Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R102BY036SD
Saline Subirrigated
Last updated: 5/08/2024
Accessed: 11/23/2024
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 102B–Till Plains
The Till Plains (102B) is located within the Western Lake Section of the Central Lowland Province of the Interior Plains. It is entirely in South Dakota, encompassing 2,215 square miles (Figure 1). The elevation ranges from 1,140 to 1,880 feet. The MLRA is characterized by glaciated, nearly level to hilly plains populated by stagnation and end moraines, glacial outwash terraces, and floodplains as the major landforms. The dominant parent materials are silty drift, glacial till, glacial outwash, and alluvium. (USDA-NRCS 2006)
The dominant soil order in this MLRA is Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a mesic temperature regime, a udic ustic moisture regime and mixed or smectitic mineralogy. They generally are very deep, well drained to poorly drained, and clayey or loamy. This area is in the western area of the tall grass prairie and supports big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), porcupine grass (Hesperostipa spartea), and green needlegrass (Nassella viridula) as the dominant native species. Cattails (Typha), prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinate), bulrush (Cyperaceae) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) are commonly found on the poorly drained soils. (USDA-NRCS, 2006).
Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): Till Plains (102B) (USDA-NRCS, 2006)
USFS Subregions: North Central Glaciated Plains Section (251B); Outer Coteau des Prairies (251Bb); Yankton Hills and Valleys (251Bf); Northwest Iowa Plains (251Bd); (Cleland et al., 2007).
US EPA Level IV Ecoregion: Prairie Coteau (46k); James River Lowland (46n); Loess Prairies (47a); Big Sioux Basin (46m) - (USEPA, 2013)
Ecological site concept
The Saline Subirrigated ecological site typically occurs along the edges of drainageways or closed depressions. Soils are somewhat poorly drained which have a water table within 2 to 5 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season typically until the month of August. The soils will have visible salts within 16 inches of the soil surface. Dominant vegetation is adapted to the high salinity.
Vegetation in the Reference State includes big bluestem, Indiangrass, and Switchgrass. Forbs include Pursh seepweed, goldenrods, cudweed sagewort, and cinquefoil. The site my become degraded due to change in disturbance regime, and vegetation may shift to community dominated by foxtail barley, inland saltgrass, and bareground.
Associated sites
| R102BY002SD |
Linear Meadow These sites occur in drainageways. Soils are poorly and very poorly drained which have a water table within 0 to 2 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season typically until the month of August. The central concept soil series is Chancellor, poorly drained, but other series are included. |
|---|---|
| R102BY004SD |
Wet Meadow These sites occur in a basin or closed depression. Soils are poorly drained and the site ponds water for 4 to 8 weeks in the spring of the year or after a heavy rain. The central concept soil series is Tetonka, but other series are included. |
| R102BY006SD |
Limy Subirrigated These sites occur along the edges of drainageways. Soils are somewhat poorly drained which have a water table within 2 to 5 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season typically until the month of August. Soils will effervesce with acid at or near the surface. The central concept soil series are Davison and Wakonda, but other series are included. |
| R102BY007SD |
Saline Lowland These sites typically occur in drainageways, but can occur along the edges of larger closed depressions. Soils are poorly and very poorly drained which have a water table within 0 to 2 feet of the soil surface that persists longer than the wettest part of the growing season typically until the month of August. The soils will have visible salts within 16 inches of the soil surface. The central concept soil series is Salmo, but other series are included. |
Similar sites
| R102BY006SD |
Limy Subirrigated The Limy Subirrigated site is in a similar landscape position, but will not have visible salts within 16 inches of the soil surface. The Limy Subirrigated site will have less switchgrass, more prairie cordgrass, and more needlegrasses than the Saline Subirrigated site. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Andropogon gerardii |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level flood plains or swales.
Figure 1. Site Distribution Map for the Saline Subirrigated site in MLRA 66
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Flood plain
(2) Swale |
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) |
| Flooding frequency | Occasional to frequent |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 335 – 579 m |
| Slope | 0 – 2% |
| Water table depth | 46 – 203 cm |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Major Land Resource Area 102B is considered to have a continental climate with 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 the location of this MLRA 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, 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 the climate of this area. 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. Green-up 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) | 124-127 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 138-140 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 660 mm |
| Frost-free period (actual range) | 123-128 days |
| Freeze-free period (actual range) | 137-141 days |
| Precipitation total (actual range) | 660-686 mm |
| Frost-free period (average) | 126 days |
| Freeze-free period (average) | 139 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 660 mm |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
-
(1) WENTWORTH 2.5 WNW [USC00399042], Wentworth, SD
-
(2) MADISON 2SE [USC00395090], Madison, SD
-
(3) MONTROSE 8N [USC00395738], Montrose, SD
-
(4) CANTON [USC00391392], Canton, SD
-
(5) CENTERVILLE 6 SE [USC00391579], Beresford, SD
Influencing water features
No riparian areas or wetland features are directly associated with this site.
