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Ecological site R102DY004SD

Wet Meadow

Last updated: 8/14/2024
Accessed: 12/22/2024

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General information

Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 102D–Prairie Coteau

This area makes up about 7,867 square miles (20,375 square kilometers), consisting mostly of nearly level to undulating till plains with potholes and moraines. Elevation ranges from 1,150 to 2,130 feet (350 to 650 meters). The average annual precipitation is 22 to 29 inches (559 to 734 millimeters). The average annual temperature is 42 to 45 degrees F (6 to 7 degrees C). The dominant soil order in this MLRA is Mollisols. The soils in this area dominantly have a frigid temperature regime, and an aquic or udic moisture regime. They are generally very deep and loamy. Soils range from well drained to very poorly drained. Parent materials are dominantly fine-loamy till to clayey material, with smaller amounts of outwash, glaciofluvial deposits, eolian deposits, alluvium, and, to a lesser extent, loess and organic materials.

Classification relationships

*Fenneman (1916) Physiographic Regions*
Division - Interior Plains
East:
Province - Central Lowland
Section - Western Lake / Dissected Till Plains (12b/12e)

*USFS (2007) Ecoregions*
Domain - Humid Temperate
Division - Prairie
Province - Prairie Parkland (Temperate)
Section - North-Central Glaciated Plains (251B)

*EPA Ecoregions (Omernik 1997)*
I - Great Plains (9)
II - Temperate Prairies (9.2)
III - Aspen Parkland/Northern Glaciated Plains (9.2.1)

Ecological site concept

The Wet Meadow ecological site typically occurs in a basin or closed depression, and receives water directly from precipitation, surface overland flow, and groundwater discharge. Soils are poorly drained and formed in local alluvium. Permeability is very slow due to the clayey subsoil and the site will pond water 4 to 8 weeks in the spring of the year. Ponded water conditions and very slow permeability strongly influences the soil-water-plant relationship. Vegetation in the Reference State is codominated by grass-likes, warm-season, and cool-season grasses including woolly sedge, reedgrasses, and prairie cordgrass as well as switchgrass, fowl bluegrass, and a variety of other sedges and rushes. Key forbs include Rydberg’s sunflower, Canada goldenrod, Indian hemp, and cinquefoil. Non-native species such as reed canarygrass and creeping meadow foxtail may invade due to change in disturbance regime.

Associated sites

R102DY001SD	Shallow Marsh These sites occur in a basin or closed depression. Soils are very poorly drained and the site will pond water until early summer in most years.
R102DY003SD	Subirrigated These sites occur in 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.
R102DY006SD	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.
R102DY020SD	Loamy Overflow These sites occur in upland swales. Soils are moderately well drained which have water flow into and over/through the site.

Similar sites

R102DY001SD	Shallow Marsh The Shallow Marsh site is in a similar landscape position, but the site ponds water until early summer in most years. A Shallow marsh site will have less prairie cordgrass and higher production than a wet meadow.

R102DY001SD

Shallow Marsh

The Shallow Marsh site is in a similar landscape position, but the site ponds water until early summer in most years. A Shallow marsh site will have less prairie cordgrass and higher production than a wet meadow.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Carex pellita (2) Spartina pectinata

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Physiographic features

This site typically occurs in potholes and closed depressions.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Pothole (2) Closed depression
Runoff class	Negligible
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding duration	Long (7 to 30 days)
Ponding frequency	Frequent
Elevation	1,000 – 2,100 ft
Slope	1%
Water table depth	20 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The average annual precipitation is 22 to 28 inches. Half or more of the precipitation falls during the growing season. Rainfall typically occurs during high-intensity, convective thunderstorms in summer. In the western part of the MLRA, rainfall is less abundant and not always adequate for full maturation of crops. Precipitation in winter is typically snow. The average annual temperature is 42 to 45 degrees F. The freeze-free period averages 142 days and ranges from 131 to 150 days.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	117-129 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	137-150 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	24-27 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	110-131 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	130-151 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	22-28 in
Frost-free period (average)	122 days
Freeze-free period (average)	143 days
Precipitation total (average)	25 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 6. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) WAUBAY NWR [USC00398980], Waubay, SD
(2) WEBSTER [USC00399004], Webster, SD
(3) WATERTOWN RGNL AP [USW00014946], Watertown, SD
(4) WATERTOWN 1W [USC00398930], Watertown, SD
(5) CASTLEWOOD [USC00391519], Castlewood, SD
(6) CLEAR LAKE [USC00391777], Clear Lake, SD
(7) ASTORIA 4S [USC00390422], White, SD
(8) TYLER [USC00218429], Tyler, MN
(9) ARLINGTON 1 W [USC00390281], Arlington, SD

