Ecological Site R081BY328TX - EDIT

Figure 8. 1.1 Mid/Tallgrass Savannah CommunityThis community is a savannah composed of mid and tallgrasses with scattered trees that evolved under theinfluence of grazing, periodic fire, and climate. The overstory shades less than 10 percent of the site and consistsprimarily of scattered post oak (Quercus stellata), live oak ( Quercus virginiana), blackjack oak ( Quercusmarilandica), and several other species. Also present are occasional shrubs such as algerita, bumelia (Sideroxylonspp.), elbowbush (Forestiera pubescens), ephedra (Ephedra spp.), and littleleaf sumac (Rhus microphylla). Mid andtallgrasses such as big bluestem, little bluestem, Indiangrass (Sorgastrum nutans), cane bluestem, plains lovegrass(Eragrostis intermedia), and sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) dominate the site. Perennial forbs such asawnless bushsunflower, Maximilian sunflower, Engelmann’s daisy (Engelmannia peristenia), and bundleflower(Desmanthus spp.) are a smaller but important component of the plant community. In wet years, annual forbsproduce significant herbaceous vegetation, particularly when precipitation follows a long dry spell. Plants arevigorous, and reproduction is rapid during wet weather. Interspaces between plants are moderately covered withlitter. The soil surface is relatively cool, rich in humus, and hosts a microbe population actively decomposing organicmatter. Soil erosion is insignificant. Infiltration is slow due to the high clay content of the soil but enhanced by thedeep root systems of the taller grasses and perennial forbs. Runoff only occurs during heavier rainfall but isdispersed and slowed by vegetative ground cover. Concentrated water-flow patterns are rare. Recurrent periodicfire, climatic patterns, and grazing by herbivores are natural processes that maintain this plant community.Interruption of the ecological processes of a site brings about change. The reference plant community includeslarge populations of high successional grasses and smaller, but highly important, numbers of perennial forbs.Extended drought, continued overuse, and elimination of fire result in their decline or disappearance from largeportions of the site. The more dominant, palatable forage grasses decrease as do palatable perennial forbs. Lesspalatable or productive midgrasses such as Wright’s three-awn (Aristida purpurea var. wrightii), slim tridens(Tridens muticus), fall witchgrass (Digitaria cognata), Scribner’s panicum (Dichanthelium oligosanthes) ,andshortgrasses like buffalograss, red grama (Bouteloua trifida), and curlymesquite (Hilaria belangeri) along with lowersuccessional forbs such as croton (Croton spp.), globemallow (Sphaeralcea spp.) and annuals begin to increase.Ashe juniper, mesquite, algerita, condalia and prickly pear begin to appear. More bare ground is evident. If theprocess is not halted or reversed, the community shifts toward the Midgrass Savannah Community (1.2).Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Low(Lb/Acre)Representative 10Tree1301552208095130260031504400Plant TypeGrass/GrasslikeShrub/VineTotalFigure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month).TX3605, Midgrass/Oak Savannah with less 10% canopy. Warm seasonrangeland with peaks in annual production from herbaceous layer in Mayand in 322155315754Community 1.2Midgrass SavannahFigure 11. 1.2 Midgrass Savannah CommunityThis community still resembles a Mid/Tallgrass Savannah Community (1.1) plant structure to casual observation.There has been a measurable decline of dominant midgrasses, tallgrasses and perennial forbs. This decline iscaused by overstocking, elimination of fire, lack of brush management, and possibly changes in weather patterns.These changes have allowed the population of juniper and other woody species to increase. Vigor and reproductionof the dominant grass species decline and they begin to be replaced by buffalograss, slim tridens, fall witchgrass,Hall’s panicum, and other shortgrasses. Less palatable annual and perennial forbs increase. Shrub canopy isbetween 10 and 20 percent with a higher proportion of less palatable species. Invading small Ashe juniper regrowthseedlings are apparent, as are a few scrubby mesquite seedlings. Ground cover by litter decreases. Soil organicmatter is decreasing. Infiltration begins to drop off and runoff increases. Signs of erosion begin to appear.Encroachment by brush, replacement of mid and tallgrasses, loss of topsoil, and loss of soil organic matter makethe reversal difficult for these abused areas to return to the reference plant community even if stressors areremoved. However, the retrogression at this point can be reversed with relatively small labor and cost input ifmeasures are taken soon enough. Application of prescribed grazing is essential to stop the decline of high qualityplants. Prescribed burning can be used to control small woody plants and their seedlings, especially Ashe juniperthat is up to four feet tall. These species can also be controlled through individual plant treatment (IPT),mechanically, or with appropriate chemical application. If the trend is not reversed, the community will eventuallyshift to the Oak/Juniper State (2), which will require higher investment of labor and financial resources.Table 6. Annual production by plant type

