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Characteristic vegetation(the grasses,forbs,and shrubs that make up most of the potential natural <br /> plant community on each soil)is listed by common name.Under rangeland composition,the expected <br /> percentage of the total annual production Is given for each species making up the characteristic <br /> vegetation.The amount that can be used as forage depends on the kinds of grazing animals and on <br /> the grazing season. <br /> Range management requires knowledge of the kinds of soil and of the potential natural plant <br /> community.It also requires an evaluation of the present range similarity Index and rangeland Mend. <br /> Range similarity Index Is determined by comparing the present plant community with the potential <br /> natural plant community on a particular rangeland ecological site.The more closely the existing <br /> community resembles the potential community,the higher the range similarity Index.Rangeland trend <br /> Is defined as the direction of change In an existing plant community relative to the potential natural <br /> plant community.Further Information about the range similarity Index and rangeland trend Is available <br /> In the"National Range and Pasture Handbook,"which Is available In local offices of NRCS or an the <br /> Internet. <br /> The objective In range management Is to control grazing so that the plants growing on a site are about <br /> the same in kind and amount as the potential natural plant community for that site.Such management <br /> generally results In the optimum production of vegetation,control of undesirable brush species, <br /> conservation of water,and control of erosion.Sometimes,however,an area with a range similarity <br /> Index somewhat below the potential meets grazing needs,provides wildlife habitat,and protects sail <br /> and water resources. <br /> Reference: <br /> United States Department of Agriculture,Natural Resources Conservation Service, <br />