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Ecological site R065XY041NE

Shallow To Gravel

Last updated: 2/04/2025
Accessed: 05/11/2025

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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): 065X–Nebraska Sand Hills

The Nebraska Sand Hills (MLRA 65) is located in Nebraska (98 percent) and South Dakota (2 percent) and encompasses approximately 13.2 million acres (534,201 hectares) or 20,625 square miles (53,420 square kilometers). The largest town in the MLRA is North Platte, Nebraska and numerous small towns and villages are located within the MLRA, including the county seats of Arthur, Bartlett, Bassett, Brewster, Greeley, Hyannis, Mullen,

Thedford, and Tryon, Nebraska. The Niobrara River is near the northern boundary while the North Platte River flows along the southwest boundary of the area. The North Loup, Middle Loup Rivers, Calamus, Snake, and Dismal Rivers and Long Pine creek occur in the central and eastern portion of the area.

Fort Niobrara, Crescent Lake, and Valentine National Wildlife Refuges and portions of the Nebraska National Forest, including the Bessey Ranger District and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, are located within this MLRA. The Bessey Ranger District includes the largest human-planted forest in the United States and is home to the Bessey Tree Nursery which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This MLRA is defined by an 8,000 year-old landscape of sand hills dominated by rolling to steep sand dunes with narrow, elongated, nearly level to steeply sloping valleys between the dunes. Dune heights range from 10 to 400 feet (3 to 130 meters) and slopes may exceed twenty-five percent. Dune complexes often extend for several miles in a northwest to southeast direction. These Quaternary sand dunes are derived from the underlying Tertiary Ogallala and Arikaree Groups, which formed when rivers deposited sediments from erosional detritus after the uplift of the Rocky Mountains to the west. The Nebraska Sand Hills are the largest sand dune area in the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest grass-stabilized dune regions in the world. The soils of the MLRA are principally derived from deep eolian sand.

The Ogallala aquifer underlies the MLRA and is the most extensive and heavily used aquifer of the high plains between the Rocky Mountains and Mississippi River. The aquifer is at its thickest in the Sand Hills which are a primary recharge are for the aquifer. Numerous small permanent and intermittent lakes and wetlands occur in the MLRA. While the dominant source of water for these lakes is precipitation, groundwater discharge is important to maintaining these lakes especially in drier years. A number of these lakes, especially in the western portion of the MLRA are alkaline.

Considered to be a western extension of the tallgrass prairie, the matrix vegetation is a unique mix of species that is sometimes identified as Sandhills Prairie. Sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, Indiangrass, switchgrass, sand lovegrass, little bluestem, and needle and thread are the primary grasses. Porcupinegrass is a significant cool-season grass in the eastern portion of the MLRA while blue grama and hairy grama are important warm-season grasses in the western portion due to differences in precipitation. Soils which have a high water table support a tallgrass prairie dominated by big bluestem, switchgrass, Indiangrass, prairie cordgrass, and a variety of grass-likes. The endangered plant blowout penstemon (Penstemon haydenii) is found in this MLRA.

More than ninety percent of the land in MLRA 65 is native grassland utilized by grazing livestock. Areas along streams and in subirrigated valleys are utilized for prairie hay. Wetlands, legume hay, and irrigated cropland make up the balance of the land area with corn being the principal irrigated crop.

Wildlife flourishes in this native grassland environment. Historically large bison herds occupied the landscape. White-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn, black tailed jackrabbit, and coyote are now the major mammalian species. Upland sandpiper, lark bunting, grasshopper sparrow, western meadowlark, long-billed curlew, sharp-tailed grouse, and greater prairie chicken are common avian species. The mosaic of grassland and wetlands provide excellent habitat for wading and shorebird species as well.

This landscape serves as a backdrop for a disturbance-driven ecosystem, which developed under the influences of herbivory, fire, and periodic long-term drought. Historically, these processes created a heterogeneous mosaic of plant communities and vegetative structure across the region. Any given site in this landscape experienced fire every six to ten years. Fires were caused by lightning strikes and also were set by Native Americans, who used fire for warfare, signaling, and to refresh the native grasses. Indigenous peoples 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 animals such as bison, elk, and pronghorn.