Soil features
The soils in this site are poorly drained and formed in alluvium. The silty clay loam surface layer is 15 to 28 inches thick and typically has a granular structure. Dark colors are very deep in these soils. The soils have a slow to very slow infiltration rate. This site 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.
The central concept soil series for this site are Davison, moderately saline and Wakonda, moderately saline.
These soils are mainly susceptible to water erosion. The hazard of water erosion increases in areas where vegetative cover is not adequate. A drastic loss of the soil surface layer on this site can result in a shift in species composition and/or production.
Access Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm) for specific local soils information.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
|
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Silty clay loam |
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Poorly drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow to slow |
| Soil depth | 203 cm |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 0% |
| Available water capacity (Depth not specified) |
15.24 – 20.32 cm |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified) |
1 – 25% |
| Electrical conductivity (Depth not specified) |
4 – 16 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified) |
2 – 7 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
0 – 2% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
0% |
Ecological dynamics
State and Community Phases
The information in this Ecological Site Description, including the state-and-transition model (STM), was developed based on historical data, current field data, professional experience, and a review of the scientific literature. As a result, all possible scenarios or plant species may not be included. Key indicator plant species, disturbances, and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.
The site which is located in the Till Plains Region developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or human-caused wildfire (often of light intensities), fluctuating water tables and flooding events, and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil and site development. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. While the following plant community descriptions describe more typical transitions that will occur, severe disturbances, such as periods of well below average precipitation, can cause significant shifts in plant communities and/or species composition that may not be described within this document.
Heavy, continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence over several years causes this site to depart from the interpretive plant community. Species such as little bluestem and sedge (Carex) will initially increase. Big bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass will decrease in frequency and production. Heavy, continuous grazing causes inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) to increase and eventually develop into a sod condition. Extended periods of non-use and no fire will result in a plant community with high litter levels, favoring an increase in species such as spikerush (Eleocharis palustris), sedge, foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), and prairie cordgrass. Grazing, especially if adequate recovery periods are not allowed, may be more detrimental on this site than haying. Biotic integrity on this site may be maintained more readily through periodic haying than through grazing.
Interpretations are primarily based on the 1.1 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase. It has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts also have been used. Plant community phases, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.
The following is a diagram that illustrates the common plant community phases that can occur on the Saline Subirrigated site and the transition and community pathways between them. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.
State and transition model
Figure 8. The State-And-Transition Model and Legend for the Saline Subirrigated site in MLRA 102B.
More interactive model formats are also available.
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More interactive model formats are also available.
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
Ecosystem states
State 1
Reference State
The Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ecological site (ES). This state is dominated by warm-season grasses. Prior to the European presence in North America, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the Reference condition included periods of below and above average precipitation, periodic fire, and herbivory by insects and large ungulates. Timing of fires and herbivory coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. In some locations, this site likely received relatively heavy grazing pressure. Tall warm-season grasses would have declined, and shorter-statured grasses and grass-likes would have increased. 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.
Community 1.1
Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase
Interpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase. The potential vegetation is about 85 percent grasses or grass-like plants and 15 percent forbs. The community is dominated by warm-season grasses. The major grasses include big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass, and little bluestem. Other grass or grass-like species include prairie cordgrass, slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), plains bluegrass (Poa arida), and sedge. This plant community is resilient and well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high tolerance for drought. This is a sustainable plant community in regard to site and soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.