Low(Lb/Acre)Representative 75Forb13516022590105150221526753740Plant TypeGrass/GrasslikeShrub/VineTotalFigure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month).TX3606, Midgrass/Oak/Mixedbrush Savannah. Warm season species begingrowth in late April. Their peak growth is in late May with a lesser peak inSeptember. Cool season species initiate fall/winter growth after Septembersolstice and 55315754Pathway 1.1ACommunity 1.1 to 1.2Mid/Tallgrass SavannahMidgrass SavannahWith heavy abusive grazing and no fires, the Mid/Tallgrass Savannah Community would shift to the MidgrassSavannah Community.Pathway 1.2ACommunity 1.2 to 1.1Midgrass SavannahMid/Tallgrass SavannahWith institution of sound management practices, this trend can usually be reversed and productivity restored.Understanding the effects of climate, fire and grazing on the ecology of the site combined with use of sound grazingmanagement, individual plant treatment (IPT) and prescribed burning is key to any attempt to return to thereference community.Conservation practicesPrescribed BurningPrescribed GrazingState 2Oak/JuniperCommunity 2.1Oak/Juniper/Shortgrass

Figure 14. 2.1 Oak/Juniper/Shortgrass CommunityThis community represents a significant vegetation shift, crossing the threshold from the Mid/Tallgrass SavannahState (1) to the Oak/Juniper State (2). The major woody increaser species (live oak, post oak, and Ashe juniper)have multiplied until they comprise about 20 percent of the overstory canopy and exert strong influence on the site.The reference mid and tallgrasses are scarce, heavily grazed, or shaded out. Shortgrasses and three-awn species(Aristida spp.) are predominant. Texas wintergrass (Nassella leucotricha) also increases. Palatable perennial forbsare nearly gone. Toxic plants to livestock appear such as groundsel (Senecio spp.) and twoleaf senna (Sennaroemeriana). The site contains juniper over four feet tall as well as major increases in shrubs such as condalia,algerita, catclaw acacia, and Hercules-club pricklyash (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis).Much of the ground is bare, which lends itself to a proliferation of annual forbs in some years, particularly when awet fall/winter follows a dry spring/summer. Some species such as Texas filaree (Erodium texanum), Californiafilaree (Erodium cicutarium), and redseed plantain ( Plantago rhodosperma), provide a certain amount of highquality forage for sheep, goats, and deer during winter and early spring, but quickly dry up when summer arrives.Plant litter is scarce and organic matter is low. Less water infiltrates while surface runoff increases. Topsoil lossthrough erosion accelerates, evidenced by plants on pedestals, rills, and stunted growth. Sheet erosion, though noteasily detected, is high. If proper management is not planned and implemented, the site will continue to degradeand the community site will shift toward an Oak/Juniper/Mesquite Complex Community (2.2). By implementingconservation practices such as brush management, prescribed grazing and prescribed burning, this community canpossibly be shifted back toward the Mid/Tallgrass State (1).Table 7. Annual production by plant typeLow(Lb/Acre)Representative 40Forb13516523595115155181522003075Plant TypeGrass/GrasslikeShrub/VineTotalFigure 16. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month).TX3611, Oak/Juniper Grassland. Oak/Juniper grassland with 20% canopy ofoaks, junipers and 1253121074Community 2.2Oak/Juniper/Mesquite Complex