Soil features

Soils are typically formed in clayey alluvium or clayey alluvium over till. Soils of this site have silty clay loam surface textures.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium
Surface texture	(1) Silty clay loam
Drainage class	Poorly drained
Permeability class	Slow
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	7.1 – 7.7 in
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-10in)	5.6 – 7.8
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-60in)	1%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-60in)	1%

Ecological dynamics

The site which is located in the Prairie Pothole Region developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions and included natural influence of large herding herbivores and occasional fire. Changes will occur in the plant communities due to weather fluctuations and/or management actions. Under adverse impacts, a relatively rapid decline in vegetative vigor and composition can occur. Under favorable conditions the site has the potential to resemble the Reference State. Interpretations for this site are based primarily on the 1.1 Woolly Sedge-Northern Reedgrass-Prairie Cordgrasss Plant Community Phase. This community phase and the Reference State have been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts also have been considered.

This ecological site (ES) has been grazed by domestic livestock since introduced into the area. The introduction of domestic livestock and the use of fencing and reliable water sources have changed the disturbance regime of this site. Heavy continuous grazing without adequate recovery periods following each grazing occurrence causes this site to depart from the Reference State. Species such as fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris), spikerush (Eleocharis), and Baltic rush (Juncus balticus) will initially increase. Prairie cordgrass and northern reedgrass will decrease in frequency and production. Continued heavy grazing eventually causes quackgrass (Elymus repens), foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), spikerush and unpalatable forbs such as curly dock (Rumex crispus) to increase and dominate.

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

State and transition model

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Invaded State

3. Crop Production State

T1A	-	Non-use, no fire, heavy continuous grazing
T1C	-	Tillage, artificial drainage
R2A	-	Long term prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, seeding, wetland restoration
T2	-	Tillage, artificial drainage
R3	-	Seeding, wetland restoration, abandonment of cropping

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Woolly Sedge-Northern Reedgrass-Prairie Cordgrass

1.2. Fowl Bluegrass-Spikerush-Baltic Rush-Forbs

1.1A	-	Heavy continuous grazing
1.2A	-	Prescribed grazing with recovery periods

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Reed Canarygrass-Woolly Sedge-Prairie Cordgrass-Invasives

2.2. Quackgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Foxtail Barley-Invasives

2.3. Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer

2.1A	-	Heavy continuous grazing
2.2A	-	Prescribed grazing with recovery periods
2.3A	-	Time without disturbances

State 3 submodel, plant communities

3.1. Annual Crops

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State represents the natural range of variability that dominates the dynamics of this ES. This state is typically dominated by cool-season grass and grass-like species. Before European settlement, the primary disturbance mechanisms for this site in the reference condition included periodic fire, grazing by large herding ungulates, and fluctuations in the water table and ponding frequency and duration. Frequent surface fires (3 to 5 years) and grazing coupled with weather events dictated the dynamics that occurred within the natural range of variability. Today, the primary disturbance is from a lack of fire, concentrated livestock grazing, and weather fluctuations. Species that are desirable for livestock and wildlife can decline and a corresponding increase in less desirable species will occur.

