Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R010XA028ID
Dry Meadow
8-15 PZ PONE3-PHAL2
Last updated: 4/01/2025
Accessed: 08/16/2026
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Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 010X–Central Rocky and Blue Mountain Foothills
This MLRA is characterized by gently rolling to steep hills, plateaus, and low mountains at the foothills of the Blue Mountains in Oregon and the Central Rocky Mountains in Idaho. The geology of this area is highly varied and ranges from Holocene volcanics to Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. Mollisols are the dominant soil order and the soil climate is typified by mesic or frigid soil temperature regimes, and xeric or aridic soil moisture regimes. Elevation ranges from 1,300 to 6,600 feet (395 to 2,010 meters), increasing from west to east. The climate is characterized by dry summers and snow dominated winters with precipitation averaging 8 to 16 inches (205 to 405 millimeters) and increasing from west to east. These factors support plant communities with shrub-grass associations with considerable acreage of sagebrush grassland. Big sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, and Idaho fescue are the dominant species. Stiff sagebrush, low sagebrush, and Sandberg bluegrass are often dominant on sites with shallow restrictive layers. Western juniper is one of the few common tree species and since European settlement has greatly expanded its extent in Oregon. Nearly half of the MLRA is federally owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Most of the area is used for livestock grazing with areas accessible by irrigation often used for irrigated agriculture.
For further information, see "Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin (U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296, 2006)" available online at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/?cid=nrcs142p2_053624Ecological site concept
• Site occurs on bottomlands
• Slopes less than 8%
• Water table present for most of the growing season
• Water at or near the surface at beginning of the growing season and greater than 40 inches at the end of the growing seasonAssociated sites
R010XA027ID Meadow DECA18-CANE2
Adjacent meadows at lower landscape positions relative to water sources
R010XA016ID Quaking Aspen 20+ PZ POTR5
Adjacent depressions with slopes greater than 10% supporting aspen communities
Similar sites
R010XA027ID Meadow DECA18-CANE2
Water at or near the surface at beginning of growing season and down to 20-40 inches at the end of the growing season
R010XA042ID Loamy Bottom 12-16 PZ LECI4
Water table usually not present
R010XA039ID Wet Meadow Carex/Juncus
Water at or near the surface at beginning of growing season and down to 10-20 inches at the end of the growing season
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Poa nevadensis
(2) Phleum alpinumPhysiographic features
This site occurs on gently sloping topography in small stream and high mountain valleys. Slopes are generally less than 5 percent. The site is frequently cut by old stream courses. Elevation ranges from 3500 to 7500 feet.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Mountain valleys or canyons > Valley
Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency Very rare to rare Ponding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) Ponding frequency Rare Elevation 3500 – 7500 ft Slope 0 – 5 % Ponding depth 0 – 12 in Water table depth 0 – 40 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The Big and Little Wood River Foot slopes and Plains, proposed as MLRA 10X, has a mean elevation of 5310 feet above sea level, and varies from 3600 to 9235 feet. In general, average annual precipitation is greatest on the western side, with the southeast area being the driest. The average annual precipitation, based on 7 long term climate stations located throughout the MLRA, is 15.39 inches, with an extended range of 12.5 to 18 inches in the dryer zone. Monthly precipitation is generally greatest at the end of the year, diminishes steadily until a low in July and August, then increases rapidly in the autumn. Monthly temperatures can vary considerably. Highs of up to 102° and lows down to -52° Fahrenheit have been recorded. The average annual temperature is 42.9°. The frost-free period ranges from 75 to 98 days. The freeze-free period is a bit longer: 106 to 133 days.
Both morning and afternoon average relative humidity values peak in the winter, and reach their low in July and august. The average number of sunny, cloud-free days is above average for the summer months, but below average for the period from November through February.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 80-100 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 110-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (actual range) Freeze-free period (actual range) Precipitation total (actual range) 10-20 in Frost-free period (average) 90 days Freeze-free period (average) 120 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
This site is influenced by adjacent streams or run on.
Wetland description
This site is influenced by adjacent wetlands.
