeds approximately 20 percent and is taller than three feet, a threshold will have been passed to the Shrubland State (2). In this case, energy in the form of heavy equipment and/or herbicides will be required along with prescribed grazing to shift the plant community back to the Grassland State (1).

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

The Grassland State (1) can be converted to the Converted Land State (3) by controlling the brush and seeding to native or introduced grasses. It may also be plowed and converted to cropland.

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

Brush management is the key driver in restoring Shrubland State (2) back to the Grassland State (1). Reduction in woody canopy below 20 percent will take large energy inputs depending on the canopy cover. A prescribed grazing plan and prescribed burning plan will keep the state functioning.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

The Shrubland State (2) can be converted to the Converted Land State (3) by controlling the brush and seeding to native or introduced grasses. It may also be plowed and converted to cropland.

Transition T3A
State 3 to 2

If the Abandoned Land Community (3.2) is left alone, eventually the woody plants will create a moderate to heavy canopy. At this point, the desired understory grasses, forbs, and/or crops will be shaded out and the site will transition into a Shrubland State (2).

Additional community tables

Table 12. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Tallgrasses			800–2100
	shore little bluestem	SCLI11	Schizachyrium littorale	500–1500	–
	little bluestem	SCSCS	Schizachyrium scoparium var. scoparium	500–1500	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	250–750	–
2	Midgrasses			200–500
	tanglehead	HECO10	Heteropogon contortus	150–300	–
	brownseed paspalum	PAPL3	Paspalum plicatulum	150–300	–
	crinkleawn grass	TRACH2	Trachypogon	150–300	–
3	Midgrasses			500–1400
	silver beardgrass	BOLAT	Bothriochloa laguroides ssp. torreyana	300–500	–
	hooded windmill grass	CHCU2	Chloris cucullata	300–500	–
	Arizona cottontop	DICA8	Digitaria californica	300–500	–
	Texas cottontop	DIPA6	Digitaria patens	300–500	–
	pink pappusgrass	PABI2	Pappophorum bicolor	300–500	–
	plains bristlegrass	SEVU2	Setaria vulpiseta	300–500	–
4	Shortgrasses			200–500
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	100–200	–
	slender grama	BORE2	Bouteloua repens	100–200	–
	fall witchgrass	DICO6	Digitaria cognata	100–200	–
	balsamscale grass	ELION	Elionurus	100–200	–
	knotgrass	PADI6	Paspalum distichum	100–200	–
	thin paspalum	PASE5	Paspalum setaceum	100–200	–
	fringed signalgrass	URCI	Urochloa ciliatissima	100–200	–
Forb
5	Forbs			60–150
	dayflower	COMME	Commelina	20–50	–
	prairie clover	DALEA	Dalea	20–50	–
	coastal indigo	INMI	Indigofera miniata	20–50	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	20–50	–
	sensitive plant	MIMOS	Mimosa	20–50	–
	snoutbean	RHYNC2	Rhynchosia	20–50	–
	awnless bushsunflower	SICA7	Simsia calva	20–50	–
	vervain	VERBE	Verbena	20–50	–
6	Forbs			40–100
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	0–50	–
	Indian mallow	ABUTI	Abutilon	20–50	–
	ragweed	AMBRO	Ambrosia	20–50	–
	croton	CROTO	Croton	20–50	–
Shrub/Vine
7	Shrubs/Vines			100–250
	live oak	QUVI	Quercus virginiana	100–250	–
	pricklypear	OPUNT	Opuntia	50–100	–
	mesquite	PROSO	Prosopis	0–100	–
	hackberry	CELTI	Celtis	0–100	–
	snakewood	CONDA	Condalia	0–50	–
	Texan hogplum	COTE6	Colubrina texensis	0–50	–
	Christmas cactus	CYLE8	Cylindropuntia leptocaulis	20–50	–
	lantana	LANTA	Lantana	10–50	–
	Berlandier's wolfberry	LYBE	Lycium berlandieri	0–50	–
	spiny hackberry	CEEH	Celtis ehrenbergiana	0–50	–

Interpretations

Animal community

As a historic tall/midgrass prairie, this site was occupied by bison, antelope, deer, quail, turkey, and dove. This site was also used by many species of grassland songbirds, migratory waterfowl, and coyotes. This site now provides forage for livestock and is still used by quail, dove, migratory waterfowl, grassland birds, coyotes, and deer.

