Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R102AY012SD
Thin Upland
Accessed: 04/19/2024
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): 102A–Rolling Till Prairie
For further information on this Ecological Site Description (ESD), view on South Dakota Electronic Field Office Technical Guide (EFOTG), contact the NRCS State Office in Huron, SD, or MLRA Soil Survey Office in Redfield, SD.
Classification relationships
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States: 46e – Tewaukon Dead Ice Moraine, 46k – Prairie Coteau, 46l – Prairie Coteau Escarpment, 46m – Big Sioux Basin, 46o – Minnesota River Prairie, 47b – Des Moines Lobe, 48d – Lake Agassiz Plain, 51j – Alexandria Moraines and Detroit Lakes Outwash Plain.
Associated sites
R102AY010SD |
Loamy |
---|---|
R102AY020SD |
Loamy Overflow |
Similar sites
R102AY010SD |
Loamy Loamy [more big bluestem, less little bluestem; higher production] |
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Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
Not specified |
Herbaceous |
(1) Schizachyrium scoparium |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on gently to steeply sloping uplands.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms |
(1)
Plain
(2) Moraine (3) Knoll |
---|---|
Elevation | 1,000 – 2,000 ft |
Slope | 5 – 35% |
Water table depth | 80 in |
Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
MLRA 102A is considered to have a continental climate – cold winters and relatively hot summers, low to moderate humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. Extremes in temperature may also abound. The climate is the result of this MLRA’s location near the geographic center of North America. There are few natural barriers on the Northern Great Plains and air masses move freely across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature.
Annual precipitation typically ranges from 21 to 27 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 43°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 5°F (Mahnomen 1 W, Minnesota (MN)), to about 14°F (Tracy, MN). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 69°F (Mahnomen 1 W, MN), to about 73°F (Tracy, MN). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 62°F. This large annual range attests to the continental nature of this area's climate. Hourly winds are estimated to average about 11 miles per hour (mph) annually, ranging from about 13 mph during the spring to about 10 mph during the summer. Daytime winds are generally stronger than nighttime and occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 50 mph.
Growth of cool-season plants begins in early to mid-March, slowing or ceasing in late June. Warm-season plants begin growth about mid-May and continue to early or mid-September. Greenup of cool-season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) | 152 days |
---|---|
Freeze-free period (average) | 174 days |
Precipitation total (average) | 27 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with this site.
Soil features
The features common to soils in this site are the loam, silt loam, or silty clay loam textured surface layers and slopes of 5 to 35 percent. The soils in this site are well-drained and formed in loamy till, drift over till, or glaciolacustrine deposits. The surface layer is 4 to 10 inches thick. The texture of the subsurface layers ranges from loam to clay loam. The soils have a moderate to moderately slow infiltration rate. These soils are typically calcareous at or near the surface. This site should show slight to no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. Water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous with numerous debris dams or vegetative barriers. The soil surface is stable and intact.
These soils are susceptible to wind and water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases on slopes greater than about 15 percent. Loss of 50 percent or more of the surface layer of the soils on this site can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm) for specific local soils information.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture |
(1) Loam (2) Silt loam (3) Silty clay loam |
---|---|
Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
Drainage class | Well drained |
Permeability class | Moderately slow to moderate |
Soil depth | 80 in |
Surface fragment cover <=3" | 3 – 8% |
Surface fragment cover >3" | 40% |
Available water capacity (0-40in) |
6 – 8 in |
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5 – 40% |
Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
4 mmhos/cm |
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
3 – 8% |
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
8% |
Ecological dynamics
This site developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused wildfire (often of light intensities), and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil/site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and/or exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions describe more typical transitions that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition that may not be described within this document.
Continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October) and/or repeated seasonal grazing (e.g., every spring, every summer) without adequate recovery periods following grazing events causes departure from the 2.1 Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase. Little bluestem, wheatgrass, sideoats grama, and blue grama will increase. Eventually blue grama, quackgrass, and Kentucky bluegrass may develop into a sod. Indiangrass, big bluestem, porcupine grass, green needlegrass, sideoats grama, and little bluestem will decrease in frequency and production. Extended periods of nonuse and/or lack of fire will result in excessive litter and a plant community dominated by cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass, and green needlegrass.
Interpretations are primarily based on the 1.1 Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase. It has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts also have been used. Plant community phases, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant community phases that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities. These are the most common plant community phases based on current knowledge and experience and changes may be made as more data is collected. Narratives following the diagram contain more detail pertaining to the ecological processes.