Dominant plant species

willow (Salix), shrub
woolly sedge (Carex pellita), grass
wheat sedge (Carex atherodes), grass
northern reedgrass (Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa), grass
reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), grass
prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), grass
switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), grass
Indianhemp (Apocynum cannabinum), other herbaceous
Flodman's thistle (Cirsium flodmanii), other herbaceous
Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis), other herbaceous
Canadian anemone (Anemone canadensis), other herbaceous
goldenrod (Solidago), other herbaceous

Community 1.1
Woolly Sedge-Northern Reedgrass-Prairie Cordgrass

Interpretations are based primarily on the 1.1 Woolly Sedge-Northern Reedgrass-Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community Phase (this is also considered to be climax). This community evolved with grazing by large herbivores, occasional prairie fires, and relatively frequent ponding events and can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and sometimes on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. The potential vegetation is about 50 percent grass-like species, 35 percent grasses, and 15 percent forbs by air-dry weight. Prairie cordgrass is the dominant tall warm-season grass occupying this plant community. Northern reedgrass is the dominant tall cool-season species. A variety of sedges and rushes occur throughout this community, as well as, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris). Key forbs include Rydberg’s sunflower (Arnica rydbergii), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canacensis), Indian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), and cinquefoil (Potentilla). This plant community phase is diverse, stable, and productive, and is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains. The high water table supplies much of the moisture for plant growth. Community dynamics, nutrient cycle, water cycle, and energy flow are functioning properly. Plant litter is properly distributed with very little movement offsite and natural plant mortality is very low. The diversity in plant species allows for the variability of both the fluctuations of water table and reoccurring ponding. This is a sustainable plant community in terms of soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.

Figure 7. 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	3785	4425	4935
Forb	215	500	900
Shrub/Vine	0	75	165
Total	4000	5000	6000

Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0208, Rolling Till Prairie, 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 1.2
Fowl Bluegrass-Spikerush-Baltic Rush-Forbs

This community develops with periods of heavy continuous grazing with lack of adequate recovery periods during the growing season following periods of below normal precipitation. Lack of litter and reduced plant heights result in higher soil temperatures and reduced water infiltration rates. Recognition of this plant community will enable the land user to implement key management decisions before a significant ecological threshold is crossed. Prairie cordgrass has been reduced in this plant community but still persists. Fowl bluegrass, spikerush (Eleocharis), other grass-likes, and forbs are the dominant species. Spikerush and Baltic rush (Juncus balticus), as well as, other grass-likes have increased. Northern reedgrass has been significantly reduced. Switchgrass may be removed at this stage. Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) may begin to increase significantly. Forb species would include asters (Asteraceae), goldenrod (Solidago) and cinquefoil, as well as, a possible invasion of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). Plant production and frequency have been reduced. The water cycle, nutrient cycle, and energy flow are slightly reduced but continue to function adequately.

Figure 9. 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	2825	3660	4440
Forb	175	300	475
Shrub/Vine	0	40	85
Total	3000	4000	5000

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0207, Rolling Till Prairie, 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

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Heavy continuous grazing which includes herbivory at moderate to heavy levels at the same time of year each year without adequate recovery periods, or during periods of below normal precipitation when grazing frequency and intensity increases on these sites due to limited forage availability on adjacent upland sites will shift this community to the 1.2 Fowl Bluegrass-Spikerush-Baltic Rush-Forbs 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 Woolly Sedge-Northern Reedgrass-Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community Phase. This pathway could also occur with a return to more normal precipitation levels and frequencies.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Grazing

State 2
Invaded State

This state is characterized by the dominance of invasive and/or nonnative species as a result of disturbance regimes outside the normal variability. Loss or reduction of native cool- and warm-season grasses and the forb component have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. Infiltration is reduced and native plant mortality is increased. As the disturbance level increases, native plant density decreases even more, giving way to annual species and invasive perennial species, as well as, an increase in bare ground.

Dominant plant species

wheat sedge (Carex atherodes), grass
spikerush (Eleocharis), grass
rush (Juncus), grass
woolly sedge (Carex pellita), grass
reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), grass
fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris), grass
quackgrass (Elymus repens), grass
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum), other herbaceous
cinquefoil (Potentilla), other herbaceous
giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea), other herbaceous
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), other herbaceous

Community 2.1
Reed Canarygrass-Woolly Sedge-Prairie Cordgrass-Invasives

This plant community phase develops with a long-term lack of grazing and/or fire. Eventually litter levels become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity, and density. Years of accumulated litter will tend to make this community wetter. Sedges, Baltic rush, spikerush, and bulrush (Scheonplectus) will increase. Hydrophytic forbs will also increase. Reed canarygrass often will increase to the point of dominance, while prairie cordgrass will diminish significantly. Other invasive plants such as creeping meadow foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus) may become prevalent if a seed source is present or nearby. Nutrient cycling will be greatly diminished and the energy flow will shift significantly and be reduced as well due to the increase in plant litter. Infiltration will be reduced somewhat compared to the Reference State. This plant community is somewhat resistant to change. The combination of both grazing and fire is most effective in moving this plant community towards the Reference State.

