Prairie Conservation Action Plan 2007 Jeff Thorpe Jeff Thorpe
Publication 1 Saskatchewan Research Council Funding for this publication provided by Ecoregions and Ecosites
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems A project of the Saskatchewan Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Greencover Canada Program
atchewan Research Council urnal of Agronomic Education 8:54-55. 8:54-55. Education Agronomic urnal of ssional585-D. Paper , SK S4S 0B1 rie potholes, North Dakota, in relationquality toDakota, ofrie potholes, in North water
Danielson Provincial Park. Saskatchewan Research Research Saskatchewan Provincial Park. Danielson the ManitoHills. Sask Sand systems for systems rangeland condition. Saskatchewan Research search Council Publication11475-1E03. No. ogical Survey Profe stry, Lands,PublicWildlife, and Lands. in association with Saskatchewan Research Council and Jones Heritage Heritage Jones Council and Research Saskatchewan with association in il PublicationR-1540-1-E-97. 11179-1E01. No. Publication il 11179-1E02. No. Publication il Willms, and1988.Anderson. Guide Willms, M.L. range to condition and stocking r teaching texture-by-feel analysis. Jo r teaching Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food and Food Agriculture Saskatchewan For additional copies, please contact: copies, please contact: For additional 3085 Albert St., Regina
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 Michel Tremblay, Provincial Forage Specialist Tel: (306) 787-7712 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Email: 787-7712 Tel: (306) and other environmental factors. U.S. Geol U.S. factors. environmental other and Publication E2520-5-E-94. E2520-1-E-94. Publication Council Research Saskatchewan Counc Council PublicationNo. R-1540-4-E-98. R-1540-1-E-98. No. Publication Council Research Saskatchewan plan. management 11254-1C99. No. Publication Council Research Saskatchewan Area. Conservation Saskatchewan: Technical Report. Saskatchewan ResearchCouncil Publication11109-1E99.No. Research Saskatchewan Counc Research Saskatchewan Counc GrasslandsNational Park. Saskatchewan Re rates for Alberta grasslands. Alberta Fore Alberta grasslands. Alberta rates for Publication E-2550-1-E-93. by Delcan Western Ltd. Prepared Resources Consulting. E-2520-1-E-92. Publication Council Research Saskatchewan Pasture. PFRA Elbow 48:1861-1878. Botany of Journal Canadian Saskatchewan. of
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Thorpe, J. 1994. Grazing 1994. ofThorpe, J. assessment Moose MountainProvincial Saskatchewan Park. Research Council of assessment Grazing 1994. Godwin. B. and J., Thorpe, Thorpe,J., and B. Godwin.1997. Foragedeer use bycattle in andHills of Great Sand Saskatchewan. the Thorpe,J., and B. Godwin.1998a. Practical monitoring range interim Area: Conservation Heritage and Prairie Back his on Man Old 1998b. Godwin. B. and J., Thorpe, Heritage and Prairie Back his on Man Old for plan management Range 1999a. Godwin. B. and J., Thorpe, of Ecoregion Grassland Mixed the for monitoring health Ecological 1999b. Godwin. B. and J., Thorpe, report. progress 2000 Lands: Wildlife on experiments burning and Grazing 2001. Godwin. B. and J., Thorpe, report. progress 2001 lands: wildlife on experiments burning and Grazing 2002. Godwin. B. and J., Thorpe, at habitat grouse sage in vegetation ungrazed and grazed between Differences 2003. Godwin. B. and J., Thorpe, Thorpe, J. and R. Godwin. 1993a. Vegetation 1993a. Thorpe, R. Godwin.J. and survey of Stewart, R.E., and H.A. Kantrud. 1972. Vegetation of prai Thien, S.J. fo 1979. A flow diagram 40 Thorpe, J., and R. Godwin. 1993b. Saskatoon Natural Grasslands Resource Management Plan: Report of Findings. Findings. of Report Plan: Management Resource Grasslands Natural Saskatoon 1993b. Godwin. R. and J., Thorpe, and Park Provincial Douglas for plan management vegetation Regional 1992. Godwin. R.C. and J.P., Thorpe, Walker,and R.T. Coupland. B.H.,1970. Herbaceous wetland vegetationin the grove aspengrassland and regions W. Adams, S. Smoliak, B. Wroe, R.A.,
39 cial Park. Saskatchewan cial Park. Saskatchewan rbank area. Saskatchewan Saskatchewan area. rbank 1:2,000,000. Saskatchewan Saskatchewan 1:2,000,000. ds of Saskatchewan. Ph.D. of Saskatchewan. ds acts on the island forests of the Great Park, West Portion. Saskatchewan Saskatchewan West Portion. Park, . M.A. Thesis, Dept. of Plant of Plant Dept. Thesis, . M.A. ecologicalMjM4. Version data, , Dept. of Plant Sciences,of Plantof, Dept. Saskatchewan. Univ. policy. Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative, Saskatchewan Landing Provin Saskatchewan Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Saskatchewan Research e sand areas in the grasslan in the areas e sand water wetlands the in grasslandsparklands and of the skatchewan. Poster map at map Poster skatchewan. Douglas Provincial Park. Saskatchewan Research Council Research Saskatchewan Park. Provincial Douglas e-ground standing crop. International Biological Program Program Biological International crop. standing e-ground rvey of the Silverwood Rive rvey of the . of Plant Ecology, Univ. of Univ. . of Saskatchewan. Plant Ecology, atchewan. M.Sc. Thesis, Dept. of Plant Ecology, Univ. of Univ. Plant of Ecology, Dept. Thesis, atchewan. M.Sc. gement. Thirdgement.Edition.Society for Range Management, grassland in central Saskatchewan central grassland in B. Dolter.2002.B. Climate change imp il Publication No. 11325-1E02. 11325-1E02. No. Publication il 11701-1E04. No. Publication il ecies at risk for the inventory Batocheecies SaskatchewanNationalHistoric Site. PC-ORD. Multivariate analysis of Grazing assessment of Douglas Provincial of assessment Grazing en Beach, Oregon, USA. en Beach, Oregon,
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 Publication No. 11104-1C99. No. 11104-1C99. Publication Research Council Publication No. 11563-1E02. 11563-1E02. No. Publication Council Research Research Saskatchewan Counc Research Saskatchewan Counc 11658-1E04. No. Publication Council Research and biodiversity. Saskatchewan Research Council PublicationNo. R-1540-5-E-98. E-2550-1-E-92. Research Council Publication Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan. conservation nature for implications the and Plains SK. Regina, Plant Ecology, Univ. of Saskatchewan. Research 24:1835-1845. the DundurnSaskatchewan. M.Sc. Thesis Sand Hills, Ecology,Univ. of Saskatchewan. 27. No. Tech. Rep. Project, Matador Canada. Environment and Canada Agri-Food and E2520-6-E-94. Publication Council E2520-3-E-94. Publication Council Research E2520-7-E-94. Publication Council Research Software Design, Glened Design, Software 37. Number Report Series Wildlife Service Canadian Prairie Provinces. York. 547 pp. Corporation. Management Property CO. Denver, Thesis,of Dept. Plant Univ. Ecology, Saskatchewan. of SK. Current, Swift Agriculture, of Department Canada Mimeo. capacity. M.Sc. Region of Saskatchewan. Thesis, Dept factors. M.Sc. Thesis,offactors. Dept. M.Sc. Plant Univ. Ecology, Saskatchewan. of Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Godwin, B., and J. Thorpe. 2002a. Sp Godwin, B., and J. Thorpe. 2002b. Vegetation management plan for Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. Park. Provincial Landing Saskatchewan for plan management Vegetation 2002b. Thorpe. J. and B., Godwin, Nation. First Cowessess at development ecotourism for inventory Ecological 2004a. Thorpe. J. and B., Godwin, Saskatchewan Grassland. Natural Saskatoon at changes vegetation Ten-year 2004b. Thorpe. J. and B., Godwin, habitat wildlife on-farm of enhancement and Conservation 1998. J. Bantle. and Pivnick, K. Thorpe, J. B., Godwin, Godwin,and1992. A biophysical J.P. Thorpe. R.C., su Sask central grazing in of effects 1953. The Heard, J. Henderson,Hogg, N., E. E. Barrow, and of Dept. Thesis, M.Sc. Saskatchewan. central in aspect slope to relation in grassland in Variation 1957. S. Hird, Forest of Journal Canadian forest. boreal Canadian western of the limit southern and the Climate 1994. E.H. Hogg, 1999.Houston, LandscapeW.S.B. classification andof cattle grazing impact vegetationon and range condition in 1962.G.K. Hulett,distributional Species patterns in dun Coupland,1973.Dynamics Producers. of R.T. I. abov Agriculture Group. Working Stratification Ecological Canada. for framework ecological national A 1996. ESWG. Godwin, B., and of J. Thorpe. assessment 1994a.Grazing Godwin, B., and J. Thorpe. 1994b. of Grazing assessment Godwin, B., and J. Thorpe. 1994c. Godwin, B., and J. Thorpe. 1999. Ecological surveys at Millar, J.B. 1976. A guide to marshes andguide marshes shallowA 1976. to open Millar, J.B. New Sons, & Wiley John ecology. vegetation of methods and Aims 1974. Ellenberg. H. and D., Mueller-Dombois, Padbury, G.A., and D.F. Acton. 1994. Ecoregions of Sa used range mana in ofglossary terms A 1989. SRM. Lodge, R.W., and J.B. Campbell. 1965. The point method and forage yield tables for determining carrying carrying determining for tables yield forage and method point The 1965. Campbell. J.B. and R.W., Lodge, Prairie Mixed in ecosystems managed and natural in matter organic of distribution and Content 1979. H. Martens, McCune, B., and M.J. Mefford. 1999. Baines, G.B.K. 1964. Plant distributions on a Saskatchewan prairie in relation to edaphic and physiographic physiographic and edaphic to relation in prairie a Saskatchewan on distributions Plant 1964. G.B.K. Baines, Brayshaw,1951. Ecology T.C. of Festuca
Jackie Mamer did the e vital contribution of Soulodre, Krista
onservation Action Plan (PCAP), Romo (University of Saskatchewan). Roxanne Price, and
. Saskatchewan Research Council Pub. No. .
ewan Research Council (SRC), Saskatchewan provided data and advice: Karyn Scalise and provided data and advice: Karyn Scalise and extensive advice on their use. At SRC, cation and hard work in developing the material cation and hard work in developing the material ms, Publication 1: Ecoregions and Ecosites. Ecoregions and Ecosites. ms, Publication 1: ature Conservancy of Canada); Orin Balas must go to Barry Adams and Gerry Ehlert Tremblay, Don Fontaine, Lorne Klein, and Tremblay, so like to acknowledge th ssessment Management Agency); Daryl Nazar Management ssessment skatchewan Agriculture and Food, in the ); Tom Harrison, Etienne ); Tom for their innovations in range assessment and for their innovations in range assessment Nick Nicolichuk did the GIS work, Bob Godwin Nick Nicolichuk did the GIS e and Agri-Food Canada’s Greencover Canada and Food); Ann Riemer (Saskatchewan and Food); Ann Riemer Land Resource Unit, Agriculture and Agri-Food Land Resource Unit, Agriculture and Agri-Food ciation); and Dr. Jim ciation); and Dr. Jim
by the Saskatchewan Prairie C Saskatchewan by the
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1
Cover photo of Coalfields PFRA Pasture – Bob Godwin of Coalfields Cover photo
Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan 11881-1E07.
