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Ecological site R102AY016SD

Very Shallow

Last updated: 6/27/2024
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): 102A–Rolling Till Prairie

The Rolling Till Prairie (102A) is located within the Central Feed Grains and Livestock Land Resource Region. It spans 3 states (Minnesota 58 percent, South Dakota 42 percent, and small part in North Dakota), encompassing over 16,000 square miles (Figure 1). The elevation ranges from approximately over 2,000 feet above sea level (ASL) on the Prairie Coteau in Northeastern South Dakota to about 1,000 feet ASL on lowlands. The dominate landform in this area are stagnation moraines, end moraines, glacial outwash plains, terraces, and flood plains. The area is dominated by till covered moraines. The stagnation moraines are gently undulating to steep and have many depressions and poorly defined drainages. Small outwash areas are adjacent to the watercourses. The Cretaceous Pierre Shale underlies the till in the most of the area. Precambrian rocks also occur at depth. Granite is quarried near Milbank, South Dakota and outcrops of Sioux Quartzite are common. (USDA-NRCS 2006).

The dominant soil order in this MLRA is Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a frigid soil temperature regime, an aquic or udic soil moisture regime, and mixed mineralogy. They generally are very deep, well drained to very poorly drained. This area supports true prairie vegetation characterized by big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea), and green needlegrass (Nassella viridula). Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) commonly grows in wet areas. (USDA-NRCS 2006).

Classification relationships

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Rolling Till Prairie (102A) (USDA-NRCS 2006)

USFS Subregions: North Central Glaciated Plains Section (251B); Upper Minnesota River-Des Moines Lobe Subsection (251Ba); Outer Coteau des Prairies Subsection (251Bb); Northwest Iowa Plains Subsection (251Bd); Minnesota and Northeast Iowa Morainal-Oak Savannah Section (222M); Alexandria Moraine-Hardwood Hills Subsection (222Ma) (Cleland et al. 2007).

US EPA Level IV Ecoregion: Tewaukon/Big Stone Stagnation Moraine (46e), Prairie Coteau (46k), Prairie Coteau Escarpment (46l), Big Sioux Basin (46m), Minnesota River Prairie (46o), Des Moines Lobe (47b) , Lake Agassiz Plains (48d), Alexandria Moraines and Detroit Lakes Outwash Plain (51j) (USEPA 2013)

Ecological site concept

The Very Shallow ecological site occurs on the shoulder slopes in the upland areas. Soils are well to excessively drained and have root restricting layer, such as sand and gravel or bedrock within 10 inches of the soil surface. Along with the root restricting layer, precipitation tends to runoff, leaving less soil moisture for plant growth, production is lower, and species composition will tend towards more drought tolerant. In some areas the surface layer may consist of stony to extremely stony. Slopes can range from 0 to 40 percent. Vegetation in the Reference State includes needleandthread, blue grama, and threadleaf sedge. Forbs include dotted gayfeather, hairy goldaster, purple coneflower, and prairie clover. Non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and annual bromes may invade the site due to changes in disturbance regime.

Associated sites

R102AY010SD	Loamy These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well drained and have sand and gravel at a depth of greater than 20 inches below the soil surface. The central concept soil series is Estelline, Brandt, and Fordville, but other series are included.
R102AY014SD	Shallow Gravel These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are excessively drained and have sand and gravel within 10 to 20 inches of the soil surface. The central concept soil series is Arvilla and Renshaw, but other series are included.

R102AY010SD

Loamy

These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are well drained and have sand and gravel at a depth of greater than 20 inches below the soil surface. The central concept soil series is Estelline, Brandt, and Fordville, but other series are included.

R102AY014SD

Shallow Gravel

These sites occur on upland areas. The soils are excessively drained and have sand and gravel within 10 to 20 inches of the soil surface. The central concept soil series is Arvilla and Renshaw, but other series are included.

Similar sites

R102AY014SD	Shallow Gravel The Shallow Gravel site occurs in a backslope landscape position and does not have a root restricting layer, such as sand and gravel within 10 inches of the soil surface. The Shallow Gravel site will have more bluestem and higher production than the Very Shallow site.

