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Ecological site R106XY031NE

Shallow Savannah

Last updated: 6/09/2025
Accessed: 12/05/2025

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General information

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

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Figure 1. Mapped extent

Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.

MLRA notes

Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 106X–Nebraska and Kansas Loess-Drift Hills

Named the “Nebraska and Kansas Loess-Drift Hills,” Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 106 is divided almost evenly between southeastern Nebraska (52%), and northeastern Kansas, (48%). The approximately seven-million-acre landscape covers all or parts of thirty counties between the two states. The northern border is located on the north end of Saunders County, Nebraska, and the MLRA extends into Douglas County, Kansas in the south. The Nebraska cities of Beatrice and Lincoln are the major population centers in the north, while Topeka and Lawrence in Kansas are the primary cities in the south. The Platte, Little Nemaha, and the North Fork of the Big Nemaha Rivers flow through the Nebraska side of the MLRA, while the Black Vermillion, the Soldier, and the Delaware Rivers are the major waterways on the Kansas side. The Big Blue River runs through both states, while the Salt Creek hydrologic system located near Lincoln, Nebraska provides habitat for the only known population of the Federally listed endangered Salt Creek Tiger Beetle.

This dissected glacial drift plain primarily consists of broad, smooth ridgetops, and slopes ranging from nearly level to steep. The elevation in MLRA 106 decreases from west to east, and ranges from nearly 1,650 feet to less than 790 feet above sea level. Stream valleys in this landscape are narrow and bordered by steep hills, with 10 to 20 feet of local relief. The river valleys are broader and may drop up to over 160 feet below the adjacent hilltops. The uplands are primarily comprised of glacial drift underlying a mantle of loess, while alluvial deposits are found in the stream and river valleys. Limestone and shale quarries are also located in MLRA 106. The predominant soil orders in this MLRA are mesic, udic, Mollisols, Alfisols, and Entisols. Loams and clays are the primary soil textures in this landscape.

Sixty-two percent of the land in this MLRA has been broken out of native prairie and farmed, while only 23 percent of the grasslands remain. Livestock grazing, primarily by cattle, is the main industry on these remnants. Corn, wheat, soybeans, and grain sorghum are the primary commodity crops, but a significant number of acres are also planted to alfalfa for harvest as hay. With annual precipitation averaging from 40 inches in the southeast, to 28 inches in the northwest, irrigation for crop production is not a critical factor in most years.

The historical matrix vegetation type is Tallgrass Prairie, and big and little bluestem, switchgrass, Indiangrass, sideoats, and blue grama make up the bulk of the warm season species. Historically, western wheatgrass was the dominant cool-season grass but today the dominant cool-season grasses are introduced grasses, smooth brome in the north and tall fescue in the south. Large and small patch vegetative communities are found primarily along the riparian zones, and on both upland and lowland saline sites. Woodlands make up about six percent of MLRA 106, consisting primarily of green ash, oak, hackberry, boxelder, and maple trees.

Wildlife flourishes in this combination of crop and grassland environments. In a landscape historically occupied by bison herds, white-tailed deer are now the most abundant wild ungulates. A variety of smaller species, including coyote, raccoon, opossum, porcupines, muskrat, beaver, squirrel, and mink thrive in the region. Native grassland bird populations are limited by the lack of contiguous native prairie and the fragmented habitat created by the farmland. The rivers, streams, and lakes harbor excellent fisheries, and migrating and local waterfowl use the wetland complexes. These complexes provide ideal habitat for a number of wading and shore bird species as well.

This landscape serves as a backdrop for a disturbance driven ecosystem, evolving under the influences of herbivory, fire, and variable climate. Historically, these processes created a heterogeneous mosaic of plant communities and structure heights across the region. Any given site in this landscape experienced fire every three to four years. Fires were caused by lightning strikes and were also set by Native Americans, who used fire for warfare, signaling, and to refresh the native grasses. The Indigenous inhabitants understood the value of fire as a tool and that the highly palatable growth following a fire provided excellent forage for their horses and attracted grazing game animals such as bison and elk.

