Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R011XB031ID
Silty
7-10 PZ KRLA2/ACHY
Last updated: 4/06/2020
Accessed: 08/31/2026
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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): 011X–Snake River Plains
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 011X – Snake River Plains
Precipitation or Climate Zone: 7-10” P.Z.Classification relationships
Land Resource Region: B (Northwest Wheat and Range)
MLRA: 11 (Snake River Plains)
EPA Eco Region: Level III (Snake River Plain)Ecological site concept
Site does not receive additional moisture
Soils are:
Not saline or saline sodic
Moderately deep to very deep, with <35% coarse fragments (by volume), not skeletal
not strongly or violently effervescent in the surface mineral 10”
Surface textures range from silt loam to silty clay loam the surface mineral 4”
Slope is <30%
Clay content is =<35% in surface mineral 4”
Site does not have an argillic horizon with >35% clayAssociated sites
R011XB001ID Loamy 8-12 PZ
R011XB003ID Stony Loam 8-12 PZ ARTRW8/PSSPS
R011XB006ID Loamy 8-12 PZ ARTRT/LECI4
R011XB009ID Shallow Stony 8-12 PZ ARTRW8/PSSPS
R011XB013ID Shallow Loamy 8-12 PZ ARAR8/PSSPS
R011XB016ID Sand 8-12 PZ ARTRT-PUTR2/HECOC8
R011XB018ID Shallow Sandy 8-12 PZ ARNO4/ACHY-HECOC8
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous Not specified
Physiographic features
This site occurs on gently sloping desert flood plains, valley bottoms, alluvial fans, terraces, mesas, and benches. Slopes range from 0 to 20 percent, but mostly less than 5 percent. It occurs on all aspects. Elevations range from 4800 to 5500 feet (1450-1675 meters).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
Elevation 4800 – 5500 ft Slope 0 – 20 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The Upper Snake River Plain, MLRA 11B, is part of the Northwestern Wheat and range Region. It has a mean elevation of 4841 feet above sea level, and varies from 4177 to 4841 feet. In general, it is a geologically young, level to gently sloping lava plateau. In places larger streams have cut deep, steep-walled canyons. The average annual precipitation, based on 10 long term climate stations located throughout the MLRA, is 10.88 inches. The averaged low is 8.74 inches and the maximum average is 12.69. Monthly precipitation usually peaks in May, then drop off rapidly to reach its low in July and August. The climate station at Aberdeen Experiment Station (1000010) has records of zero precipitation in 11 months of the year, and as low as 0.03 inches in December, the lone non-zero month.
Temperatures can be extremely variable across the year. Highs of up to 104° and lows down to -42° Fahrenheit have been recorded. The average annual temperature from ten climate stations is 44.75° F. The frost-free period ranges from 91 to 115 days. The freeze-free period can last from 123 to 146 days.
Both morning and afternoon average relative humidity values reach their low in August, and are far below the national average. Wind speed peaks in the Spring, and is generally somewhat above the national average. 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. The average total snowfall is approximately 29 inches.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 120 days Freeze-free period (average) 150 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 not influenced by adjacent wetlands, streams, or run on.
Soil features
Soils are moderately deep to very deep and well drained. They are light colored, silt loam, silty clay loam, gravelly silt loam, and loam alluvium. They are low in salts in the upper 10 to 24 inches but usually contain saline salts below and in some cases may be moderately to strongly calcareous. The soils are subject to puddling if grazed when wet and surface soils may have a platy structure with numerous pores. If the surface is gravelly, it may occur as “desert pavement”. Infiltration is good, but runoff is high during intense summer storms. Internal water movement is good and the available water holding capacity (AWC) is 3 to 5 inches. Run-on water from adjacent sites influences higher yields than would otherwise occur.
Soil Series Correlated to this Ecological Site
None
Ecological dynamics
The dominant visual aspect of this site is winterfat and Indian ricegrass. Composition by weight is approximately 40 to 50 percent grass, 5 to 15 percent forbs, and 40 to 50 percent shrubs.
During the last few thousand years, this site has evolved in a semi-arid climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cold winters. Herbivory has historically occurred on the site at low levels of utilization. Herbivores include pronghorn antelope, mule deer, lagomorphs, and small rodents.
Fire has historically occurred on this site every 50 to 70 years and only in favorable years.
The Historic Climax Plant Community (HCPC), the Reference State (State 1), moves through many phases depending on the natural and man-made forces that impact the community over time. State 1, described later, indicates some of these phases. The Reference Plant Community is Phase A. This site is dominated by Indian ricegrass and winterfat. Subdominant species include needle and thread, western wheatgrass, scarlet globemallow, black sage, bud sage, and shadscale. There are a variety of other grasses, forbs, and shrubs that occur in the plant community in minor amounts. The plant species composition of Phase A is listed later under “Reference Plant Community Phase Plant Species Composition”.