R102AY014SD

Shallow Gravel

The Shallow Gravel site occurs in a backslope landscape position and does not have a root restricting layer, such as sand and gravel within 10 inches of the soil surface. The Shallow Gravel site will have more bluestem and higher production than the Very Shallow site.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata (2) Bouteloua gracilis

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Physiographic features

The Very Shallow ecological site occurs on the shoulder slopes in the upland areas.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Upland
Elevation	1,000 – 2,000 ft
Slope	40%
Water table depth	48 – 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 (characteristic range)	112-127 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	137-151 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	25-28 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	99-131 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	130-153 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	24-28 in
Frost-free period (average)	120 days
Freeze-free period (average)	143 days
Precipitation total (average)	26 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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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) ARTICHOKE LAKE [USC00210287], Correll, MN
(2) ARLINGTON 1 W [USC00390281], Arlington, SD
(3) BENSON [USC00210667], Benson, MN
(4) BROOKINGS 2 NE [USC00391076], Brookings, SD
(5) BROWNS VALLEY [USC00211063], Beardsley, MN
(6) CASTLEWOOD [USC00391519], Castlewood, SD
(7) CLARK [USC00391739], Clark, SD
(8) CLEAR LAKE [USC00391777], Clear Lake, SD
(9) FERGUS FALLS [USC00212768], Fergus Falls, MN
(10) FOSSTON 1 E [USC00212916], Fosston, MN
(11) GLENWOOD 2 WNW [USC00213174], Glenwood, MN
(12) LAKE WILSON [USC00214534], Lake Wilson, MN
(13) MAHNOMEN [USC00215012], Mahnomen, MN
(14) MELROSE [USC00215325], Melrose, MN
(15) MILAN 1 NW [USC00215400], Milan, MN
(16) MILBANK 4 NW [USC00395536], Milbank, SD
(17) MORRIS WC EXP STN [USC00215638], Hancock, MN
(18) PIPESTONE [USC00216565], Pipestone, MN
(19) ROY LAKE [USC00397326], Lake City, SD
(20) SISSETON [USC00397742], Sisseton, SD
(21) SUMMIT 1 W [USC00398116], Summit, SD
(22) TRACY [USC00218323], Tracy, MN
(23) TYLER [USC00218429], Tyler, MN
(24) WATERTOWN 1W [USC00398930], Watertown, SD
(25) WEBSTER [USC00399004], Webster, SD

Soil features

The Very Shallow ecological site occurs on the shoulder slopes in the upland areas. Soils are well to excessively drained and have root restricting layer, such as sand and gravel or bedrock within 10 inches of the soil surface. In some areas the surface layer may consist of stony to extremely stony. The central concept soil series is Sandberg and Sioux, but other series are included.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Surface texture	(1) Gravelly loam (2) Sandy loam
Family particle size	(1) Sandy
Drainage class	Somewhat excessively drained
Permeability class	Moderate to rapid
Soil depth	5 – 10 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	6 – 26%
Surface fragment cover >3"	9%
Available water capacity (0-40in)	2 – 3 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	15%
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	2 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)	26 – 54%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	2 – 19%

Ecological dynamics

The site which is located in the Prairie Pothole Region developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions and included natural influence of large herding herbivores and occasional fire. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to weather fluctuations and/or management actions. Under adverse impacts, a relatively rapid decline in vegetative vigor and composition can occur. Under favorable conditions the site has the potential to resemble the Reference State. Interpretations for this site are based primarily on the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase. This community phase and the Reference State have 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 considered.

This ecological site (ES) has been grazed by domestic livestock since they have been introduced into the area. This ecological site is naturally resilient, and quite resistant to change. Also, due to the relatively steep slopes and naturally low fertility of the soils, this site generally avoids more intensive disturbances such as farming. However, 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 each grazing occurrence can cause this site to depart from the Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase. Sedges and gramas can increase and eventually develop into a sod while many of the tall and mid-statured grasses will decrease [e.g., little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), green needlegrass (Nassella viridula), needleandthread, porcupine grass (Hesperostipa spartea), and western wheatgrass, (Pascopyrum smithii)]. Even with these disturbances, many of the tall- and mid-statured grasses will remain in the community at reduced levels, allowing recovery to occur once the disturbances are removed.

Following the state and transition diagram are narratives for each of the described states and community phases. These may not represent every possibility, but they are the most prevalent and repeatable states/community phases. The plant composition tables shown below have been developed from the best available knowledge at the time of this revision. As more data are collected, some of these community phases and/or states may be revised or removed, and new ones may be added. The main purpose for including the descriptions here is to capture the current knowledge and experience at the time of this revision.