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This project was coordinated Agricultur funding support from with major partners for this publication. A long list of PCAP Laforge, and Tara Mulhern Chris Nykoluk, Kerry Lauren Burton (PCAP); Bill Houston, Davidson (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Connick, and Ross MacDonald (SWA); Michel Todd Jorgenson (Saskatchewan Agriculture design, formatting, and printing. Special thanks (Alberta Sustainable Resource Development) generous contributions of advice. We would al of SRC and Sa Zoheir Abouguendia, formerly practices in Saskatchewan. of range assessment development PHOTO CREDIT: SUGGESTED CITATION Rangeland Ecosyste Saskatchewan Thorpe, J. 2007. ii Program. Funding was also provided by Saskatch Program. Canada (DUC). Watershed Authority (SWA), and Ducks Unlimited We wish to thank Jeff Thorpe (SRC) for his dedi Steve Suchan (Saskatchewan A Environment); advised on grassland ecology, and Charlene Hudym, and Michael Champion (DUC); Cheri Sykes (N and Michael Champion (Saskatchewan Stock Growers Asso the Alvin Anderson and Warren Eilers of Canada, provided access to soil survey databases assisted with data analysis, Monique Wismer
iii 27 .. 8 . 27 page ...... iv ...... iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan 3.3.1 3.3.2 to identify range ecosites...... Using soil maps 9 range ecosites in the field Examining ...... 11 3.1 Ecosite Classification...... 5 3.1 Ecosite 3.2 Mapping of range ecosites ...... 3.3 Steps in Identifying Range Ecosites ...... 9 3.4 Descriptions of range ecosites ...... 14 4.1 Introduction...... 4.2 Methods...... 4.3 Using the community descriptions...... 29 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...... ii LIST OF TABLES...... LIST OF FIGURES ...... 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 2. ECOREGIONS ...... 2 3. ECOSITES...... 5 4. COMMUNITIES ...... 27 5. 6. REFERENCES ...... 38 PRODUCTION AND STOCKING RATES ...... 33 total total clipped other ecosites browse clipped forbs forbs clipped bregion of Alberta. First approximation. Alberta Alberta approximation. First Alberta. of bregion clipped nded stocking rates, for a location where where for a location rates, nded stocking the Loam Ecosite. Values are averages of graminoids graminoids Neil. 2004.plant Range communities andhealth range Neil. 2005.plant Range communities andhealth range atoon map area 73-B Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan InstituteSaskatchewan. area 73-B map atoon 2003.plant Range communitieshealthrange and search Council Publication E-2520-4-E-90. E-2520-4-E-90. Publication Council search estimated graminoids graminoids a given community type.
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 Loam Sand Solonetzic Solonetzic Sand Ecosite Loam alteration from from alteration reference community at least five plots within the regional trend shows a rate of 1.00. Saskatchewan rangeland. Saskatchewan Re rangeland. Saskatchewan Saskatchewan S4. Publication Pedology, of approximation. Alberta First Foothills Fescue Natural Subregion guidelinesof Alberta. for the assessment Branch, Management Rangeland Division, Forests and Lands Public Development, Resource Sustainable T/044. Pub. No. assessment guidelines for the Mixedgrass Natural Subregion of Alberta. First approximation. Alberta Alberta approximation. First Alberta. of Subregion Natural Mixedgrass the for guidelines assessment Branch, Management Rangeland Division, Forests and Lands Public Development, Resource Sustainable T/039. Pub. No. Su Natural Mixedgrass Dry the for guidelines assessment Branch, Management Rangeland Division, Forests and Lands Public Development, Resource Sustainable T/040. Pub. No.
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan 1.00 0.94 0.66 … 0.66 (kg/ha) community Grassland Mixed reference MG-LM-A production 0.94 minor MG-LM-B minor MG-LM-D moderate MG-LM-E moderate MG-LM-F annual Parkland Aspen reference AP-LM-A 1209 moderate AP-LM-B 897 488 1.00 725 1275 582 182 914 184 11 1440 931 29 1107 1419 199 0 1619 community reference alteration minor alteration moderate alteration significant 1.00 1.00 0.80 0.60 reference ratio to 1.00 0.94 1.00 0.80 0.60 0.94 0.75 0.66 0.56 0.66 … 0.53 0.40 ratio to Loam … … … Table 12 Production data for communities on Table 13 Example of determination recomme 6. REFERENCES SK. Regina, Program, Technology Grazing and Pasture New development. plant Range 1990. Z. Abouguendia, Abouguendia,Z.M., J.P. Thorpe, and R.C. Godwin.1990.Development of procedure an assessment for McNeil. Moisey, andD. R.L. R. Ehlert, B.W., Adams, L. Poulin-Klein,andD. Moisey, B.W., R.L. Mc Adams, 38 1978. TheActon,Ellis. D.F., and soils J.G. of the Sask Adams, B.W., L. Poulin-Klein,andD. Moisey, B.W., R.L. Mc Adams,
37 ng rates. This is clipping of quadrats a et al. (1990) in ta, there was little dominated by exotic invaders, dominated C-PFRA pasture fields in good mmunities on the Loam Ecosite mmunities on the Loam the regional stocki ng rate on a given ecosite to that tion) or 0.6 (significant alteration). The re set at 80% of the regional stocking rates, alteration from the reference. Based on this alteration from nce communities on ecosites other than Loam Loam than other on ecosites nce communities d production data based on do show a trend of declining productivity from do show a trend of declining productivity from lue by the ecosite ratio shown in Table 11. ratio shown by the ecosite lue om analysis of PFRA stocking records (Tables 9 ages based on at least five plots within a plots within five based on at least ages d not have production da the available production data for communities on available production the should be applicable to the reference plant ta in which graminoid production was estimated production was estimated ta in which graminoid al. (1988) and Abouguendi ecies using the method of Lodge and Campbell ecies using the method alteration at 60% of Ecosite Ratio Ratio Ecosite 0.29 Badlands Saline Upland 0.60 Gravelly 0.66 Solonetzic 0.73 Dunes 0.52 0.73 Thin 0.94 Sand 0.96 Clay Loam Sandy 1.00 Loam Meadow Dry Saline Overflow Saline 1.11 1.54 Overflow 0.97 Meadow Dry 1.37 Meadow Wet Marsh Shallow 2.34 2.59 2.69 stocking rates for reference co altered communities were determined by multiplying the rate the rate by multiplying were determined communities altered ondition classes. For communities regional analysis are based on AAF
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 shown in Table 13. the Loam Ecosite.
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan to measure peak standing crop, as well da to measure Table 11 Average ratio of the recommended stocki The stocking rates used in the they to excellent range condition. Therefore, To community. the reference from alteration minor to those showing as well communities altered communities, trends in more examine Ecosite were analyzed. These include the Loam sp basal area of individual graminoid from plots in the database di (1965). Because most communities. Only aver some for information community type were used (Table 12). While the data in Table 12 are incomplete, they increasing community to those with the reference alteration we trend, communities showing moderate and communities showing significant similar to the approach followed by Wroe et by Wroe to the approach followed similar assigning rates to lower range c stocking rates. was available for estimating no information the recommended To summarize, and 10). Recommended stocking rates for refere the regional va were determined by multiplying rates for Recommended stocking by 0.8 (moderate altera for the reference community overall calculation is were based on the regional value determined fr were based on the regional value determined 35 .. 4 page mmunity using percent cape features...... 8 on on Loamy Sites in on Loamy tes, for a location where the the tes, for a location where given ecosite to that on the atchewan, in relation to the climatic climatic to the in relation atchewan, period in the Prairie Ecozone of southern am Ecosite. Values are averages of at Ecosite. Values are averages am between elevation and climatic moisture moisture between elevation and climatic Ecosite in the Mixed Grassland...... 31 ity to the reference co ity to the reference using percent community ity to the reference for the Loam Ecosite in each ecoregion, each ecoregion, for the Loam Ecosite in grasslands of southern Saskatchewan...... 6 based on soil and lands excellent range conditi fication of plant community types...... 27 response to elevation...... 36 LIST OF TABLES climatic moisture index. moisture climatic ...... 34 LIST OF FIGURES rates (AUM/ac) for the Loam Ecosite, as a continuous rates (AUM/ac) for the Loam e ecosites in the field...... 13 given community type...... 38 ction from reference areas on Loamy Sites in the Canadian ction from stocking rates for the Loam Ecosite in Cypress Upland tion of recommended stocking ra of Southern Saskatchewan ng rates for the Loam Ecosite in the Cypress Upland Ecosite in the Cypress the Loam ng rates for among range ecoregions...... among 5 e recommended stocking rate on a
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 predicted from the climatic moisture gradient. moisture the climatic predicted from ...... 35 Ecoregion, predicted from the relationship biomass data, for a sample plot on Loam biomass plot on Loam Ecosite in the Aspen Parkland.cover data, for a sample ...... 32 index...... Ecosite.Loam ...... 37 regional trend shows a rate of 1.00...... 38 least five plots within a Saskatchewan. Ecoregion boundaries are shown for comparison. Ecoregion boundaries are shown Saskatchewan...... 4 Prairies, in relation to the AAFC-PFRA pastures in Manitoba and Sask moisture index...... 33 moisture index...... the climatic from surface predicted 34 Ecoregion, as a continuous
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Table 10 Average recommended Table 1 Table 2 General differences Table 3 Classification of range ecosites for Table 4 Key for identifying range ecosites Table 5 soil texture by hand Key for determining ...... 12 Table 6 Key for identifying rang Table 7 Data sources used for classi similar percent of calculating Example Table 8 of calculating percent similar Example Table 11 Average ratio of th iv Table 9 Table 9 stocking rate Average recommended Table 12 Production data for communities on the Lo Table 13 of determina Example Figure 1 index for the 1961-1990 moisture Climatic Figure 2 Range ecoregions...... Figure 3 Stocking rates of fields in good to Figure 5 Recommended stocking CENTERFOLD – Range Ecosites Figure 4 Annual grassland produ Figure 6 Recommended stocki
1 range a single scale. They transitions from one transitions from on also explains how series of publications nd provincial agencies, nt requirements. Therefore, nt requirements. ons related to fire or exotic , showing a number of on Action Plan (PCAP), a on Action Plan (PCAP), Saskatchewan Rangeland al. 2003, 2004, 2005). Funding in a three-ring binder format. in a three-ring binder format. on was represented by the is one of the products this . The classification of regions and licated to represent by ing impact. In recent years, range scientists scientists years, range In recent ing impact. nds on the level of grazing impact as well nds on the level of grazing impact scribed. Publications 2 and 3 are large tables Publications scribed. ven site, and the types of with landform and soil features, and with the and with the and soil features, with landform Because of these findings, the current approach p the different types of rangeland ecosystems p the different types of rangeland ecosystems used for setting stocking rates, planning grazing this approach, with a steering committee to work on several projects steering committee identifying range ecosites from soils information. soils information. identifying range ecosites from ecoregions and ecosites, gives detailed icult to reverse, so that communities may not may icult to reverse, so that communities on a systematic basis in 1990, when Zoheir basis in 1990, a systematic on eencover Canada Program has now made it has now made eencover Canada Program stock industry, federal a g-blocks of sustainable range management. g-blocks of sustainable range management. e could be transitions between communities caused be transitions between e could unity types that occur on the Loam Ecosite. unity types that occur on the Loam publication. The publicati nge sites (Adams et The Prairie Conservati t map of range ecosites for the province t map , this type of variati be transitions in other directi is a series of publications state-and-transition diagrams . The ecosystems that result from these factors have different that result from . The ecosystems production, and different manageme of Saskatchewan Rangeland
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 Range Plan Development: a Practical Guide to Planning for Range Plan Development: Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Saskatchewan Range Plan Development , which gives a high score to the potential community for the site, and lower , which gives a high score to the potential community , but is based on the same concepts. , but is based on the same
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan 1. INTRODUCTION classification is one of the buildin Ecosystem patterns, vary with climatic Rangeland ecosystems history of grazing and other events plant species, different levels of good ecological sense to classify and ma it makes as a basis for planning. This information can be and surveys, species-at-risk designing species, wildlife various for habitat identifying systems, treatments. planning vegetation management this process was first placed In Saskatchewan, Abouguendia published Management and Improvement somewhat in range sites used by Abouguendia has been modified Ecosystems range sites, the vegetation composition depe Within other factors. In condition scale by graz altered that have been scores to communities be too comp have found that vegetation changes may be diff changes may that some have also found move back up the scale when conditions change. is to represent vegetation change by different community types that could occur on a gi ther this approach, community to another. In by grazing impact, but there could also invasion. Alberta has led the way in Canada moving to types in relation to ra describing community Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Gr from possible to start this work in Saskatchewan. partnership of 27 groups representing the live conservation groups, and universities, formed a formed universities, groups, and conservation related to range health. PCAP initiative. Rangeland Ecosystems Saskatchewan Publication 1 presents the new classification of guidelines for identifying ecosites. The firs appears as a centrefold in the Saskatchewan and de classified were within ecosites communities tools to help users in developed as information Publication 4 gives descriptions of the comm
