Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R102BY021SD
Clayey Overflow
Accessed: 04/27/2024
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.
Classification relationships
Level IV Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States: 46k – Prairie Coteau; 46n – James River Lowland.
Associated sites
| R102BY001SD |
Shallow Marsh |
|---|---|
| R102BY004SD |
Wet Meadow |
| R102BY020SD |
Loamy Overflow |
Similar sites
| R102BY011SD |
Clayey (R102BY011SD) – Clayey [more big bluestem, less needlegrass; lower production] |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Pascopyrum smithii |
Physiographic features
This site occurs along drainageways.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Flood plain
|
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days) |
| Flooding frequency | Occasional |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 1,100 – 1,900 ft |
| Slope | 1 – 2% |
| Water table depth | 18 – 80 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
MLRA 102B 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 24 to 26 inches per year. The average annual temperature is about 46°F. January is the coldest month with average temperatures ranging from about 14°F (Wentworth 2 WNW, South Dakota (SD)), to about 18°F (Canton 4 WNW, SD). July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging from about 72°F (Wentworth 2 WNW, SD), to about 73°F (Canton 4 WNW, SD). The range of normal average monthly temperatures between the coldest and warmest months is about 57°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) | 147 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 165 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 26 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
Soil features
The soils in this site are poorly drained and formed in clayey alluvium. The silty clay loam to silty clay surface layer is typically about 10 to 18 inches thick. These soils have a very slow infiltration rate. When dry these soils crack. When the soils are wet, surface compaction can occur with heavy traffic. This site often occurs as slightly elevated, relatively flat areas along drainageways. This site typically should show no evidence of rills, wind scoured areas, or pedestalled plants. If present, water flow paths are broken, irregular in appearance, or discontinuous. The soil surface is stable and intact. There are no root restrictive layers in these soils; however, the high shrink-swell potential can cause damage and/or inhibit root growth.
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) Silty clay loam (2) Silty clay (3) Clay |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Clayey |
| Drainage class | Poorly drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow |
| Soil depth | 80 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 2% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
5 – 7 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
25% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
8 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
2 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
5.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
2% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
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.
Fluctuations in the duration of ponding can temporarily shift this site to higher composition of grass-like species such as sedge, rush, and spikerush. Continuous season-long grazing (during the typical growing season of May through October) and/or heavy continuous seasonal grazing (i.e., grazing at the same time of year every year) without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence causes this site to depart from the Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community. Western wheatgrass increases initially and will eventually decrease with continuous grazing. Grass and grass-like species such as green needlegrass and the more palatable sedges will decrease in frequency and production. With continued disturbance, this site is susceptible to invasion of nonnative species such as Kentucky bluegrass. This species can become dominant and alter the ecological processes drastically.
Interpretations are primarily based on the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community. 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.
View Interactive Models
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 2 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 cool-season grass and grass-like species. In pre-European times, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included somewhat frequent fire and grazing by large herding ungulates. Timing of fires and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. A combination of disturbances such as fire followed by grazing during below average precipitation periods, or a severe single disturbance such as extended periods of below average precipitation, would have caused a decline in sedges and green needlegrass. This would have resulted in a simplification of the plant community with dominance by western wheatgrass.
Community 1.1
Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community Phase
Interpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). The potential vegetation was about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants and 15 percent forbs. The community was dominated by cool-season grasses. The major grass and grass-like species included western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and clustered field sedge. Other grasses included switchgrass, plains bluegrass, prairie cordgrass, fowl bluegrass, and slender wheatgrass. 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 | 3210 | 3960 | 4610 |
| Forb | 190 | 440 | 790 |
| Total | 3400 | 4400 | 5400 |
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0217, Till Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant, lowland..
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 5 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 18 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Western Wheatgrass/Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley Plant Community Phase
This plant community evolved under continuous seasonal grazing or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community was made up of approximately 90 percent grasses and grass-like species and 10 percent forbs. The dominant grass was western wheatgrass. Grass and grass-like species of secondary importance included plains bluegrass, fowl bluegrass, foxtail barley, and sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community included cudweed sagewort, western yarrow, American licorice, goldenrod, and scurfpea. This plant community will have similar plant composition to the 2.2 Western Wheatgrass/Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley Plant Community Phase (refer to the plant composition tables). The main difference is that nonnative species such as Kentucky bluegrass would not have been present in this plant community phase. When compared to the Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community Phase (1.1), green needlegrass and sedge decreased significantly. Production and litter cover would have decreased as well and bare ground would have increased. The site would have been the most susceptible to erosion and gully formation during this phase. However, once conditions became more favorable, this plant community phase would have readily shifted back to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community Phase.