State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available.
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More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference
This state represents the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state was dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periods of below and/or above average precipitation, periodic fire, and herbivory by insects and large ungulates. Timing of fires and herbivory coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. In some locations, this site likely received relatively heavy grazing pressure. Tall warm-season grasses would have declined and cool-season bunchgrasses and short to mid-statured warm-season grasses would have increased. Today, a similar state (State 2) can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest.
Community 1.1
Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase
Interpretations are based primarily on the Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). The potential vegetation was about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 8 percent shrubs. The community was dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The major grasses included little bluestem, big bluestem, Indiangrass, sideoats grama, prairie dropseed, porcupine grass, and green needlegrass. Other grass or grass-like species included plains muhly, switchgrass, Canada wildrye, needleandthread, slender wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, blue grama, and threadleaf sedge. This plant community was resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allowed for high drought tolerance. This was a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 4. 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 | 1980 | 2610 | 3180 |
Forb | 135 | 225 | 345 |
Shrub/Vine | 85 | 165 | 275 |
Total | 2200 | 3000 | 3800 |
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0204, Rolling Till Prairie, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant.. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant..
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 | 7 | 17 | 25 | 25 | 15 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Little Bluestem/Grama/Needlegrass Plant Community Phase
This plant community evolved under heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 75 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses included little bluestem, sideoats grama, and green needlegrass. Grasses of secondary importance included big bluestem, porcupine grass, blue grama, western wheatgrass, prairie dropseed, and threadleaf sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included goldenrod, cudweed sagewort, heath aster, scurfpea, western ragweed, and western yarrow. This plant community had similar plant composition to the 2.2 Little Bluestem/Grama/Needlegrass/Bluegrass Plant Community Phase (refer to the plant composition tables). The main difference is that this plant community phase did not have the presence of nonnative invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass. When compared to the Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase (1.1), little bluestem and sideoats grama increased. Production of tall warm-season grasses was reduced. This plant community was moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present were well adapted to grazing; however, species composition could be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component was intact, it tended to be resilient if the disturbance was not long-term. Most of the components of the ecological processes would have been functioning at optimum levels. However, the vigor and reproductive capability of the tall warm-season grasses would have been reduced due to grazing pressure or a combination of stressors. A reduction of this dominant functional group allowed for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species.
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0204, Rolling Till Prairie, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant.. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant..
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 | 7 | 17 | 25 | 25 | 15 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Heavy continuous grazing which included herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic or chronic heavy grazing would have shifted this community to the 1.2 Little Bluestem/Grama/Needlegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Grazing, precipitation, and/or fire returned to normal disturbance regime levels and frequencies or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest would have converted this plant community to the 1.1 Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase.
State 2
Native/Invaded
This state represents the more common range of variability that exists with higher levels of grazing management but in the absence of periodic fire due to fire suppression. This state is dominated by cool- and warm-season grasses. It can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. Taller warm-season species can decline and a corresponding increase in short statured grass will occur.
Community 2.1
Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase
This plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase but it also contains minor amounts of non-native invasive grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass (up to about 10 percent by air-dry weight). The potential vegetation is about 80 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 10 percent forbs, and 8 percent shrubs. This community is dominated by warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses being subdominant. The major grasses include little bluestem, big bluestem, Indiangrass, sideoats grama, prairie dropseed, porcupine grass, and green needlegrass. Other grass or grass-like species include plains muhly, switchgrass, Canada wildrye, needleandthread, slender wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, blue grama, Kentucky bluegrass, and threadleaf sedge. This plant community is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought tolerance. This is a sustainable plant community in regards to site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0204, Rolling Till Prairie, warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant.. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant..
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 | 7 | 17 | 25 | 25 | 15 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Community 2.2
Little Bluestem/Grama/Needlegrass/Bluegrass Plant Community Phase
This plant community is a result of heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 75 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses include little bluestem, sideoats grama, and green needlegrass. Grasses of secondary importance include big bluestem, porcupine grass, blue grama, western wheatgrass, prairie dropseed, and threadleaf sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include goldenrod, cudweed sagewort, heath aster, scurfpea, western ragweed, and western yarrow. When compared to the Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase (1.1), little bluestem, sideoats grama, and Kentucky bluegrass have increased. Production of tall warm-season grasses is reduced. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. Most of the components of the ecological processes are functioning at optimum levels. However, the vigor and reproductive capability of the tall warm-season grasses are reduced due to grazing pressure or a combination of stressors. A reduction of this dominant functional group allows for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species. The introduction of non-native invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass results in alterations to the soil profile. Organic matter levels tend to decrease and begin to be concentrated more in the surface layers, and the structure will begin to be modified. These changes favor the shallow-rooted species and hasten their eventual dominance if steps are not taken to reduce these species.