can be considered to ilar analysis would be e Mixed Grassland where fairly consistent among as found in the Cypress Hills, as found in the Cypress n from existing publications n from Fescue Grassland Mixed Mixed Grassland Dry Grassland Mixed relative productivities of different ecosites. and than any other, re insufficient for ecosites other than Loam. re insufficient for ecosites other than Loam. ssively dry. Therefore, the analysis should be on, the ratio of the production or stocking rate ratio of the production or on, the ductivity. Ideally, a sim other areas within th al. 2003, 2004, 2005, NRCS ecological site d. These ratios were the Loam Ecosite in Cypress Upland intended for the Loam Ecosite in the Cypress Ecosite in the Cypress Loam the for intended modify the regional trend determined for the modify the regional trend determined shown above was for the Loam Ecosite. In nd more productive with increasing elevation. nd more stocking rate (AUM/ac) Montana and 64 65 in Nebraska or production values were take upport extensive fescue grassland ients, such as the Wood Mountain Upland. These areas do not ients, such as the Wood
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
950 850 750
1350 1250 1150 1050
) (m elevation Ecoregion, as a continuous response to elevation. response to elevation. Ecoregion, as a continuous
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan done for each ecosite, but unfortunately the data we was to Therefore, the approach that was taken Ecosite, based on published data showing the Loam Recommended stocking rates and/ [http://esis.sc.egov.usda.gov/]). For each publicati [http://esis.sc.egov.usda.gov/]). rangel this ecosite accounts for more Saskatchewan, site, neither excessively wet nor exce be the modal a good representation of the regional trends in pro et et al.1988, Abouguendia 1990, Adams (Wroe descriptions for MLRAs 58a and 60b in was calculate on a given ecosite to that loam publications, so they were averaged (Table 11). 36 The analysis of recommended stocking rates Figure 6 rates for stocking Recommended a moister but the Mixed Grassland becomes The values shown in Figure 6 and Table 10 are Upland. However, they could also be applied to there are strong elevational grad reach elevations high enough to s
35 stocking rate stocking AUM/ha AUM/ac AUM/ac AUM/ha ite in the Cypress ite in the Cypress stocking rate stocking
0.49 0.20 0.20 0.49 0.29 0.72 1.10 0.44 0.44 1.10 0.68 1.67 to estimate stocking rates. The to estimate AUM/ha AUM/ac AUM/ac AUM/ha The Aspen Parkland has been
r the Loam Ecosite in each ecoregion, estimated that CMI increases 58 mm for that CMI increases 58 mm estimated on soil zones. On the other hand, a more on soil zones. On the other hand, a more for that region (Table 9). This is similar to 9). This is similar (Table that region for s for the Loam Ecos cation on the map (Figure 5) and reading the cation on the map eatment. As discussed in Section 2, the eatment. above -209 mm mm -209 above 1.39 0.56 below -209 mm mm -209 below 0.74 0.30 By adding this increase to the assumed value to the assumed By adding this increase king rates for elevational zones (Table 10), or as d Grassland and Mixed Grassland, one can community pasture or ranch, one could determine pasture or ranch, one could determine community x was not precise enough to capture the small- Therefore, elevations were used to map the used to map were elevations Therefore, ocking rate with elevation (Figure 6). index (mm) index (mm) climatic moisture above below below 1050 m 1050 m elevation climatic moisture index a CMI value of -125 mm. elevations, and use these values elevations, and use these values
at that location. Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 Upland Ecoregion, predicted from the relationship between elevation and climatic moisture index. predicted from the climatic moisture gradient. predicted from the climatic moisture arbitrarily divided at
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Ecoregion Ecoregion Ecological Region Region Ecological Dry Mixed Grassland Grassland Dry Mixed Grassland Mixed mm -325 below mm -225 to -325 lower at Grassland Mixed elevations higher at Grassland Fescue elevations Aspen Parkland, drier portion AspenParkland, portion moister -225 to -125 mm above-125 mm
Table 9 Average recommended stocking rate fo stocking rates for a in estimating For example, average value and use the into, it falls which region used by Abouguendia et al. (1990) based the method be obtained by finding the lo might exact estimate stocking rate recommended The Cypress Upland Ecoregion required special tr inde moisture of the climatic regional mapping Hills. pattern in the Cypress scale elevational boundaries between regions. Henderson et al. (2002) Cypress Hills. rise in elevation the each 100 m at the boundary between Dry Mixe of -325 mm predict the CMI values at higher either as average stoc results can again be shown st a continuous increase in recommended Table 10 Average recommended stocking rate climatic climatic ure 1). The Cypress entially be evaporated. partly on inputs from partly on inputs from on (ESWG 1996). Within 1996). Within on (ESWG temperature decreases the Brown, Dark and erefore Hogg’s (1994) an excess of precipitation over tion changes, rising from Brown to Dark tion changes, rising from ) to cooler and moister in the Aspen Parkland ) to cooler and moister ions are developed, they can be added to the standard ecoregion classification for the different in a moist climate compared to a dry compared climate different in a moist and Sand Ecosites, Publication 6 for the Clay the basis for new range classification. the Mixed Grassland (Fig ns of climate across the province, from warmer warmer across the province, from ns of climate r plant growth depends in the Aspen Parkland, -175 to -250 mm logical land classificati e determined mainly by climate. The by climate. mainly e determined ecipitation minus annual potential ecipitation minus precipitation than could pot e Ecozone), there are four ecoregions, which are e Ecozone), there are four ecoregions, which This means that the classification of range ecosites of range that the classification This means ecipitation increases and divide the province into ecological regions or s to evaporation. Th these, the Brown Soil Zone, a “Dry Brown” these, the Brown l precipitation. After Abouguendia’s guide was es. Negative numbers indicate drier grassland
ture index with elevation.
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 ssification by Abouguendia (1990) used the broader ecoregions. , was used. Positive numbers indicate , was used. Positive numbers 1 , which is defined as annual pr . Ecoregions are broad zones that ar
Aspen Parkland - similar to the Black Soil Zone Aspen Parkland - similar to the Dark Brown Soil Zone Moist Mixed Grassland - similar to the Brown Soil Zone Mixed Grassland - similar Cypress Upland - local area with strong eleva Brown to Black soils
• • • •
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Potential evapotranspiration is the amount of evaporation that would occur if there were no shortage of soil soil of shortage no were there if occur would that evaporation of amount the is evapotranspiration Potential (Black Soil Zone). In the Cypress Upland, pr published, Padbury and Acton (1994) developed a published, Padbury province, integrated with Canada’s national eco the grassland part of Saskatchewan (the Prairi zones: to the soil close related Both soil zones and ecoregions reflect the patter and drier in the Mixed Grassland (Brown Soil Zone available fo with rising elevation. The moisture precipitation, but is also affected by the losse composition and productivity of rangeland will be composition is the same. even if the soil material climate, must be nested within The original range site cla subzone was separated by the level of annua in Moist Mixed Grassland, and below -250 mm modifications. some However, it was necessary to make Black Soil Zones as regions. In the driest of Black Soil Zones index moisture 0 to -175 mm Moisture index values range from Upland shows a rise in mois The standard ecoregions shown in Figure 1 form ecoregions for the Sandy Loam Publication 5 does the same Ecosite, and so on. As further community descript binder. 2. ECOREGIONS classification is to in ecosystem The first step evapotranspiration climat forest moist as occurs in evaporation, from moisture is less in which there climates, 1 2 moisture. In the method used by Hogg (1994), potential evapotranspiration is estimated from monthly temperature temperature monthly from estimated is evapotranspiration potential (1994), Hogg by used method the In moisture. radiation. solar and
3 . 2 . early distinguish plant sland gives way to Dry to the Mixed Grassland of moisture index values. of moisture 950 m (3100 feet) in the west y with elevation. The moisture Dry Mixed Grassland ed directly in drawing boundaries r subregion should be recognized, with a ssland occurs below these elevations. At re not enough data to cl s that are transitional 2. The general ecological differences among the 2. The general ecological differences among ng the information from the Mixed Grassland. ng the information e distribution of fescue grassland by Saskatchewan Saskatchewan by grassland fescue of distribution e ypress Hills, Mixed Gras loped for soilloped zones in the CypressSaskatchewan Hills by sition occurs at about 775 m (2,550 feet). On the ons of 1,000 m (3,300 feet) on the north slope, and ons of 1,000 m te boundary. This boundary was modified by te boundary. This boundary was modified l way, but is not precise enough to accurately to accurately enough precise l way, but is not ng eastward to the south slope of the Wood ng eastward to the south slope and (moisture index above -225 mm) that are index above -225 mm) and (moisture have been combined with it for community classification Dry Mixed Prairie varies from , and the drier area as , and the drier area as ion includes a fairly wide range on suggests that a drie
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 erefore, elevation data were us erefore, elevation data were , ecological conditions change rapidl Aspen Parkland Mixed Grassland
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Cypress Upland Thisused analysis elevationboundariesdeve were that First, the Mixed Grassland Ecoreg Study of the patterns vegetati moisture index of -325 mm as the approxima area will The main below. Hills, as discussed the Cypress and south of north patterns elevation be referred to as In the Moist Mixed Grassland Ecoregion, there we is more Until there to the north and south. those in the ecoregions from communities that the drier part it is recommended information, be assessed usi index below -225 mm) (moisture parts of the Moist Mixed Grassl The moister to the transitional purposes. In the (Figure 1) reflects this in a genera index map represent the region. Th (2800 feet) in the east. to 850 m is shown in Figure ecoregion map The modified in Table 1. regions are summarized 2 Fescue grassland occurs mainly above elevati Fescue grassland occurs mainly Mixed Grassland. On the north slope, this tran extendi south slope of the Cypress Hills, and the transition to Mountain Upland, 1,050 m (3,450 feet) on the south slope. Mixed Gra 1,050 m lower elevations, both north and south of the C Assessment Management Agency, and a field survey of th field survey a Agency, and Management Assessment Environment.
for the Loam Ecosite, as a continuous reference areas on Loamy Sites in the e. This trend can be used to estimate e. This trend can be used to estimate be the best evidence available for determining for determining available the best evidence be atic moisture gradient (Figure 5) gradient (Figure atic moisture Climatic MoistureClimatic (mm) Index
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 -400 -300 -200 -100 0 0
500
4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 Production (kg/ha) Production surface predicted from the climatic moisture index. the climatic moisture surface predicted from Canadian Prairies, in relation to the climatic moisture index. climatic moisture index. Canadian Prairies, in relation to the as a continuous response to the clim as average values for the ecoregions (Table 9) (Table 9) ecoregions for the as average values
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Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Ecosit stocking rates for the Loam recommended stocking rates in two ways: recommended Figure 5 rates (AUM/ac) stocking Recommended 34 The trend shown in Figure 3 is considered to Figure 4 Annual grassland production from
33
cted to fields that 2) for each field. The 2) elds was recorded for years nt confirmation of the climatic of the climatic nt confirmation oric stocking rate data from oric stocking rate data from ation was captured by o), and the graph shows a slight 3. Stocking rates increase from 3. Stocking rates increase from on, only fields with predominantly on, only fields with predominantly itoba. Data were restri d Saskatchewan, in relation to the d Saskatchewan, d stocking rates. These are intended to be The results (Figure 4) show almost exactly show almost (Figure 4) The results ee Figure 1 in Section ction values from benchmark sites and research benchmark ction values from condition, so they should represent sustainable sustainable condition, so they should represent uction values, for communities with sufficient were insufficient to calculate meaningful meaningful to calculate were insufficient r each community. In actual use, they should be In actual r each community. ffect of climatic vari climatic of ffect istics and monitoring of range trend. istics and monitoring Climatic Moisture Index (mm) Index Moisture Climatic Actual stocking of individual fi based on a new analysis of hist the moistest (CMI close to zer the moistest ds in good to excellent range condition on Loamy Sites in ds in good to excellent range rate analysis, providing independe duce the effect of site variati
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 in relation to CMI is shown Figure -400 -300 -200 -100 0
3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0
) (AUM/ha Rate Stocking AAFC-PFRA pastures in Manitoba an climatic moisture index.
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan 5. PRODUCTION AND STOCKING RATES The community descriptions show average prod communities the data many data. However, for averages. The descriptions also show recommende rates fo initial estimates of sustainable stocking fine-tuned on the basis of pasture character Recommended stocking rates were pastures. AAFC-PFRA community 1988-2002, in pastures Saskatchewan and Man from range have been maintained in good to excellent stocking rates. In order to re Sites were used in the analysis. The e Loamy (CMI) (s moisture index the climatic determining pattern of stocking rates the driest regions (CMI = -400) to upward curve. In a separate analysis, measured grassland produ against CMI. were plotted ungrazed) plots (mostly pattern as the stocking the same trend in productivity. Figure 3 Stocking rates of fiel
regions of Saskatchewan – see Figure 1). regions of Saskatchewan 61-1990 period in the Prairie Ecozone of 61-1990 period in the Prairie
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 southern Saskatchewan. Ecoregion boundaries are shown for comparison. Ecoregion boundaries are shown southern Saskatchewan.