Land use patterns by post European settlers have fragmented the native grasslands through conversion to cropland, transportation corridors, and other developments. This has significantly altered the natural fire regime allowing encroachment by native and introduced shrubs and trees into the native prairie remnants throughout the MLRA. Aggressive fire suppression policies have exacerbated this process to the point that shrub and tree encroachment is a major ecological threat in the majority of both native and reseeded grasslands. Introduction of eastern red cedar as a windbreak species further facilitates invasion by this species. While eastern red cedar is native to the landscape, the historic population in MLRA 106 was limited to isolated pockets in rugged river drainageways that were protected from fire. Widespread plantings of windbreaks with eastern red cedar as a primary component have provided a seed source for the aggressive woody plant. The ensuing encroachment into the native grasslands degrades the native wildlife habit and causes significant forage loss for domestic livestock. Since it does not sprout from the roots, eastern red cedar is very susceptible to fire when under six feet tall. Management with prescribed fire is exceedingly effective if applied before this stage. Larger eastern red cedars can also be controlled with fire, but successful application requires the use of specifically designed ignition and holding techniques.

Classification relationships

►USDA-NRCS (2022)◄
Land Resource Region – M, Central Feed Grains and Livestock Region
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) – 106

►Fenneman (1916) Physiographic Regions ◄
Division – Interior Plains
Province – Central Lowland
Section – Dissected Till Plains

►USDA-USFS (2007) Ecoregions◄
Domain – Humid Temperate
Division – Prairie
Province – Prairie Parkland (Temperate)
Section – Central Dissected Till Plains (251C)

►EPA Ecoregions (Omernik 1997)◄
I – Great Plains (9)
II – Temperate Prairies (9.2)
III – Western Corn Belt Plains (9.2.3)
IV – Loess and Glacial Drift Hills (47i)

►Associated Counties◄
Nebraska: Butler, Cass, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline, Saunders, Seward

Kansas: Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Leavenworth, Marshall, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wyandotte

Ecological site concept

The Shallow Savannah ecological site is located on upland landscapes occupying ridges and slopes. It does not receive additional moisture from runoff or overflow. The typical slope range is from 3 to 45 percent. Soils are shallow, ranging in depth from 6 to 20 inches with surface textures of fine sandy loam, loam, silt loam or silty clay loam. These well to somewhat excessively well drained soils formed in residuum weathered from noncalcareous sandstone and interbedded sandy and silty shale. The vegetation of the Reference Community is dominated by tall and mid grasses under an open woody deciduous canopy. Primary grasses include big bluestem and little bluestem. Grasses of secondary importance include sideoats grama, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Forbs are common and diverse. Trees are primarily oak, hickory, and elm. Vegetative production is less than that of the associated deeper soils. This site is more intact than many other upland sites within the MLRA and is better suited to grazing than to farming due to the shallow soils and steep slopes.

Associated sites

R106XY068NE	Loamy Floodplain The Loamy Floodplain ecological site is a run-on site often positioned down slope of the Shallow Savannah ecological site.
R106XY075NE	Loamy Upland The Loamy Upland ecological site is often located adjacent to the Shallow Savannah ecological site.
R106XY077NE	Shallow Limy The Shallow Limy ecological site is often adjacent to the Shallow Savannah ecological site.

R106XY068NE

Loamy Floodplain

The Loamy Floodplain ecological site is a run-on site often positioned down slope of the Shallow Savannah ecological site.

R106XY075NE

Loamy Upland

The Loamy Upland ecological site is often located adjacent to the Shallow Savannah ecological site.

R106XY077NE

Shallow Limy

The Shallow Limy ecological site is often adjacent to the Shallow Savannah ecological site.

Similar sites

R106XY077NE	Shallow Limy The Shallow Limy ecological sites are effervescent at or near the surface due to the presence of carbonates in the soil while Shallow Savannah ecological sites do not have the presence of carbonates.
R106XY075NE	Loamy Upland Loamy Upland ecological sites are found on deep to very deep soils (deeper than 36 inches) while Shallow Savannah ecological sites are typically only 6 to 20 inches deep. As a result, Loamy Upland ecological sites have a higher percentage of tallgrass species and higher productivity.
R106XY031NE	Shallow Savannah Savannah and Shallow Savannah ecological sites are found on similar landscape positions and their plant communities have a significant tree overstory. Savannah ecological sites are found on deep to very deep soils (deeper than 36 inches) while Shallow Savannah ecological sites are found on soils that are typically less than 20 inches deep.

R106XY077NE

Shallow Limy

The Shallow Limy ecological sites are effervescent at or near the surface due to the presence of carbonates in the soil while Shallow Savannah ecological sites do not have the presence of carbonates.