Figure 9. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 3811 | 4640 | 5346 |
| Forb | 224 | 516 | 930 |
| Total | 4035 | 5156 | 6276 |
Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0220, Till Plains, lowland warm-season dominant.. Warm-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 | 2 | 8 | 15 | 21 | 26 | 15 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 1.2
Little Bluestem/Wheatgrass/Foxtail Barley/Inland Saltgrass Plant Community Phase
This plant community evolves under heavy, continuous grazing or from over-utilization during extended drought periods. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 90 percent grasses and grass-like species and 10 percent forbs. Dominant grass and grass-like species include little bluestem, western wheatgrass, foxtail barley, inland saltgrass, and slender wheatgrass. Grass and grass-like species of secondary importance include big bluestem, sedge, spikerush, plains bluegrass, prairie cordgrass, and switchgrass. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include Pursh seepweed (Suaeda calceoliformis), goldenrod (Solidago), cudweed sagewort (Artemisia ludoviciana), silverleaf cinquefoil (Potentilla argentea), alkali plantain (Plantago eriopoda), western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), and annual marshelder (Iva annua). When compared to the Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass Plant Community Phase (1.1), slender wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, foxtail barley, inland saltgrass, sedge, and grass-like species increase. Production of tall warm-season grasses is reduced. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. If the herbaceous component is intact, it tends to be resilient if the disturbance is not long-term. Most of the components of the ecological processes will be functioning at optimum levels. However, the vigor and reproductive capability of the tall warm-season grasses will be reduced due to grazing pressure or a combination of stressors. A reduction of this dominant functional group allows for an increase in shorter-statured (and shallower rooted) species.
Figure 11. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 3066 | 3940 | 4764 |
| Forb | 185 | 319 | 504 |
| Total | 3251 | 4259 | 5268 |
Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0218, Till Plains, lowland cool-season/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant, 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 | 4 | 11 | 19 | 23 | 20 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Heavy, continuous grazing that 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 Little Bluestem-Western Wheatgrass-Foxtail Barley-Inland Saltgrass Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
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 1.1 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
State 2
Degraded State
The Degraded State is characterized by the dominance of the shorter-statured, more saline-tolerant species such as foxtail barley and inland saltgrass, the increased percentage of bare ground, and the increased presence of salt accumulations on the soil surface. Infiltration is reduced, which allows the moisture and the salts carried by the moisture to be wicked up to the soil surface. The short-statured and shallow-rooted species are more capable of withstanding the higher concentrations of salts in the soil surface. As the disturbance level increases, plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species and invasive perennial species and a further increase in bare ground.
Community 2.1
Foxtail Barley/Inland Saltgrass, Bare Ground Plant Community Phase
This plant community developed with heavy, continuous season-long grazing where adequate recovery periods between grazing events were not allowed. Patches of inland saltgrass sod are typical and foxtail barley is well distributed throughout the community. Tall warm-season grasses are nearly absent, and little bluestem, slender wheatgrass, and western wheatgrass have been greatly reduced and may persist in remnant amounts, reduced in vigor. Areas of bare ground may develop where salt concentrations are highest. A white salt crust may form on the soil surface. The forb component is comprised of salt--tolerant species such as Pursh seepweed and silverleaf cinquefoil. This plant community is resistant to change due to the grazing tolerance of inland saltgrass and increased surface salts. A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to 1.1 Big Bluestem-Indiangrass-Switchgrass Plant Community Phase. Loss of key warm-season grasses and increased percentage of bare ground has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Water infiltration is reduced significantly due to the shallow rooting depth of inland saltgrass.
Figure 13. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 7. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (kg/hectare) |
Representative value (kg/hectare) |
High (kg/hectare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 1636 | 2213 | 2757 |
| Forb | 45 | 141 | 269 |
| Total | 1681 | 2354 | 3026 |
Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0218, Till Plains, lowland cool-season/warm-season codominant.. Cool-season, warm-season codominant, 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 | 4 | 11 | 19 | 23 | 20 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Community 2.2
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial, Bare Ground Plant Community Phase
This plant community developed under continuous heavy grazing or other excessive disturbances. The potential plant community is made up of approximately 40 to 80 percent grasses and grass-like species and 20 to 60 percent forbs. 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.
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 will shift this community to the 2.2 Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1
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 2.1 Foxtail Barley-Inland Saltgrass/Bare Ground Plant Community Phase.
Transition T1
State 1 to 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 a combination of disturbances such as extended periods of below average precipitation coupled with periodic or chronic heavy grazing will shift this community to the 2.1 Foxtail Barley/Inland Saltgrass, Bare Ground Plant Community Phase within the Degraded State (State 2). Encroachment of non-native invasive/noxious species, abandonment of cropping, or seeding of introduced and/or native improved varieties of forage species may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Degraded State (State 2) and more specifically to the 2.2 Annual/Pioneer, Non-native Perennial, Bare Ground Plant Community Phase. In the case of a seeding, refer to the corresponding Forage Suitability Group (FSG) description for adapted species and expected production (production estimates in the FSG description may be unrealistically high due to the degraded condition of the site at this phase).
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) may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). Wetland restoration techniques may be necessary to restore biotic integrity and plant diversity and productivity.