Total annual production is 600 pounds per acre (672 Kg/ha) in a normal year. Production in a favorable year is 800 pounds per acre (896 Kg/ha). Production in an unfavorable year is 400 pounds per acre (448 Kg/ha).
Structurally, cool season deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses are about equal to medium height shrubs and both are more dominant than perennial forbs followed by subdominant shallow rooted bunchgrasses.
FUNCTION:
This site provides yearlong range for pronghorn antelope. Mule deer make slight use in mild winters and moderate to heavy use in severe winters.
It is best suited for livestock use in the winter. There are limited recreational opportunities.
This site is easily degraded by improper grazing management due to ease of access and low production potential.
Impacts on the Plant Community.
Influence of fire:
This site historically had a low fire frequency, approximately every 50-70 years. Most of the shrubs can be severely damaged or killed when burned. Indian ricegrass is usually maintained in the community. Western wheatgrass, bottlebrush squirreltail, Sandberg bluegrass, and broom snakeweed can increase in the community with fire. Winterfat can be killed with severe, high intensity fires but can sprout with low intensity fires. Forbs are usually maintained in the plant community.
When fires become more frequent than the historic levels (50-100 years), perennial grasses and most shrubs are killed and replaced with annuals and invasive noxious perennials. Rabbitbrush will normally re-sprout and increase slightly. Cheatgrass can be a troublesome invader on this site, preventing perennial grass and shrub re-establishment and increasing the fire frequency.
Influence of improper grazing management:
Winterfat, Indian ricegrass, and needle and thread will be reduced in the community by improper grazing management. Relatively low levels of utilization by cattle and sheep are needed to maintain the shrub component. As these species are reduced in the plant community, western wheatgrass, bottlebrush squirreltail, and Sandberg bluegrass will increase. Pricklypear cactus and broom snakeweed can increase significantly. Forbs and undesirable annuals can increase. Cheatgrass will invade the site.
Proper grazing management that addresses frequency, duration, timing, and intensity of grazing can help maintain the integrity of the plant community.
Weather influences:
Above normal precipitation in April, May, and June can dramatically increase total annual production. These weather patterns can also increase viable seed production of desirable species to provide for recruitment. Extended periods of drought significantly impact this site due to the low water holding capacity and shallow soil. Extended drought reduces vigor of the perennial grasses and palatable shrubs. Extreme drought may cause plant mortality. An early, hard frost can occasionally kill some plants.
Influence of Insects and disease:
Outbreaks can affect vegetation health. An outbreak of a particular insect is usually influenced by weather but no specific data is available for this site. Mormon cricket and grasshopper outbreaks occur periodically. Outbreaks seldom cause plant mortality since defoliation of the plant occurs only once during the year of the outbreak. Shadscale saltbush can be heavily impacted by the scale insect, Orthezia annae. It is also called “mealy bug”. This insect is moved by ants from one plant to another and feeds on the roots of shadscale saltbush. It can cause stand mortality especially following a series of drought years.
Influence of noxious and invasive plants:
Annual and perennial invasive species compete with desirable plants for moisture and nutrients. The result is reduced production and change in composition of the understory. Cheatgrass can be very invasive on this site. Once it becomes established the fire frequency increases. As a result, the shrub component can be lost.
Influence of wildlife:
Relatively low numbers of wildlife use this site and have little impact on it. Pronghorn antelope is the dominant large herbivore that uses the site. They use the site yearlong but prefer it in the spring, fall, and early winter. Winter and spring use by mule deer occurs occasionally.
Watershed:
Decreased infiltration and increased runoff occur when winterfat and black sagebrush are removed with frequent fires, particularly the year following the fire event. The increased runoff also increases sheet and rill erosion. The long-term effect is a transition to a different state. When hydrologic condition of the vegetation cover is good, natural erosion is slight.
Plant Community and Sequence:
Transition pathways between common vegetation states and phases:
State 1.
Phase A to B. Develops with fire (approximately every 50-70 years).
Phase A to C. Develops under improper grazing management and no fire.
Phase C to A. Develops under a prescribed grazing management program and no fire.
Phase B to A. Develops from prescribed grazing and no fire.
Phase C to B. Develops from fire and prescribed grazing.