Figure 8. 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 | 1590 | 1980 | 2305 |
Forb | 105 | 240 | 420 |
Shrub/Vine | 105 | 180 | 275 |
Total | 1800 | 2400 | 3000 |
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0203, Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant..
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 | 10 | 20 | 28 | 21 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Community 2.3
Little Bluestem/Bluegrass Plant Community Phase
This plant community is a result of heavy continuous grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 75 percent grasses and grass-like species, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Dominant grasses include little bluestem and Kentucky bluegrass. Grass and grass-like species of secondary importance include sideoats grama, blue grama, western wheatgrass, threadleaf sedge, green needlegrass, big bluestem, and quackgrass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include goldenrod, cudweed sagewort, heath aster, scurfpea, western ragweed, and western yarrow. When compared to the Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase (1.1), little bluestem and Kentucky bluegrass have increased. Production of mid- and tall warm- and cool-season grasses is reduced. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. A reduction of the dominant functional groups as found in the interpretive plant community phase allows for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species. The introduction of non-native invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass results in alterations to the soil profile. Organic matter levels tend to decrease and begin to be concentrated more in the surface layers, and the structure will begin to be modified. These changes favor the shallow-rooted species and hasten their eventual dominance if steps are not taken to reduce these species.
Figure 10. 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 | 1400 | 1815 | 2165 |
Forb | 100 | 220 | 385 |
Shrub/Vine | 100 | 165 | 250 |
Total | 1600 | 2200 | 2800 |
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0203, Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant..
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 | 10 | 20 | 28 | 21 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and often at the same time of year each year), or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic heavy grazing will shift this community to the 2.2 Little Bluestem/Grama/Needlegrass/Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 2.2b
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 2.1 Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed Plant Community Phase. This pathway would be expedited by including prescribed burning along with prescribed grazing.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning | |
---|---|
Prescribed Grazing |
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.3
Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and often at the same time of year each year), or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic heavy grazing will shift this community to the 2.3 Little Bluestem/Bluegrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.2
Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods) or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest will convert this plant community to the 2.2 Little Bluestem/Grama/Needlegrass/Bluegrass Plant Community Phase. This pathway would be expedited by including prescribed burning along with prescribed grazing.
Conservation practices
Prescribed Burning | |
---|---|
Prescribed Grazing |
State 3
Invaded
This state is a result of encroachment mainly by invasive introduced cool-season grasses. The ecological processes are not functioning, especially the biotic processes and the hydrologic functions. The introduced cool-season grasses cause reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Preliminary studies would tend to indicate this threshold may exist when Kentucky bluegrass exceeds 30 percent of the plant community and native grasses represent less than 40 percent of the plant community composition. The opportunity for high intensity spring burns is severely reduced by early green up and increased moisture and humidity at the soil surface and grazing pressure cannot cause a reduction in sodgrass dominance. Production is limited to the sod forming species. Infiltration continues to decrease and runoff increases and energy capture into the system is restricted to early season low producing species. Nutrient cycling is limited by root depth of the dominant species.
Community 3.1
Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Forbs/Shrubs Plant Community Phase
This plant community phase is a result of extended periods of nonuse and no fire or occasionally light levels of grazing over several years. It is characterized by dominance of smooth bromegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. The dominance is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A thick duff layer also accumulates at or above the soil surface. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. When dominated by smooth bromegrass, infiltration is moderately reduced and runoff is moderate. Production can be equal to or higher than the interpretive plant community. However, when dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production in this case will likely be significantly less. In either case, the period that palatability is high is relatively short, as these cool-season species mature rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced. The dominance of these introduced species has been shown to alter the biotic component of the soil, as well as organic matter levels and eventually the soil structure. These alterations perpetuate the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass, and tend to make establishment of native species extremely difficult.