The natural fire regime has been disrupted by aggressive fire suppression policies which have facilitated woody species encroachment by both native and introduced shrubs and trees into the native prairie. The most common encroacher is eastern redcedar. While eastern redcedar is native to the landscape, it was present only in trace amounts due to the periodic fires. Widespread plantings of windbreaks with eastern redcedar as a primary component have provided a seed source for this aggressive woody plant causing encroachment into native grasslands, especially in the eastern and central Sand Hills. This encroachment causes significant forage loss for domestic livestock and degrades the native wildlife habit. Since it is not a root-sprouter, eastern redcedar is very susceptible to fire when under six feet tall making management with prescribed fire very effective when applied before trees reach this stage.

Classification relationships

►USDA-NRCS (2022)◄
Land Resource Region – G, Central Feed Grains and Livestock Region
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) –65, Nebraska Sand Hills

►Fenneman (1916) Physiographic Regions ◄
Division – Interior Plains
Province – Great Plains
Section – High Plains

►USDA-USFS (2007) Ecoregions◄
Domain – Dry
Division – Temperate Steppe
Province – Great Plains Steppe (332)
Section – Mixed Grass Steppe

►EPA Ecoregions (Omernik 1997)◄
I – Great Plains (9)
II – West-Central Semi-Arid Prairies (9.3)
III – Nebraska Sandhills (44)
IV – Sandhills (44a), Alkaline Lakes Area (44b), Wet Meadow and Marsh Plain (44c), Lakes Area (44d)

Ecological site concept

The Shallow to Gravel ecological site is a run-off site occurring on hills and stream terraces. Slopes range from 0 to 30 percent. The soils very deep. and formed primarily in loamy or sandy alluvium over sandy and gravelly alluvium and outwash. Soil surface layers typically range in thickness from 5 to 7 inches, but may be as thick as 14 inches. The most significant characteristic of the Shallow to Gravel ecological site is the presence of more than 15 percent gravel in the top 20 inches of the soil.

The historic native vegetation of the Shallow to Gravel ecological site is mixed grass prairie. Vegetation in the Reference Community (1.1) consists of a mixture of warm- and cool-season grasses. Dominant grasses include sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, needle and thread, and blue grama. Forb and shrub diversity is low as compared to other ecological sites found in the MLRA. Lesser spikemoss is a common cryptogram on this site.

Associated sites

R065XY011NE	Sandy 14-17" PZ The Shallow to Gravel ecological site is often found interspersed with Sandy 14-17" PZ ecological sites.
R065XY032NE	Sandy 17-22" PZ The Shallow to Gravel ecological site is often found interspersed with Sandy 17-22" PZ ecological sites.
R065XY054NE	Sandy 22-25" PZ The Shallow to Gravel ecological site is often found interspersed with Sandy 22-25" PZ ecological sites.

R065XY011NE

Sandy 14-17" PZ

The Shallow to Gravel ecological site is often found interspersed with Sandy 14-17" PZ ecological sites.

R065XY032NE

Sandy 17-22" PZ

The Shallow to Gravel ecological site is often found interspersed with Sandy 17-22" PZ ecological sites.

R065XY054NE

Sandy 22-25" PZ

The Shallow to Gravel ecological site is often found interspersed with Sandy 22-25" PZ ecological sites.

Similar sites

R065XY032NE	Sandy 17-22" PZ The soil surface textures of Sandy 17-22" PZ sites have less than 15 percent gravel in the top 20 inches of the soil.
R065XY054NE	Sandy 22-25" PZ The soil surface textures of Sandy 22-25" PZ sites have less than 15 percent gravel in the top 20 inches of the soil.
R065XY011NE	Sandy 14-17" PZ The soil surface textures of Sandy 14-17" PZ and Shallow to Gravel ecological sites are similar, but Sandy 14-17" PZ sites have less than 15 percent gravel in the top 20 inches of the soil.

R065XY032NE

Sandy 17-22" PZ

The soil surface textures of Sandy 17-22" PZ sites have less than 15 percent gravel in the top 20 inches of the soil.

R065XY054NE

Sandy 22-25" PZ

The soil surface textures of Sandy 22-25" PZ sites have less than 15 percent gravel in the top 20 inches of the soil.