State 1, Phase B to State 2. Develops with frequent fire and/or improper grazing management. This site has crossed the threshold. It is not economical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
State 1, Phase C to State 2. Develops with continued improper grazing management and/or frequent fire. This site has crossed the threshold. It is not economical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
State 2 to Unknown site. Excessive soil loss and changes in the hydrologic cycle caused by improper grazing management and/or frequent fire cause this state to cross the threshold and retrogress to a new site with reduced potential. It is not economical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Practice Limitations:
There are slight limitations on this site for implementing vegetative management and facilitating practices. There are moderate to severe limitations for accelerating practices due to low annual precipitation.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textState 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
State 1 Phase ACommunity 1.1
State 1 Phase AThis plant community is dominated by winterfat and Indian ricegrass. Subdominant species include shadscale, black sage, bud sagebrush, western wheatgrass, needle and thread, and scarlet globemallow. There are a variety of other grasses, forbs, and shrubs that occur in the plant community in minor amounts. Natural fire frequency is approximately 50 to 70 years.
Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0611 , POSE/ BRTE/ ANNUALS . 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 15 25 40 5 0 0 5 5 5 0 State 2
State 1 Phase BCommunity 2.1
State 1 Phase BThis plant community has developed after a fairly recent fire. Fire intolerant shrubs such as winterfat, bud sagebrush, shadscale, and black sagebrush have been significantly reduced or eliminated. Rabbitbrush and fourwing saltbrush have re-sprouted. Spiny hopsage usually sprouts after a fire also. A low intensity fire will not kill all of the winterfat. Pricklypear cactus and broom snakeweed have increased. Indian ricegrass is maintained in the stand. Other deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses have been reduced and some have been killed by the fire. Sandberg bluegrass, western wheatgrass, and bottlebrush squirreltail have increased. Some cheatgrass may have invaded the site.
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0611 , POSE/ BRTE/ ANNUALS . 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 15 25 40 5 0 0 5 5 5 0 State 3
State 1 Phase CCommunity 3.1
State 1 Phase CDue to improper grazing management, Indian ricegrass and needle and thread and other deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses have been significantly reduced in amounts and are in low vigor. Western wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, and bottlebrush squirreltail have increased. Winterfat, black sagebrush, and bud sagebrush have been reduced in the stand and are hedged. Broom snakeweed, rabbitbrush, and pricklypear cactus have increased. Many forbs have increased as well. Some annual forbs and cheatgrass may have invaded the site.
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0611 , POSE/ BRTE/ ANNUALS . 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 15 25 40 5 0 0 5 5 5 0 State 4
State 2Community 4.1
State 2The site has degraded into a plant community dominated by annual grasses and forbs. Fine fuels are adequate to carry a fire in favorable years. Frequent fires and/or improper grazing management have caused the degradation from either Phase B or C in State 1. Excessive soil loss has not occurred at this point but the site has crossed the threshold. It is not economical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). ID0612 , ANNUALS/FORBS.
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 10 25 40 10 0 0 5 5 5 0 State 5
Unknown New SiteCommunity 5.1
Unknown New SiteThis plant community has gone over the threshold to a new site. Site potential has been reduced. Significant soil loss has occurred. Infiltration has been reduced and run-off has become more rapid. This community has developed due to continued improper grazing management and/or fire. It is not economical to return this plant community to State 1 with accelerating practices.
Additional community tables
Table 4. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 5. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Wildlife Interpretations.
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
This rangeland ecological site provides habitat for select native wildlife species that can tolerate a sparse plant community. The plant community exhibits a diverse mixture of forbs throughout the short growing season offering excellent habitat for invertebrates. Mule deer and antelope are the large herbivores using the site. The site provides seasonal habitat for resident and migratory animals including sagebrush lizard, shrews, ground squirrels, mice, coyote, red fox, badger, sage-grouse, Ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, horned lark, and western meadowlark. Sage-grouse, an area sensitive species, may utilize the plant community for nesting, winter cover, and winter food. Encroachment of noxious and invasive plant species (cheatgrass) in isolated areas can replace native plant species which provide critical feed, brood-rearing, and nesting cover for a variety of native wildlife. Water features are sparse provided by seasonal streams, artificial water catchments, and springs.
State 1 Phase 1.1 – Winterfat/ Indian Ricegrass/ Western Wheatgrass/ Needle and Thread/ Shadscale/ Black Sagebrush Reference Plant Community (RPC) This plant community provides a diversity of grasses, forbs, and shrubs, used throughout the growing season by native insect communities that assist in pollination. The reptile community is represented by leopard lizard and short horned lizard. Depending on the amount of black sagebrush present, the site may provide limited sage-grouse winter habitat. The plant community provides forage throughout the year for large mammals including mule deer and antelope. Winterfat is a good to fair feed for deer. It is eaten readily by elk on the few sites where it occurs at high elevations. It is utilized extensively by rodents, rabbits, birds, and antelope. Rodent populations can be high and provide an excellent prey base raptors.
