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! • <br /> -EIVII <br /> Data Access <br /> > Return to Reports Selection Screen Plant Communities <br /> Report Selections <br /> > General Ecological Dynamics of the Site <br /> > Physiographic Features <br /> > Climate Features The information in this ESD, including the state-and-transition model diagram <br /> > Water Features <br /> > Soil Features (STM), was developed using archeological and historical data, professional <br /> Plant Communities experience, and scientific studies. The information is representative of a <br /> > Site Interpretations dynamic set of plant communities that represent the complex interaction of <br /> > Supporting Information several ecological processes. The plant composition has been determined by <br /> > Rangeland Health study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, <br /> Reference Sheet seasonal use pastures, short duration/time-controlled grazing strategies, and <br /> > Complete Report <br /> historical accounts. <br /> > HTML Printable Format <br /> The Loamy Plains ecological site is characterized by four states: Reference, <br /> Warm-Season Shortgrass, Increased Bare Ground, and Tilled States. The <br /> Reference State is characterized by co-dominant warm-season shortgrass <br /> (blue grama), and cool-season midgrass (western wheatgrass, green <br /> needlegrass). The Warm-Season Shortgrass State is characterized by a <br /> warm-season short bunchgrass (blue grama) and stoloniferous grass <br /> (buffalograss). The Increased Bare Ground State is characterized by early <br /> successional warm-season bunchgrass (Fendler threeawn), cool-season short <br /> bunchgrass (squirreltail), annual grasses, and annual forbs. The Tilled State <br /> has been mechanically disturbed by equipment, and includes either a variety <br /> of reseeded warm- and cool-season grasses (seeded community) or early <br /> successional plants as well as annual grasses and forbs (go-back community). <br /> The degree of grazing has a significant impact on the ecological dynamics of <br /> the site. This region was historically occupied by large grazing animals such <br /> as bison and elk, along with pronghorn and mule deer. Grazing by these large <br /> herbivores, along with climatic and seasonal weather fluctuations, had a major <br /> influence on the ecological dynamics of the site. Deer and pronghorn are <br /> widely distributed throughout the MLRA. Secondary influences of herbivory by <br /> species such as prairie dogs and other small rodents, insects and root-feeding <br /> organisms has impacted the vegetation and continues today. <br /> Historically, it is believed, grazing patterns by herds of large ungulates was <br /> driven by water distribution, precipitation events, drought events, and fire. It is <br /> believed that grazing periods would have been shorter, followed by longer <br /> recovery periods. These large migrating herds impacted the ecological <br /> processes of nutrient and hydrologic cycles, by urination, trampling <br /> (incorporation of litter into the soil surface), and breaking of surface crust, to <br /> increase water infiltration. <br /> This is an important site for livestock grazing, especially beef cattle. Today the <br />