| The geology of the Middle Sheyenne River Valley located within Eddy and Nelson counties in eastern North Dakota are dominated by alluvial terraces and flood plains, characteristic of valley type VIII. Valley type VIII supports stream types C, D, E, F, and G. Nine cross-sections were sampled to identify stream type. Classification of these cross-sections resulted in seven C5/6 and two E5/6 channels. The results of this stream classification lead to the conclusion that stream type succession scenario 1 (E→C→Gc→F→Bc→C→E) is most appropriate for the Middle Sheyenne River. In the state-and-transition model the E and C channels, the potential natural channels, form state one. State two is comprised of the unstable Gc and F channels. State three is comprised of the Bc and the entrenched C and E channels that have restabilized the system.;Plant communities associated with the riparian ecosystem of the Middle Sheyenne River include: 1) greenline, 2) woodlands, 3) shrublands, 4) grasslands and 5) wetlands. The greenline community is a water sedge community . The woodland communities found within the floodplain are American elm/Sprengel's sedge, green ash/Sprengel's sedge, and bur oak/Spengel's sedge. The shrublands are dominated by northern hawthorn and Sprengel's sedge. Prairie communities within the floodplain were native graminoid/western snowberry, now dominated by Kentucky bluegrass or smooth bromegrass. Wetland communities are characterized by a native sedge community.;Sprengel's sedge has been documented as a primary graminoid species in riparian woodlands. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional value of Sprengel's sedge of riparian woodlands in eastern North Dakota. Plants were analyzed for crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), calcium, and phosphorus. Sprengel's sedge maintains a high CP level throughout a typical grazing season; however, energy supplies become low as the growing season progressed. Grazing strategies that promote spring and early summer grazing of Sprengel's sedge woodland areas are recommended. |