State and transition model

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Standard diagram

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Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Native/Invaded State

3. Crop Production State

T1A	-	Heavy continuous grazing, inundation, no fire
T1B	-	Tillage
R2	-	Long term prescribed grazing, prescribed burning
T2	-	Tillage
R3	-	Seeding, abandonment of cropping

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge

1.2. Threadleaf Sedge-Blue Grama-Needleandthread

1.1A	-	Heavy continuous grazing
1.2A	-	Prescribed grazing with recovery periods, prescribed burning

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge

2.2. Needleandthread-Cheatgrass-Threadleaf Sedge

2.3. Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer

2.1A	-	Heavy continuous grazing
2.2A	-	Prescribed grazing with recovery periods
2.3A	-	Time w/wo disturbance

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Annual Crops

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ES. This state represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state is dominated by cool-season grasses with warm-season grasses being subdominant. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included grazing by large herding ungulates and fluctuations in levels of precipitation. Grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, this state 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. The dominant tall and mid-grass species can decline and a corresponding increase in short-statured species will occur.

Community 1.1
Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge

Interpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). This plant community evolved with grazing by large herbivores, frequent surface fires, and periodic flooding events and is suited for grazing by domestic livestock. This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed with prescribed grazing that allows for proper utilization, changes in season of use and adequate recovery periods following each grazing event. The potential vegetation is about 75 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Cool-season grass and grass-like species dominate this plant community, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. The major grass or grass-like species include needleandthread, blue grama, threadleaf sedge, green needlegrass, porcupine grass, hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), and needleleaf sedge (Carex duriuscula). Other grasses occurring on the site include threeawn (Aristida), plains muhly (Muhlenbergia cuspidata), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha). The significant forbs include dotted gayfeather (Liatris punctata), hairy goldaster (Heterotheca villosa), purple coneflower (Echinacea), and prairie clover (Dalea). Significant shrubs are fringed sagewort (Artemisia frigida), leadplant (Amorpha canescens), rose (Rosa), skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata), and snowberry (Symphoricarpos). 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. This plant community is stable and protected from excessive erosion.

Figure 8. 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	1120	1567	1955
Forb	90	190	330
Shrub/Vine	90	143	215
Total	1300	1900	2500

Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0202, Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-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	10	23	34	15	6	5	4	0	0

Community 1.2
Threadleaf Sedge-Blue Grama-Needleandthread

This plant community can develop from the adverse effects of heavy, continuous grazing in conjunction with extended periods of below average precipitation. Short grass and grass-like species increase to dominate the site and annual production decreases. Lack of litter and short plant heights result in higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and higher evaporation, which gives blue grama and sedges a competitive advantage over cool- and warm-season mid-grasses. Threadleaf sedge, blue grama, and needleandthread are the dominant grass/grass-like species. Other grasses may include sideoats grama, prairie Junegrass, and threeawn. Significant forbs include green sagewort (Artemisia campestris), cutleaf ironplant (Machaeranthera pinnatifida), scurfpeas (Psoralidium), white prairie aster (Symphyotrichum falcatum), and woolly Indianwheat (Plantago patagonica). Common shrubs include fringed sagewort, cactus (Cactaceae), and snowberry. Nonnative species such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and Japanese bromegrass (Bromus japonicas) may begin to invade this phase. This plant community is relatively stable. The competitive advantage of blue grama and threadleaf sedge prevents other species from establishing. This plant community is less productive than the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase. Runoff has increased and infiltration has decreased. Soil erosion does not increase substantially.

Figure 10. 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	680	1072	1435
Forb	40	90	150
Shrub/Vine	40	68	95
Total	760	1230	1680

Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0202, Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-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	10	23	34	15	6	5	4	0	0

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 1.2 Threadleaf Sedge-Blue Grama-Needleandthread Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Prescribed Grazing, and/or prescribed burning 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 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase.

State 2
Native/Invaded State

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-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 cool-season species can decline and a corresponding increase in short-statured grass will occur. Nonnative species such as cheatgrass or Japanese bromegrass can become dominant at times and influence the biotic and hydrologic ecological processes of the State.