Figure 12. 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 | 1750 | 2240 | 2600 |
Shrub/Vine | 125 | 280 | 500 |
Forb | 125 | 280 | 500 |
Total | 2000 | 2800 | 3600 |
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0201, Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant..
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
0 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 25 | 36 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Community 3.2
Kentucky Bluegrass/Quackgrass/Little Bluestem Plant Community Phase
This plant community phase is a result of heavy continuous grazing or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below-average precipitation combined with heavy continuous grazing. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and quackgrass and occasionally with significant levels of little bluestem. The dominance is at times so complete that other species are difficult to find on the site. A relatively thick duff layer can sometimes accumulate at or above the soil surface. Nutrient cycling is greatly reduced and native plants have great difficulty becoming established. Infiltration is greatly reduced and runoff is high. Production will be significantly reduced when compared to the interpretive plant community. The period that palatability is high is relatively short, as Kentucky bluegrass matures rapidly. Energy capture is also reduced. Biological activity in the soil is likely reduced significantly in this phase.
Figure 14. 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) |
---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike | 1080 | 1512 | 1890 |
Forb | 85 | 180 | 310 |
Shrub/Vine | 35 | 108 | 200 |
Total | 1200 | 1800 | 2400 |
Figure 15. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0201, Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant..
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
0 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 25 | 36 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Community 3.3
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial Plant Community Phase
This plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances such as abandonment after cropping, seeding of introduced species, or invasion and dominance of noxious weed species. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 40 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species, 20 to 60 percent forbs, and 0 to 5 percent shrubs. The species present in this phase are highly variable but often include nonnative invasive and/or early seral species. Plant diversity is low (plant richness may be high, but areas are often dominated by a few species). The ecological processes are difficult to restore because of the loss of plant diversity and overall soil disturbance. Soil erosion is potentially very high because of the bare ground and shallow rooted herbaceous plant community. Water runoff will increase and infiltration will decrease due to animal related soil compaction and loss of root mass due to low plant diversity and vigor. This plant community will require significant economic inputs and time to move towards another plant community. This movement is highly variable in its succession. This is due to the loss of diversity (including the loss of the seed bank), within the existing plant community, and the plant communities on adjacent sites. This community can be renovated to improve the production capability; however, if management changes are not made the vegetation could revert back to early seral species.
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2
Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and at the same time of year each year) will convert this plant community to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Quackgrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 3.3a
Community 3.3 to 3.2
With the passage of time, probably regardless of the type of management, this plant community will gradually convert to dominance by Kentucky bluegrass which will lead to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Quackgrass/Little Bluestem Plant Community Phase.
Transition T1a
State 1 to 2
Encroachment of non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass, and disruption of natural disturbance regimes (typically as a result of fire suppression following settlement led this state over a threshold to the Native/Invaded Grass State (State 2).
Transition T4
State 1 to 3
Encroachment of non-native invasive/noxious species, abandonment of cropping, or seeding of introduced and/or native improved varieties of forage species may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3) and more specifically to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial Plant Community Phase. In the case of a seeding, refer to the corresponding Forage Suitability Group (FSG) description for adapted species and expected production (production estimates in the FSG description may be unrealistically high due to the degraded condition of the site at this phase).
Transition T4
State 1 to 3
Encroachment of non-native invasive/noxious species, abandonment of cropping, or seeding of introduced and/or native improved varieties of forage species may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3) and more specifically to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial Plant Community Phase. In the case of a seeding, refer to the corresponding Forage Suitability Group (FSG) description for adapted species and expected production (production estimates in the FSG description may be unrealistically high due to the degraded condition of the site at this phase).
Transition T4
State 2 to 3
Encroachment of non-native invasive/noxious species, abandonment of cropping, or seeding of introduced and/or native improved varieties of forage species may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3) and more specifically to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial Plant Community Phase. In the case of a seeding, refer to the corresponding Forage Suitability Group (FSG) description for adapted species and expected production (production estimates in the FSG description may be unrealistically high due to the degraded condition of the site at this phase).
Transition T4
State 2 to 3
Encroachment of non-native invasive/noxious species, abandonment of cropping, or seeding of introduced and/or native improved varieties of forage species may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3) and more specifically to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial Plant Community Phase. In the case of a seeding, refer to the corresponding Forage Suitability Group (FSG) description for adapted species and expected production (production estimates in the FSG description may be unrealistically high due to the degraded condition of the site at this phase).