R106XY075NE

Loamy Upland

Loamy Upland ecological sites are found on deep to very deep soils (deeper than 36 inches) while Shallow Savannah ecological sites are typically only 6 to 20 inches deep. As a result, Loamy Upland ecological sites have a higher percentage of tallgrass species and higher productivity.

R106XY031NE

Shallow Savannah

Savannah and Shallow Savannah ecological sites are found on similar landscape positions and their plant communities have a significant tree overstory. Savannah ecological sites are found on deep to very deep soils (deeper than 36 inches) while Shallow Savannah ecological sites are found on soils that are typically less than 20 inches deep.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	(1) Quercus (2) Ulmus
Shrub	(1) Rhus
Herbaceous	(1) Andropogon gerardii (2) Schizachyrium scoparium

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Physiographic features

The Shallow Savannah ecological site is a runoff site on erosional uplands, often adjacent to a local drainageway. The plane and convex slopes range from nearly level to steeply sloping.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Upland > Hillslope
Runoff class	Low to very high
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	730 – 1,700 ft
Slope	3 – 45%
Water table depth	72 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

Like most Great Plains landscapes, the climate in this MLRA is under the sway of the continental effect. This creates a regime of extremes, with summer highs often in the triple digits and winter lows plunging well below zero. Blizzards can occur anytime between early fall and late spring, dropping the temperature more than 50 degrees in just a few hours. These events can pile up several feet of snow, often driven by winds in excess of 50 miles an hour. The resulting huge snow drifts can cause serious hardship for livestock, wildlife, and humans. Winters can be open, with bare ground for most of the season, or closed, with several feet of snow persisting until March. Most winters have a number of warm days interspersed with dropping temperatures, usually associated with approaching cold fronts. Spring brings violent thunderstorms, hail, and high winds. Tornadoes occur frequently.

About three-fourths of the precipitation falls as high intensity, convective thunderstorms from late spring through early autumn. The average annual precipitation gradient trends higher from northwest (28”) to southeast (40”), and the average annual temperature gradient trends higher from north (50°F) to south (55°F). Daily winds range from an average of 14 miles per hour during the spring to 11 miles per hour during the late summer. Occasional strong storms may bring brief periods of high winds with gusts to more than 80 miles per hour.

Native cool season plants begin growth in early April and continue to about mid-June. Native warm season plants begin growth in early June and continue to early August. Green up of cool season plants may occur in September and October.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	150-181 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	188-202 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	39-41 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	145-183 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	186-206 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	38-42 in
Frost-free period (average)	161 days
Freeze-free period (average)	194 days
Precipitation total (average)	40 in

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range

Characteristic range

Actual range

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Figure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range

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Figure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 7. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) LAWRENCE [USC00144559], Lawrence, KS
(2) LEAVENWORTH [USC00144588], Fort Leavenworth, KS
(3) OSKALOOSA 4 NE [USC00146100], Mc Louth, KS
(4) BONNER SPRINGS [USC00140957], Bonner Springs, KS
(5) PERRY LAKE [USC00146333], Perry, KS
(6) CLINTON LAKE [USC00141612], Lawrence, KS
(7) KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP [USW00013988], Kansas City, MO

Soil features

The soils associated with the Shallow Savannah ecological site are located on uplands with slopes ranging from 3 to 45 percent. These soils were formed in residuum weathered from noncalcareous sandstone. Soils are shallow (less than 20 inches) with silt loam, silty clay loam, loam, or fine sandy loam surface textures which are typically 4 to 8 inches thick. Soils are well drained to somewhat excessively drained with high saturated hydraulic conductivity. The depth to lithic contact ranges from 8 to 20 inches.

Basehor and Vineland are the primary soil series associated with this ecological site. Additional information can be found in the various soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center for soil survey reports that include more detail specific to your location or visit Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov).

Figure 8. Basehor series profile, Shallow Savannah Ecological Site, MLRA 106.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Residuum – sandstone
Surface texture	(1) Silt loam (2) Silty clay loam (3) Loam (4) Fine sandy loam
Drainage class	Well drained to somewhat excessively drained
Permeability class	Slow to moderately rapid
Depth to restrictive layer	8 – 20 in
Soil depth	8 – 20 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-20in)	1.7 – 3.9 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-20in)	Not specified
Electrical conductivity (0-20in)	2 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-20in)	Not specified
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-20in)	5.1 – 7.8
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-20in)	12%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-20in)	5%

Ecological dynamics

the Shallow Savannah ecological site developed under Central Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or human caused wildfires, and other biotic and abiotic factors which typically influence soil/site development. This continues to be a disturbance driven site, by herbivory, fire, and variable climate. Changes occur in the plant communities due to weather variations, impacts of native and exotic plant and animal species, and management actions.