Conservation practices
| Prescribed Grazing |
|---|
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tall Warm-season Grasses | 1289–2836 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 516–1547 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 258–773 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 258–773 | – | ||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 52–516 | – | ||
| 2 | Mid Warm-season Grasses | 773–1547 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 773–1547 | – | ||
| alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 0–258 | – | ||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 0–258 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-season Grasses | 258–516 | ||||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 52–516 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 52–516 | – | ||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 52–258 | – | ||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 0–52 | – | ||
| 4 | Short Warm-season Grasses | 52–103 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 52–103 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–52 | – | ||
| 5 | Other Native Grasses | 52–258 | ||||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–258 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 52–155 | – | ||
| Scribner's rosette grass | DIOLS | Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum | 0–52 | – | ||
| 6 | Grass-likes | 103–412 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 52–412 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 0–155 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–103 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 258–773 | ||||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 52–258 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 52–155 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 52–155 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 52–155 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 52–103 | – | ||
| silver cinquefoil | POAR8 | Potentilla argentea | 52–103 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 52–103 | – | ||
| Indianhemp | APCA | Apocynum cannabinum | 52–103 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 52–103 | – | ||
| tall blazing star | LIAS | Liatris aspera | 52–103 | – | ||
| western marbleseed | ONBEO | Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale | 52–103 | – | ||
| Flodman's thistle | CIFL | Cirsium flodmanii | 52–103 | – | ||
| western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 52–103 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 52–103 | – | ||
| Canadian anemone | ANCA8 | Anemone canadensis | 0–52 | – | ||
| smooth horsetail | EQLA | Equisetum laevigatum | 0–52 | – | ||
| bluebell bellflower | CARO2 | Campanula rotundifolia | 0–52 | – | ||
| redwool plantain | PLER | Plantago eriopoda | 0–52 | – | ||
| palespike lobelia | LOSP | Lobelia spicata | 0–52 | – | ||
| rough bugleweed | LYAS | Lycopus asper | 0–52 | – | ||
| annual marsh elder | IVAN2 | Iva annua | 0–52 | – | ||
| western dock | RUAQ | Rumex aquaticus | 0–52 | – | ||
| Norwegian cinquefoil | PONO3 | Potentilla norvegica | 0–52 | – | ||
| prairie violet | VIPE2 | Viola pedatifida | 0–52 | – | ||
| meadow zizia | ZIAP | Zizia aptera | 0–52 | – | ||
| Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 0–52 | – | ||
Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tall Warm-season Grasses | 85–639 | ||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 43–426 | – | ||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 0–298 | – | ||
| switchgrass | PAVI2 | Panicum virgatum | 0–213 | – | ||
| Indiangrass | SONU2 | Sorghastrum nutans | 0–128 | – | ||
| 2 | Mid Warm-season Grasses | 213–1491 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 213–1491 | – | ||
| alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 0–128 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-season Grasses | 426–1278 | ||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 213–852 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 85–639 | – | ||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 43–426 | – | ||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–170 | – | ||
| 4 | Short Warm-season Grasses | 213–639 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 213–639 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–128 | – | ||
| 5 | Other Native Grasses | 0–213 | ||||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–170 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–43 | – | ||
| 6 | Grass-likes | 213–852 | ||||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 128–639 | – | ||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 43–426 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–128 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 213–426 | ||||
| Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 43–128 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 43–128 | – | ||
| western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 0–128 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 43–85 | – | ||
| white sagebrush | ARLU | Artemisia ludoviciana | 0–85 | – | ||
| redwool plantain | PLER | Plantago eriopoda | 0–85 | – | ||
| silver cinquefoil | POAR8 | Potentilla argentea | 43–85 | – | ||
| annual marsh elder | IVAN2 | Iva annua | 0–85 | – | ||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–85 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–85 | – | ||
| tall blazing star | LIAS | Liatris aspera | 0–43 | – | ||
| western marbleseed | ONBEO | Onosmodium bejariense var. occidentale | 0–43 | – | ||
| Norwegian cinquefoil | PONO3 | Potentilla norvegica | 0–43 | – | ||
| upright prairie coneflower | RACO3 | Ratibida columnifera | 0–43 | – | ||
| western dock | RUAQ | Rumex aquaticus | 0–43 | – | ||
| Flodman's thistle | CIFL | Cirsium flodmanii | 0–43 | – | ||
| smooth horsetail | EQLA | Equisetum laevigatum | 0–43 | – | ||
| American licorice | GLLE3 | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | 0–43 | – | ||
| Maximilian sunflower | HEMA2 | Helianthus maximiliani | 0–43 | – | ||
| Indianhemp | APCA | Apocynum cannabinum | 0–43 | – | ||
| white heath aster | SYER | Symphyotrichum ericoides | 0–43 | – | ||
Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (kg/hectare) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Tall Warm-season Grasses | 0–118 | ||||