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0216, Till Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
| 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 | 6 | 15 | 20 | 26 | 17 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Continuous seasonal grazing which includes grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels 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 would have shifted this community to the 1.2 Western Wheatgrass/Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Grazing and 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 Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community Phase.
State 2
Native/Invasive Grass
This state is similar to the reference state in terms dominant plant composition and production. However, the invasion of introduced cool-season sod grasses alters the natural range of variability for this ES. This state is still dominated by mid- and tall native cool-season grasses, but invasive introduced cool-season sod grasses are now present in all community phases of this state. The primary disturbance mechanisms for this state include grazing by domestic livestock and infrequent fires. Timing and intensity of grazing events coupled with weather dictate the dynamics that occur within this state. The cool-season native grass can decline and an increase in introduced sod grasses will occur. Many times, this state appears as a mosaic of community phases caused primarily by continuous season-long grazing. This state represents the more common range of variability that exists with higher levels of grazing management but in the absence of periodic fire followed by short-term intensive grazing. This state is dominated by cool-season grasses, with warm-season grasses being subdominant. 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.
Community 2.1
Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community Phase
This plant community phase is similar to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community Phase, but it also contains minor amounts of nonnative invasive grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass (up to about 15 percent by air-dry weight). The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants and 15 percent forbs. The community is dominated by cool-season grasses. The major grass and grass-like species include western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and clustered field sedge. Other grasses include switchgrass, plains bluegrass, prairie cordgrass, fowl bluegrass, and slender wheatgrass. 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. Refer to the 1.1 Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community Phase for details of the plant composition for this community phase.
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0217, Till Plains, cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant.. Cool-season dominant, warm-season subdominant, lowland..
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 0 | 0 | 5 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 18 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Community 2.2
Western Wheatgrass/Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley Plant Community Phase
This phase is characterized by a shift to mid-cool-season rhizomatous grasses with lesser amounts of tall cool-season bunchgrasses and sedges. The vegetation is about 90 percent grasses and grass-like plants and 10 percent forbs. The dominant grass is western wheatgrass. Grass and grass-like species of secondary importance include plains bluegrass, fowl bluegrass, foxtail barley, Kentucky bluegrass, and sedge. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include cudweed sagewort, western yarrow, American licorice, goldenrod, and scurfpea. Energy capture by this plant community phase has shifted somewhat from late spring and summer to early spring through early summer. 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.
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 | 2545 | 3237 | 3990 |
| Forb | 155 | 263 | 410 |
| Total | 2700 | 3500 | 4400 |
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0216, Till Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
| 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 | 6 | 15 | 20 | 26 | 17 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Continuous season-long grazing (grazing at light to moderate stocking levels for a majority of or the entire growing season), heavy continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels for extended portions of the growing season at the same time 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 Western Wheatgrass/Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley 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 Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
State 3
Invaded
This state is the result of invasion and dominance of introduced species. This state is characterized by the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass and an increasing thatch layer that effectively blocks introduction of other plants into the system. Plant litter accumulation tends to favor the more shade tolerant introduced grass species. The nutrient cycle is also impaired and the result is typically a higher level of nitrogen which also favors the introduced species. Increasing plant litter decreases the amount of sunlight reaching plant crowns thereby shifting competitive advantage to shade tolerant introduced grass species. Studies indicate that soil biological activity is altered and this shift apparently exploits the soil microclimate and encourages growth of the introduced grass species. Once the threshold is crossed, a change in grazing management alone cannot cause a reduction in the invasive grass dominance. 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. Once the state is well established, even drastic events such as high intensity fires driven by high fuel loads of litter and thatch will not result in more than a very short term reduction of Kentucky bluegrass. These events may reduce the dominance of Kentucky bluegrass but due to the large amount of rhizomes in the soil there is no opportunity for the native species to establish and dominate before Kentucky bluegrass rebounds and again dominates the system.