R065XY011NE

Sandy 14-17" PZ

The soil surface textures of Sandy 14-17" PZ and Shallow to Gravel ecological sites are similar, but Sandy 14-17" PZ sites have less than 15 percent gravel in the top 20 inches of the soil.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	Not specified
Herbaceous	(1) Andropogon hallii (2) Calamovilfa longifolia

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Physiographic features

The Shallow to Gravel ecological site occurs on stream terraces and uplands where gravelly sediments have been deposited. Slopes range from 0 to 30 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Stream terrace (2) Hillslope
Runoff class	Negligible to low
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	1,000 – 3,940 ft
Slope	30%
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The mean average annual precipitation varies from 14 to 25 inches but has varied from 12 to 34 inches in the driest to wettest seasons. Approximately 65 percent of the annual precipitation occurs during the growing season of mid-April to late September. The average annual snowfall varies from about 30 inches to about 55 inches. The wind velocity is high throughout the year, averaging 10 to 12 miles per hour. Maximum wind velocities generally occur in the spring.

The average length of the growing season is 138 days, but the growing season has varied from 114 to 168 days. The average date of first frost in the fall is September 25, and the last frost in the spring is about May 10. July is the hottest month and January is the coldest. It is not uncommon for the temperature to reach 100 ºF during the summer. The winters are characterized with frequent northerly winds, producing severe cold with temperatures dropping to as low as -30 ºF.

Growth of native cool-season plants begins mid to late March and continues to late June. Native warm-season plants begin growth in early May and continue to late August. Green up of cool-season plants may occur in September and October when adequate soil moisture is present.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	109-126 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	131-143 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	19-26 in
Frost-free period (actual range)	103-129 days
Freeze-free period (actual range)	129-146 days
Precipitation total (actual range)	18-27 in
Frost-free period (average)	118 days
Freeze-free period (average)	137 days
Precipitation total (average)	22 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) ALLIANCE MUNI AP [USW00024044], Alliance, NE
(2) ARTHUR [USC00250365], Arthur, NE
(3) ATKINSON 3SW [USC00250420], Atkinson, NE
(4) BARTLETT 1S [USC00250525], Bartlett, NE
(5) BREWSTER [USC00251130], Brewster, NE
(6) CHAMBERS [USC00251590], Chambers, NE
(7) CRESCENT LAKE NWR [USC00252000], Oshkosh, NE
(8) ELLSWORTH 15 NNE [USC00252647], Ellsworth, NE
(9) ELSMERE 9 ENE [USC00252680], Johnstown, NE
(10) ERICSON 8 WNW [USC00252770], Burwell, NE
(11) GREELEY [USC00253425], Greeley, NE
(12) HYANNIS [USC00254100], Hyannis, NE
(13) KILGORE 1NE [USC00254432], Kilgore, NE
(14) KINGSLEY DAM [USC00254455], Keystone, NE
(15) MERRIMAN [USC00255470], Merriman, NE
(16) MULLEN [USC00255700], Mullen, NE
(17) MULLEN 21 NW [USC00255702], Whitman, NE
(18) NEWPORT [USC00255925], Newport, NE
(19) NORTH PLATTE RGNL AP [USW00024023], Maxwell, NE
(20) PURDUM [USC00256970], Purdum, NE
(21) ROSE 10 WNW [USC00257318], Long Pine, NE
(22) SWAN LAKE [USC00258360], Amelia, NE
(23) VALENTINE NWR [USC00258755], Valentine, NE
(24) WHITMAN 5 ENE [USW00094079], Whitman, NE

Soil features

Soils associated with the Shallow to Gravel ecological site are very deep and formed in loamy alluvium, sandy and gravelly alluvium, sandy alluvium over sandy outwash, or sandy and gravelly alluvium over sandy outwash. Soil surface textures are sandy loam, loamy sand or sand. Soil surface layers typically range from 5 to 7 inches thick but may be as thick as 14 inches. The defining characteristic of the soils of the Shallow to Gravel ecological site is the presence of more than 15 percent gravel in the top 20 inches of the soil.

Runoff as evidenced by patterns of rill, gully or other water flow is negligible to low, despite the steep slopes, due to the very high intake rate of these soils. Some pedestalling of plants occurs, but it is not very evident on casual observation and occurs on less than 5 percent of the plants. Cryptobiotic crusts are present, but their function is not well understood.

