Data from: Soil Change Induced by Prairie Dogs Across Three Ecological Sites

Prairie dog influences on soil properties should be considered when implementing management recommendations to improve rangeland health. Unfortunately, few studies have addressed soil responses to prairie dog activity across a range of soil types and landscapes. A study was conducted in 2011 to quantify prairie dog effects on soil properties and infiltration rate within three ecological sites differing in landscape, soil, and vegetation characteristics in north central South Dakota, USA. Soil samples were collected from each ecological site in areas with and without prairie dog activity. Prairie dog mounds were sampled using two perpendicular transects over each mound, with samples collected 30, 60, and 120 cm from the mound center. Soil samples were collected from the 0-100cm depth in increments of 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-60m, and 60-100 cm using a hydraulic probe with an inner tip diameter of 3.52 cm. Soil samples were evaluated for soil bulk density, soil pH, extractable nitrogen and phosphorus, and total carbon and nitrogen. Measurements of carbon and nitrogen were determined by dry combustion. Infiltration rate was measured using single-ring infiltrometers on active prairie dog mounds and in a control area without prairie dog activity. Data may be used to understand soil responses to prairie dog activity for rangeland in a semiarid continental climate. Rangeland with rolling landscapes (0-70% slope) and soils derived from soft clay shale or semi-consolidated loamy sedimentary beds closely align with conditions evaluated in this study. Applicable USDA soil types include Hurley, Cabba, and Wayden.