Transition T4
State 2 to 3
Encroachment of non-native invasive/noxious species, abandonment of cropping, or seeding of introduced and/or native improved varieties of forage species may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 3) and more specifically to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial Plant Community Phase. In the case of a seeding, refer to the corresponding Forage Suitability Group (FSG) description for adapted species and expected production (production estimates in the FSG description may be unrealistically high due to the degraded condition of the site at this phase).
Transition T2b
State 2 to 3
Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season, and often at the same time of year each year), or a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic heavy grazing will likely shift this community across a threshold leading to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Quackgrass/Little Bluestem Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3).
Transition T2a
State 2 to 3
Non-use and no fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the 3.1 Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Forbs/Shrubs Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 3).
Restoration pathway R3
State 3 to 2
Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high-density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2). Pest management (i.e., herbicide) may also be needed to suppress cool-season invasive grasses. This will likely take a long period of time possibly up to 10 years or more, and recovery may not be attainable. Success depends on whether native reproductive propagules remain intact on the site. A seeding of native species may be the only avenue to restore this plant community to one resembling a community within the Native/Invaded State (State 2).
Conservation practices
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 | Mid Warm-season Grasses | 750–1500 | ||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 450–1050 | – | ||
prairie dropseed | SPHE | Sporobolus heterolepis | 150–450 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 150–450 | – | ||
plains muhly | MUCU3 | Muhlenbergia cuspidata | 30–150 | – | ||
2 | Tall Warm-season Grasses | 300–750 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 150–450 | – | ||
Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 150–450 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–150 | – | ||
3 | Cool-season Bunchgrasses | 300–600 | ||||
porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 150–450 | – | ||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 90–300 | – | ||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 30–150 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 30–90 | – | ||
4 | Wheatgrass | 60–150 | ||||
slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 60–150 | – | ||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–90 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 60–150 | ||||
Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–150 | – | ||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 30–90 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 30–90 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–60 | – | ||
6 | Grass-likes | 30–90 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 30–90 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–60 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
7 | Forbs | 150–300 | ||||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 30–90 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 30–90 | – | ||
stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 30–60 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 30–60 | – | ||
large Indian breadroot | PEES | Pediomelum esculentum | 0–60 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 30–60 | – | ||
cutleaf anemone | PUPAM | Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida | 30–60 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 30–60 | – | ||
compassplant | SILA3 | Silphium laciniatum | 30–60 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 30–60 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 30–60 | – | ||
purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 30–60 | – | ||
American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 30–60 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 30–60 | – | ||
Nuttall's sensitive-briar | MINU6 | Mimosa nuttallii | 30–60 | – | ||
purple locoweed | OXLA3 | Oxytropis lambertii | 0–30 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–30 | – | ||
wavyleaf thistle | CIUN | Cirsium undulatum | 0–30 | – | ||
aromatic aster | SYOB | Symphyotrichum oblongifolium | 0–30 | – | ||
lacy tansyaster | MAPI | Machaeranthera pinnatifida | 0–30 | – | ||
western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 0–30 | – | ||
onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–30 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–30 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–30 | – | ||
field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 0–30 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
8 | Shrubs | 90–240 | ||||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 30–120 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–60 | – | ||
Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–60 | – | ||
smooth sumac | RHGL | Rhus glabra | 0–60 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 30–60 | – | ||
snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 30–60 | – | ||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–30 | – |
Table 11. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Mid Warm-season Grasses | 600–1080 | ||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 480–960 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 120–480 | – | ||
prairie dropseed | SPHE | Sporobolus heterolepis | 0–120 | – | ||
plains muhly | MUCU3 | Muhlenbergia cuspidata | 0–48 | – | ||
2 | Tall Warm-season Grasses | 24–240 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 24–192 | – | ||
Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 0–72 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–48 | – | ||
3 | Cool-season Bunchgrasses | 120–360 | ||||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 48–240 | – | ||
porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–192 | – | ||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–96 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–48 | – | ||
4 | Wheatgrass | 0–144 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–144 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–48 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 24–168 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 24–144 | – | ||
Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–120 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–48 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–48 | – | ||
6 | Grass-likes | 24–120 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 24–120 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–72 | – | ||
7 | Non-Native Grasses | 24–288 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 24–240 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–120 | – | ||
quackgrass | ELRE4 | Elymus repens | 0–72 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 120–360 | ||||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 24–72 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 24–72 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 24–72 | – | ||
Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 24–72 | – | ||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–72 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 24–72 | – | ||
western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 24–48 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 24–48 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–48 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 24–48 | – | ||
field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 0–48 | – | ||
cutleaf anemone | PUPAM | Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida | 0–24 | – | ||
upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–24 | – | ||
compassplant | SILA3 | Silphium laciniatum | 0–24 | – | ||
American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–24 | – | ||
lacy tansyaster | MAPI | Machaeranthera pinnatifida | 0–24 | – | ||
Nuttall's sensitive-briar | MINU6 | Mimosa nuttallii | 0–24 | – | ||
purple locoweed | OXLA3 | Oxytropis lambertii | 0–24 | – | ||
large Indian breadroot | PEES | Pediomelum esculentum | 0–24 | – | ||
stiff sunflower | HEPA19 | Helianthus pauciflorus | 0–24 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–24 | – | ||
onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–24 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–24 | – | ||
wavyleaf thistle | CIUN | Cirsium undulatum | 0–24 | – | ||
purple prairie clover | DAPU5 | Dalea purpurea | 0–24 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
9 | Shrubs | 120–240 | ||||
snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 24–120 | – | ||
smooth sumac | RHGL | Rhus glabra | 0–72 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 24–48 | – | ||
leadplant | AMCA6 | Amorpha canescens | 0–48 | – | ||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–48 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–48 | – | ||
Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–24 | – |
Table 12. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Mid Warm-season Grasses | 550–1100 | ||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 550–1100 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 44–330 | – | ||
2 | Tall Warm-season Grasses | 0–110 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–110 | – | ||
3 | Cool-season Bunchgrasses | 0–176 | ||||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–132 | – | ||
porcupinegrass | HESP11 | Hesperostipa spartea | 0–66 | – | ||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–44 | – | ||
4 | Wheatgrass | 0–154 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–154 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 44–176 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 44–176 | – | ||
Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–110 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–22 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–22 | – | ||
6 | Grass-likes | 22–154 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 22–154 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–110 | – | ||
7 | Non-Native Grasses | 110–440 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 44–440 | – | ||
quackgrass | ELRE4 | Elymus repens | 0–110 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 0–66 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 110–330 | ||||
Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 22–132 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 22–110 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 22–110 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 22–88 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 22–88 | – | ||
western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 22–88 | – | ||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–66 | – | ||
field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 0–66 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 22–66 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–22 | – | ||
onion | ALLIU | Allium | 0–22 | – | ||
milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–22 | – | ||
wavyleaf thistle | CIUN | Cirsium undulatum | 0–22 | – | ||
blacksamson echinacea | ECAN2 | Echinacea angustifolia | 0–22 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–22 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
9 | Shrubs | 110–220 | ||||
snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 22–154 | – | ||
smooth sumac | RHGL | Rhus glabra | 0–88 | – | ||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–66 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 22–44 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–44 | – |
Table 13. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Mid Warm-season Grasses | 0–280 | ||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–224 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–140 | – | ||
2 | Tall Warm-season Grasses | 0–140 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–140 | – | ||
3 | Cool-season Bunchgrasses | 0–224 | ||||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–224 | – | ||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–84 | – | ||
Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–56 | – | ||
4 | Wheatgrass | 0–196 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–196 | – | ||
slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–84 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 0–140 | ||||
Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–140 | – | ||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–112 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–28 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–28 | – | ||
6 | Grass-likes | 28–140 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 28–140 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–56 | – | ||
7 | Non-Native Grasses | 840–1680 | ||||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 420–1540 | – | ||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 140–980 | – | ||
quackgrass | ELRE4 | Elymus repens | 0–168 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 140–420 | ||||
Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 28–280 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 28–168 | – | ||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 28–168 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 28–112 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 28–112 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 28–112 | – | ||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–84 | – | ||
western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 0–56 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–28 | – | ||
field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 0–28 | – | ||
American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–28 | – | ||
blazing star | LIATR | Liatris | 0–28 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
9 | Shrubs | 140–420 | ||||
snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 140–420 | – | ||
smooth sumac | RHGL | Rhus glabra | 0–280 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–56 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–56 | – | ||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 0–28 | – |
Table 14. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
1 | Mid Warm-season Grasses | 18–216 | ||||
little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 18–216 | – | ||
sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–54 | – | ||
2 | Tall Warm-season Grasses | 0–54 | ||||
big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 0–54 | – | ||
switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–36 | – | ||
3 | Cool-season Bunchgrasses | 0–54 | ||||
green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–54 | – | ||
needle and thread | HECOC8 | Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata | 0–36 | – | ||
4 | Wheatgrass | 0–36 | ||||
western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–36 | – | ||
5 | Other Native Grasses | 0–90 | ||||
blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–90 | – | ||
Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–54 | – | ||
Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–18 | – | ||
prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–18 | – | ||
6 | Grass-likes | 36–180 | ||||
threadleaf sedge | CAFI | Carex filifolia | 36–180 | – | ||
Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–36 | – | ||
7 | Non-Native Grasses | 630–1260 | ||||
Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 360–1080 | – | ||
quackgrass | ELRE4 | Elymus repens | 90–540 | – | ||
smooth brome | BRIN2 | Bromus inermis | 18–126 | – | ||
Forb
|
||||||
8 | Forbs | 90–270 | ||||
goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 18–108 | – | ||
Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 18–108 | – | ||
white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 18–108 | – | ||
western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 18–72 | – | ||
Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 18–72 | – | ||
white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 18–72 | – | ||
scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 18–54 | – | ||
Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–36 | – | ||
pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–36 | – | ||
field sagewort | ARCA12 | Artemisia campestris | 0–36 | – | ||
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
9 | Shrubs | 36–180 | ||||
snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 18–108 | – | ||
prairie sagewort | ARFR4 | Artemisia frigida | 18–72 | – | ||
smooth sumac | RHGL | Rhus glabra | 0–72 | – | ||
Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–36 | – | ||
rose | ROSA5 | Rosa | 0–18 | – |
Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
The following table lists annual, suggested initial stocking rates with average growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of conservation planning. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ES description). Because of this, a resource inventory is necessary to document plant composition and production. More accurate carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using the following stocking rate information along with animal preference data and actual stocking records, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. With consultation of the land manager, more intensive grazing management may result in improved harvest efficiencies and increased carrying capacity.
Bluestem/Needlegrass/Prairie Dropseed (1.1 & 1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.82
Little Bluestem/Grama/Needlegrass/Bluegrass (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.66
Little Bluestem/Bluegrass (2.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.60
Smooth Bromegrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Forbs/Shrubs (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.77
Kentucky Bluegrass/Quackgrass/Little Bluestem (3.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.49
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (3.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.27
*Based on 912 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) per Animal Unit Month (AUM), and on 25 percent harvest efficiency (refer to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Range and Pasture Handbook).
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock will likely be lacking protein to meet livestock requirements and added protein will allow ruminants to better utilize the energy stored in grazed plant materials. A forage quality test (either directly or through fecal sampling) should be used to determine the level of supplementation needed.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B. Infiltration is typically moderate to moderately slow and runoff potential for this site varies from medium to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope, and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where shortgrasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Dominance by blue grama, bluegrass, and/or smooth bromegrass will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50 percent have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other opportunities. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.
Other products
Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Bruce Kunze, Soil Scientist, NRCS.
There are 7 SCS-RANGE-417's collected from 1985 to 2006 in Clark, Codington, Deuel, and Grant Counties, South Dakota.
Other references
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, 830728 Chase Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0728. (http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/)
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97204-3224. (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)
USDA, NRCS. National Range and Pasture Handbook, September 1997
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nasis/)
USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
Contributors
Megan Baxter
Stan Boltz
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) | David Schmidt, Tim Nordquist, Stan Boltz |
---|---|
Contact for lead author | |
Date | 12/07/2004 |
Approved by | Stan Boltz |
Approval date | |
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially, non-existent. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground less than 10% and less than 2 inches in diameter. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Stability class usually 6. Typically high root content. Soil surface is very resistant to erosion. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use soil series description for depth and color of A-horizon. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Healthy, deep rooted native grasses enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer should be evident. -
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:
Mid warm-season bunch grass > tall warm-season rhizomatous grassSub-dominant:
> tall cool-season bunch grass > mid warm-season rhizomatous grass >> short cool-season grass = short warm-season grass = forb = shrubsOther:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little to no evidence of decadence or mortality. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
60-70%, roughly 0.5 inch thick or less. Litter cover is in contact with soil surface. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
2600 – 3300 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 3,000 lbs./acre air-dry weight -
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:
Refer to State and Local Noxious Weed List -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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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.
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