Community 3.1
Kentucky Bluegrass/Reed Canarygrass/Forbs Plant Community Phase
This plant community phase is a result of extended periods of nonuse and no fire. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass. At times, reed canarygrass can increase significantly and may potentially become codominant with 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.
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 | 2675 | 3400 | 4040 |
| Forb | 325 | 600 | 960 |
| Total | 3000 | 4000 | 5000 |
Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0216, Till Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
| 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 | 6 | 15 | 20 | 26 | 17 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Community 3.2
Kentucky Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley/Forbs Plant Community Phase
This plant community phase is a result of continuous season-long grazing or heavy, continuous seasonal grazing. It is characterized by a dominance of Kentucky bluegrass. 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 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 | 1670 | 2295 | 2750 |
| Forb | 230 | 405 | 650 |
| Total | 1900 | 2700 | 3400 |
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0216, Till Plains, lowland cool-season dominant.. Cool-season dominant, lowland..
| 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 | 6 | 15 | 20 | 26 | 17 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Community 3.3
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial Plant Community Phase
This plant community evolved under heavy continuous season-long grazing, heavy continuous seasonal grazing, or from over utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 50 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species and 20 to 50 percent forbs. The dominant species are highly variable in this phase, often consisting of invasive species such as Kentucky bluegrass and invasive forbs. This plant community is susceptible to invasion of Canada thistle and other nonnative species because of the relatively high percent of bare ground. This plant community phase may also be made up of seeded species such as legumes and intermediate wheatgrass. Refer to the corresponding Forage Suitability Group (FSG) for production and species adaptation. 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 invasive or early seral species.
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2
Continuous season-long grazing (grazing at light to moderate stocking levels for a majority of or the entire growing season), heavy continuous seasonal grazing (grazing at moderate to heavy stocking levels for extended portions of the growing season at the same time 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 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley/Forbs Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1
Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods), extended periods of nonuse and no fire or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest may convert this plant community to the 3.1 Kentucky Bluegrass/Reed Canarygrass/Forbs Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
Pathway 3.2b
Community 3.2 to 3.3
Heavy continuous seasonal 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 heavy continuous season-long grazing will convert this plant community to the 3.3 Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 3.3a
Community 3.3 to 3.2
Prescribed grazing (alternating season of use and providing adequate recovery periods), extended periods of nonuse and no fire, or periodic light to moderate grazing possibly including periodic rest may convert this plant community to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley/Forbs Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
Transition T1
State 1 to 2
Encroachment of non-native grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, and disruption of natural disturbance regimes such as periodic fire followed by short-term high intensity grazing would have led this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invasive Grass State (State 2). This occurs as natural and/or management actions (altered grazing and/or fire regime) favored a decline in the composition of the native species and an increase in cool-season sod grasses. Chronic season-long or heavy continuous grazing facilitated this transition. Complete rest from grazing and no fire events could also have accelerated this transition.
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 Kentucky Bluegrass/Reed Canarygrass/Forbs Plant Community Phase within the Invaded Grass State (State 3).