Figure 17. 2.2 Oak/Juniper/Mesquite Complex CommunityThe Oak/Juniper/Mesquite Complex Community (2.2) is the result of an extreme shift of site characteristics from theoriginal Mid/Tallgrass Savannah Community (1.1). Overstory species like Ashe juniper, mesquite, and live oakdominate the site and can reach heights of 20 feet. Species found in the midstory include shrubs like algerita,condalia, elbowbush, and littleleaf sumac. Woody canopy cover exceeds 30 percent. This strong competition forwater, sunlight, and nutrients has severely limited or eliminated shortgrass populations, let alone the originalmid/tallgrass community. Three-awns, hairy tridens (Erioneuron pilosum), red grama (Bouteloua trifida), Texasgrama (Bouteloua rigidiseta), and annuals dominate the grass plant population of this plant community. The forbcomponent consists predominantly of annuals or unpalatable perennials. Up to 60 percent is bare ground which isvoid of grasses and forbs. Most of the original, fertile topsoil has been eroded away. The top soil can be cementedand is relatively impermeable by water. Very little rainfall infiltrates and runoff is rapid.This community very likely cannot be restored to the reference plant community. Decades of transition from amid/tallgrass savannah have negatively impacted soil properties, species diversity, site integrity, and hydrologicalprocesses. It can, however, be manipulated toward a community similar in composition and function throughextensive mechanical and chemical brush management, range planting, and implementation of intensive grazingmanagement. Before beginning, planning may be necessary by the land manager to review the relative value oflivestock and wildlife to the ranch and plan the desired methods of brush management that will effectively benefitgoals and objectives of the land manager.Table 8. Annual production by plant typeLow(Lb/Acre)Representative 280Plant TypeForbTotalFigure 19. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month).TX3612, Oak/Juniper Complex. Yearlong green forage due to shrubs andcool-season species growth in winter and spring. Peak rainfall period fromApril through September provides most productivity during summergrowing season. Ashe Juniper, oaks, and shrub 151054121075Pathway 2.1ACommunity 2.1 to 2.2

ith heavy abusive grazing, no fire, no brush management, and brush invasion, the Oak/Juniper/ShortgrassCommunity shifts to the Oak/Juniper/Mesquite Complex Community.State 3Converted LandCommunity 3.1Converted LandThis community is the product of endeavors to reclaim the Oak/Juniper/Mesquite Complex Community (2.2) or, lessfrequently, the Oak/Juniper/Shortgrass Community (2.1). The Converted Land Community can be planted intocropland, pastureland, or reclaimed land. Depending on the goals of the land manager, reclamation efforts mightinvolve the whole site or only portions. A land manager involved primarily with livestock operations might prefermore open, grassy areas, whereas one interested mostly in wildlife operations may want to leave substantial brushyareas.Reclaimed land or pastureland can be achieved through brush management involving heavy equipment, reseedingof native species (both grasses and forbs), prescribed grazing, and re-introduction of fire. The manager can possiblymanipulate this site successfully towards a reference community appearance. A very high treatment cost should beexpected. The site will not be able to mirror exactly the original plant community; however, utilizing natives as thereseeding source will greatly benefit most wildlife.This plant community may also be comprised of seeded species which are introduced to the area and are mosteffective as a monoculture plant community. This type of community may contain less cover or food for wildlifewhich leads to native grasses and forbs being practically devoid. The site’s capacity to produce vegetation must bedetermined over time under careful management. Maintenance through prescribed grazing, prescribed burning, andindividual plant treatment (IPT) with appropriate chemicals can preserve the annual production. Without thesemeasures, encroachment of woody species is inevitable.Table 9. Annual production by plant typeLow(Lb/Acre)Representative 25Tree505075000195023503300Plant TypeGrass/GrasslikeShrub/VineTotalFigure 21. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month).TX3600, Cool Season Crops. Cool season species are planted in the fall forwinter and spring growth. Species include wheat and 02025155Figure 22. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month).TX3601, Warm Season Crops. Warm season species are planted in earlyspring. Their peak growth is in late May with a lesser peak in September.Forage and Grain sorghum that are planted during the warm seasonmonths.

200Figure 23. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month).TX3613, Reclaimed Land. Reclaimed Land seeded with native or vDec3351322155315754Community 3.2Abandoned LandThe Abandoned Land Community results from leaving the land idle without seeding or brush management. Brushinvasion from adjacent seed sources is common. The initial composition of abandoned and idled fields is composedof annuals, biennials, and weak perennials. The species depends on the seed source from adjacent rangeland. Therate of vegetative succession depends on grazing management and drought frequency, but reestablishment ofreference conditions takes many years. Without grazing management and brush management, brush species suchas pricklypear, mesquite, and juniper will dominate before a grass community can establish. Biomass production willbe limited in the early seral stage and increase. Due to soil changes, such as compaction and reduced structure, itis unlikely that production levels will achieve pre- plowed conditions for a long time.Table 10. Annual production by plant typeLow(Lb/Acre)Representative 400Plant TypeTreeTotalFigure 25. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month).TX3619, Midgrass/Mixedbrush Community. Midgrass and Mixedbrushsummer growth with some cool season grass 157510755Pathway 3.1ACommunity 3.1 to 3.2Due to land abandonment or idling and no brush management, the Converted Land Community would shift to theAbandoned Land Community.Pathway 3.2ACommunity 3.2 to 3.1With prescribed grazing, brush management, prescribed burning, crop cultivation, and range/pasture planting, theAbandoned Land Community shifts to the Converted Land Community.Conservation practicesBrush ManagementPrescribed BurningRange Planting