One of the primary impacts to this site introduced by European settlers is season long, continuous grazing by domestic livestock. This management practice causes the repeated removal of the growing point and excessive defoliation of the leaf area of individual warm-season tall grasses. The resulting reduction of the ability of the plants to harvest sunlight depletes the root reserves, subsequently decreasing the root mass. This negatively impacts the ability of plants to compete for life sustaining nutrients, resulting in declining vigor and eventual mortality. The space created in the vegetative community is then occupied by a species that evades the negative grazing impacts by a growing season adaptation such as a cool season, shorter structure, or reduced palatability mechanism.

The State and Transition Model (STM) is depicted following this section and includes a Reference State (1) and a Native/Invaded State (2). Each state represents the crossing of a major ecological threshold due to alteration of the functional dynamic properties of the ecosystem. The main properties observed to determine this change are the soil and vegetative communities and the hydrologic cycle. The STM illustrates the common plant communities that can occur on the site and the transition pathways between communities (Bestelmeyer, 2010). The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community descriptions following the diagram.

Each state may have one or more vegetative communities which fluctuate in species composition and abundance within the normal parameters of the state. Within each state, communities may degrade or recover in response to natural and human caused disturbances such as variation in the degree and timing of herbivory, presence or absence of fire, and climatic and local fluctuations in the precipitation regime.

Interpretations are primarily based on the Reference State and 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 have been interpreted from heavily to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.

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. Native/Invaded State

T1A	-	Heavy, continuous, season long grazing with no fire or woody species management.

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Reference Community

1.2. Degraded Native Community

1.3. At-Risk Community

1.4. Excessive Litter Community

1.1A	-	Continuous, season long grazing or rotational grazing with inadequate recovery time.
1.1B	-	Prolonged absence of herbivory and fire.
1.2A	-	Prescribed grazing with adequate, growing season recovery (deferment) time.
1.2B	-	Long term, continuous, season long grazing.
1.2C	-	Prolonged absence of herbivory and fire.
1.3A	-	Prescribed grazing early and late in the growing season.
1.3B	-	Prolonged absence of herbivory and fire.
1.4A	-	Reintroduction of herbivory and fire.
1.4B	-	Reintroduction of herbivory and fire.
1.4C	-	Reintroduction of herbivory and fire.

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Invaded Woody Community

2.2. Eastern Red Cedar Community

2.1A	-	Prolonged absence of fire and woody species management.
2.2A	-	Prescribed burning and woody species management.

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State (1) describes the range of vegetative community phases that occur on the Shallow Savannah ecological site where the natural processes are mostly intact. The Reference Community (1.1) is a representation of the native plant community phase that occupies a site that has been minimally altered by management. The Degraded Native (1.2), the At-Risk (1.3), and the Excessive Litter (1.4) Communities result from management decisions that are unfavorable for a healthy Reference Community (1.1). High perennial grass cover and production allows for increased soil moisture retention, vegetative production, and overall soil quality.

Dominant plant species

oak (Quercus), tree
hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
elm (Ulmus), tree
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass

Community 1.1
Reference Community

Figure 9. Shallow Savannah ecological site, Reference Community (1.1) in eastern Kansas, MLRA 106.

The Reference Community or Native Mixed Grass Savannah Community (1.1) is comprised of tall and mid grass native prairie species under an open canopy of scattered deciduous trees, primarily oak, hickory, and elm. This community serves as a description of the native plant community that naturally occurs on the site when the natural disturbance regimes are intact or closely mimicked by management practices. This phase is dynamic, with fluid relative abundance and spatial boundaries between the dominant structural vegetative groups. These fluctuations are primarily driven by different responses of the species to changes in precipitation timing and abundance, and fire and grazing events. The potential vegetation consists of approximately 65 to 75 percent grasses and grass-likes, 5 to 10 percent forbs, 5 to 10 percent shrubs, and 10 to 15 percent trees. Big and little bluestem are the primary grass species in this community. Secondary species include switchgrass, Indiangrass, and sideoats grama. The site has a moderately diverse forb population, including catclaw sensitive briar, sunflowers, and lespedezas. This plant community is less productive than associated upland sites and species diversity is somewhat limited as well. It is a resilient community and is resistant to short term stresses such as drought and short periods of heavy stocking. The well-developed root systems support this resiliency when allowed adequate recovery periods between grazing events. When exposed to long term or frequent over grazing events without adequate rest, this plant community will degrade. The annual forage production of this community averages about 1,800 lbs per acre.