Transition T2b
State 2 to 3
Heavy continuous seasonal 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 heavy continuous season-long grazing will convert this plant community to the 3.2 Kentucky Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley/Forbs Plant Community Phase in the Invaded Grass 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) coupled with prescribed burning and/or pest management (herbicide) may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Native/Invasive Grass State (State 2). 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.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing | |
|---|---|
| Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrass | 660–2420 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 660–2420 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–880 | – | ||
| 2 | Grass-likes | 220–1320 | ||||
| clustered field sedge | CAPR5 | Carex praegracilis | 44–880 | – | ||
| manyhead sedge | CASY | Carex sychnocephala | 44–660 | – | ||
| fox sedge | CAVU2 | Carex vulpinoidea | 0–660 | – | ||
| Sartwell's sedge | CASA8 | Carex sartwellii | 0–440 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–440 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–440 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–352 | – | ||
| woolly sedge | CAPE42 | Carex pellita | 0–176 | – | ||
| 3 | Native Cool-season Grasses | 660–1100 | ||||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 440–880 | – | ||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 44–440 | – | ||
| fowl bluegrass | POPA2 | Poa palustris | 44–440 | – | ||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–220 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–132 | – | ||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–132 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-season Grasses | 0–220 | ||||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–220 | – | ||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 0–132 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | Forbs | 220–660 | ||||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 44–220 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 44–132 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 44–88 | – | ||
| western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 44–88 | – | ||
| swamp smartweed | POHY2 | Polygonum hydropiperoides | 0–88 | – | ||
| Pennsylvania smartweed | POPE2 | Polygonum pensylvanicum | 0–88 | – | ||
| cinquefoil | POTEN | Potentilla | 44–88 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 44–88 | – | ||
| Canadian anemone | ANCA8 | Anemone canadensis | 44–88 | – | ||
| Indianhemp | APCA | Apocynum cannabinum | 44–88 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 44–88 | – | ||
| swamp milkweed | ASIN | Asclepias incarnata | 0–88 | – | ||
| Flodman's thistle | CIFL | Cirsium flodmanii | 44–88 | – | ||
| meadow zizia | ZIAP | Zizia aptera | 0–88 | – | ||
| white panicle aster | SYLA6 | Symphyotrichum lanceolatum | 0–88 | – | ||
| rough bugleweed | LYAS | Lycopus asper | 0–88 | – | ||
| western dock | RUAQ | Rumex aquaticus | 0–88 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 44–88 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–44 | – | ||
| mint | MENTH | Mentha | 0–44 | – | ||
| wild bergamot | MOFI | Monarda fistulosa | 0–44 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–44 | – | ||
| northern bedstraw | GABO2 | Galium boreale | 0–44 | – | ||
| scarlet beeblossom | GACO5 | Gaura coccinea | 0–44 | – | ||
| Carolina geranium | GECAC4 | Geranium carolinianum var. carolinianum | 0–44 | – | ||
| false boneset | BREU | Brickellia eupatorioides | 0–44 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–44 | – | ||
| Macoun's buttercup | RAMA2 | Ranunculus macounii | 0–44 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–44 | – | ||
| Rydberg's sunflower | HENUR | Helianthus nuttallii ssp. rydbergii | 0–44 | – | ||
Table 10. Community 2.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrass | 875–2275 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 875–2100 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–350 | – | ||
| 2 | Grass-likes | 70–525 | ||||
| clustered field sedge | CAPR5 | Carex praegracilis | 0–350 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–280 | – | ||
| manyhead sedge | CASY | Carex sychnocephala | 0–175 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–175 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–105 | – | ||
| fox sedge | CAVU2 | Carex vulpinoidea | 0–70 | – | ||
| 3 | Native Cool-season Grasses | 350–1050 | ||||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 70–525 | – | ||
| fowl bluegrass | POPA2 | Poa palustris | 70–525 | – | ||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 70–420 | – | ||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–280 | – | ||
| reed canarygrass | PHAR3 | Phalaris arundinacea | 0–105 | – | ||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–105 | – | ||
| 4 | Warm-season Grasses | 0–105 | ||||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 0–105 | – | ||
| 5 | Non-Native Grasses | 35–350 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 35–350 | – | ||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–140 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | Forbs | 175–350 | ||||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–140 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 35–105 | – | ||
| western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 35–105 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 35–105 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 35–70 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–70 | – | ||
| cinquefoil | POTEN | Potentilla | 35–70 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 35–70 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 35–70 | – | ||
| white panicle aster | SYLA6 | Symphyotrichum lanceolatum | 0–35 | – | ||
| Canadian anemone | ANCA8 | Anemone canadensis | 0–35 | – | ||
| Indianhemp | APCA | Apocynum cannabinum | 0–35 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–35 | – | ||
| Pennsylvania smartweed | POPE2 | Polygonum pensylvanicum | 0–35 | – | ||
| Flodman's thistle | CIFL | Cirsium flodmanii | 0–35 | – | ||
Table 11. Community 3.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrass | 80–600 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 80–600 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–200 | – | ||
| 2 | Grass-likes | 80–600 | ||||