Figure 11. 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	2435	3290	4090
Forb	65	210	410
Total	2500	3500	4500

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0206, Rolling Till Prairie, 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 2.2
Quackgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Foxtail Barley-Invasives

This plant community phase occurs after prolonged heavy disturbance such as described above in the community pathway (i.e., heavy grazing pressure without adequate recovery). The prolonged nature of this disturbance will tend to increase soil temperatures and evaporation, causing this site to become drier than normal. This allows the increase/invasion of typically less hydrophytic vegetation such as quackgrass (Elymus repens) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). A significant amount of production and diversity has been lost when compared to the Reference State. Loss or reduction of native cool- and warm-season grasses, and the native forb component have negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. It will take an extended period of time to restore this plant community back to the Reference State with improved management. Renovation is typically not practical but may be the only means to significantly restore the ecological processes on this site.

Figure 13. 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	1490	2250	2955
Forb	110	250	445
Total	1600	2500	3400

Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). SD0206, Rolling Till Prairie, 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 2.3
Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer

This plant community develops under severe disturbance, typically abandonment after cropping. The dominant vegetation includes pioneer annual or perennial grasses, forbs, invaders, and early successional biennial and perennial species. Grasses may include inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), barnyardgrass (Echinochloa), quackgrass, fowl bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Baltic rush, and sedges. The dominant forbs include curlycup gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa), Canada thistle, and other early successional species. The community is susceptible to invasion of nonnative species due to severe soil disturbances and relatively high percent of bare ground. This plant community is resistant to change, as long as soil disturbance or severe vegetation defoliation persists, thus holding back secondary plant succession. Significant economic inputs, management, and time would be required to move this plant community toward a higher successional stage. Secondary succession is highly variable, depending upon availability and diversity of a viable reproductive source of higher successional species. This plant community may be renovated to improve the production capability but management changes would be needed to maintain the new plant community.

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 Quackgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Foxtail Barley-Invasive Plants 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 Reed Canarygrass-Woolly Sedge-Invasive Plants-Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community Phase. This pathway could also occur with a return to more normal precipitation levels and frequencies.

Pathway 2.3A
Community 2.3 to 2.2

This community pathway occurs with the passage of time as successional processes take place and perennial plants gradually begin to establish on the site again. This pathway will lead to the 2.2 Quackgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Foxtail Barley-Invasive Plants Plant Community Phase.

State 3
Crop Production State

This state is characterized by the production of annual crops using a variety of tillage and cropping systems along with management practices. Cropping on this site is enabled during years with drier than normal precipitation or with artificial drainage (surface or subsurface).

Dominant plant species

corn (Zea), grass
wheat (Triticum), grass
soybean (Glycine), other herbaceous

Community 3.1
Annual Crops

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

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Non-use and/or no surface fire for extended periods of time (typically for 10 years or more) causing litter levels to become high enough to reduce native grass vigor, diversity will eventually cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 2.1 Reed Canarygrass-Woolly Sedge-Invasive Plants-Prairie cordgrass Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 2). Grazing repeatedly in the early growing season can expedite this shift by causing mechanical disturbance due to trampling. Heavy continuous grazing (stocking levels well above carrying capacity for extended portions of the growing season and often at the same time of year each year) will eventually cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 2.2 Quackgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass-Foxtail Barley-Invasive Plants Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 2). Grazing repeatedly in the early growing season can expedite this shift by causing mechanical disturbance due to trampling.

