The Northern Glaciated Plains ecoregion is characterized by a flat to gently rolling landscape composed of glacial drift. The subhumid conditions foster a grassland transitional between the tall and shortgrass prairie. High concentrations of temporary and seasonal wetlands create favorable conditions for duck nesting and migration. Though the till soil is very fertile, agricultural success is subject to annual climatic fluctuations.

JPG - Aerial view of wetlands in a field

On the drift plains (46g, 46i, and 46n), cultivation occurs around or through the numerous temporary and seasonal wetlands.

On the Drift Plains, the retreating Wisconsinan glaciers left a subtle undulating topography and a thick mantle of glacial till. A greater proportion of temporary and seasonal wetlands are found on the drift plains than in the coteau areas, where semipermanent wetlands are numerous. Because of the productive soil and level topography, this ecoregion is almost entirely cultivated, with many wetlands drained or simply tilled and planted. However, valuable waterfowl habitat still remains, concentrated in state and federally sponsored duck production areas. The historic grassland on the Drift Plains was a transitional mix of tallgrass and shortgrass prairie. The prairie grasses have been largely replaced by fields of spring wheat, barley, sunflowers, and alfalfa.

Physiography

Area (square miles): 15609
Elevation/Local Relief (feet): 1080-2000/0-200
Glaciated. Generaly flat, with occasional "washboard" undulations. High concentrations of temporary and seasonal wetlands. Simple drainage pattern.

Geology

Surficial Material and Bedrock
Glacial till over Cretaceous Pierre Shale and Fox Hills Formations.

Soil

Order (Great Groups)
Mollisols (Haploborolls, Calciaquolls, Natriborolls, Calciborolls, Argiaquolls)
Common Soil Series
Barnes, Svea, Buse, Hamerly, Cresbard, Parnell
Temperature/Moisture Regimes
Frigid/Udic

Climate

Precipitation - Mean annual (inches)
17-19
Frost Free - Mean annual (days)
95-125
Mean Temp. - Jan. min/max; July min/max, (°F)
-5/16;56/83

Potential Natural Vegetation

Western wheatgrass, big and little bluestem, switchgrass, and indiangrass.

Land Use and Land Cover

Extensively tilled to spring wheat and other small grains, sunflowers, and alfalfa.

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Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota

Ecoregions of
North Dakota
and
South Dakota