Dominant plant species

oak (Quercus), tree
hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
elm (Ulmus), tree
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE1061, Mid and Tall Warm Season Grasses. This plant community is dominated by warm-season, tall and midgrasses in MLRA 106.

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	0	5	25	35	20	10	5	0	0	0

Community 1.2
Degraded Native Community

Figure 11. Shallow Savannah ecological site, Degraded Native Community (1.2) in eastern Kansas, MLRA 106.

The Degraded Native Community (1.2) develops under long term, continuous grazing or under rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods (deferment). While big bluestem, little bluestem, and sideoats grama lose productive capacity through loss of vigor and reproductive potential, little bluestem and sideoats grama are still the dominant grasses. Switchgrass and Indiangrass are reduced to remnants. As growing season defoliation continues, the more grazing tolerant species such as hairy grama, Kentucky bluegrass, muhly, and tall dropseed increase. The woody component becomes more prominent, causing additional shade over the understory. This community phase signals a significant loss of production. The composition of the forb component favors less palatable species as lespedeza and ragweed increase. Fewer high biomass producing, deep rooted species result in a reduced fire friendly fuel load. While this plant community is less productive and less diverse than the Reference Community (1.1), it remains sustainable in regard to site and soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity.

Dominant plant species

oak (Quercus), tree
hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
elm (Ulmus), tree
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), grass
sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), grass

Community 1.3
At-Risk Community

Figure 12. Shallow Savannah ecological site, At-Risk Community (1.3) in eastern Kansas, MLRA 106.

In the At-Risk Community (1.3), the more palatable warm-season, tall and mid grasses have been reduced to minor populations by continued defoliation during their critical growth periods. Grazing tolerant warm-season and cool-season grasses increase significantly. Composite dropseed and warm-season, short grasses become dominant. Kentucky bluegrass or other non-native, cool-season grasses may be present at a minor level. Shade tolerant annuals increase. Broomsedge and shrubs, particularly blackberry and snowberry populations expand. The palatable forb component is significantly reduced. Soil health is affected by reduced efficiency in the nutrient, mineral, and hydrologic cycles as a result of decreases in plant litter and rooting depths. This may result in formation of a compacted layer in the pockets of deeper soil, and total annual vegetative production declines significantly. Without a management change, this community is at-risk to transition to the Native/Invaded State (2).

Dominant plant species

elm (Ulmus), tree
oak (Quercus), tree
hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
blackberry (Rubus), shrub
snowberry (Symphoricarpos), shrub
smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), shrub
broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus), grass
hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass

Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE1069, MLRA 106 Warm/cool-season mix.

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	1	4	10	23	26	17	8	6	4	1	0

Community 1.4
Excessive Litter Community

The Excessive Litter Community (1.4) develops when the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire are removed from the system. Litter significantly exceeds the amount expected on the site and the species present can tolerate a thatch layer. Individual plants tend to be clumped and there is an excessive amount of litter. Species that cannot tolerate an extensive litter layer have low vigor and reduced productivity. Once the undisturbed litter layer develops to a certain level, a significant amount of precipitation is held in this layer, increasing evaporation, limiting soil available moisture, and simulating drought conditions. If herbivory or fire are not reintroduced, the plant community will experience a significant amount of death loss.

Dominant plant species

oak (Quercus), tree
elm (Ulmus), tree
hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grass
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Reference Community

Degraded Native Community

A shift from the Reference Community (1.1) to the Degraded Native Community (1.2) occurs with continuous, season long grazing or with rotational grazing with inadequate recovery periods (deferment) during the growing season.

Pathway 1.1B
Community 1.1 to 1.4

Prolonged interruption of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will convert the Reference Community (1.1) to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4).