Transition T1C
State 1 to 3

Tillage, Artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

Long-term prescribed grazing (moderate stocking levels coupled with adequate recovery periods, or other grazing systems such as high-density, low-frequency intended to treat specific species dominance, or periodic light to moderate stocking levels possibly including periodic rest) coupled with prescribed burning may lead this 2.1 Reed Canarygrass-Wooly Sedge-Invasive Plants-Prairie Cordgrass Plant Community Phase within the Invaded State (State 2) over a threshold to the Reference State (State 1). Seeding followed by 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.

Transition T2
State 2 to 3

Tillage, Artificial drainage (surface and subsurface) will cause a shift over a threshold leading to the 3.1 Annual Crops Plant Community Phase within the Crop Production State (State 3).

Restoration pathway R3
State 3 to 2

Wetland restoration along with seeding of perennial species adapted to the site may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 2). Cropping followed by abandonment may lead this plant community phase over a threshold to the Invaded State (State 2) and more specifically to the 2.2 Annual Pioneer-Perennial Pioneer Plant Community Phase.

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	Grass-likes			1000–2500
	woolly sedge	CAPE42	Carex pellita	250–2000	–
	wheat sedge	CAAT2	Carex atherodes	250–1250	–
	Sartwell's sedge	CASA8	Carex sartwellii	100–750	–
	fox sedge	CAVU2	Carex vulpinoidea	50–250	–
	Bicknell's sedge	CABI3	Carex bicknellii	50–250	–
	shortbeak sedge	CABR10	Carex brevior	0–250	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	50–250	–
	water sedge	CAAQ	Carex aquatilis	0–250	–
	spikerush	ELEOC	Eleocharis	50–150	–
	rush	JUNCU	Juncus	50–150	–
	green bulrush	SCAT2	Scirpus atrovirens	0–50	–
	bulrush	SCHOE6	Schoenoplectus	0–50	–
2	Cool-season Grasses			500–1750
	northern reedgrass	CASTI3	Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa	250–1500	–
	reed canarygrass	PHAR3	Phalaris arundinacea	50–250	–
	fowl bluegrass	POPA2	Poa palustris	50–250	–
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	50–250	–
	American sloughgrass	BESY	Beckmannia syzigachne	50–250	–
	prairie wedgescale	SPOB	Sphenopholis obtusata	0–150	–
3	Warm-season Grasses			100–500
	prairie cordgrass	SPPE	Spartina pectinata	50–250	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	0–150	–
	spiked muhly	MUGL3	Muhlenbergia glomerata	50–150	–
	Mexican muhly	MUME2	Muhlenbergia mexicana	0–100	–
	mat muhly	MURI	Muhlenbergia richardsonis	0–50	–
Forb
4	Forbs			250–750
	Forb (herbaceous, not grass nor grass-like)	2FORB	Forb (herbaceous, not grass nor grass-like)	50–150	–
	Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	50–150	–
	Flodman's thistle	CIFL	Cirsium flodmanii	0–100	–
	Illinois bundleflower	DEIL	Desmanthus illinoensis	50–100	–
	swamp milkweed	ASIN	Asclepias incarnata	50–100	–
	Canadian anemone	ANCA8	Anemone canadensis	50–100	–
	mint	MENTH	Mentha	50–100	–
	swamp smartweed	POHY2	Polygonum hydropiperoides	50–100	–
	Pennsylvania smartweed	POPE2	Polygonum pensylvanicum	50–100	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	50–100	–
	Macoun's buttercup	RAMA2	Ranunculus macounii	50–100	–
	western dock	RUAQ	Rumex aquaticus	0–100	–
	blackeyed Susan	RUHI2	Rudbeckia hirta	50–100	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	50–100	–
	Rydberg's sunflower	HENUR	Helianthus nuttallii ssp. rydbergii	50–100	–
	blazing star	LIATR	Liatris	0–100	–
	giant goldenrod	SOGI	Solidago gigantea	50–100	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	50–100	–
	white panicle aster	SYLA6	Symphyotrichum lanceolatum	50–100	–
	New England aster	SYNO2	Symphyotrichum novae-angliae	50–100	–
	Canada germander	TECA3	Teucrium canadense	0–50	–
	broadleaf cattail	TYLA	Typha latifolia	50	–
	northern bog violet	VINE	Viola nephrophylla	0–50	–
	wood lily	LIPH	Lilium philadelphicum	0–50	–
	American water horehound	LYAM	Lycopus americanus	0–50	–
	golden dock	RUMA4	Rumex maritimus	0–50	–
	blue-eyed grass	SISYR	Sisyrinchium	0–50	–
	white doll's daisy	BOAS	Boltonia asteroides	0–50	–
	smooth horsetail	EQLA	Equisetum laevigatum	0–50	–
	Virginia strawberry	FRVI	Fragaria virginiana	0–50	–
Shrub/Vine
5	Shrubs			0–150
	willow	SALIX	Salix	0–150	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–100	–