Community 2.1
Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge

This plant community is the result of encroachment of nonnative species, often as a result of fluctuations in precipitation cycles, typically extended periods of below average precipitation followed by a mild winter and/or a cool, wet spring. The potential vegetation is about 75 percent grasses or grass-like plants, 15 percent forbs, and 10 percent shrubs. Cool-season grass and grass-like species dominate this plant community, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. The major grass or grass-like species include needlegrasses (needleandthread, green needlegrass, and/or porcupine grass), blue and/or hairy grama, threadleaf sedge, sideoats grama, and needleleaf sedge. Other grasses occurring on the site include threeawn, plains muhly, little bluestem, prairie Junegrass, and nonnative species such as Kentucky bluegrass, cheatgrass, and/or Japanese bromegrass. The significant forbs include dotted gayfeather, purple coneflower, prairie clover, and hairy goldaster. Significant shrubs are fringed sagewort, leadplant, rose, and snowberry. This plant community is very similar to the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase. The main difference is that this plant community will have a minor amount on nonnative grasses, up to about 10 to 15 percent by weight. 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. This plant community is stable and protected from excessive erosion.

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0202, Rolling Till Prairie, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-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	10	23	34	15	6	5	4	0	0

Community 2.2
Needleandthread-Cheatgrass-Threadleaf Sedge

This plant community can develop from the adverse effects of heavy, continuous grazing in conjunction with extended periods of below average precipitation. This plant community phase is further impacted by the invasion of nonnative species such as cheatgrass, Japanese bromegrass, and/or Kentucky bluegrass. Needlegrasses will be evident on the aspect of this phase but will be reduced in vigor and production. Annual bromegrass and sedge will make up a bulk of the composition on this plant community phase. The dominant grass and grass-like species will include needlegrass (needleandthread, green needlegrass, and/or porcupine grass), cheatgrass and/or Japanese bromegrass, and threadleaf sedge and/or needleleaf sedge. Other grasses present include blue grama, threeawn, Kentucky bluegrass, hairy grama, and prairie Junegrass. Significant forbs include green sagewort, cutleaf ironplant, scurfpeas, white prairie aster, and woolly Indianwheat. Common shrubs include cactus, snowberry, and fringed sagewort. Lack of litter and short plant heights result in higher soil temperatures, poor water infiltration rates, and higher evaporation, which gives sedges and annual bromegrass a competitive advantage over cool-and warm-season mid-grasses. This plant community is relatively stable. The competitive advantage of blue grama and threadleaf sedge prevents other species from establishing. This plant community is less productive than the 1.1 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase. Runoff has increased and infiltration has decreased. Soil erosion does not increase substantially.

Figure 13. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 7. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	420	742	1055
Forb	40	90	150
Shrub/Vine	40	68	95
Total	500	900	1300

Figure 14. 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 2.3
Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer

This plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances (e.g., heavy use areas, defoliation by rodents, etc.). 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 invasive or early seral species.

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites and no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 years or more) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density will shift this community to the 2.2 Needleandthread-Cheatgrass-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase.

Pathway 2.2A
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 Needleandthread-Blue Grama-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase. This pathway could also occur with a return to more normal precipitation levels and frequencies.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Grazing

Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.2

This community pathway occurs with the passage of time as successional processes take place and perennial plants gradually begin to establish on the site again. This pathway will lead to the 2.2 Needleandthread-Cheatgrass-Threadleaf Sedge Plant Community Phase.

State 3
Crop Production State

This state is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices.

Community 3.1
Annual Crops

This plant community developed with the use of a variety of tillage systems and cropping systems for the production of annual crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, sugar beet and a variety of other crops.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 or more years) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density, and/or heavy continuous grazing or invasion of non-native plant species will likely lead this state over a threshold resulting in the Native/Invaded State (State 2).

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops within the Crop Production State (State 3).

Restoration pathway R2
State 2 to 1

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) coupled with prescribed burning may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1).

Conservation practices

Prescribed Grazing

Transition T2
State 2 to 3

Tillage will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops within the Crop Production State (State 3).

Restoration pathway R3
State 3 to 2

Seeding may lead this Crop Production State (State 3) over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 2). Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (State 3) and more specifically to the 2.3 Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase.