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Degraded Native Community

Reference Community

A shift from the Degraded Native Community (1.2) toward the Reference Community (1.1) can be achieved through implementation of prescribed grazing. Applying grazing pressure during the growth period of the cool-season grasses and allowing adequate recovery time (deferment) during the warm season portion of the growing period favors the warm-season, tall and mid grasses. This grazing strategy will enable the more deeply rooted warm-season, tall grasses to outcompete the shallow rooted grazing tolerant, warm-season, short grasses and the cool-season grasses. Appropriately timed prescribed fire will accelerate this process.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing

Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3

Degraded Native Community

At-Risk Community

Long term, continuous, season long grazing or haying, with inadequate growing season recovery periods, will move the Degraded Native Community (1.2) to the At-Risk Community (1.3).

Pathway 1.2C
Community 1.2 to 1.4

Prolonged interruption of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will result in conversion of the Degraded Native Community (1.2) to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4).

Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.2

At-Risk Community

Degraded Native Community

The At-Risk Community (1.3) can be returned to the Degraded Native Community (1.2) with implementation of prescribed grazing early and late in the growing season to reduce the amount of cool-season grasses. Targeting the peak growth period of cool-season grasses with high intensity grazing events followed by rest will allow the tall native warm-season grasses to rejuvenate. Appropriately timed prescribed fire will accelerate this process.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing

Pathway 1.3B
Community 1.3 to 1.4

Prolonged interruption of the natural disturbances of herbivory and fire will convert the At-Risk Community (1.3) to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4).

Pathway 1.4A
Community 1.4 to 1.1

Reintroduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) will allow the vegetation to return to the Reference Community (1.1).

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing

Pathway 1.4B
Community 1.4 to 1.2

Reintroduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) will allow the vegetation to return to the Degraded Native Community (1.2).

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing

Pathway 1.4C
Community 1.4 to 1.3

Reintroduction of the natural processes of herbivory and fire to the Excessive Litter Community (1.4) will allow the vegetation to return to the At-Risk Community (1.3).

Conservation practices

Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Grazing

State 2
Native/Invaded State

The Native/Invaded State (2) has been degraded from the Reference State (1) and much of the native, warm season grass community has been replaced by less desirable plants. The loss of warm-season, tall and mid grasses has negatively impacted energy flow and nutrient cycling. The woody component has expanded significantly, and shading due to the overstory has increased. Water infiltration is reduced due to the shallow root system and rapid runoff characteristics of the grazing evasive plant communities. Alteration of the soil, and the hydrological processes make return to Reference State (1) unlikely. The Native/Invaded State (2) includes the Invaded Woody Community (2.1) and the Eastern Red Cedar Community (2.2).

Dominant plant species

oak (Quercus), tree
hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
snowberry (Symphoricarpos), shrub
smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), shrub
composite dropseed (Sporobolus compositus), grass
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
sedge (Carex), other herbaceous

Community 2.1
Invaded Woody Community

Figure 14. Shallow Savannah ecological site, Invaded Woody Community (2.1), Douglas County, Kansas, MLRA 106.

The Invaded Woody Community (2.1) occurs when the threshold is crossed from the Reference State (1). With continued grazing pressure, annual bromes, hairy grama, Kentucky bluegrass, sedges, and composite dropseed will become the dominant grass and grass-like species, with only trace remnants of the more palatable warm-season, mid grasses such as little bluestem and sideoats grama. Continuous and heavy grazing pressure will maintain this plant community in a sod bound condition. Forb richness and diversity has decreased. The woody component has expanded significantly. The increased light interception from the overstory creates a more shaded environment. In the areas with deeper soils, with the decline and loss of deeper penetrating root systems, a compacted layer may form in the soil profile below the shallower replacement root systems. Grazing management practices that allow for adequate periods of recovery (deferment) between grazing events and appropriately timed prescribed fire will favor warm-season, tall and mid grasses.

Dominant plant species

oak (Quercus), tree
hybrid hickory (Carya), tree
elm (Ulmus), tree
hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
composite dropseed (Sporobolus compositus), grass

Community 2.2
Eastern Red Cedar Community

Figure 15. Invading cedars, Shallow Savannah Ecological Site, eastern Kansas, MLRA 106.

In the Eastern Red Cedar Community (2.2) eastern red cedar has increased and dominates the understory, eventually replacing the native deciduous trees and creating a monoculture that eliminates most, if not all, of the herbaceous understory and the deciduous overstory.

Dominant plant species

eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), tree
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass

Pathway 2.1A
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Invaded Woody Community

Eastern Red Cedar Community

Interruption of the natural fire regime can cause eastern red cedar to dominate to the point of becoming a monoculture converting the Invaded Woody Community (2.1) to the Eastern Red Cedar Community (2.2).