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Figure 2 Figure 2 from Eco Range ecoregions (modified Figure 1 Climatic moisture index for the 19 4
5 Cypress Upland, Upland, Cypress Fescue Dark Brown and Black Chernozems Plains Rough Fescue , which are defined by nd soil moisture regime, regime, nd soil moisture is mainly related to ecosite. related is mainly tured soils. The potential plant plant The potential tured soils. ecosites Aspen Aspen Parkland** Dark Brown and Black Chernozems Plains – Fescue Rough Grass Wheat Northern fined by broad patterns of climate. upine grass and northern wheat grass. pasture, it can be assumed that the climate is that the climate pasture, it can be assumed site characteristics, differing from other kinds site characteristics, differing from -and-thread and sand reed grass. The loamy -and-thread and sand reed grass. The loamy ogical site as: “A kind of land with a specific For example, a pasture in the Mixed Grassland the Mixed a pasture in For example, ve moist soils that support sedge meadows. soils that support sedge meadows. ve moist Ecoregion, and lower elevations in Cypress Upland Upland Cypress in elevations lower and Ecoregion, n with lower water-holding capacity, on which the topography, soil texture, a Mixed Mixed Grassland* -325 to -225 Brownsome and Chernozems Dark Brown -225 to 0 Grass Western Porcupine Wheat Grass – Northern -225 to 0 tion and to respond to management”. tion and to respond management”. divided into ecological sites or the variation in growing conditions hills with well-drained, loam-tex with well-drained, hills
all successional sequences were completed without interferences by man under man under by without interferences completed were sequences all successional
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 Dry Mixed Mixed Dry Grassland below -325 Brown Chernozems Wheat Northern – Grass Needle-and-thread 1,000 to 600 1,500 to 1,000 3,400 to 1,500 3,300 to 1,600 described in the previous section are de
on this land is dominated by western porc on this land is dominated 3
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Also applies to drier parts of Moist Mixed Grassland of Moistparts Mixedto applies drier Also The potential plant community was defined by SRM (1989) as: “The biotic community that would become become would that community biotic “The as: (1989) SRM by defined was community plant potential The established on an ecological site if site an ecological established on the present conditions.” environmental is usually This interpreted the community to be that develops under conditions. ungrazed to lightly grazed Ecoregion. Ecoregion. ** Also applies Mixed of Moist parts toEcoregion. Grassland moister more local factors. SRM (1989) defined an ecol SRM more local factors. and specific physical potential natural community of land in its ability to produce vegeta or a community a local area such as ranch Within Therefore, more or less uniform. Differences in physical site factors, such as for plant growth. create different environments up of rolling be partly made may Table 1 among range ecoregions. General differences Ecoregion index moisture climate (mm) zonal soils community reference Ecosite Loam on on production potential (kg/ha) Ecosite Loam * 3. ECOSITES Classification 3.1 Ecosite The ecoregions these regions, rangeland is Within community ha However, depressions between the hills may be a sand plai Another part of the pasture may by needle is dominated potential plant community 3
two values values two lesser of the lesser of plot sample 0 0.12 0 0.12 0 2 1.4 1.4 0 0.1 0 41 11.22 41 11.22 6.7 PERCENT COVER PERCENT Loam Ecosite in the Aspen Parkland. reference community ilarity to the reference community using reference ilarity to the =(200*6.7)/(41+11.22) 25.7
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 0.1 rose Total of minor shrubs TOTAL sedge 2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 graminoids Major 0.1 fescue rough plains grass wheat northern grass porcupine western 2 sedge grass wheat bearded grass blue Kentucky grass June grass oat Hooker's and half-shrubs Major forbs avens three-flowered 23 5 everlasting 5 2 2 grass oat timber 0 5 rough hair grass 1 fescue sheep 1 graminoids minor of Total 2 2 0 anemone crocus 0 0 2 0.1 anemone cut-leaved 0 0 violet blue early 0.1 0.1 chickweed field 0.1 1 gaillardia 0.1 0 bean golden hedysarum 0 anemone long-fruited low 0 goldenrod 0 0.1 aster many-flowered 0.01 bedstraw northern sage prairie 0.01 yarrow woolly sage pasture 0.1 0.1 and half-shrubs Total of minor forbs 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 SIMILARITY PERCENT 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
percent cover data, for a sample plot on percent cover
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan
Table 8 percent sim Example of calculating 32
31 two values values two lesser of the rence community using plot sample sample 55 3 3 6 8 6 reference ot on Loam Ecosite in the Mixed community milarity to the refe to the milarity
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 PERCENT BIOMASS BIOMASS 3 4 20 PERCENT 14 graminoids Major grass porcupine western grass wheat northern grass June grass wheat western grama blue 4 needle-and-thread 3 sedges fescue rough plains grass needle green 31 1 reed grass plains grass oat Hooker's 24 5 15 and half-shrubs Major forbs 15 sage pasture 4 15 crested wheat grass 5 5 graminoids minor of Total 15 4 3 0 sage prairie 2 scarlet mallow 20 0 cinquefoil 1 4 1 goat's-beard 1 and half-shrubs Total of minor forbs 0 0 0 4 SIMILARITY PERCENT 0 7 1 0 0 1 3 1 1 2 percent biomass data, for a sample pl Grassland.
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Table 7 percent si Example of calculating
with a thin surface layer thin with a cal relief of 1 to 3 metres, and/or and/or 3 metres, to 1 of relief cal ic Order, characterized by a hard, by a ic Order, characterized eep(>20%) slopes (excluding oodland) associated with aspect and aspect with oodland) associated oodland) associated with aspect and aspect with oodland) associated with moderately coarse-texturedwith moderately they have different physical soils at the surface, or soils at the surface, specific criteria to aid in use of soil survey criteria to aid in use specific “Shallow Marsh”, “Deep and their s” and “High Dunes” based on experience s” and “High Dunes” based on experience to conform to soil survey terminology. to soil survey terminology. to conform 1970, Stewart and Kantrud 1972, Millar of range sites that has been used in ng “Subirrigated”, “Wetland”, and “Closed ng “Subirrigated”, “Wetland”, r grasslands of southern Saskatchewan. r grasslands of southern Saskatchewan. ed in the present report (Table 2) are based on levels of erosion (excluding Badlands or Dunes). Dunes). or Badlands (excluding erosion of levels Badlands or Dunes); and/or and/or Dunes); or Badlands Landscapes with truncated soil profiles resulting from high natural natural high from resulting profiles soil truncated with Landscapes Landscapeswith predominantly st
• Sparsely vegetated landscapes with >10% exposure of bedrock. Areas Areas bedrock. of exposure >10% with landscapes vegetated Sparsely to small too are that islands vegetated include may as Badlands mapped separately. map • with Landscapes gravelly substrate. gravel a over material finer of Stable well-drainedupland ecosites with coarse-texturedsoils (sand, loamy sand),but without dune topography. Stable well-drainedupland ecosites soils (sandy loam). Stable well-drainedupland ecosites to fine- moderately with medium textured soils silt loam, (loam, clay loam). Landscapeswith soils inSolonetz the Stable well-draineduplandfine-texturedvery soils to ecosites with fine (clay, heavy clay). impermeable B-horizonimpermeable which inwith is high Often sodium. scattered eroded been has soil the where “blowouts”) or (“burnouts” depressions B-horizon). the to down slope steepness of 5% to 15%. Potential vegetation includes a mosaic of of a mosaic includes vegetation Potential 15%. 5% to of steepness slope w shrubland, (grassland, types cover Landscapeswith sand dunes creating lo slope position. Usually with on plant complete coverpositions. all slope Landscapeswith sand dunes3 than creating metres, relief of local more of a mosaic includes vegetation Potential >15%. steepness slope and/or w shrubland, (grassland, types cover slope position. slopes South-facing ridges andhave often sparse sand. bare or vegetation nd plain are different ecosites: th some modifications: modifications: th some fferent potential plant communities. fferent potential plant communities.
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 Low Dunes (LDN) (LDN) Dunes Low High Dunes (HDN) High Dunes Badlands (BD) Badlands Thin (TH) Gravelly (GR) Dunes (DN) (SD) Sand Sandy(SL) Loam (LM) Loam Solonetzic (SO) (SO) Solonetzic (CY) Clay Depression” have been replaced with the zonation terminology used by wetland terminology the zonation Depression” have been replaced with Meadow”, “Wet “Dry Meadow”, ecologists: “Dunesand” has been split into “Low Dune into “Low has been split “Dunesand” in dunesand areas. with ecological mapping “Solonetzic” “Burnout” has been renamed to avoid confusion with the Sand Ecosite. “Sandy Loam” “Sandy” has been renamed on moist to wet ecosites, includi Ecosites and Coupland saline counterparts (Walker 1976). Definitions of ecosites have been written, with for mapping. information
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GROUP ECOSITE DEFINITION DRY ZONAL Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan and the sa upland, the wet meadows, site factors, and they support di Abouguendia (1990) presented the classification in recent years. The ecosites us Saskatchewan Abouguendia’s classification, wi Table 2 Classification of range ecosites fo 6
7 , so the site would be as faint to distinct mottles (e.g. mottles faint to distinct as ts of a few species of tall, coarse tall, coarse of few species ts of a ooded,with saline Potential soils. lic soils). Potential lic soils). vegetation ith saline appearSalt may soils.on ntial vegetationof consists a few tial vegetation includes a mixture of a mixture includes tial vegetation ) that receive additional moisture from stream stream from moisture receive additional ) that 3) shows the logical priority of various the texture characteristic the texture very steep slopes and sandy loam textures. The very steep slopes and sandy loam Drier transitional or upland w sites Poten in dry periods. the surface salt-tolerantplants and plants typical of normal upland ecosites. Well-drainedgleying),but sites (no on mottles or alluvial landforms fans (floodplains, alluvial run-in. or overflow with Solonetzic soils sites Overflow drainedsoils Imperfectly Moist low-lyingrarely flooded. are sites that show signs of occasional such saturation, Gleyed Chernozems). until flooded normally July Gleysolic or early August.Wetlandsare that or Organic Potential Soils. vegetation includes communities simpler of sedges. and grasses intermediate-sized Moist low-lyingrarely fl are sites that vegetationdominated by is salt-tolerantplants. until flooded normally JulywithWetlands orare early August, that saline soils. Potential vegetation is dominatedby salt-tolerant plants. Overflow sites with saline sites soils Overflow spring. in weeks 3-4 for flooded normally are that sites low-lying Wet dull as such saturation, prolonged of signs show soils drained Poorly coloursprominent or mottles (Gleyso includesdiverse communities of fine-texturedgrasses, sedges, and forbs, sometimes with tall willows. spring, in weeks 3-4 for flooded normally are that sites low-lying Wet with saline Potential soils. vegetation is dominated by salt-tolerant plants. Wetlands that are normally flooded throughout the growing season (non- season growing the throughout flooded normally are that Wetlands usePotential vegetation areas). consis bulrushes). (e.g. cattails, graminoids (non- season growing the throughout flooded normally are that Wetlands usewith saline areas), Pote soils. species of salt-tolerant plants.