| clustered field sedge | CAPR5 | Carex praegracilis | 40–400 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–320 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–200 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–120 | – | ||
| manyhead sedge | CASY | Carex sychnocephala | 0–120 | – | ||
| 3 | Native Cool-season Grasses | 200–1400 | ||||
| reed canarygrass | PHAR3 | Phalaris arundinacea | 80–1200 | – | ||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–120 | – | ||
| fowl bluegrass | POPA2 | Poa palustris | 0–120 | – | ||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–120 | – | ||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–120 | – | ||
| green needlegrass | NAVI4 | Nassella viridula | 0–80 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–40 | – | ||
| 4 | Non-Native Grasses | 600–1800 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 600–1800 | – | ||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–200 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | Forbs | 400–800 | ||||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 40–280 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 40–160 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 40–160 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 40–160 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 40–120 | – | ||
| Pennsylvania smartweed | POPE2 | Polygonum pensylvanicum | 0–120 | – | ||
| Flodman's thistle | CIFL | Cirsium flodmanii | 40–120 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 40–120 | – | ||
| western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 40–120 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–120 | – | ||
| Indianhemp | APCA | Apocynum cannabinum | 40–120 | – | ||
| Carolina geranium | GECAC4 | Geranium carolinianum var. carolinianum | 0–80 | – | ||
| cinquefoil | POTEN | Potentilla | 40–80 | – | ||
| mint | MENTH | Mentha | 0–80 | – | ||
| white panicle aster | SYLA6 | Symphyotrichum lanceolatum | 0–80 | – | ||
| meadow zizia | ZIAP | Zizia aptera | 0–40 | – | ||
| wild bergamot | MOFI | Monarda fistulosa | 0–40 | – | ||
| swamp smartweed | POHY2 | Polygonum hydropiperoides | 0–40 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–40 | – | ||
| rough bugleweed | LYAS | Lycopus asper | 0–40 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–40 | – | ||
| swamp milkweed | ASIN | Asclepias incarnata | 0–40 | – | ||
Table 12. Community 3.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Wheatgrass | 0–135 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–135 | – | ||
| 2 | Grass-likes | 0–270 | ||||
| clustered field sedge | CAPR5 | Carex praegracilis | 0–189 | – | ||
| rush | JUNCU | Juncus | 0–189 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–135 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–81 | – | ||
| 3 | Native Cool-season Grasses | 270–675 | ||||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 270–675 | – | ||
| reed canarygrass | PHAR3 | Phalaris arundinacea | 0–135 | – | ||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–81 | – | ||
| 4 | Non-Native Grasses | 675–1890 | ||||
| Kentucky bluegrass | POPR | Poa pratensis | 675–1890 | – | ||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–135 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | Forbs | 270–540 | ||||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 54–270 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 27–216 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 27–216 | – | ||
| scurfpea | PSORA2 | Psoralidium | 27–189 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 0–135 | – | ||
| western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 27–135 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 27–108 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–81 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–54 | – | ||
| swamp smartweed | POHY2 | Polygonum hydropiperoides | 0–27 | – | ||
| Pennsylvania smartweed | POPE2 | Polygonum pensylvanicum | 0–27 | – | ||
| cinquefoil | POTEN | Potentilla | 0–27 | – | ||
| Indianhemp | APCA | Apocynum cannabinum | 0–27 | – | ||
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.
Western Wheatgrass/Green Needlegrass/Sedge (1.1 & 2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4400
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.21
Western Wheatgrass/Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3500
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.96
Kentucky Bluegrass/Reed Canarygrass/Forbs (3.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.10
Kentucky Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley/Forbs (3.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2700
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.74
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (3.3)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1200
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.33
*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 D, with some soils in hydrologic group C. Infiltration and runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group, slope and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% 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 bluegrass, and/or smooth bromegrass will result in reduced infiltration and increased runoff. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% 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 variety 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.
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://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://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov)
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 5% 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, organic matter, and granular structure. 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 cool-season rhizomatous grasses >Sub-dominant:
Mid grass-like species > mid and tall cool-season bunchgrasses >Other:
Forbs > tall warm-season rhizomatous grassesAdditional:
Due to differing root structure and distribution, Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass do not fit into reference plant community F/S groups. -
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):
85-90%, 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):
Production ranges from 3,400-5,400 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 4,400 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, also Kentucky bluegrass, smooth bromegrass -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
Print Options
Sections
Font
Other
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.