| prairie cordgrass | SPPE | Spartina pectinata | 0–118 | – | ||
| 2 | Mid Warm-season Grasses | 0–118 | ||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 0–118 | – | ||
| alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 0–47 | – | ||
| 3 | Cool-season Grasses | 235–824 | ||||
| foxtail barley | HOJU | Hordeum jubatum | 235–824 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 0–188 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–118 | – | ||
| plains bluegrass | POAR3 | Poa arida | 0–71 | – | ||
| 4 | Short Warm-season Grasses | 706–1295 | ||||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 588–1177 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 24–188 | – | ||
| 5 | Other Native Grasses | 0–47 | ||||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 0–47 | – | ||
| 6 | Grass-likes | 24–188 | ||||
| spikerush | ELEOC | Eleocharis | 24–165 | – | ||
| sedge | CAREX | Carex | 0–118 | – | ||
| Grass-like (not a true grass) | 2GL | Grass-like (not a true grass) | 0–47 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 7 | Forbs | 47–235 | ||||
| Pursh seepweed | SUCA2 | Suaeda calceoliformis | 24–118 | – | ||
| Forb, introduced | 2FI | Forb, introduced | 0–71 | – | ||
| Forb, native | 2FN | Forb, native | 24–71 | – | ||
| redwool plantain | PLER | Plantago eriopoda | 24–71 | – | ||
| silver cinquefoil | POAR8 | Potentilla argentea | 24–71 | – | ||
| Norwegian cinquefoil | PONO3 | Potentilla norvegica | 0–24 | – | ||
| goldenrod | SOLID | Solidago | 0–24 | – | ||
| western yarrow | ACMIO | Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis | 0–24 | – | ||
| Cuman ragweed | AMPS | Ambrosia psilostachya | 0–24 | – | ||
| Flodman's thistle | CIFL | Cirsium flodmanii | 0–24 | – | ||
| smooth horsetail | EQLA | Equisetum laevigatum | 0–24 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
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. Stocking rates are calculated using Animal-Unit-Month (AUM), which is the amount of forage required by cow, with or without calf, for one month.
Bluestem/Indiangrass/Switchgrass (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4,600
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.26
Little Bluestem/Wheatgrass/Foxtail Barley/Inland Saltgrass (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3,800
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.04
Foxtail Barley/Inland Saltgrass, Bare Ground (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2,100
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.58
Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial, Bare Ground (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 1,200
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. The Saline Subirrigated ecological site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group C and D. 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 percent ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be an area 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 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 opportunities for hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching and other activities. The wide variety of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an aesthetic 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.
Other information
Ecological Site Correlation Issues and Questions:
• NOTE: At the time this PESD is established there are no soil series in NASIS in the Saline Subirrigated ecological site, but will be in future projects.
• Reference and alternative states within the state and transition model are may not be fully documented and may require additional field sampling for refinement.
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.
Data Source Sample Period State County
NONE
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.
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 Endangered Ecosystem. Washington, DC: 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.
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.
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, accessed 27 March 2018). National Plant Data Team.
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).
High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE. http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/
USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, Portland, OR. http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov
USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, Fort Collins, CO. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov
Contributors
Stan Boltz
Approval
Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 5/08/2024
Acknowledgments
Contact for Lead Authors: Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Redfield Soil Survey Office, Redfield, SD & Stanton Soil Survey Office, Stanton, NE; Lance Howe (Lance.Howe@usda.gov), Soil Survey Office Leader, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD; Steve Winter (Steven.Winter@usda.gov), Soil Scientist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD; and Greg Clark (Greg.Clark@usda.gov), Soil Survey Office Leader, USDA-NRCS, Stanton, NE.
Additional Information Acknowledgment: Jason Hermann (Jason.Hermann@usda.gov), Area Rangeland Management Specialist, USDA-NRCS, Redfield, SD.
This Provisional Ecological Site concept has passed both Quality Control and Quality Assurance processes. It was officially approved for publication by David Kraft as of 11/12/2020.
Non-discrimination Statement
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To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, available online and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632- 9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
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 | 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:
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:
Tall warm-season rhizomatous grasses >Sub-dominant:
Mid warm-season grasses >Other:
Forbs > mid cool-season grasses > grass-like species > short cool-season grasses > short warm-season 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 3,600-5,600 lbs./acre (air-dry weight). Reference value production is 4,600 lbs./acre (air-dry weight) -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Refer to State and Local Noxious Weed List -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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