Table 10. Community 1.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Grass-likes			1400–1800
	spikerush	ELEOC	Eleocharis	400–800	–
	green bulrush	SCAT2	Scirpus atrovirens	40–480	–
	bulrush	SCHOE6	Schoenoplectus	40–480	–
	rush	JUNCU	Juncus	200–400	–
	wheat sedge	CAAT2	Carex atherodes	80–400	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	40–280	–
	woolly sedge	CAPE42	Carex pellita	80–200	–
	Sartwell's sedge	CASA8	Carex sartwellii	40–200	–
	fox sedge	CAVU2	Carex vulpinoidea	0–160	–
	shortbeak sedge	CABR10	Carex brevior	0–160	–
	water sedge	CAAQ	Carex aquatilis	0–120	–
	Bicknell's sedge	CABI3	Carex bicknellii	0–40	–
2	Cool-season Grasses			200–1000
	fowl bluegrass	POPA2	Poa palustris	200–1000	–
	reed canarygrass	PHAR3	Phalaris arundinacea	80–400	–
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–200	–
	northern reedgrass	CASTI3	Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa	0–200	–
	American mannagrass	GLGR	Glyceria grandis	0–160	–
	foxtail barley	HOJU	Hordeum jubatum	0–160	–
3	Warm-season Grasses			80–600
	prairie cordgrass	SPPE	Spartina pectinata	200–600	–
	spiked muhly	MUGL3	Muhlenbergia glomerata	0–200	–
	mat muhly	MURI	Muhlenbergia richardsonis	80–200	–
	switchgrass	PAVI2	Panicum virgatum	0–80	–
4	Non-Native Grasses			200–600
	creeping meadow foxtail	ALAR	Alopecurus arundinaceus	0–400	–
	quackgrass	ELRE4	Elymus repens	0–400	–
	Kentucky bluegrass	POPR	Poa pratensis	80–400	–
Forb
5	Forbs			200–400
	giant goldenrod	SOGI	Solidago gigantea	0–120	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	40–120	–
	white panicle aster	SYLA6	Symphyotrichum lanceolatum	40–120	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	40–120	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	0–120	–
	Flodman's thistle	CIFL	Cirsium flodmanii	40–120	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	40–120	–
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	0–80	–
	Pennsylvania smartweed	POPE2	Polygonum pensylvanicum	40–80	–
	mint	MENTH	Mentha	0–80	–
	Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	0–80	–
	swamp milkweed	ASIN	Asclepias incarnata	0–80	–
	New England aster	SYNO2	Symphyotrichum novae-angliae	40–80	–
	broadleaf cattail	TYLA	Typha latifolia	0–80	–
	western dock	RUAQ	Rumex aquaticus	0–80	–
	blackeyed Susan	RUHI2	Rudbeckia hirta	0–40	–
	golden dock	RUMA4	Rumex maritimus	0–40	–
	blue-eyed grass	SISYR	Sisyrinchium	0–40	–
	Canadian anemone	ANCA8	Anemone canadensis	0–40	–
	Rydberg's sunflower	HENUR	Helianthus nuttallii ssp. rydbergii	0–40	–
	blazing star	LIATR	Liatris	0–40	–
	wood lily	LIPH	Lilium philadelphicum	0–40	–
	swamp smartweed	POHY2	Polygonum hydropiperoides	0–40	–
	Illinois bundleflower	DEIL	Desmanthus illinoensis	0–40	–
	smooth horsetail	EQLA	Equisetum laevigatum	0–40	–
	Macoun's buttercup	RAMA2	Ranunculus macounii	0–40	–
Shrub/Vine
6	Shrubs			700–1400
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–80	–
	willow	SALIX	Salix	0–40	–

Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Grass-likes			700–1400
	wheat sedge	CAAT2	Carex atherodes	70–350	–
	spikerush	ELEOC	Eleocharis	70–350	–
	woolly sedge	CAPE42	Carex pellita	70–350	–
	Sartwell's sedge	CASA8	Carex sartwellii	70–350	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	35–175	–
	shortbeak sedge	CABR10	Carex brevior	35–175	–
	rush	JUNCU	Juncus	35–175	–
	green bulrush	SCAT2	Scirpus atrovirens	0–175	–
	bulrush	SCHOE6	Schoenoplectus	0–175	–
	fox sedge	CAVU2	Carex vulpinoidea	0–140	–
	Bicknell's sedge	CABI3	Carex bicknellii	0–35	–
2	Cool-season Grasses			525–1225
	reed canarygrass	PHAR3	Phalaris arundinacea	525–1050	–
	fowl bluegrass	POPA2	Poa palustris	70–525	–
	foxtail barley	HOJU	Hordeum jubatum	0–210	–
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–175	–
	northern reedgrass	CASTI3	Calamagrostis stricta ssp. inexpansa	35–175	–
	American mannagrass	GLGR	Glyceria grandis	0–105	–
3	Warm-season Grasses			70–350
	prairie cordgrass	SPPE	Spartina pectinata	70–350	–
	mat muhly	MURI	Muhlenbergia richardsonis	0–140	–
4	Non-Native Grasses			350–1225
	quackgrass	ELRE4	Elymus repens	0–1050	–
	creeping meadow foxtail	ALAR	Alopecurus arundinaceus	0–875	–
	Kentucky bluegrass	POPR	Poa pratensis	70–525	–
Forb
5	Forbs			70–350
	Pennsylvania smartweed	POPE2	Polygonum pensylvanicum	0–70	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	0–70	–
	giant goldenrod	SOGI	Solidago gigantea	0–70	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	0–70	–
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	0–70	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	0–70	–
	Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	0–70	–
	Flodman's thistle	CIFL	Cirsium flodmanii	0–70	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	0–70	–
	mint	MENTH	Mentha	0–35	–
	smooth horsetail	EQLA	Equisetum laevigatum	0–35	–
	swamp milkweed	ASIN	Asclepias incarnata	0–35	–
	white panicle aster	SYLA6	Symphyotrichum lanceolatum	0–35	–
	New England aster	SYNO2	Symphyotrichum novae-angliae	0–35	–
	broadleaf cattail	TYLA	Typha latifolia	0–35	–
	western dock	RUAQ	Rumex aquaticus	0–35	–