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 Overflow (OV) Overflow Solonetzic (OVSO) Overflow Meadow Dry (DMD) Shallow Marsh (SMH) Saline Dry Meadow (DMDSA) Saline Shallow (SMHSA) Marsh Saline Overflow Saline Overflow (OVSA) Wet Meadow (WMD) Saline Wet Meadow (WMDSA) Deep Marsh (DMH) Saline Deep Marsh(DMHSA) Overflow Overflow (OV) Meadow (MD) Saline Upland (UPSA) Saline Meadow (MDSA) Marsh Marsh (MH) Saline Marsh (MHSA)
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan GROUP DEFINITION ECOSITE MOIST SALINE identifying key for cases. The following in Table 2 may overlap some The ecosite definitions features (Table landscape on soil and ecosites based have characteristics. For example, a site may in the key than comes earlier slope characteristic Ecosite. the Sandy Loam than placed in the Thin Ecosite rather ion. The description erg 1974). The sum of erg 1974). The sum s, then attempt to then attempt s, e major trends. A e major ecological status. The e values of percent nd that they do not represent cent similarity (Mueller-Dombois cent similarity , they represent th the extent to which the sample plot has the extent to which sample usually add up to 100. In this case, the full inor” species, even though they may be of inor” species, even though they may in assigning points for ilarity is then calculated by taking the lesser of of by taking the lesser calculated ilarity is then d by the sum of reference values plus e Mixed Grassland Ecoreg ication 4) gives averag y match any of the described community types. any of the described community y match lculation for percent cover is given in Table 8. shown by described type should add up to 100 in each plot, allowing the d the reference community for that ecosite. d the reference community not listed as major species in the reference not listed as major grass) and four forbs (prairie sage, scarlet sition diagram representing the successional representing the successional diagram sition milarity shown in Table 7. Some community shown in Table 7. Some milarity a rough guide for assigning these classes: However, the Saskatchewan Range Health However, the Saskatchewan (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenb (Mueller-Dombois used directly to judge es composition. Rather tions, it is important to understa tions, it is important those for the reference community. In this example, the sample the sample In this example, community. the reference for those on, the user can calculate per Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 vere alteration
more than 85% - reference community community - reference more than 85% alteration 65 – 85% - minor 45 – 65% - moderate alteration 25 - 45% significant alteration - se 25% less than
• • • • •
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan for the reference community (MG-LM-A in Publ (MG-LM-A for the reference community for the determined species. Values minor species, as well totals for for each major biomass plot are entered beside sample (crested wheat plot had data for one graminoid cinquefoil, and goat’s-beard) that were mallow, be grouped as “m community. Such species must can be used as following ranges of similarity major importance in the sample plot. Percent sim in the sample importance major interpret the composition of the sample plot in relation to these trends. to these in relation plot the sample of the composition interpret As an aid to this interpretati and Ellenberg 1974) between the sample plot an Table 7 shows an example on Loam Ecosite in th values. these lesser and summing for each species, the two values data, which used percent biomass This example use of the simplified calculation percent si descriptions show percent cover data, which do not be used must for percent similarity formula by 200, then divide the lesser values is multiplied values. An example of the ca of the sample sum values can be Percent similarity the reference community. been altered from refers to classes of alteration method Assessment sample plot examined in the field may not exactl in the field may plot examined sample trends the composition examine The user should The publication also includes a state-and-tran types. the various community relationships among In using the community descrip every possible variation in speci 30
29
th and 90 th ) are shown under Vegetation ed in a manual sorting process ed in a manual interpreted successional successional interpreted Plant species were separated by rcent cover, depending on available data); the percent cover of each vegetation layer, r species in each vegetation layer with in each r species se, but with mostly herbaceous growth (i.e. se, but with mostly owth persists from year to year) to interpret a reference community for each community for a reference to interpret M-A, meaning Mixed Grassland Ecoregion, M-A, meaning are presented in a series of separate are presented Selaginella densa d-transition diagram showing the interpreted showing the interpreted diagram d-transition en’s index (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg ouped and only the total for grouped species similarity of other community types to the to types of other community similarity s the communities found on the Loam Ecosite. the Loam s the communities found on oach, types represented by fewer than 10 plots oach, types represented by fewer community that would be expected under uding grasses, sedges, and rushes zed by calculating the mean and the 10 the mean zed by calculating based on the dominant species based on the dominant standardized community descriptions. standardized community fficient data were available ill be published as they are developed. published ill be sers. These variables were us with other types, as appropriate. e community type, including its uded in the composition data. uded in the composition tes (see Section 5) ure and composition variables. ure and composition
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1
a code for the community type (e.g. MG-L Ecosystems Ecosite, community type A) Loam type the community of the name a general description of th relationships with other types the structure of vegetation, represented by as well litter cover and exposure of bare soil represented by majo the species composition, or pe abundance values (either percent biomass lichens, and clubmoss ( note that mosses, Rangeland are not incl and Structure, that for community the community to reference of similarity percent ecoregion/ecosite average forage production, if su stocking ra recommended Saskatchewan graminoids – grass-like plants, incl graminoids grass-like are not each year) that back to the ground plants (i.e. die forbs – herbaceous half-shrubs – plants that are woody at the ba growth dies back each year) most of the above-ground shrubs – woody plants (i.e. above-ground gr cactus – succulent plants with spines
• • • • • • • • • • • • • proportions of decreasers and increa plots. In either appr at grouping similar aimed combined or were either eliminated Knowledge of successional relationships was used defined as the ecoregion/ecosite combination, lightly grazed conditions. Percent ungrazed or by Sorens reference community was determined 1974). Communities were arranged in a state-an them. relationships among Data for community types were summari percentiles of vegetation struct growth-forms: were gr Minor species within each growth-form was shown. The results were shown in 4.3 Using the community descriptions of the communities for each ecosite Descriptions Publication 4 show For example, publications. w ecosites for additional Descriptions Each description shows: rsh rsh aline Deep aline Marsh texture, gleying and to databases of soil The result was the Soil Series The result was the be looked up to determine the equivalent be looked up to determine -Food Canada has developed a seamless digital -Food Canada has developed a seamless on the map are linked on the map s based on soil and landscape features. to translate the soil map into a map of range into a map to translate the soil map deposition, parent material ubstrate...... Gravelly Gravelly ubstrate...... to determine equivalent range ecosites, by to determine )...... Clay )...... Tables 2 and 3 in Section 3.1). individual series can ng floodplains, fans, aprons...... aprons...... fans, ng floodplains, Saline Overflow (e.g. Gleyed Chernozems)...... Gleyed Chernozems)...... (e.g. Meadow Saline Dry rs (e.g. Gleyed Chernozems)...... Gleyed Chernozems)...... (e.g. rs Dry Meadow ...... Solonetzic Overflow Overflow Solonetzic ......
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 7)...... 6 and classes Dunes High lope classes 4 and 5)...... 5)...... 4 and lope classes Low Dunes Gravelly texture or gravel s gravel or texture Gravelly o. Fine texture (c, sic, hc o. Fine texture o. Medium to moderately fine texture (l, sil, cl, cl, sil, (l, texture fine to moderately o. Medium
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Table 3 ecosite Key for identifying range bedrock a. Exposed bedrock exposed a. Not Saline b. Gleysols c. soils...... d. Marsh Marsh, S Saline Shallow Gleysols...... Other d. Meadow Wet Saline orders series in other Gleyed c. Gleyed or Gleysol Not c. includi Alluvial landforms d. alluvial landforms...... Not d. Saline Upland b. Not saline Gleysols e. soils...... f. Marsh Ma Deep Shallow Marsh, Gleysols...... Other f. Wet Meadow orde series in other Gleyed e. Gleyed or Gleysol Not e. deposition) of mode eolian (coarse-textured, Dunesand g. (slope slopes Steep h. Badlands 3.2 Mapping of range ecosites The Land Resource Unit of Agriculture and Agri The areas for southern Saskatchewan. soil map it possible properties. These databases made ecosites. First, the database of soil series was used of interpretation of properties such as mode Table (Publication 2), in which 8 h. Moderate slopes (s slopes Moderate h. h. Gentle slopes (slope classes 1, 2, and 3)...... 3)...... 2, and 1, classes (slope slopes Gentle h. Sand Dunesand Not g. aprons fans, floodplains, including landforms Alluvial i. Solonetzic...... j. Solonetzic...... Not j. Overflow alluvial landforms Not i. 7)...... (slope class slopes Very steep k. Thin 6) 4, 5, 3, 2, 1, classes (slope slopes steep very Not k. profile...... soil l. Eroded Thin profile soil eroded l. Not Solonetzic...... m. Solonetzic Solonetzic Not m. n. n. Not gravelly gravelly Not n. ls, lfs)...... fs, (s, texture o. Coarse Sand vl)...... fl, texture (sl, coarse o. Moderately Sandy loam vcl)...... scl, fcl sicl, Loam and erosion (see mottling, salinity,
9 ailable information: ailable information: Agriculture and Agri- neralized for mapping at neralized for mapping the observer. The e area. The soils of of the mapped areas, of the mapped 10,000) the Range Ecosite 10,000) the Range Ecosite scale. However, the underlying scale. However, e steps are discussed in Sections 3.3.1 and of ecosites across southern Saskatchewan. A Saskatchewan. across southern of ecosites il series directly. Rather, they show soil map soil map il series directly. Rather, they show cation process using all av The map was also limited to areas of The map the classification is native grassland, the map the map is native grassland, the classification complete assessments (e.g. digging a soil pit) assessments complete was used to generate the Range Ecosite Map in to the map unit. The result was the Map Unit to the map e range ecosite for each map unit can be looked e range ecosite e Land Resource Unit of uts, and may not always follow every step. uts, and may Council’s South Digital Land Cover map to Digital Land Cover map Council’s South ledge and experience of read the soil map for th for map the soil read scriptions of the individual ecosites. buted separately, can be used to zoom in on a buted separately, can be used to zoom using other attributes a map of a ranch at 1: a map farms/settlements, roads, and water). farms/settlements, ver, the map should then be refined by field ver, the map e of 1:100,000, and are too ge r identifications. Th ern of range ecosites at a larger the possible ecosites, and pick the most appropriate the possible ecosites, and pick most
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 tation of air photos.
read the soil map for the area soil map read the look at the land surface dig a soil pit and look at the profile the soil of texture the determine look at the vegetation read the descriptions of Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan
• • • • • • Food Canada. Soil maps and reports can be ordered from: and reports can be ordered from: Food Canada. Soil maps range ecosite. However, soil maps do not show so range ecosite. However, soil maps series, and the range unit has a dominant map of soil series. Each units, which are complexes ecosite corresponding to that series was assigned in which the most probabl Table (Publication 3), were then modified up. Ecosite assignments and slope class. texture surface including areas of ecosites to mapped The final assignment the focus of Because of this report. the centrefold to the Prairie Ecozone (ESWG 1996). was limited Research rangeland, by using the Saskatchewan out non-rangeland (cropland, forage, mask The Range Ecosite Map shows the general pattern which will be distri digital version of the map, particular area and show the patt are intended to be used at a scal soil maps area (e.g. a small finer scales. For mapping Map can be used for a “first draft”. Howe observations and interpre 3.3 Steps in Identifying Range Ecosites Identifying range ecosites depends on the know More experienced observers will develop shortc However, everyone will benefit from doing more thei to improve to time time from detailed de 3.3.2, while Section 3.4 gives more 3.3.1 Using soil maps to identify range ecosites is to range ecosites in identifying step The first by th southern Saskatchewan have been mapped following list of steps illustrates a detailed identifi a detailed steps illustrates of list following the plot values. Each in growth-forms (e.g. in growth-forms sample area (e.g. a 5 m by sample area (e.g. a 5 m asurements, vegetation asurements, Mixed Grassland were Grassland Mixed abundance measures. abundance measures. ent biomass (i.e. the percent ent biomass ssional index based on an map (Padbury and Acton 1994) an map Thorpe and Godwin 1992, Godwin and Thorpe Thorpe and Godwin 1992, Godwin and Thorpe 1994c, 1999 2004b species. Plot locations were used with GIS were considered to be easures, with most using either percent cover easures, with most om the various sources were edited to fit om plots for analysis, so were combined with plots for analysis, so were combined us of the resulting classes. The other was a t sources to be combined in analysis. The basic in analysis. t sources to be combined ed for several other ecosites with lower plot ansformed to ranks with ansformed ed to ecosites based on environmental data (e.g. ed to ecosites based on environmental plot. This could be a In some cases, particular combinations of cases, particular combinations In some ables, and mapped soil information. Plots were soil information. ables, and mapped identification) and the soil survey map. identification) and the soil survey map. presented by a few variables, including percent percent including by a few variables, presented the same measure could be grouped. However, for measure the same species, and a succe xed Grassland and Dry of small quadrats (e.g. ten placements of a 50 cm of a 50 cm quadrats (e.g. ten placements of small set, while the rows include location information, een plots using different soil type), production me on to all herbaceous species). Rank-transformed species). Rank-transformed on to all herbaceous (McCune and Mefford 1999) on ranked data, ght basis). One of the fields in the database recorded the recorded One of the fields in database ght basis). the Ecoregions of Saskatchew ea covered by the species) or perc a transect (e.g. a 100 m line laid out across the landscape). In a transect (e.g. 100 m
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 incial Park and Elbow PFRA and Elbow incial Park
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Pasture data source SRC survey of Cowessess I.R. Park Provincial Mountain Moose of survey SRC SRC survey of Old Man on his Back SRC surveySaskatchewanof Landing Provincial Park SRC surveySilverwoodof area the Manitoof SRC surveyHills Sand 1994 Thorpe Godwin and Thorpe1994b,2002b Douglas Prov SRC surveys in Godwin and Thorpe 2004a Thorpe and Godwin 1998b, 1999a Thorpe and Godwin1993a Godwin and Thorpe1992 SRC surveys in Old Wives area area Wives Old in surveys SRC SRC surveys the in Great Sand Hills SRC surveys of Saskatoon Natural Grasslands Thorpe and Godwin 1993b, Godwin and Thorpe Thorpe and Godwin1997 1999b Godwin and Thorpe Plots were separated by ecoregion and ecosite. of ecoregion and ecosite had insufficient numbers Ecosite, but were combin separated for the Loam numbers. two main used combination an ecoregion/ecosite within communities of Classification approaches. One was a Twinspan analysis some analyses, species abundance values were tr some For example, Mi combinations. other similar stat the successional of by interpretation followed 5 m square plot), or it could be 5 m by a series case of plots or transects sampled the averages of quadrat values frame), by 50 cm in the data plot can be visualized as a column attributes (e.g. slope, aspect, environmental structure, and abundance values for individual plant vari data to assign values for ecoregion, climate assigned to ecoregions based on contributed by each species on a wei so that plots with type of abundance measure, the rank of each herbaceous species in relati betw to be comparable data were considered approach in which each plot was re supervised herbaceous exotics, percent shrubs, dominant was developed, and data fr A standard data format differen This allowed data from standard format. unit of data was considered to be the vegetation data. Plots were assign climatic and the mapped observed topography, soil texture, or range site The data included a variety of species abundance m (i.e. the percent of ground ar 28
27 only lightly grazed. an are divided into ecoregions locations across southern -PFRA staff - personal communication emer, Sask. Environment, personal personal Environment, Sask. emer, R.T. Coupland, personal communication communication personal Coupland, R.T. 1962,1964, Baines 1979 Martens communication communication communication Godwin and Thorpe1994a unpublishedB. Godwin, SRC, data tered by invasion of exotic plant species. The me areas, while prolonged absence of fire may me areas, while prolonged absence of fire may depend on landform and soil). Within a given and soil). Within depend on landform database collected by AAFC-PFRA in community , while other areas are , while other Hills Environment, Sask. personal A. Riemer, may be heavily grazed over several years, causing may fication of plant community types. s s communication - personal SWA staff Houston 1999 and personal communication types was based on analysis of existing data. PCAP partners ngelands of southern Saskatchew of different plant communities may be found. The main reason be found. The main of different plant communities may on data from a wide range of on data from about half of the data.