Prescribed GrazingTransition T1AState 1 to 2With heavy abusive grazing, no fires, no brush management, and invasion of brush species, the Mid/Tallgrass Statewould shift to the Oak/Juniper State.Transition T1BState 1 to 3With brush management and crop cultivation, the Mid/Tallgrass State can shift to the Converted Land State.Restoration pathway R2AState 2 to 1With the implementation of various conservation practices such as prescribed grazing, brush management, andprescribed burning, the Oak/Juniper State could revert back to the Mid/Tallgrass State.Conservation practicesBrush ManagementPrescribed BurningPrescribed GrazingTransition T2AState 2 to 3With prescribed grazing, brush management, range planting, and prescribed burning, the Oak/Juniper State canshift to the Converted Land State.Transition T3AState 3 to 2With heavy abusive grazing, no fires, no brush management, and brush invasion, the Converted Land State willrevert back to the Oak/Juniper State.Additional community tablesTable 11. Community 1.1 plant community compositionGroup Common NameSymbolScientific NameAnnual Production(Lb/Acre)Foliar Cover(%)Grass/Grasslike1Tallgrasseslittle bluestem23315–625SCSCSchizachyrium scopariumTallgrasses315–625–630–1225big bluestemANGEAndropogon gerardii630–1225–IndiangrassSONU2Sorghastrum nutans630–1225–eastern gamagrassTRDA3Tripsacum dactyloides630–1225–Midgrasses315–820cane bluestemBOBA3Bothriochloa barbinodis315–820–sideoats gramaBOCUBouteloua curtipendula315–820–silver beardgrassBOLATBothriochloa laguroides ssp. torreyana315–820–

4567silver beardgrassBOLATBothriochloa laguroides ssp. torreyana315–820–plains lovegrassERINEragrostis intermedia315–820–Texas cupgrassERSE5Eriochloa sericea315–820–composite dropseedSPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus315–820–Secondary Midgrasses160–400Wright's threeawnARPUWAristida purpurea var. wrightii160–400–vine mesquitePAOBPanicum obtusum160–400–white tridensTRAL2Tridens albescens160–400–Cool Season Grasses160–400cedar sedgeCAPL3Carex planostachys160–400–Scribner's rosettegrassDIOLSDichanthelium oligosanthes var.scribnerianum160–400–Canada wildryeELCA4Elymus canadensis160–400–Texas wintergrassNALE3Nassella grassBODA2Bouteloua dactyloides30–215–fall witchgrassDICO6Digitaria cognata30–215–curly-mesquiteHIBEHilaria belangeri30–215–Hall's panicgrassPAHAPanicum hallii30–215–Secondary Shortgrasses10–75Grass, annual2GAGrass, annual10–75–Texas gramaBORIBouteloua rigidiseta10–75–red gramaBOTRBBouteloua trifida var. burkii10–75–hairy woollygrassERPI5Erioneuron pilosum10–75–Forb89Forbs150–250Indian mallowABUTIAbutilon150–250–zarzabacoa comunDEIN3Desmodium ��250–Engelmann's daisyENPE4Engelmannia 0–beeblossomGAURAGaura150–250–Maximilian sunflower HEMA2Helianthus ��250–Nuttall's sensitivebriarMINU6Mimosa nuttallii150–250–snoutbeanRHYNC2 sia 0–Annual ForbsForb, annual30–602FAForb, 0CONDACondalia80–130–

restiera pubescens80–130–algeritaMATR3Mahonia trifoliolata80–130–littleleaf suma

Deep Redland sites occur on uplands with greater than 40 inches of soil. Their characteristic color has a hue redder than 5YR on the Munsell Soil Color Chart. R081BY320TX R081BY337TX R081BY340TX Adobe 23-31 PZ Low Stony Hill 23-31 PZ Redland 23-31 PZ.