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) can be found on most ecological sites in Texas. Damage caused by feral hogs each year includes, crop damage by rutting up crops, destroyed fences, livestock watering areas, and predation on native wildlife, and ground-nesting birds. Feral hogs have few natural predators, thus allowing their population to grow to high numbers.

Wildlife habitat is a complex of many different plant communities and ecological sites across the landscape. Most animals use the landscape differently to find food, shelter, protection, and mates. Working on a conservation plan for the whole property, with a local professional, will help managers make the decisions that allow them to realize their goals for wildlife and livestock.

Grassland State (1): This state provides the maximum amount of forage for livestock such as cattle. It is also utilized by deer, quail and other birds as a source of food. When a site is in the reference plant community phase (1.1) it will also be used by some birds for nesting, if other habitat requirements like thermal and escape cover are near.

Shrubland State (2): This state can be maintained to meet the habitat requirements of cattle and wildlife. Land managers can find a balance that meets their goals and allows them flexibility to manage for livestock and wildlife. Forbs for deer and birds like quail will be more plentiful in this state. There will also be more trees and shrubs to provide thermal and escape cover for birds as well as cover for deer.

Converted Land State (3): The quality of wildlife habitat this site will produce is extremely variable and is influenced greatly by the timing of rain events. This state is often manipulated to meet landowner goals. If livestock production is the main goal, it can be converted to pastureland. It can also be planted to a mix of grasses and forbs that will benefit both livestock and wildlife. A mix of forbs in the pasture could attract pollinators, birds and other types of wildlife. Food plots can also be planted to provide extra nutrition for deer.

This rating system provides general guidance as to animal preference for plant species. It also indicates possible competition between kinds of herbivores for various plants. Grazing preference changes from time to time, especially between seasons, and between animal kinds and classes. Grazing preference does not necessarily reflect the ecological status of the plant within the plant community. For wildlife, plant preferences for food and plant suitability for cover are rated. Refer to habitat guides for a more complete description of a species habitat needs.

Hydrological functions

Water infiltration is rapid in the site. Therefore, runoff and soil erosion from water is seldom a problem except on cultivated and overgrazed areas.

Recreational uses

Hunting, recreation, and bird watching are common activities.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Information presented was derived from the revised Range Site, literature, limited NRCS clipping data (417s), field observations, and personal contacts with range-trained personnel.

Other references

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Archer, S. 1994. Woody plant encroachment into southwestern grasslands and savannas: rates, patterns and proximate causes. Ecological implications of livestock herbivory in the West, 13-68.

Archer, S. and F. E. Smeins. 1991. Ecosystem-level Processes. In Grazing Management: An Ecological Perspective. Edited by R.K. Heischmidt and J.W. Stuth. Timber Press, Portland, OR.

Baen, J. S. 1997. The growing importance and value implications of recreational hunting leases to agricultural land investors. Journal of Real Estate Research, 14:399-414.

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Approval

Bryan Christensen, 9/19/2023

Acknowledgments

Reviewers and Technical Contributors:
Shanna Dunn, RSS, NRCS, Corpus Christi, Texas
Jason Hohlt, RMS, NRCS, Kingsville, Texas
Justin Clary, RMS, NRCS, Temple, Texas
Mark Moseley, RMS, NRCS, Boerne, Texas

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)
Contact for lead author
Date	09/20/2023
Approved by	Bryan Christensen
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Presence of water flow patterns:
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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:

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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:
Perennial plant reproductive capability:

Download reference sheet

Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.

Ecosystem states

1. Grassland

2. Shrubland

3. Converted Land

T1A	-	Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be coupled with excessive grazing pressure
T1B	-	Removal of vegetation followed by extensive soil disturbance and planting with non-native species
R2A	-	Reintroduction of historic disturbance return intervals
T2A	-	Removal of vegetation followed by extensive soil disturbance and planting with non-native species
T3A	-	Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time, may be coupled with excessive grazing pressure