Additional community tables

Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Needlegrass			380–855
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	190–570	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	95–380	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	0–152	–
2	Short Warm-season Grasses			190–475
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	95–380	–
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	38–190	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	19–57	–
3	Mid Warm-season Grasses			95–285
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	38–190	–
	plains muhly	MUCU3	Muhlenbergia cuspidata	38–190	–
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	0–95	–
4	Other Native Grasses			19–95
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–76	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	19–57	–
	Scribner's rosette grass	DIOLS	Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum	0–38	–
	fall rosette grass	DIWI5	Dichanthelium wilcoxianum	0–38	–
5	Grass-likes			95–285
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	38–190	–
	sun sedge	CAINH2	Carex inops ssp. heliophila	0–95	–
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	19–95	–
Forb
6	Forbs			95–285
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	19–57	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	19–57	–
	blacksamson echinacea	ECAN2	Echinacea angustifolia	19–57	–
	hairy false goldenaster	HEVI4	Heterotheca villosa	19–57	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	19–38	–
	silverleaf Indian breadroot	PEAR6	Pediomelum argophyllum	19–38	–
	false boneset	BREU	Brickellia eupatorioides	0–38	–
	field sagewort	ARCA12	Artemisia campestris	19–38	–
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	19–38	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	19–38	–
	prairie spiderwort	TROC	Tradescantia occidentalis	19–38	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	19–38	–
	white prairie clover	DACA7	Dalea candida	0–19	–
	milkvetch	ASTRA	Astragalus	0–19	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–19	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	0–19	–
	slimflower scurfpea	PSTE5	Psoralidium tenuiflorum	0–19	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	0–19	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–19	–
	lacy tansyaster	MAPI	Machaeranthera pinnatifida	0–19	–
	scarlet beeblossom	GACO5	Gaura coccinea	0–19	–
Shrub/Vine
7	Shrubs			95–190
	leadplant	AMCA6	Amorpha canescens	19–57	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	19–57	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–38	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	19–38	–
	snowberry	SYMPH	Symphoricarpos	19–38	–
	pricklypear	OPUNT	Opuntia	0–19	–
	skunkbush sumac	RHTR	Rhus trilobata	0–19	–

Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Needlegrass			65–195
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–195	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	0–195	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	0–195	–
2	Short Warm-season Grasses			195–390
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	130–325	–
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	39–195	–
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	26–104	–
3	Mid Warm-season Grasses			13–130
	plains muhly	MUCU3	Muhlenbergia cuspidata	13–130	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–65	–
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	0–26	–
4	Other Native Grasses			13–52
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–39	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	13–26	–
	Scribner's rosette grass	DIOLS	Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum	0–13	–
	fall rosette grass	DIWI5	Dichanthelium wilcoxianum	0–13	–
5	Grass-likes			195–390
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	130–260	–
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	65–195	–
	sun sedge	CAINH2	Carex inops ssp. heliophila	0–130	–
6	Non-Native Grasses			0–130
	field brome	BRAR5	Bromus arvensis	0–130	–
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	0–130	–
	bluegrass	POA	Poa	0–130	–
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	0–65	–
Forb
7	Forbs			65–195
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	13–65	–
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	0–52	–
	blacksamson echinacea	ECAN2	Echinacea angustifolia	13–52	–
	field sagewort	ARCA12	Artemisia campestris	13–52	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	13–39	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	13–39	–
	hairy false goldenaster	HEVI4	Heterotheca villosa	0–26	–
	silverleaf Indian breadroot	PEAR6	Pediomelum argophyllum	13–26	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	0–13	–
	slimflower scurfpea	PSTE5	Psoralidium tenuiflorum	0–13	–
	upright prairie coneflower	RACO3	Ratibida columnifera	0–13	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–13	–
	dotted blazing star	LIPU	Liatris punctata	0–13	–
	lacy tansyaster	MAPI	Machaeranthera pinnatifida	0–13	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–13	–
	purple prairie clover	DAPU5	Dalea purpurea	0–13	–
	prairie spiderwort	TROC	Tradescantia occidentalis	0–13	–
	American vetch	VIAM	Vicia americana	0–13	–
Shrub/Vine
8	Shrubs			65–130
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	13–65	–
	pricklypear	OPUNT	Opuntia	0–26	–
	snowberry	SYMPH	Symphoricarpos	0–26	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–26	–
	leadplant	AMCA6	Amorpha canescens	0–13	–
	rose	ROSA5	Rosa	0–13	–