Pathway 2.2A
Community 2.2 to 2.1

Eastern Red Cedar Community

Invaded Woody Community

Implementation of an aggressive prescribed burning program will eliminate the encroaching eastern red cedar and will move the community from the Eastern Red Cedar Community (2.2) to the Invaded Woody Community (2.1). Mechanical removal will also aid in reversing the invasion.

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Prescribed Burning

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Heavy, continuous, season long grazing or haying with inadequate recovery periods will cause the Reference State (1) to lose a significant proportion of warm-season, tall and mid grass species and cross a threshold to the Native/Invaded State (2). Water infiltration and other hydrologic functions will be reduced due to the root matting presence of sod forming grasses. With the decline and loss of deeper penetrating root systems, soil structure and biological integrity are catastrophically degraded to the point that recovery is unlikely. Additionally, increased woody encroachment will occur from overgrazing, lack of fire and woody species management. The expansion of the overstory blocks more sunlight, creating a competitive environment for shade tolerant understory. Mechanical removal with follow up stump treatment of the root sprouting species and implementation of a prescribed burning regime will limit the encroachment of woody species. Once this transition occurs, it is highly unlikely that grazing management and woody species management alone will return the community to the Reference State (1).

Additional community tables

Interpretations

Animal community

LIVESTOCK – GRAZING INTERPRETATIONS:
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the protein levels of the forage may be lower than the minimum needed to meet livestock (primarily cattle and sheep) requirements. The following table lists suggested stocking rates for cattle under continuous season long grazing under normal growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using this information along with animal preference data, 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.

Production and Carrying Capacity*
Community 1.1, Reference Community: 1,800 lbs/acre, 0.64 AUM/acre

*Based upon the following conditions: continuous season long grazing with cattle under average growing conditions, 25 percent harvest efficiency. Air dry forage requirements are based on 3 percent of animal body weight or 790 lbs per animal unit (AU) per month (M). An AU is generally one mature cow of approximately 1,000 pounds and a calf as old as 6 months or their equivalent.

WILDLIFE INTERPRETATIONS:
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) 106 lies primarily within the tall grass prairie ecosystem. Prior to European settlement of North America, this area consisted of diverse grassland habitats interspersed with varying densities of depressional wetlands and limited woody riparian corridors. These habitats provided critical life cycle components for the grassland birds, prairie dogs, and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn that historically occupied this landscape. Diverse populations of small mammals and insects provided a bountiful prey base for raptors and omnivores such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and opossums. Native Americans, bobcats, wolves, and mountain lions occupied the apex predator niche. In addition, a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians thrived in this landscape.

The tall grass prairie was a disturbance driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary disturbances. Following European settlement of North America, elimination of fire, widespread conversion to cropland, and other sources of habitat fragmentation significantly altered the appearance and functionality of the entire ecosystem. The reduced stability of the system is reflected by major changes in the composition and abundance of the native flora and fauna. Introduced and invading species further degrade the ecological integrity of the plant and animal communities. Bison and prairie dogs were historically keystone species, but free-roaming bison herds and nearly all prairie dogs have been extirpated in this region. The loss of bison and fire as ecological drivers greatly influenced the character of the remaining native grasslands and the habitats they provide.

Historically, an ecological mosaic of the sites provided habitat for species requiring unfragmented grasslands. Important habitat features and components found commonly or exclusively on modern day remnants include upland nesting habitat for grassland birds and game birds; nesting and escape cover for waterfowl; forbs and insects for brood rearing habitat; and a forage source for small and large herbivores. Fragmentation has reduced habitat quality for numerous area sensitive species, as highlighted by the decline of the greater prairie chicken. Many grassland nesting bird populations such as dickcissel and Henslow's sparrow are also declining. In this fragmented landscape, native grassland bird populations face increasing competition from the opportunistic European starlings and house sparrows and are subject to nest parasitism from brown headed cowbirds. Tree encroachment creates habitat that favors generalist species such as American robin and mourning dove, and provides perches for raptors, increasing the predation mortality. Introduced species such as smooth bromegrass, reed canary grass, Kentucky bluegrass, nodding plumeless thistle (musk thistle), and Canada thistle further degrade the biological integrity of many of these remnant prairies.