Soil features
The soils on this site are moderately well drained and have moderate to moderately slow permeability. The water table fluctuates from the surface down to greater than 40 inches during the growing season which restricts most deep-rooted shrubs. Run-off is ponded or very slow and depressional areas usually accumulate local sediment instead of eroding. Severe removal of vegetation can cause channel cutting, which may cause a lowering of the water table. These deep to very deep soils are formed from local alluvium. Reactions range from neutral to moderately alkaline. The available water holding capacity (AWC) ranges from low to high and is supplemented by upward capillary movement of water from the water table. The surface is usually dark and high in organic matter. The surface textures range from fine sandy loams to clay loams.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – volcanic and sedimentary rock
(2) Residuum – volcanic and sedimentary rock
Surface texture (1) Fine sandy loam
(2) Clay loam
Family particle size (1) Hydrous-skeletal
Drainage class Poorly drained to moderately well drained Permeability class Very slow to moderately rapid Depth to restrictive layer 60 – 80 in Soil depth 60 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 2 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 22 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)3.6 – 8.3 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 10 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)Not specified Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)Not specified Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.1 – 9 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(4-60in)0 – 44 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(4-60in)0 – 44 % Ecological dynamics
Ecological Dynamics of the Site:
The dominant visual aspect of this site is a plant community dominated by Nevada bluegrass, alpine timothy, and meadow barley. Shrubs are normally not present, however several willow species can be found in small amounts. Composition by weight is approximately 80 to 90 percent grasses and grass-likes and 10 to 20 percent forbs. The soil surface of the site is typically slightly undulating causing small depressions and high spots with variable soil moisture characteristics. This site is commonly found in complex with the following sites:
1. Marsh site. Deeper depressions with water slightly above the surface. This site is dominated by Northwest territory sedge, common spikerush, broadleaf cattail, hardstem bulrush, common three square and beaked sedge.
2. Wet Meadow site. Shallow depressions with the water table at or near the surface for the entire growing season. This site is dominated by Northwest territory sedge and beaked sedge.
3. Meadow site. Slightly higher areas that are drier during the growing season. This site is dominated by tufted hairgrass, Nebraska sedge and alpine timothy.
The soils within any complex of meadow sites are highly variable. Factors that affect the determination of the site include depth to water table at end of growing season, micro-topography, and drainage class. Depth to water table and micro-topography are measurable features. Determination of drainage class requires the use of soil interpretation tables. Other interpretive factors that may be used for site determination are depth and duration of ponding frequency and the timing and duration of flooding frequency.
Micro-topography is a feature that has a dramatic effect on depth to water table and the resulting plant communities. A few inches of change in surface elevation changes species composition and/ or production. Slightly undulating topography is common in meadow complexes, therefore, more than one site should be expected.
An infinite number of combinations of factors that influence the ecology of potential plant communities exist. For practical purposes, four plant communities where the depth to the water table drives the vegetative composition have been described. They are:
• Dry meadow Water table at >40” at end of growing season
• Meadow Water table at 20-40” at end of growing season
• Wet meadow Water table at 10-20” at end of growing season
• Marsh Water at surface toState and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
T1A - improper grazing management, water table lowered State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1A - improper grazing management 1.2A - prescribed grazing State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
ReferenceDominant plant species
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Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), grass
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alpine timothy (Phleum alpinum), grass
Community 1.1
Reference Plant CommunityThe Reference Plant Community (1.1) has Sandberg bluegrass (known locally as Nevada bluegrass), alpine timothy, and meadow barley in the herbaceous layer. There is a variety of perennial forbs but none comprise a high percentage of the plant community.
Resilience management. The Reference Community is Plant Community 1.1. The plant species composition of the Reference Plant Community is listed later under “Reference Plant Species Composition”. Total annual production is 1300 pounds per acre (1444 kilograms per hectare) in a normal year. Production in a favorable year is 2000 pounds per acre (2222 kg/ha). Production in an unfavorable year is 800 pounds per acre (888 kg/ha). Structurally, cool season deep-rooted perennial grasses are very dominant, followed by perennial forbs.