Table 12. Community 2.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Grass-likes			625–875
	spikerush	ELEOC	Eleocharis	125–625	–
	rush	JUNCU	Juncus	250–500	–
	shortbeak sedge	CABR10	Carex brevior	25–125	–
	fox sedge	CAVU2	Carex vulpinoidea	0–75	–
	woolly sedge	CAPE42	Carex pellita	0–50	–
	Sartwell's sedge	CASA8	Carex sartwellii	0–50	–
	Grass-like (not a true grass)	2GL	Grass-like (not a true grass)	0–50	–
	green bulrush	SCAT2	Scirpus atrovirens	0–50	–
	bulrush	SCHOE6	Schoenoplectus	0–50	–
2	Cool-season Grasses			125–500
	foxtail barley	HOJU	Hordeum jubatum	125–375	–
	reed canarygrass	PHAR3	Phalaris arundinacea	0–250	–
	fowl bluegrass	POPA2	Poa palustris	0–125	–
	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	2GRAM	Graminoid (grass or grass-like)	0–125	–
3	Warm-season Grasses			25–125
	mat muhly	MURI	Muhlenbergia richardsonis	25–125	–
	prairie cordgrass	SPPE	Spartina pectinata	0–125	–
4	Non-Native Grasses			375–1125
	creeping meadow foxtail	ALAR	Alopecurus arundinaceus	0–875	–
	quackgrass	ELRE4	Elymus repens	125–875	–
	Kentucky bluegrass	POPR	Poa pratensis	125–625	–
Forb
5	Forbs			125–375
	Forb, introduced	2FI	Forb, introduced	25–200	–
	Forb, native	2FN	Forb, native	25–100	–
	Pennsylvania smartweed	POPE2	Polygonum pensylvanicum	25–100	–
	goldenrod	SOLID	Solidago	25–100	–
	white panicle aster	SYLA6	Symphyotrichum lanceolatum	25–75	–
	New England aster	SYNO2	Symphyotrichum novae-angliae	25–75	–
	Indianhemp	APCA	Apocynum cannabinum	0–75	–
	Flodman's thistle	CIFL	Cirsium flodmanii	25–75	–
	giant goldenrod	SOGI	Solidago gigantea	0–75	–
	cinquefoil	POTEN	Potentilla	0–50	–
	western dock	RUAQ	Rumex aquaticus	0–25	–
	smooth horsetail	EQLA	Equisetum laevigatum	0–25	–
	American licorice	GLLE3	Glycyrrhiza lepidota	0–25	–

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.

Prairie Cordgrass/Sedge/Northern Reedgrass (1.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 5000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.37

Fowl Bluegrass/Spikerush/Baltic Rush/Forbs (1.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 4000
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 1.10

Reed Canarygrass/Sedge/Invasive Plants/Prairie Cordgrass (2.1)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 3500
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.96

Quackgrass/Kentucky Bluegrass/Foxtail Barley/Invasive Plants (2.2)
Average Annual Production (lbs./acre, air-dry): 2500
Stocking Rate* (AUM/acre): 0.69

Annual/Pioneer, Non-Native Perennial (2.3)
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 groups C and D. Infiltration is typically slow to very slow and runoff potential for this site is negligible due to the concave shape of the landform this site occupies.

Recreational uses

This site provides hunting, hiking, photography, bird watching, and other opportunities. The wide varieties of plants that bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are typically present on this site.

Other products

Seed harvest of native plant species can provide additional income on this site.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

MLRA 102D was created in 2022 with Agricultural Handbook 296 updated. This area was MLRA 102A prior to this time . Information was copied from MLRA 102A ESDs to create the MLRA 102D ESDs.

Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range-trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Stan Boltz, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Bruce Kunze, Soil Scientist, NRCS.

Data Source Sample Period State County
SCS-Range-417 (0020746039) 1985 SD Clark
NP-ESC-1 (0020746039) 2007 SD Deuel
NP-ESC-1 (0110746039) 2007 SD Deuel
NP-ESC-1 (0020846039 2008 SD Deuel

Other references

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

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

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

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

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

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

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2022. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook 296.

USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/nasis/)

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

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

Contributors

Megan Baxter
Stan Boltz
Lance Howe
Steve Winter

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 8/14/2024

Acknowledgments

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

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

Rangeland health reference sheet

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.

Author(s)/participant(s)	David Schmidt, Tim Nordquist, Stan Boltz
Contact for lead author
Date	12/04/2007
Approved by	Suzanne Mayne-Kinney
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present.
Presence of water flow patterns:
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 6. Typically high root content, and organic matter. 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 & tall cool-season grass-like >> tall warm-season rhizomatous grass

Sub-dominant:
> tall cool-season rhizomatous grass > mid cool-season rhizomatous grass > forb

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very little to no evidence of decadence or mortality.
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
85-90%, roughly 1-2 inches. Litter cover is in contact with soil surface.
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
4000 – 5200 lbs./acre air-dry weight, average 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, also reed canarygrass.
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing.

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Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Invaded State

3. Crop Production State

T1A	-	Non-use, no fire, heavy continuous grazing
T1C	-	Tillage, artificial drainage
R2A	-	Long term prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, seeding, wetland restoration
T2	-	Tillage, artificial drainage
R3	-	Seeding, wetland restoration, abandonment of cropping