The major soil series correlated to this ecological site are Meadin and Simeon. Additional information can be found in the various soil survey reports. Contact the local USDA Service Center for soil survey reports that include more details specific to your location or visit Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov).

Table 4. Representative soil features

Surface texture	(1) Loamy sand (2) Sand (3) Sandy loam
Family particle size	(1) Sandy
Drainage class	Excessively drained
Permeability class	Rapid to very rapid
Soil depth	80 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	12%
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	1.8 – 4.2 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	Not specified
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	2 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	Not specified
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	5.1 – 7.8
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	9 – 36%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	12%

Ecological dynamics

Shallow to Gravel ecological sites developed under Northern Great Plains climatic conditions, light to severe grazing by bison and other large herbivores, sporadic natural or man-caused fire, and other biotic and abiotic factors that typically influence soil and site development. This continues to be a disturbance-driven site with herbivory, fire, and variable climate being the primary disturbances. Changes in the plant communities occur due to short-term weather variations, impacts of native and exotic plant and animal species, and management actions. This site is extremely responsive to above average precipitation when additional moisture is received during the growing season. The associated coarse textured soils have low moisture holding capability, which generally limits plant growth. With additional moisture, the interpretive plant community can significantly increase its production as compared to the production of a normal year.

The introduction of domestic livestock by European settlers along with season-long, continuous grazing impacted the vegetation of the Shallow to Gravel ecological site. Season-long, continuous grazing causes a repeated removal of the growing point and excessive defoliation of the leaf area of the more palatable warm-season tall- and midgrasses, reducing the ability of the plants to harvest sunlight thereby depleting root reserves and subsequently decreasing root mass. The ability of the plants to compete for nutrients is impaired, resulting in decreased vigor and eventual mortality. Species that evade negative grazing impacts through mechanisms such as a growing season adaptation (i.e., cool-season), growing points located near the soil surface, a shorter structure, or reduced palatability will increase. As this site deteriorates, sand bluestem, little bluestem, needle and thread, and sideoats grama decrease in frequency and production while blue and hairy grama increase. As this management continues, the site becomes dominated by warm-season shortgrasses and club moss.

The State and Transition Model (STM) is depicted below and includes a Reference State (1) and a Shortgrass Sod State (2). The Shortgrass Sod State represents the crossing of a major ecological threshold due to the alteration of the functional dynamic properties of the ecosystem. The primary properties observed to determine this change are soil stability, vegetative communities, and the hydrologic cycle. Each state may have one or more plant communities that 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 man caused disturbances such as variation in the degree and timing of herbivory, presence or absence of fire, and local climatic fluctuations especially in the precipitation regime. The processes that cause the movement between the states and communities are discussed in more detail in the state and community description following the diagram.

Interpretations are primarily based on the Reference Community (1.1), which has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, and areas under long-term rotational grazing regimes. Trends in plant community dynamics ranging from heavily grazed to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts have been used as well. Plant communities, states, transitional pathways, and thresholds have been determined through similar studies and experience.

State and transition model

Custom diagram

Standard diagram

Figure 8. State and Transition Model Diagram, Shallow to Gravel Ecological Site, MLRA 65.

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models

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

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State

2. Shortgrass Sod State

T1A	-	Heavy continuous season-long grazing or heavy rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods.
R2A	-	Long term (more than 15 years) prescribed grazing with adequate growing season recovery periods. This restoration may not be feasible.

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Reference Community

1.2. At-Risk Community

1.1A	-	Moderate, continuous season-long grazing or rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods
1.2A	-	Prescribed grazing with adequate growing season recovery periods.

State 2 submodel, plant communities

2.1. Shortgrass/Club Moss Community

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State (1) describes the range of vegetative communities that occur on the Shallow to Gravel ecological site where the range of natural variability under historic conditions and disturbance regimes is mostly intact. The Reference State developed under the combined influences of climatic conditions, periodic fire activity, grazing by large herbivores, and impacts from small mammals and insects. High perennial grass cover and production allows for increased soil moisture retention, vegetative production and overall soil quality. Natural fire played a significant role in the succession of this site by limiting the extent of shrubs. Wildfires have been actively controlled in recent times, reducing plant species diversity, especially forb diversity. The Reference State includes two community phases which are the Reference Community (1.1) and the At-Risk Community. The Reference Community serves as a description of the native plant community that occurs on the site when the natural disturbance regimes are intact or closely mimicked by management practices. The At-Risk Community results from management actions that are unfavorable for a healthy Reference Community.