Figure 3. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 680 1100 1700 Forb 120 200 300 Total 800 1300 2000 Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0315 , DRY MEADOW. State 1.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 0 10 20 25 25 10 10 0 0 0 Community 1.2
Plant Community 1.2Threadleaf Sedge/Meadow Barley/Baltic Rush/Rocky Mountain Iris/Louisiana Sagewort
No lowering of the water table.Dominant plant species
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threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia), grass
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foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), grass
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mountain rush (Juncus arcticus ssp. littoralis), grass
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meadow barley (Hordeum brachyantherum), grass
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Rocky Mountain iris (Iris missouriensis), other herbaceous
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white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), other herbaceous
Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Improper Grazing Management
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Prescribed Grazing
State 2
DisturbedDominant plant species
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white sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana), shrub
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), grass
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foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), grass
Community 2.1
Plant Community 2.12.1 - Kentucky Bluegrass/ Louisiana Sagewort/Foxtail Barley
This plant community is dominated by Kentucky bluegrass and Louisiana sagewort but the overall production potential of the site is much lower than State 1. There is an increase in forbs and grasses that require less soil moisture. Foxtail barley, bottlebrush squirreltail, and Sandberg bluegrass may have invaded or increased in the community. This state developed due to continued improper grazing management and a permanent lowering of the water table. The site has crossed the threshold. This state cannot be returned to State 1 without raising the water table. This might be done over time using structures or bio-engineering practices, but the plant community may take many years to approach the plant community in State 1.Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0313 , POPR/ARLU. State 2.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 0 10 30 30 20 0 0 5 5 0 Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Improper Grazing Management, resulting in the lowering of the water table to greater than 60 inches.
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Grass and Grass-like Species – basin wildrye LECI4 Leymus cinereus – – California oatgrass DACA3 Danthonia californica – – threadleaf sedge CAFI Carex filifolia – – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii – – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda – – Dudley's rush JUDU2 Juncus dudleyi – – mat muhly MURI Muhlenbergia richardsonis – – meadow barley HOBR2 Hordeum brachyantherum – – alpine timothy PHAL2 Phleum alpinum – – mountain rush JUARL Juncus arcticus ssp. littoralis – – Torrey's rush JUTO Juncus torreyi – – shortawn foxtail ALAE Alopecurus aequalis – – slenderbeak sedge CAAT3 Carex athrostachya – – bluejoint CACA4 Calamagrostis canadensis – – tufted hairgrass DECE Deschampsia cespitosa – – Nebraska sedge CANE2 Carex nebrascensis – – fowl mannagrass GLST Glyceria striata – – woollyfruit sedge CALA11 Carex lasiocarpa – – Northwest Territory sedge CAUT Carex utriculata – – water sedge CAAQ Carex aquatilis – – common spikerush ELPA3 Eleocharis palustris – – beaked sedge CARO6 Carex rostrata – – Hood's sedge CAHO5 Carex hoodii – – western inflated sedge CAEX5 Carex exsiccata – – panicled bulrush SCMI2 Scirpus microcarpus – – common rush JUEF Juncus effusus – – American sloughgrass BESY Beckmannia syzigachne – – broadleaf cattail TYLA Typha latifolia – – hardstem bulrush SCAC3 Schoenoplectus acutus – – common threesquare SCPU10 Schoenoplectus pungens – – simplestem bur-reed SPER Sparganium erectum – – softstem bulrush SCTA2 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani – – Forb2 Forbs – foothill arnica ARFU3 Arnica fulgens – – lanceleaf goldenweed PYLA Pyrrocoma lanceolata – – ballhead sandwort ARCO5 Arenaria congesta – – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana – – common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium – – mule-ears WYAM Wyethia amplexicaulis – – plantain goldenweed PYUN2 Pyrrocoma uniflora – – buttercup RANUN Ranunculus – – clover TRIFO Trifolium – – slender cinquefoil POGR9 Potentilla gracilis – – lambstongue ragwort SEIN2 Senecio integerrimus – – aster ASTER Aster – – meadow thistle CISC2 Cirsium scariosum – – western aster SYAS3 Symphyotrichum ascendens – – Rocky Mountain iris IRMI Iris missouriensis – – tall ragwort SESE2 Senecio serra – – Nuttall's sunflower HENU Helianthus nuttallii – – small camas CAQU2 Camassia quamash – – fringed willowherb EPCI Epilobium ciliatum – – water minerslettuce MOCH Montia chamissoi – – common plantain PLMA2 Plantago major – – northern water plantain ALTR7 Alisma triviale – – western water hemlock CIDO Cicuta douglasii – – silverweed cinquefoil ARAN7 Argentina anserina – – water speedwell VEAN2 Veronica anagallis-aquatica – – short-rayed alkali aster SYFR2 Symphyotrichum frondosum – – American bistort POBI6 Polygonum bistortoides – – seaside arrowgrass TRMA20 Triglochin maritima – – water knotweed POAM8 Polygonum amphibium – – alpine leafybract aster SYFO2 Symphyotrichum foliaceum – – floating pondweed PONA4 Potamogeton natans – – common duckweed LEMI3 Lemna minor – – Table 7. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations.