1. REFERENCE STATE: The Shallow Savannah ecological site provides habitat for numerous wildlife species. The combination of tall grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees provide food, nesting, and loafing cover for deer, quail, numerous songbirds, and small mammals. It may also be suitable habitat for limited populations of wild turkey. Several species of lizards and snakes inhabit this site. Maintaining adequate woody vegetation for travel lanes and escape cover is necessary for maximum wildlife populations. When practicing brush management, the maintenance of a well-planned brush pattern can enhance the site for most animals and songbirds. This usually requires that 25 to 35 percent of the area be maintained in woody vegetation.

Hydrological functions

The primary soil series associated with the Shallow Savannah ecological site is Basehor. It is classified as a hydrologic group D soil. The major hazard on this site is its susceptibility to rill and small gully erosion, especially on the steeper slopes. Please refer to the NRCS National Engineering Handbook Section 4 (NEH-4) for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves when making hydrology determinations.

Recreational uses

The Shallow Savannah ecological site provides for a variety of outdoor activities including camping, hunting, bird watching, hiking, and outdoor/wildlife photography. There are a variety of flowering plants in bloom throughout the growing season that provide much aesthetic appeal to the landscape. Recreation can be a valued use, but there are site considerations such as steep, rocky, and rough terrain.

Wood products

A mature overstory can provide a limited amount of timber and firewood, though due to access issues and the limited supply, harvest may not be economically feasible.

Other products

No appreciable other products.

Other information

Site Development and Testing Plan:
Future work is needed to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description. Additional data collection and evaluation may also be needed to develop this ESD to the Approved, then Correlated level. This could include field activities to collect low, medium, and high intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Field reviews of the project plan should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Historical accounts and data are supplemented by expert opinions from resource professionals.

Other references

Harms, R. 2009. Recovery Outline for the Salt Creek tiger beetle (Cicindela nevadica lincolniana). Available online. http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/invertebrates/saltcreektiger/FinalRecoveryOutlineFeb2009.pdf. Accessed 1/02/2018.

High Plains Regional Climate Center, University of Nebraska. Available online. http://hpcc.unl.edu. Accessed 12/05/16.

Johnsgaard, P.A. 2001. “The Nature of Nebraska.” University of Nebraska Press.

Muhs, Daniel R., E. Bettis III, J. Aleinikoff, J. McGeehin, J. Beann, G. Skipp, B. Marshall, H. Roberts, W. Johnson, and R. Benton. "Origin and paleoclimatic significance of late Quaternary loess in Nebraska: Evidence from stratigraphy, chronology, sedimentology, and geochemistry" (2008). USGS Staff -- Published Research, Paper 162. Available online. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsstaffpub/162. Accessed 12/05/16.

Personal communications with professional ecologists and wildlife experts.

Rolfsmeier, S.B. and G. Steinauer. 2010. "Terrestrial Ecological Systems and Natural Communities of Nebraska", (version IV). Nebraska Natural Heritage Program.

Spomer, S. and L. Higley. 2001. The Salt Creek Tiger Beetle. Bio-graphica International. Available online. http://drshigley.com/lgh/sctb/default.htm. Accessed 1/02/2018.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. NRCS National Ecological Site Handbook. Available online. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/soils/ref/?cid=nrcseprd1291232 Accessed January, 2014.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. NRCS National Engineering Handbook, Section 4. Available online. https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21422. Accessed August, 2011

USDA, NRCS. National Water and Climate Center, Portland, OR. Available online. http://wcc.nrcs.usda.gov. Accessed 12/05/16.

USDA, NRCS.1997. National Range and Pasture Handbook.

USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System, Information Technology Center, Fort Collins, CO. Available online. http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov. Accessed 12/05/16.

USDA, NRCS. 2002. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5. Available online. http://plants.usda.gov. Accessed 12/05/16.

USDA, NRCS Soil Surveys from: Butler, Saunders, Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Nemaha, Johnson, Gage, Pawnee, Saline, Seward, Saunders and Richardson Counties in Nebraska; and Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Leavenworth, Marshall, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wyandotte Counties in Kansas.

Contributors

Doug Whisenhunt
Nadine Bishop

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 6/09/2025

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)	Original Authors: Joseph May and Doug Whisenhunt Version V Authors: Anna Ferguson, Aaron Hird, Justin Linder, Dusty Schwandt, Doug Spencer, Chris Tecklenburg, Nadine Bishop, Jeff Nichols
Contact for lead author	jeffrey.nichols@usda.gov
Date	11/30/2024
Approved by	Suzanne Mayne-Kinney
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production