Dominant plant species

sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii), grass
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass

Community 1.1
Reference Community

Interpretations are primarily based on the Reference or Sand Bluestem-Prairie Sandreed (Andropogon hallii-Calamovilfa longifolia) Community (1.1). This plant community serves as a description of the native plant community that occurs on the site when the historic disturbance regimes are intact or are 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 to a lesser extent to fire and grazing events. This site developed with grazing by large herbivores and is well suited for grazing by domestic livestock. Sand bluestem, prairie sandreed, blue grama, and needle and thread are the dominant grasses. Grasses of secondary importance include sand dropseed, prairie Junegrass, little bluestem, and sideoats grama. The potential vegetative composition is 75 to 90 percent grasses, 2 to10 percent forbs, 5 to 15 percent shrubs, and 0 to 10 percent cryptogams by weight. Natural fire played a significant role in the succession of this site by limiting the extent of shrubs. Wildfires have been actively controlled in recent times, facilitating tree and shrub encroachment. This plant community can be found on areas that are managed with prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, and may be found on areas receiving occasional periods of short-term rest. This resilient community is well adapted to the Northern Great Plains climatic conditions. Plant diversity promotes strong tolerance to drought, site and soil stability, a functional hydrologic cycle, and a high degree of biotic integrity. These factors create a suitable environment for a healthy and sustainable plant community.

Dominant plant species

sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii), grass
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata), grass
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass

Figure 9. 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	550	820	1185
Shrub/Vine	45	100	155
Moss	0	50	105
Forb	5	30	55
Total	600	1000	1500

Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6534, NE/SD Sandhills, Native Grasslands. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant, mid- and tallgrasses.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
		5	5	15	25	30	10	7	3

Community 1.2
At-Risk Community

The At-Risk or Prairie Sandreed/Lesser Spikemoss (Calamovilfa longifolia-Selaginella densa) Community (1.2) develops with continuous season-long grazing, or rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery time. Species diversity is reduced compared to the Reference Community (1.1) due to continued defoliation of warm-season tall- and midgrasses during their critical growth periods. Prairie sandreed has been reduced but remains a dominant species. Blue grama has increased due to its ability to withstand heavy grazing. Lesser spikemoss has significantly increased in abundance. Sand bluestem, little bluestem, and needle and thread have decreased as has the production by other warm-season midgrasses and cool-season bunchgrasses. The herbaceous species present are adapted to heavy grazing. Dominant grasses include blue grama and prairie sandreed. Grasses or grass-like plants of secondary importance include little bluestem, prairie Junegrass, and sand dropseed. Missouri goldenrod and lacy tansyaster are common forbs. Significant shrubs include brittle pricklypear, broom snakeweed, and prairie sagewort. The potential vegetative composition is 65 to 85 percent grasses, 1 to 5 percent forbs, 5 to 15 percent shrubs, and 5 to 15 percent cryptogams by weight. This plant community is moderately resistant to change. If the herbaceous component is intact, the community tends to be resilient unless the disturbance is long-term. Heavy, continuous season-long grazing or heavy, rotational grazing with inadequate recovery periods will further reduce the warm-season tall- and midgrasses and cool-season bunchgrasses. Warm-season shortgrasses and lesser spikemoss will continue to increase causing the community to be at risk of crossing an ecological threshold and transitioning to the Shortgrass Sod State (2).

Dominant plant species

blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
prairie sandreed (Calamovilfa longifolia), grass
prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), other herbaceous
lesser spikemoss (Selaginella densa), other herbaceous

Figure 11. 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	515	695	770
Shrub/Vine	40	90	140
Moss	40	90	140
Forb	5	25	50
Total	600	900	1100

Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6534, NE/SD Sandhills, Native Grasslands. Warm-season dominant, cool-season subdominant, mid- and tallgrasses.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
		5	5	15	25	30	10	7	3

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

With moderate, continuous season-long grazing or rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods the Reference Community (1.1) will move to the At-Risk Community (1.2).

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Prescribed grazing with adequate growing season recovery periods will move the At-Risk Community (1.2) to the Reference Community (1.1).