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
This dry meadow ecological site provides diverse habitat value for wetland and upland wildlife species. The seasonal hydrology results in abundant forage and seasonal water attracting invertebrate and vertebrate animals to these ecological sites. Important seasonal habitat is provided for over 80% of rangeland resident and migratory animals including western toad, western rattlesnake, shrews, bats, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, mice, coyote, red fox, badger, sage-grouse, Ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, horned lark and western meadowlark. Large herbivore use of the ecological site includes mule deer, pronghorn antelope and elk. Native reptiles and amphibians are reliant on these dry meadow sites throughout the year. Loss of site hydrology significantly reduces habitat value of the adjacent ecological sites. Open water is seasonal, only being provided by seasonal runoff, ponding, seasonal high water table and natural springs.
State 1 Phase 1.1 –Nevada Bluegrass/ Alpine Timothy/ Meadow Barley Reference Plant Community (RPC): The RPC provides a diversity of grasses and forbs used by native insect communities who assist in pollination of the plant community. The insects provide feed for the many predator species utilizing the site. The reptile and amphibian community is represented by leopard lizard, western skink, rubber boa, western rattlesnake, western toad, boreal chorus frog and northern leopard frog. A diverse amphibian population is a key indicator of good ecological health on this site. Loss of hydrology will limit or exclude amphibians from this ecological site. Sage-grouse utilize this site as summer and fall brood-rearing habitat. The plant community supports summer and fall forage needs of large mammals (antelope, mule deer and elk). Limited thermal cover for ungulates is provided due to the lack of woody vegetation in the plant community. A diverse small mammal population including deer mouse, golden-mantled ground squirrels, chipmunks, yellow-bellied marmots would utilize the site on a seasonal basis.
State 1 Phase 1.2- Threadleaf Sedge/ Meadow Barley/ Baltic Rush/ Louisiana Sagewort Plant Community: This plant community is the result of improper grazing management. Insect diversity and populations would be reduced due to the plant community change and reduced vigor of forbs. Amphibian use would still occur but horizontal and vertical plant structure is reduced, and reduced insect diversity will affect key species like the northern leopard frog. This plant community provides summer and fall brood-rearing habitat for sage-grouse when sagebrush cover is nearby. The dominant plant community is preferred forage for ungulates but the improper grazing management would reduce available forage in the summer and fall. Small mammal populations and diversity would be reduced due to reduced vertical structure and increased vulnerability to predators.
State 2 –Kentucky Bluegrass/ Louisiana Sagewort/ Foxtail Barley Plant Community: This state develops due to continued improper grazing management and a permanent lowering of the water table. The reduced forb component in the plant community would support a very limited diversity and population of pollinators. The loss of historic hydrology will limit or exclude use of the site by amphibians and many reptiles. Suitable habitat for the northern leopard frog, a species of concern, would not be provided. Grassland avian species would also avoid these areas. Birds of prey (northern harrier and Cooper’s hawk) may range throughout these areas looking for prey species. Ungulates will utilize the herbaceous vegetation in summer and fall. Bat populations and diversity may be reduced by the change in plant community and reduced population and diversity of insects. Small mammal populations and diversity would be reduced due to reduced vertical structure and vulnerability to predators.
Grazing Interpretations:
This site is suitable for grazing in late spring after soils have dried sufficiently to prevent trampling and in the summer and fall. Natural water supplies are likely to be limited or absent on the site in late summer and fall.