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan data source range conditionAAFC-PFRA surveys survey Authority Watershed Saskatchewan surveys Unlimited Ducks range benchmarks Saskatchewan his and Coupland R.T. by collected data grassland Original students Matador IBP site research in theof Hills S Coteau U. AAFC onM.Sc. Thesis the Hills Sand Dundurn Other U of S theses Survey Prairie Biodiversity PFRA staff - personal communication communication personal - staff DU personalS, communicationof U J. Romo, Coupland1973 A. Ri Brayshaw 1951, Heard 1953, Hird 1957, Hulett SaskatchewanEnvironment survey Great Sand in the SRC rangeHills Provincial condition of Cypress survey Park Park Provincial Danielson of survey condition range SRC biodiversity farm on SRC research 1994 Godwin and Thorpe methods monitoring range on research SRC habitat grouse sage on research SRC lands WDF on research SRC BatocheNational of SRC survey Historic Site Battle Creek valley of SRC survey 1998a Godwin and Thorpe 1998 et al. Godwin Godwin and Thorpe2002a 2003 Godwin and Thorpe 2002 2001, Godwin and Thorpe 4. COMMUNITIES 4.1 Introduction Sections 2 and 3 show how the ra and ecosites (which (which depend on climate) ecoregion and ecosite, a number areas for this is differences in history. Some to decrease species or more palatable the taller so the shrubs from eliminate Repeated fires may communities are al allow shrubs to expand. Some a given ecosite. on communities possible plant of result is a range 4.2 Methods Classification of plant community contributed grassland compositi (Table 6). The range condition Saskatchewan pasture surveys accounted for Table 6 Data sources used for classi soil series (the one the soil map may be the soil map ope classes 1, 2, or 3) ndary series (Biggar parent materials) occur in parent materials) s 4 or 5) are considered Low
in Biggar 3 there is a significant . The land surface and the soil of gentle relief (sl xture of gravelly sandy loam. In this case, of gravelly sandy loam. xture all three, the dominant the dominant all three, class 7), which would change the ecosite to . Each map unit has a different distribution . Each map and slope class shown on determine the most likely range ecosite based based ecosite range likely the most determine this map, which will be distributed separately, separately, distributed which will be this map, unit. In Biggar 3, the dominant series (Biggar unit. In Biggar 3, the dominant Ecosite, while the seco what generalized, the information may not be may what generalized, the information zemic Dark Brown soils. Usually, the range zemic if the map unit is Biggar 3, the Map Unit Table unit is Biggar if the map port), ecosites have already been determined port), ecosites have already been determined rk Brown. However, in the Biggar 2 map unit rk Brown. However, in the Biggar 2 map that the ecosite has been determined correctly. has been determined the ecosite that However, ecosites can be determined in more in more ecosites can be determined However, ublication 2) shows how to determine the range ublication 2) shows how to determine sponds to the Saline Upland Ecosite. rly, a soil which would normally be considered rly, a soil which would normally mapped as Antelope, Vera, or Edam soils. as Antelope, Vera, or Edam mapped pe classes 6 or 7) are considered High Dunes map units nts/scsr/land/map/index.html of moderate relief (slope classe of moderate k Brown soils formed on gravelly k Brown soils formed soil series in the map unit. The soil map also shows the surface unit. The soil map soil series in the map Biggar Orthic Regosols, while e range ecosite being considered
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 within it. For example, the soil map for the area around Saskatoon (Acton and Ellis the soil map within it. For example,
The Saskatchewan Land Resource Centre 5C26 Agriculture Building Saskatchewan Campus University of Drive 51 Campus SASKATOON SK S7N 5A8 (306) 975-4060 http://www.ag.usask.ca/departme soil series Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Orthic Dark Brown) corresponds to the Gravelly However, the ecosite depends on topography. Areas shows that the most likely ecosite is Gravelly. likely ecosite shows that the most of the map detail by using the soil series makeup corre Carbonated and/or Saline Chernozemic) texture surface that the The Map Unit Table shows be a soil which would normally cases. For example, used in identifying ecosites some have a surface te considered Sandy Loam Ecosite may the ecosite would change to Gravelly. Simila occur on very steep slopes (slope Ecosite may Loam Thin. Areas of wind-blown sand are usually Sand Ecosite, areas are considered of there is also a significant area of ecosite if the soil series is known. For example, 1978) shows that Biggar soils (Dar are called on a soil map The areas shown 1, Biggar 2, and 3. In units: Biggar three map Orthic Da occupying the largest area) is Biggar area of Biggar Carbonated and/or Saline Cherno ecosite is based on the dominant area. class in each mapped and the slope soil texture The Map Unit Table (Publication 3) shows how to unit. The Soil Series Table (P on the soil map Dunes Ecosite, and areas of steep slopes (slo Ecosite. On the Range Ecosite Map (centrefold of this re of version A digital relationships. using the above interest. of to zoom in on areas users will allow the right give will often or the Range Ecosite Map soil maps from ecosite the range Determining are some answer. However, because these maps detailed enough to identify th in the field to ensure be examined profile must 10
11 that appear to be on . 6 . Alluvial landforms . Alluvial landforms with a columnar with a columnar ek advice from a soils ek advice from 5 ce of the land surface. Solonetzic soils, but ns). Soil layers may ns). Soil layers may oot of a steep slope or the ures that are used in identifying appears to be thinner than normal appears to be thinner than normal 4 salt crusts appearing on the soil surface, salt crusts appearing on the soil surface, llies, individual plants plants llies, individual been pushed up into hills and ridges by such as valley bottoms rcentage: if the land rises 1 metre over a rcentage: if the land rises 1 metre been formed by moving water. These will by moving water. These will been formed nd soils with a dark-coloured A-horizon. , indicating intermittent saturation with water. with water. saturation , indicating intermittent upland Chernozemic or upland Chernozemic ittle development of horizons, usually on land ittle development at the shape and appearan 7 dy the layers (soil horizo onsult a soils textbook or se by prolonged saturation with water, and in grassland soils is a dark-coloured topsoil. topsoil. dark-coloured is a soils grassland in ntly sloping areas at the f dering streams that are occasionally flooded during high dering streams es, the steepness is 20%. rsperseddominantwith the soil color. e soil profile. Some of the feat e soil profile. Some soils where the A-horizon
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 floodplains – level areas bor water alluvial fans and aprons – ge the higher land. by soil washed down from mouth of a coulee, formed
Signs of erosion – e.g. and with salt-tolerant plant species. species. plant and with salt-tolerant sand dunes – land surfaces in which has wind action. exposed bedrock include: include: o o wet areas with white areas – usually low-lying areas saline steep slopes – steepness is measured as a pe steep slopes – steepness is measured horizontal distance of 5 metr of rills and gu – e.g. formation signs of erosion has been washed away. pedestals because soil around them have – land surfaces that landforms alluvial of the landscape, in lower parts always occur removed. has been because topsoil Regosolic soil profiles – soils with very l by wind or water. deposited that has been recently soil profiles – typical grassla Chernozemic B-horizon Solonetzic soil profiles – soils with a hard, impermeable Layers of gravel. Soil texture of the various horizons. Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems structure. Gleysolic soil profiles – soils formed mottles rust-colored prominent colours or by dull gray characterized to – soils that appear similar Gleyed soils B or C-horizon mottles in the have some Rangeland Saskatchewan
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Theuppermost soil A-horizon layer, which is the A- the of out washed material by modified been has and A-horizon, the below layer subsoil the is B-horizon The Mottlesofdifferent are spots color inte B-horizons. and A the below material parent unaltered the is C-horizon The horizon. horizon. also be viewed in road-cuts or gopher-holes. C expert to recognize features in th range ecosites: Dig a soil pit about 60 cm (2 feet) deep, and stu 3.3.2 Examining range ecosites in the field To identify range ecosites in the field, first look features to look for: Some 4 5 6 7 vegetation consists of a few minated by salt-tolerant wetland minated tlands that are normally flooded until July or tlands that are normally dull colours and/or prominent mottles mottles prominent and/or dull colours tlands that are normally flooded throughout the tlands that are normally ils (e.g. Marsh Saline Gleysolic) th high salinity. The potential the Saline Deep Marsh Ecosite: the Saline Deep Marsh Ecosite: The potential vegetation is do
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 whitetop spikerush creeping bulrush threesquare Nevada bulrush grass Nuttall’s alkali narrow-leaf water-plantain samphire sea-blite sea milkwort sea milkwort silverweed common arrowgrass alkali bulrush bulrush hardstem
Wetlands that are flooded for extended periods soil surfaces White salt crust on drying with shows Gleysol profile Soil profile Plant indicators ------shows saline gleysolic so Soil map - - Wetlands that are almost always flooded Wetlands that are almost soil surfaces White salt-crust on drying plants Vegetation consists of tall emergent Plant indicators
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growing season (non-use areas), wi Saline Deep Marsh (DMHSA) The Saline Deep Marsh Ecosite consists of we Marsh (SMHSA) Saline Shallow Marsh Ecosite consists of we The Saline Shallow early August, with high salinity. plants. Marsh Ecosite: the Saline Shallow in identifying for Things to look plants. species of salt-tolerant emergent Things to look for in identifying 26
25 es of a variety other soil a variety of Chernozemic or a variety of Chernozemic ing land that is moist but rarely flooded, with ing land that is moist tes may include Alluvium Saline Gleysols, tes may t low-lying wetlands that are normally flooded that are normally t low-lying wetlands dull colours and/or prominent mottles mottles prominent and/or dull colours is dominated by salt-tolerant plants. is dominated on saline and gleyed series of mplex, or saline and gleysolic seri e usually flooded in spring and normal upland plants and normal ng the Saline Dry Meadow Ecosite: ring, with high salinity. The potential vegetation is dominated by ring, with high salinity. The potential vegetation is dominated
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 .g. Alluvium Saline Gleyed). northern reed grass alkali cordgrass Baltic rush foxtail barley salt grass salt grass salt grass western wheat grass greasewood salt grass
Soil map shows saline gleysols shows saline gleysols Soil map Low-lying wetlands that ar White salt crust on surface with shows Gleysol profile Soil profile Plant indicators - - - - - Upland locations soil profile in or gleying No mottling Mixture of salt-tolerant Plant indicators - shows saline and gleyed soils. Soil map White salt crust on surface Low-lying, moist land, but not usually flooded Meadow, Saline Marsh) Usually bordering wetter ecosites (Saline Wet mottles to distinct shows faint Soil profile Plant indicators - - - Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan
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associations. Meadow Ecosite: the Saline Wet in identifying for Things to look (DMDSA) Saline Dry Meadow The Saline Dry Meadow Ecosite consists of low-ly high salinity. The potential vegetation Saline Dry Meadow Ecosites occurs Solonetzic associations (e in identifyi for Things to look (WMDSA) Saline Wet Meadow The Saline Wet Meadow Ecosite consists of we for three to four weeks in sp wetland plants. salt-tolerant Meadow ecosi Wet Soils corresponding to Saline Meadow Saline Gleysols, Co ine the range ecosite. t soil into a ribbon. Add indicates clay. e field is a skill that requires ecosites in Section 3.4 to make ecosites in Section 3.4 to make ld lead to approximately the ld lead to approximately s to determine how it feels: a gritty feel s to determine ile, use Table 5 to determ Try to form the mois silt; and a sticky feel and a sticky silt; nd is determined by the proportions of different nd is determined handful of soil from the profile, and add water to handful of soil from re by hand (modified from Thien 1979) re by ook at the descriptions of Table 4 gives a key that shou ay. Determining soil texture in th ay. Determining
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1
Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan Table 4 soil textu Key for determining training and practice. However, the finger more water and rub the wet soil between soapy feel indicates indicates sand; a smooth, Soil texture is how coarse or fine the soil is, a particle sizes: sand, silt, and cl correct texture class. To use this key, take a ball that can be worked in the hand. a moist form a ball1 soilform not does 1 soil a ball forms 2does soil not form a ribbon breaking before long cm 2.5 than less ribbon a weak forms 2 soil gritty feels very 3 soil smooth feels very 3 soil 3 neithergrittiness smoothness norpredominates breaking before long 5 cm to 2.5 ribbon a medium forms 2 soil gritty feels very 4 soil smooth feels very 4 soil 4 neithergrittiness smoothness predominatesnor breaking before longer or 5 cm ribbon a strong forms 2 soil gritty feels very 5 soil smooth feels very 5 soil 5 neithergrittiness smoothness norpredominates the soil prof surface and the land After examining a final decision, l Before making appropriate one. sure that you have picked the most loam sand loamy sand clay loam sandy loam silt loam clay sandy clay loam silty clay loam sandy clay silty clay 12
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Marsh Meadow Saline Dry Meadow Overflow Overflow ...... Badlands ...... Deep Marsh Marsh ...... Deep ...... Shallow Marsh ...... Shallow ...... Saline Shallow ...... Saline ...... Saline Wet Wet Saline ...... Wet Meadow Wet ...... Marsh Saline Deep t...... st...... run-in or stream overflow...... overflow...... stream or run-in Saline Overflow upland ecosites...... upland ecosites...... Saline Upland loam, clay loam)...... clay loam)...... loam, Loam to 4 weeks in spring...... d for 3 to 4 weeks 3 d for in to spring...... Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 Chernozems)...... Dry Meadow Dry Chernozems)...... Chernozems)...... Chernozems)......
Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan f. Normally floode Normally f. e. Moist sites, but rarely flooded; soils imperfectly drained (e.g. Gleyed d. Normally flooded for 3 for flooded from Normally to moisture d. transitional extra landforms; summer landforms, alluvial the Alluvial saline Not c. Moist sites, but rarely flooded; soils imperfectly drained (e.g. Gleyed throughout d. Not d. flooded c. Well-drained sites, no mottling or gleying in soil b. Normally f. e. Wet sites, soils poorly drained (Gleysols) Augus until July or early flooded Normally f. b. Saline sites bedrock...... a. Exposed Saline bedrock exposed a. Not b. c. Wet sites, soils poorly drained (Gleysols) summer..... the throughout flooded Normally d. or early Augu until July flooded Normally d. i. Sand dunes dunes Dunes Dunes High Solonetzic metres...... Low soils...... metres...... Sand 3 Overflow Solonetzic metre...... landforms 3 Solonetzic...... than Sand h. 1 alluvial to Not e. Well-drained sites, no mottling or gleying in soil more than Not 1 h. relief eroded overflow stream or run-in less from moisture extra g. Thin landforms, Alluvial g. relief 20%...... Local dunes i. relief Solonetzic Local than j. sand Local slopes j. steeper Thin gravelly Not erosion...... j. steep Slopes Not i. of Not k. Loam silt Solonetzic Signs Sand not k. sand)...... soils...... Sandy (loam, l. loam)...... loamy Gravelly Solonetzic Not l. texture material...... (sandy (sand, m. fine Gravelly texture m. texture moderately n. coarse Coarse n. to Clay Moderately (clay)...... o. Medium o. texture o. Fine o. Table 5 ecosites in the field. range Key for identifying a variety of Chernozemic or a variety of Chernozemic d periods (until July or early August in July d periods (until tential vegetation includes a mixture of salt- a mixture includes tential vegetation itional or upland sites where the soil is saline. sites where the soil upland or itional of very tall, coarse grasses and sedges (e.g. d be mapped out as non-use areas for livestock. d be mapped dull colours and/or prominent mottles mottles prominent and/or dull colours that are normally flooded throughout the growing that are normally e include Marsh Complex and Wetland Complex. Complex. and Wetland e include Marsh Complex osite include saline series of ng the Shallow Marsh Ecosite:
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 upland sites. ypical of normal cat-tail bulrush soft-stem bulrush hard-stem giant reed grass awned sedge water sedge woolly sedge whitetop grass tall manna giant bur-reed slough grass spikerush creeping grass reed canary water smartweed water parsnip
Soil map shows saline soils shows saline soils Soil map White salt crust on surface Almost always flooded Almost plants Vegetation consists of tall emergent Plant indicators - - - - Low-lying wetlands that are flooded for extende Low-lying wetlands that are flooded year) an average with shows Gleysol profile Soil profile Plant indicators Plant indicators ------
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Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan
Solonetzic soils. soils. Solonetzic Ecosite: the Saline Upland in identifying for Things to look Salt may appear on the surface in dry periods. Po in dry surface appear on the Salt may Saline Upland (UPSA) drier trans of The Saline Upland Ecosite consists Soils corresponding to the Deep Marsh Ecosit Ecosite: the Deep Marsh in identifying for Things to look tolerant plants and t Soils supporting the Saline Upland Ec cattails, bulrushes). Deep Marsh Ecosites woul in identifyi for Things to look season. The vegetation consists of a few species 24 Deep Marsh (DMH) The Deep Marsh Ecosite consists of wetlands
23 very diverse, with solic soils, Meadow nd rushes. The grass and sedge r soil associations. nozemic or Solonetzic), but with faint to with faint but or Solonetzic), nozemic on is less diverse than on Meadow Ecosites, than on diverse on is less d finer-leaved than on Marsh Ecosites. Tall include Alluvium Gley include Alluvium especially in the Aspen Parkland Ecoregion. the Aspen Parkland Ecoregion. especially in that are normally flooded until July or early flooded until July that are normally wetlands that are normally flooded for three to that are normally wetlands The vegetation tends to be dull colours and/or prominent mottles mottles prominent and/or dull colours osite include Marsh Complex and Wetland and Wetland osite include Marsh Complex how signs of prolonged saturation, such as dull a variety of othe prolonged saturation, such as dull colours or tes (Wet Meadow, Marsh). e usually flooded in spring variety of grasses, sedges, a
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 western wheat grass slender wheat grass Kentucky blue grass wild licorice dandelion western snowberry Woods rose marsh reed grass marsh northern reed grass fowl blue grass Kentucky blue grass Baltic rush pussy willow, beaked willow basket willow,
Usually bordering wetter ecosi to upland soils (Cher Soil profile is similar in the B or C-horizon. mottles distinct Plant indicators ------Low-lying wetlands that ar with shows Gleysol profile Soil profile Plant indicators - - - - Ecosystems - - Rangeland Saskatchewan
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(WMD) Wet Meadow Meadow Ecosite consists of low-lying The Wet four weeks in spring. Poorly drained soils s soils). (Gleysolic mottles prominent colours or many flowering herbs, and with a many species found on Meadow Ecosites are shorter an grassland, be scattered through the willows may Big Muddy, or gleysolic series of Complex, Meadow Ecosite Soils corresponding to the Wet Ecosite: Meadow the Wet in identifying for Things to look Marsh (SMH) Shallow of wetlands consists Marsh Ecosite The Shallow August. Poorly drained soils show signs of The vegetati soils). mottles (Gleysolic prominent coarser. are taller and and sedges and the dominant grasses Soils corresponding to the Shallow Marsh Ec Complex. s. They are not solid eep slopes with exposed of wind-blown sand should ted islands that are too small too small are that ted islands an the glacial deposits that an the glacial deposits d, with very little vegetation her soil associations. ny area in which the A-horizon is considered Thin Ecosite. the ecosite should be called water erosion than on other landforms. This other landforms. water erosion than on rises more than 1 metre over a distance of 5 than 1 metre rises more y consist of clay deposit horizon because material is continually being horizon because material where vegetation is slow to establish. In the sides of large valleys. Rainwater tends to run These exposed bedrock clays erode very rapidly, These ites other than Thin. St of a variety ot mapped as the Hillwash Complex. Thin Ecosites as the Hillwash Complex. Thin Ecosites mapped livestock manure may be washed away) may manure livestock osite, and steep slopes ite include Exposure and Short Creek. the bedrock material is expose the bedrock material ” because they are much older th they are much ” because ands Ecosites may include vegeta ands Ecosites may her or not the slope is steep, a tural levels of erosion should be at least 10% bedrock exposure,
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 tifying the Badlands Ecosite: povertyweed rabbit brush rillscale Nuttall’s atriplex silver sagebrush
Very low vegetation cover. Plant indicators - - - - - Soil map shows Exposure or Short Creek soils. Soil map clay material. Exposed uniform Obvious signs of water erosion (even Steep slopes (greater than 20%, i.e. the land metres). Very thin A-horizon.
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Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan
cover. Badlands in southern Saskatchewan usuall 3.4 of range ecosites Descriptions Badlands (BD) Badlands Ecosites are areas where rock, but they are called “bedrock 14 make up most of the Saskatchewan landscape. make water channels steep slopes with many forming transitional areas, if there is off over the surface on these slopes, so there is more A- that the soil does not build up a normal means from the surface. Whet removed Thin (TH) such as steep slopes, are on Most Thin Ecosites Badlands. Areas mapped as Badl Badlands. Areas mapped separately. to map Soils corresponding to the Badlands Ecos Things to look for in iden very thin as a result of high na steep slopes are placed in ecos Note that some bedrock should be placed in the Badlands Ec be placed in the High Dunes Ecosite. the Thin Ecosite: in identifying for Things to look Thin Ecosite are areas of most On soil maps, also occur on eroded and regosolic series may
15 ith a thin surface layer layer surface ith a thin y moving the soil – these ther at the surface or as a ther at the surface tion consists of a mosaic of tion consists of a mosaic and drier than north-facing slopes. slopes. north-facing than drier and are usually found on glacio-fluvial and slope position. Dunes usually occur el at the surface, or w el at the s often have sparse vegetation or patches of Regosols – soils with little development of Regosols – soils with little development 8 , gullies, and pedestalled plants, even in wind to create distinctive hills and ridges. il series with gravel substrates or gravelly which the tops of the dunes tend to be more which the tops of dunes tend to be more and the wind is activel blocks of dunes, it is often possible to map out an A-horizon. Dunes usually have more woody an A-horizon. Dunes usually have more dges are often sharp, and slopes tend to be steep ude Chaplin, Biggar, Whitesand, Glenbush, and Whitesand, ude Chaplin, Biggar, on gravel deposits (e.g. Chaplin). posited by streams flowing out of the melting flowing out of the melting posited by streams (e.g. gsl – gravelly sandy loam) (e.g. gsl – gravelly sandy loam) layer of gravelly material, ei layer of gravelly material, and lower relief (Low Dunes). e prairies. The potential vegeta lly an area mapped as High Dunes would include a number of lly an area mapped substrate. Gravelly Ecosites faces. South-facing slopes are warmer are slopes South-facing faces.
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 between them. the hollows plains muhly plains muhly thread-leaved sedge broomweed juniper creeping
- - - - Obvious signs of water erosion, such as rills areas). areas (e.g. ungrazed undisturbed Plant indicators shows soils that are found Soil map shows gravelly texture Soil map shows a significant Soil profile subsoil underlying finer material. subsoil underlying finer material. Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan
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Aspectdirection is the that a slope Gravelly (GR) with grav uplands are well-drained Gravelly Ecosites over a gravel of finer material plains, where gravel and sand have been de glaciers. Soils corresponding to Gravelly ecosites incl also be found on so Welby. Gravelly ecosites may of other associations. in a variety surface textures the Gravelly Ecosite. in identifying for Things to look 8 Dunes (DN) Dunes are sand deposits that have been acted on by soils in Dunes tend to be eroded The young, recently a soil profile, often with only the first signs of cover than other landscapes in th grassland, shrubland, and forest, varying with aspect over fairly large blocks of land. Within these over fairly large blocks of land. Within Dunes) areas of higher relief (High High Dunes (HDN) The High Dunes Ecosite consists of landscapes in (10 feet) above the hollows. Ri than 3 metres than 15%). Ridge-tops and south-facing slope (more cases, whole dunes are bare, bare sand. In some are called active dunes. Norma individual dunes as well developed at the foot of developed at the foot of line soils, Flat Lake line soils, Flat s. These may be found s. These may posits (e.g. Alluvium posits (e.g. Alluvium onal saturation such as faint to faint as such saturation onal al deposits). ude Alluvium Gleyed soils and gleyed series ude Alluvium include Alluvium Sa include Alluvium High salinity is indicated by white salt crusts sites with saline soil nd that is moist but rarely flooded. Imperfectly eek, Lark Hill, Rock Creek, Tantallon, Val eek, Lark Hill, poor drainage (no mottling or gleying) gleying) (no mottling or drainage poor gleying) (no mottling or drainage poor , Hellfire, McEachern, Morgan, Porcupine vial or colluvial de of other soils on alluvial landforms (e.g. of other soils on alluvial landforms round-topped columnar structure alluvial or colluvial deposits Dry Meadow Ecosites may be found along Dry Meadow Ecosites may her soils on alluvi oodplains along streams and fans oodplains along streams and fans oodplains along streams soils, but show signs of occasi an the Overflow sites.