State 2
Shortgrass Sod State

The Shortgrass Sod State (2) transitioned from the Reference State (1) and much of the native warm-season tall- and midgrass and cool-season bunchgrass components have been replaced by warm-season shortgrasses and clubmoss. This State is the result of heavy stocking rates combined with long-term (more than 10 years) grazing that did not provide adequate recovery time for warm-season tall- and midgrasses and mid-statured cool-season grasses. The management that results in the Shortgrass Sod State is typically heavy, continuous, season long grazing but heavy rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods can also cause this transition. The loss of plant diversity negatively impacts energy flow and nutrient cycling and alters hydrologic function. Runoff is higher and infiltration is lower than the Reference State. This state is very resistant to change. The Shortgrass Sod State includes the Shortgrass/Club Moss Community (2.1).

Dominant plant species

prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), shrub
blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
lesser spikemoss (Selaginella densa), other herbaceous

Community 2.1
Shortgrass/Club Moss Community

The Shortgrass/Cryptogam or Blue Grama-Hairy Grama/Lesser Spikemoss (Bouteloua gracilis-Bouteloua hirsuta/Selaginella densa) Community (2.1) This community is typically found near watering facilities on rangelands managed with continuous, summer long grazing with moderate grazing pressure. It may also be found at any location in heavily grazed pastures. Warm-season shortgrasses and cryptogams dominate the plant community with forbs and shrubs making up the balance of the community. Dominant grasses include blue grama and hairy grama. Grasses of secondary importance include prairie sandreed, little bluestem, sand dropseed, and prairie Junegrass. Common forbs include lacy tansyaster and goldenrod. Brittle pricklypear, prairie sagewort, and broom snakeweed are common shrubs. The potential vegetative composition is 55 to 65 percent grasses or grasslikes, 1to 10 percent forbs, 5 to 15 percent shrubs, and 15 to 30 percent cryptogams. As compared to the Reference Community (1.1) warm-season tall- and midgrasses and cool-season bunchgrasses have decreased while warm-season shortgrasses and cryptogams have increased.

Dominant plant species

blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), grass
hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), grass
lesser spikemoss (Selaginella densa), other herbaceous
prairie sagewort (Artemisia frigida), other herbaceous

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

Table 7. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Grass/Grasslike	280	300	340
Moss	90	120	140
Shrub/Vine	20	50	75
Forb	10	30	45
Total	400	500	600

Figure 14. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NE6535, NE/SD Sandhills Blue Grama dominant. Warm-season dominant, short grass.

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	15	30	25	15	10	0	0	0

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Continuous season-long grazing or rotational grazing with inadequate growing season recovery periods combined with heavy stocking rates will move the Reference State (1) to the Shortgrass Sod State (2).

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

Long term (more than 15 years) prescribed grazing with adequate growing season recovery periods may return the Shortgrass Sod State to the Reference State. This restoration may not be feasible and will only occur when adequate warm-season tall- and midgrasses and cool-season bunchgrasses remain in the plant community.

Additional community tables

Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Warm-Season Tallgrass			200–400
	sand bluestem	ANHA	Andropogon hallii	150–300	–
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	50–200	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–10	–
2	Warm-Season Midgrass			50–200
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	50–100	–
	sand dropseed	SPCR	Sporobolus cryptandrus	0–100	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–50	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–10	–
3	Warm-Season Shortgrass			50–200
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	50–150	–
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	0–100	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–10	–
4	Cool-Season Bunchgrass			50–200
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	50–150	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	0–50	–
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–50	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–10	–
5	Grass-likes			0–50
	sedge	CAREX	Carex	0–50	–
Forb
6	Forbs			10–50
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–20	–
	Missouri goldenrod	SOMI2	Solidago missouriensis	0–20	–
	stiff sunflower	HEPA19	Helianthus pauciflorus	0–10	–
	lacy tansyaster	MAPI	Machaeranthera pinnatifida	0–10	–
	tarragon	ARDR4	Artemisia dracunculus	0–10	–
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	0–10	–
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	0–10	–
Shrub/Vine
7	Shrubs			50–150
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	10–50	–
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–50	–
	brittle pricklypear	OPFR	Opuntia fragilis	0–50	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	0–50	–
Moss
8	Cryptogams			0–100
	lesser spikemoss	SEDE2	Selaginella densa	0–100	–

Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Warm-Season Tallgrass			270–495
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	225–405	–
	sand bluestem	ANHA	Andropogon hallii	45–135	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–27	–
2	Warm-Season Midgrass			9–180
	sand dropseed	SPCR	Sporobolus cryptandrus	0–90	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–45	–
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	9–45	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–18	–
3	Warm-Season Shortgrass			135–270
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	90–225	–
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	45–135	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–18	–
4	Cool-Season Bunchgrass			45–135
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	45–90	–
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–45	–
	porcupinegrass	HESP11	Hesperostipa spartea	0–45	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–18	–
5	Grass-like			0–90
	sedge	CAREX	Carex	0–90	–
Forb
6	Forb			9–45
	lacy tansyaster	MAPI	Machaeranthera pinnatifida	0–18	–
	Missouri goldenrod	SOMI2	Solidago missouriensis	0–18	–
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	0–18	–
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–9	–
	stiff sunflower	HEPA19	Helianthus pauciflorus	0–9	–
Shrub/Vine
7	Shrub			45–135
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	9–45	–
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–45	–
	brittle pricklypear	OPFR	Opuntia fragilis	0–45	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	0–45	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–45	–
Moss
8	Cryptogam			45–135
	lesser spikemoss	SEDE2	Selaginella densa	45–135	–

Table 10. Community 2.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (lb/acre)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Warm-Season Tallgrass			25–75
	sand bluestem	ANHA	Andropogon hallii	25–75	–
	prairie sandreed	CALO	Calamovilfa longifolia	25–50	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–5	–
2	Warm-Season Midgrass			0–75
	sand dropseed	SPCR	Sporobolus cryptandrus	0–50	–
	sideoats grama	BOCU	Bouteloua curtipendula	0–25	–
	little bluestem	SCSC	Schizachyrium scoparium	0–25	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–10	–
3	Warm-Season Shortgrass			175–250
	blue grama	BOGR2	Bouteloua gracilis	150–250	–
	hairy grama	BOHI2	Bouteloua hirsuta	25–150	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–5	–
4	Native Cool-Season Grass			0–50
	prairie Junegrass	KOMA	Koeleria macrantha	0–25	–
	needle and thread	HECOC8	Hesperostipa comata ssp. comata	0–25	–
	Grass, perennial	2GP	Grass, perennial	0–10	–
5	Grass-like			0–25
	sedge	CAREX	Carex	0–25	–
Forb
6	Forb			5–50
	Cuman ragweed	AMPS	Ambrosia psilostachya	0–25	–
	tarragon	ARDR4	Artemisia dracunculus	0–10	–
	lacy tansyaster	MAPI	Machaeranthera pinnatifida	0–10	–
	Missouri goldenrod	SOMI2	Solidago missouriensis	0–10	–
	Forb, annual	2FA	Forb, annual	0–10	–
	Forb, perennial	2FP	Forb, perennial	0–10	–
Shrub/Vine
7	Shrub			25–75
	brittle pricklypear	OPFR	Opuntia fragilis	0–25	–
	plains pricklypear	OPPO	Opuntia polyacantha	0–25	–
	broom snakeweed	GUSA2	Gutierrezia sarothrae	0–25	–
	Shrub (>.5m)	2SHRUB	Shrub (>.5m)	0–10	–
	prairie sagewort	ARFR4	Artemisia frigida	0–10	–
Moss
8	Cryptogam			75–150
	lesser spikemoss	SEDE2	Selaginella densa	75–150	–

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 year-long 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*
►Reference Community (1.1)
Average Production (lb./acre, air-dry): 1,000 Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.27
►At-Risk Community (1.2)
Average Production (lb./acre, air-dry): 900 Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.25
►Shortgrass Sod Community (2.1)
Average Production (lb./acre, air-dry): 500 Stocking Rate (AUM/acre): 0.14

*Based upon the following conditions: continuous season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions, 25 percent harvest efficiency. Air dry forage requirements based on 3 percent of animal body weight, or 912 lbs/AU/month.