Table 10. Community 2.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Needlegrass			45–180
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–180	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	0–180	–
	green needlegrass	NAVI4	Nassella viridula	0–180	–
2	Short Warm-season Grasses			45–135
	threeawn	ARIST	Aristida	18–108	–
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	18–90	–
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	0–63	–
3	Mid Warm-season Grasses			0–27
	plains muhly	MUCU3	Muhlenbergia cuspidata	0–27	–
4	Other Native Grasses			0–27
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–27	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–18	–
5	Grass-likes			135–270
	threadleaf sedge	CAFI	Carex filifolia	90–180	–
	needleleaf sedge	CADU6	Carex duriuscula	45–135	–
	sun sedge	CAINH2	Carex inops ssp. heliophila	0–90	–
6	Non-Native Grasses			90–270
	field brome	BRAR5	Bromus arvensis	45–180	–
	cheatgrass	BRTE	Bromus tectorum	45–180	–
	bluegrass	POA	Poa	0–90	–
	smooth brome	BRIN2	Bromus inermis	0–45	–
Forb
7	Forbs			45–135
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	9–72	–
	white sagebrush	ARLU	Artemisia ludoviciana	9–63	–
	field sagewort	ARCA12	Artemisia campestris	9–54	–
	white heath aster	SYER	Symphyotrichum ericoides	9–36	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–18	–
	blacksamson echinacea	ECAN2	Echinacea angustifolia	9–18	–
	silverleaf Indian breadroot	PEAR6	Pediomelum argophyllum	0–9	–
	woolly plantain	PLPA2	Plantago patagonica	0–9	–
	scarlet globemallow	SPCO	Sphaeralcea coccinea	0–9	–
	pussytoes	ANTEN	Antennaria	0–9	–
Shrub/Vine
8	Shrubs			45–90
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	2–8	–
	pricklypear	OPUNT	Opuntia	0–4	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–3	–
	snowberry	SYMPH	Symphoricarpos	0–1	–

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.

Needlegrass/Grama/Sedge (1.1 & 2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1900
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre):0.52

Sedge/Grama/Needlegrass (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1300
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre):0.36

Needlegrass/Annual Bromegrass/Sedge (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 900
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre):0.25

*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 A. Infiltration is typically moderate to rapid and runoff potential for this site varies from negligible to low 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 and/or sedge 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

There is no NRCS clipping data and other inventory currently available for this site. Information presented here has been derived using field observations from range-trained personnel. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Bruce Kunze, Soil Scientist, NRCS.

Other references

Cleland, D.T., J.A. Freeouf, J.E. Keys, G.J. Nowacki, C. Carpenter, and W.H. McNab. 2007. Ecological Subregions: Sections and Subsections of the Coterminous United States. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report WO-76. Washington, DC. 92 pps.

Gilbert, M. C., Whited, P. M., Clairain Jr, E. J., & Smith, R. D. (2006). A Regional Guidebook for Applying the Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions of Prairie Potholes. Washington DC.

Samson, F. B., & Knopf, F. L. (1996). Prairie Conservation Preserving North America's Most Endagered Ecosystem. Washington D.C.: Island Press.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online. Accessed March 2018.

United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook, Revision 1. Grazing Lands Technology Institute. 214 pps.

United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. 672pps.

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. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 27 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. 2013. Level III and Level IV Ecoregions of the Continental United States. Corvallis, OR, U.S. EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, map scale 1:3,000,000. Available at http://www.epa.gov/eco-research/level-iii-and-iv-ecoregions- continental-united-states. (Accessed 1 March 2018).

Contributors

Megan Baxter
Stan Boltz
Lance Howe
Steve Winter

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/27/2024

Acknowledgments

Contact for Lead Authors: Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Redfield Soil Survey Office Redfield, SD; Lance Howe (Lance.Howe@usda.gov), Soil Survey Office Leader, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD; and Steve Winter (Steven.Winter@usda.gov), Soil Scientist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD

Additional Information Acknowledgment: Jason Hermann (Jason.Hermann@usda.gov), Area Rangeland Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD.

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	12/04/2007
Approved by	Suzanne Mayne-Kinney
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:
Typically not observable.
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None.
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground 20-40%.
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.
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Stability class usually 4-6. Moderately high root content. Soil surface is resistant to erosion, in large part due to high rock/gravel content.
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, 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 cool-season bunch grass > short warm-season grass

Sub-dominant:
> short cool-season grass > mid warm-season rhizomatous grass > mid warm-season bunch grass = forb > shrub

Other:

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):
20-40%, less than 0.5 inch thick. Litter cover is in contact with soil surface.
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
1600 – 2200 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 1,900 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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Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Native/Invaded State

3. Crop Production State

T1A	-	Heavy continuous grazing, inundation, no fire
T1B	-	Tillage
R2	-	Long term prescribed grazing, prescribed burning
T2	-	Tillage
R3	-	Seeding, abandonment of cropping