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 salt grass salt grass grass Nuttall’s alkali western wheat grass silver sagebrush
Soil map shows soils that develop on Soil map Valley bottom sites, including fl Soil profile shows hard B-horizon with White salt crust on soil surface Salt-tolerant plants are abundant: - - Soil map shows soils that develop on allu Soil map soils Runway Solonetzic soils, Solonetzic Creek, and solonetzic series of ot Valley bottom sites, including fl the valley slope. or imperfect does not indicate Soil profile Scattered burnouts Plant indicators - - the valley slope. or imperfect does not indicate Soil profile Low land, but not usually flooded.
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Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan
Runway, Eastend, Gap View, Horse Cr Ellisboro, Complex, Grill Lake Complex, and saline series Complex, Fox). White Marie, Wascana, Saline Ecosite: the Overflow in identifying for Things to look Dry Meadow (DMD) (DMD) Dry Meadow The Dry Meadow Ecosite consists of low-lying la drained soils are similar to upland drained soils are similar Ecosite: Solonetzic the Overflow in identifying for Things to look (OVSA) Saline Overflow The Saline Overflow Ecosite consists of along floodplains in southwestern Saskatchewan. on the soil and/or presence of salt-tolerant plants. Ecosite Soils corresponding to the Saline Overflow (e.g. Gleyed Chernozems). mottles distinct th floodplains, but are moister 22 Soils corresponding to the Dry Meadow Ecosite incl of a variety of other Chernozemic or Solonetzic soils. of a variety other Chernozemic Things to look for in identifying the Dry Meadow Ecosite:
21 c position, but are not developed at the foot of more productive than productive more frequent bare patches fan deposits), where runoff posits (e.g. Alluvium, posits (e.g. Alluvium, ne to very fine-textured soils While the ecosite would be While Creek, Lark Hill, Rock Creek, Tantallon, Creek, Lark Hill, the stream overflows during high water. the stream overflows during high me Overflow ecosites are along floodplains of me cause of their topographi poor drainage (no mottling or gleying) gleying) (no mottling or drainage poor vial or colluvial de e vegetation is typically tisols. Much of the area Clay Ecosite is erflow sites with Solonetzic soils. These are are These sites with Solonetzic soils. erflow not show the mottling or gleying that indicates gleying that indicates show the mottling or not Allan, Balcarres, Bear, Indian Head, Keatley, ream overflow, there are ream of a coulee (e.g. alluvial Sutherland, Tisdale, Touchwood, and Willows. Tisdale, Touchwood, and Willows. Sutherland, oodplains along streams and fans oodplains along streams field is clay or heavy ts requiring moist soils, such as tall sedges, are not present. present. not are sedges, moist soils, such as tall ts requiring its like the Regina Plain. outhwestern Saskatchewan. le well-drained uplands with fi uplands le well-drained plains with heavy soils. ying the Overflow Ecosite: Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 western wheat grass silver sagebrush western snowberry Woods rose high dominance of northern or western wheat grass high dominance
Soil map shows soils that develop on allu Soil map Gap View, Horse Runway, Eastend, Ellisboro, Val Marie, Wascana, White Fox). Valley bottom sites, including fl the valley slope. or imperfect does not indicate Soil profile Plant indicators - - - - Soil map shows clay or heavy textures Soil map Glacial lake beds – flat in the determined Soil texture Plant indicators - Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan
• • • • • • • • wet enough to be Meadow or Marsh Ecosites. So flooded when are occasionally where they streams, Others are at the foot of a slope or mouth the higher land supplies extra moisture. Th from upland sites. However, the soil does on normal Meadow or Marsh Ecosites, and plan in identif for Things to look (OVSO) Overflow Solonetzic The Solonetzic Overflow Ecosite consists of Ov often found along floodplains in s st from moisture additional expected to receive (burnouts) and overall productivity is low. Clay (CY) The Clay Ecosite consists of stab or Ver are Chernozems clay). Soils (clay, heavy found on flat glacial lake-bed depos Soils corresponding to the Clay Ecosite include Meadow Lake, Melfort, Regina, Sceptre, Things to look for in identifying the Clay Ecosite: (OV) Overflow be Overflow Ecosites receive additional moisture e soils that are high in are e soils that stabilized for a long the dunes are roughly 1 to 3 topped columns. A distinctive topped columns. grassland. If these level areas pressions (called “burnouts” or .g. Antelope, Vera, Edam, Dunesand) with .g. Antelope, Vera, Edam, Dunesand) with .g. Antelope, Vera, Edam, lonetzic soils. These ar eas appear to have been ve gentle to moderate slopes (5% 15%). r all slope positions. Between dunes, there may r all slope positions. Between dunes, there may se and form a hard, impermeable B-horizon. a hard, impermeable se and form landscapes in which the tops of
eristic dune-shaped hills eristic dune-shaped hills most flat, usually covered with most B-horizon shows a series of round- s is a scattering of shallow de
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 tifying the Low Dunes Ecosite: tifying the High Dunes Ecosite: sand reed grass sand reed grass sand dropseed Indian rice grass lance-leaved psoralea silver sagebrush juniper creeping chokecherry sand reed grass sand dropseed lance-leaved psoralea hairy golden-aster silver sagebrush juniper creeping chokecherry
Soil map shows soils formed on sand dunes (e shows soils formed Soil map slope class 6 or 7. with charact Sand material High local relief Steep slopes Plant indicators ------on sand dunes (e shows soils formed Soil map slope class 4 or 5. with charact Sand material relief local Low to moderate slopes Gentle to moderate Plant indicators ------
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Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan sodium, which causes clay particles to disper sodium, Digging a cross-section of this Solonetzic soil feature of some Things to look for in iden Low Dunes (LDN) The Low Dunes Ecosite consists of (3 to 10 feet) above the hollows. These ar metres and the hills tend to be rounded off ha time, vegetation cover ove There is usually complete be patches where the terrain is al out separately as Sand Ecosite. are large enough, they should be mapped Things to look for in iden (SO) Solonetzic The Solonetzic Ecosite consists of uplands with So 16
17 d soils (sand, loamy d soils (sand, loamy zed them. Solonetzic deposits (i.e. plains orth, North Portal, moderately coarse- with coarse-texture
telope, Vera, Edam, or Dune Sand, with low telope, Vera, Edam, plants may have recoloni plants may ernozems, characterized by a dark A-horizon ernozems, nd none of the features Solonetzic or Sand Ecosites may appear as level grassland Sand Ecosites may compared to other well-drained uplands compared n to the hard B-horizon. Burnouts may be ttlehut, Kindersley, Macw ll-drained uplands with ually found on glacio-fluvial round-topped columnar structure. llon, Trossachs, Tuxford, Waseca, and Wingello. llon, Trossachs, Tuxford, Waseca, and Wingello. solic soils. Sand Ecosites are usually on sand ter melting from the glaciers). Soils are ter melting e include Brooking, Echo, Estevan, Flaxcombe, e include Brooking, Echo, Estevan, Flaxcombe, ng, but not formed into dunes. e field is sand or loamy sand. sand dunes, or they may occur without any neighbouring dunes. sand dunes, or they may stable, well-drained uplands
Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 western wheat grass colonizing burnouts spear grasses usually dominant sand reedgrass sand dropseed hairy golden-aster lance-leaved psoralea
Soil map shows Solonetzic soils. Soil map Soil surface shows scattered burnouts. Soil profile shows hard B-horizon with Plant indicators - indicates sand texture. Soil map in th Soil texture determined Land surface is level or undulati Plant indicators Ecosystems - - - - - Rangeland Saskatchewan
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“blowouts”) where the soil has been eroded dow bare, or western wheat grass and other completely soils tend to support lower grassland production soils tend to support lower soils). (Chernozemic Soils corresponding to the Solonetzic Ecosit Gilroy, Grandora, Hanley, Instow, Kelstern, Ke Onion Lake, Robsart, Rosemae, Speers, Tanta Onion Lake, Robsart, Rosemae, Ecosite: the Solonetzic in identifying for Things to look Sand (SD) The Sand Ecosite consists of the glaciers. from plains deposited by meltwater patches within or adjacent to Soils corresponding to the Sand Ecosite include An relief (slope class 1 to 3). Things to look for in identifying the Sand Ecosite. Sandy Loam (SL) Ecosite consists of stable, we The Sandy Loam These soils are us textured soils (sandy loam). of wa by streams deposited of sandy material characterized by a dark A-horizon Chernozems, Gleysolic soils. sand), but without dune topography. Soils are Ch sand), but without and none of the features Solonetzic or Gley ly fine-textured ly fine-textured Other Loam Other Loam some areas of Loam areas of Loam some r more of the of the r more a dark A-horizon and none a dark A-horizon nob-and-kettle” e.g. Cypress, Fairwell, Fife ilt, and clay deposited directly dium to moderate dium material between them, the deposit between them, material area of Loam Ecosite is found on area of Loam in the soil). tured sediments. osite accounts fo terial deposited by the wind. terial deposited by the wind. ctive rolling “k am Ecosite. However, Ecosite. am ax, Edgeley, Fremantle, Frontier, Haverhill, ax, Edgeley, Fremantle, clude Hatton, Asquith, Meota, Nisbet, Perley, h, Cutknife, Elstow, Fox Valley, Hamlin, h, Cutknife, Elstow, Fox Valley, Hamlin, Oxbow, Paddockwood, Pelly, Ryerson, Wadena, Wadena, Oxbow, Paddockwood, Pelly, Ryerson, clay loam, and the Loam Ecosite should be used. and the Loam clay loam, rook, Tiger Hills, Valor, Weirdale. Weirdale. rook, Tiger Hills, Valor, ts of silty ma a surface texture of sandy loam. However, the However, the of sandy loam. a surface texture ernozems, characterized by with medium-tex with ville, Scotsguard, Wood Mountain. ville, Scotsguard, Wood is usually sandy loam, and the Sandy Loam Ecosite is usually sandy loam, topography, rocks grasses usually important. usually important. grasses – a mixture of rocks, sand, s ed deposits, e.g. Arcola, Birsay, Blaine Lake, Bradwell, ed deposits, e.g. Arcola, Birsay, Blaine Lake, influenced by underlying bedrock, area will fall in the Lo any other ecosite. Much of the e scattered rocks, but there is fine table, well-drained uplands with me s cover large areas with a distin with areas large cover or Gleysolic soils. The Loam Ec soils. The Loam or Gleysolic Ecoregions and Ecosites – Publication 1 tifying the Sandy Loam Ecosite: tifying the Loam Ecosite: tifying the Loam al lake-bed deposits pport Loam Ecosites include: pport Loam deposits of glacial till spear grasses usually dominant spear grasses usually dominant both spear grasses and wheat
Soil map indicates sandy loam texture. indicates sandy loam Soil map Well-drained uplands. in the field is sandy loam. Soil texture determined Plant indicators - Well-drained uplands. or clay loam. silt loam, loam, is in the field determined Soil texture Moraine deposits (knob-and-kettle glacial till deposits, e.g. Amulet, Ardill, Clim e.g. Amulet, glacial till deposits, Horsehead, Lorenzo, Mayfair, Naicam, Lake, Jones Creek, Klintonel, Rocan glacial lake-b medium-textured Cudwort Bredenbury, Canora, Craigmore, Hoey, Kamsack,Scott, Shellb Krydor, loess deposits, e.g. Swinton. texture. or clay loam silt loam, indicates loam, Soil map Plant indicators - Weyburn, Whitewood, Yorkton glacial till deposits that are
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Ecosystems Rangeland Saskatchewan
Loam (LM) consists of Ecosite The Loam Ecosite in Soils corresponding to the Sandy Loam sand. of loamy have a surface texture cases these soils may and Shell Lake. Note that in some of these soils However, the parent material should be used. Things to look for in iden Ch are Soils loam). clay loam, silt (loam, soils is glacial till. Moraines may this all of topography, and almost on glaci Ecosite are found Ecosites are on loess deposits, which are blanke 20 Some of the soils that su Some of the features of Solonetzic of Solonetzic of the features than rangeland in Saskatchewan moraines, which are from the melting ice. If there ar have may cases, these soils Note that in some to of these soils is usually loam parent material Things to look for in iden