WILDLIFE INTERPRETATIONS:
The Sandhills Prairie ecosystem consists of diverse grassland habitats interspersed with varying densities of Sandhills lakes and limited woody riparian corridors. The majority of this ecosystem is intact. These habitats historically provided critical life cycle components for the grassland birds, prairie dogs, and herds of roaming bison, elk, and pronghorn. Bobcats, wolves, and mountain lions occupied the apex predator niche. Diverse populations of small mammals and insects still provide a bountiful prey base for raptors and omnivores such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and opossums. In addition, a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians thrive in this landscape.

The Sandhills Prairie was a disturbance-driven ecosystem with fire, herbivory, and climate functioning as the primary disturbances. Following European settlement, elimination of fire and overgrazing altered the appearance and functionality of the ecosystem. Bison and prairie dogs were historically keystone species, but free-roaming bison herds have been extirpated in this region. The loss of bison and fire as ecological drivers influenced the character of the remaining native grasslands and the habitats that they provide. Fragmentation in MLRA 65 is limited and area sensitive grassland birds such as greater prairie chicken and sharp-tailed grouse continue to thrive here. The mosaic of sites continues to provide habitat for species requiring unfragmented grasslands, providing 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.

In the absence of fire and grazing, heavy litter buildup can occur on this site hindering the movement of young birds, especially quail and prairie chickens. Increased litter buildup results in decreased forb abundance and diversity and an accompanying decrease in insects, a critical food source for young birds. Introduced species such as cheatgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and introduced forbs may be present but degradation of the biotic integrity from non-native species in this precipitation zone on ecological site is limited.

Disruption of the natural fire regime and accompanying woody encroachment is the greatest threat to ecosystem dynamics in this MLRA. Lack of fire facilitates tree and shrub encroachment degrades grassland habitats and creates habitats that favor generalist species such as American robin and mourning dove. Woody species provide perches for raptors, increasing the predation mortality on native bird populations. Woody encroachment is most severe in the eastern half of the MLRA but is a threat across the MLRA.

Hydrological functions

Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on the Shallow to Gravel ecological site. Meadin and Simeon soils on this site are in Hydrologic Soil Group A. Water transmission through Group A soils is normally greater than 0.30 inches per hour. Runoff is expected to occur only during the most intense storms (refer to Section 4, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for runoff quantities and hydrologic curves).

The high infiltration rate of these soils results in few rills and gullies or water flow patterns even though steep slopes may be included. Pedestals are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses such as needleandthread. Litter typically falls in place on flat slopes. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present but only cover 1 to 2 percent of the soil surface. This crusting is not significant for hydrologic considerations. Overall, this site has the appearance of being stable and productive.

Recreational uses

This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.

Wood products

No appreciable wood products are present on the site.

Other products

None noted.

Other information

Revision Notes: “This PROVISIONAL ecological site concept has been through the Quality Control and Quality Assurance processes to ensure that the site meets the NESH standards for a provisional ecological site that provides basic compiled information in one location. This site should not be considered an Approved ESD until further data entry and editing is completed.

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. Annual reviews of the Project Plan are to be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team. The project plan is ES-R065XY013NE - MLRA 65.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel was also used. Those involved in developing this site include Dave Cook, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS; Dwight Hale, Engineer, NRCS; Sheila Luoma, Resource Conservationist, NRCS; Marla Shelbourn, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS; Dave Steffen, Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS.

There are three SCS-RANGE-417 records from Cherry County, Nebraska. The sample period is from 1980 to 1999.

Other references

Bleed, A. S., Flowerday, C. A., 1998. An Atlas of the Sand Hills. Conservation and Survey Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/national-range-and-pasture-handbook)

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National Water and Climate Center. (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate).

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2021b. National Soil Information System. (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/education-and-teaching
-materials/national-soil-information-system-nasis).

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2021c. National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/handbook/). Soil Survey Staff. 2021.

Web soil survey. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/)

USDA, NRCS. 2023. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 12/27/2023). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC USA.

USDA, NRCS, various published Soil Surveys

Contributors

Kim Stine
Doug Whisenhunt
Nadine Bishop

Approval

Suzanne Mayne-Kinney, 2/04/2025

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 Author: Stan Boltz. Version V participants: Dave Cook, Emily Helms, Jeff Nichols, Myra Richardson, Nadine Bishop
Contact for lead author	Jeff Nichols: jeffrey.nichols@usda.gov
Date	11/30/2024
Approved by	Suzanne Mayne-Kinney
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production