Estimated initial stocking rate will be determined with the landowner or decision-maker. They will be based on the inventory which includes species, composition, similarity index, production, past use history, season of use and seasonal preference. Calculations used to determine estimated initial stocking rate will be based on forage preference ratings
Hydrological functions
Soils on this site are in hydrologic groups B, C, and D.
Recreational uses
This site has some value for aesthetics and natural beauty due to several spring and early summer blooming forbs and shrubs. Some hunting for sage grouse, rabbits, elk, and deer occurs. Hikers and fishermen may traverse the edge of the site where it is adjacent to streams.
Wood products
None
Other products
None
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping and other inventory data. Also, field knowledge of range-trained personnel was used. Those involved in developing this site description include: Dave Franzen, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC Jacy Gibbs, co-owner, Intermountain Rangeland Consultants, LLC Jim Cornwell, Range Management Specialist, IASCD Chris Hoag, Wetland Specialist, NRCS, Idaho Dan Ogle, Plant Materials Specialist, NRCS, Idaho Joe May, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho Lee Brooks, Range Management Specialist, IASCD
References
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1980. Fire Effects Information System. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/.
Other references
Hironaka, M., M.A. Fosberg, A. H. Winward. 1983. Sagebrush- Grass Habitat Types of Southern Idaho. University of Idaho. Moscow, Idaho. Bulletin Number 35
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2004. Restoring Western Ranges and Wildlands. General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-136-vols. 1-3.
USDA, NRCS.2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov.). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA
USDA, NRCS. 1992. Major Land Resource Area 25, Owyhee High Plateau, Nevada Site Descriptions, Reno, Nevada.
USDI Bureau of Land Management, US Geological Survey; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Research Service; Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health. Technical Reference 1734-6; version 4-2005.Contributors
DLF
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 4/01/2025
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Dave Franzen and Jacy Gibbs. Contact for lead author Joe May, State Range Conservationist USDA-NRCS 9173 W. Barnes Drive, Suite C Boise, ID 83709 Date 03/27/2007 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Rills: are not common on this site. If the site is degrading due to gully down-cutting, rills may occur on the side slopes of the gully. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns: are common on this site. When they occur they are long, often running the length of the site and disrupted by cool season grasses. Water flow patterns are also common from run-in from the adjacent uplands. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals and/or Terracettes: are rare on this site. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground: data is not available. On sites in mid-seral status bare ground may range from 20-30 percent but more data is needed. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Gullies: do not occur on this site. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Wind-Scoured, Blowouts, and/or Deposition Areas: usually not present. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Litter Movement: fine litter in the interspaces may move more than 6 feet or even off the site following a significant flooding or run-off event. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil Surface Resistance to Erosion: values should range from 4 to 6 but needs to be tested. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil Surface Loss or Degradation: Structure ranges from weak or moderate fine granular, to weak thin platy to weak medium subangular blocky. The A or A1 horizon is typically 4 to 14 inches thick. Soil organic matter (SOM) ranges from 0 to 9 percent. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Plant Community Composition and Distribution Relative to Infiltration: deep-rooted perennial grasses and grass-likes slow run-off and increase infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Compaction Layer: normally not present. A compaction layer can develop if grazing occurs when the soils are wet. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Functional/ Structural Groups: cool season deep-rooted perennial grasses and grass-likes>>perennial forbs>shallow rooted bunchgrasses.Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Plant Mortality/ Decadence: most of the grasses and grass-likes on this site will become decadent in the absence of fire and ungulate grazing. Decadence or low vigor is a result of litter buildup in the crowns of the plants. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter Amount: additional litter cover data is needed but is expected to be 35 to 50 percent to a depth of 0.2 inches. Under mature shrubs and basin wildrye, litter is >0.5 inches deep and is 90-100 percent ground cover. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Annual Production: is 1300 pounds per acre (1444 Kg/ha) in a year with normal precipitation and temperatures. Perennial grasses produce 80-90 percent of the total production and forbs 10-20 percent. -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Invasive Plants: include cheatgrass, leafy spurge, whitetop, perennial pepperweed, rush skeletonweed, Canada, musk and scotch thistle and diffuse and spotted knapweed. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Reproductive Capability of Perennial Plants: all functional groups have the potential to reproduce in most years.
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