State 1 Phase 1.2 –Indian Ricegrass/ Western Wheatgrass/ Bottlebrush Squirreltail/ Sandberg Bluegrass Plant Community: This plant community is the result of fire. The plant community, dominated by herbaceous vegetation would provide less vertical structure for animals. Patches of root sprouting shrubs (rabbitbrushes) may begin to provide limited vertical structure for wildlife. Insect diversity would be reduced but native forbs are still present and would support select pollinators. The reptiles including short horned lizard and sagebrush lizard would be limited or excluded due to the loss of brush. Sage-grouse use for winter cover and winter food is eliminated. The dominant herbaceous vegetation improves habitat for grassland avian species (horned lark and western meadowlark). Large mammal (mule deer and antelope) use for forage would be limited to herbaceous vegetation in the spring and fall. The loss of winterfat and shadscale would reduce the value of the site for large game winter habitat. The populations of small mammals would be dominated by open grassland species like the Columbian ground squirrel.
State 1 Phase 1.3- Shadscale/ Bottlebrush Squirreltail/ Western Wheatgrass/ Sandberg Bluegrass Plant Community: This plant community is the result of improper grazing management. An increase in canopy cover of shadscale contributes to a sparse herbaceous understory. The reduced herbaceous understory results in reduced diversity and numbers of insects. The reptile community is represented by leopard lizard and short horned lizard. The reduction of grasses and forbs in the plant community would reduce the available prey species and cover for these resident reptiles. Fewer prey species and sparse understory cover results in limited food, brood-rearing, and nesting habitat for birds. Shadscale is used mostly during winter and spring for browse by mule deer. The fruits provide food for game birds and songbirds. The seeds of shadscale remain on the plant throughout the winter, enhancing its nutritional value
State 2 - Cheatgrass / Annuals Plant Community:
Frequent fires and/or improper grazing management have caused the degradation from either Phase 1.2 or 1.3 in State 1. The reduced forb and shrub components in the plant community would support a very limited population of pollinators. Most reptilian species are not supported with food, water, or cover. This plant community does not provide the habitat requirements for sage-grouse. Diversity of grassland avian species is reduced due to poor cover and available food. Birds of prey including hawks and falcons may range throughout these areas looking for prey species. Large mammals may utilize the herbaceous vegetation in the early part of the year when the invasive annuals (cheatgrass) are more palatable. At other times of the year large mammals would not regularly utilize these areas due to poor food and cover conditions. The populations of small mammals would be dominated by open grassland species like the Columbian ground squirrel.
Grazing Interpretations:
It is best suited for livestock use in the winter. Natural water supplies can be short or absent and livestock water may have to be piped, hauled, or otherwise made available.
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
The soils on this site are in hydrologic group B and C. They have moderately low to moderately high runoff potential.
Recreational uses
This site has very little recreation values. It usually has a few flowers that bloom, but in exceptionally good moisture years a profusion of annual forbs bloom. It has slight value for hunting except good rabbit and coyote hunting during the winter. It has very little value for camping, picnicking, and hiking. It has poor aesthetic appeal and natural beauty.
Wood products
None.
Other products
None.
Other information
Field Offices
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St. Anthony, ID
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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 Brendan Brazee, State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS, Idaho Leah Juarros, Resource Soil Scientist, NRCS, Idaho Lee Brooks, Range Management Specialist, IASCD
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, Forest Service, Fire Effects Information Database. 2004. www.fs.fed.us/database/feis.
USDI Bureau of Land Management, US Geological Service; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Research Service; Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health. Technical Reference 1734-6; Version 4-2005.
Forty Years of Change in a Shadscale Stand in Idaho. L.A. Sharp, K. Sanders, and N. Rimbey. 1990. Rangelands 12(6): 313-328.
Approval
Kendra Moseley, 4/06/2020
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 Intermountain Range Consultants 17700 Fargo Rd. Wilder, ID 83676 Contact for lead author Brendan Brazee, State Rangeland Management Specialist USDA-NRCS 9173 W. Barnes Drive, Suite C, Boise, ID 83709 Date 06/17/2009 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 rare. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
water-flow patterns are rare. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
both are rare. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
may range from 10 to 20 percent but data needs to be collected. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
gullies to not occur on this site. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
usually not present, but some soil movement may occur immediately following a wildfire. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
fine litter in the interspaces typically moves 1 to 2 feet. Coarse litter generally does not move. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
values should range from 4 to 6 but needs to be tested. NO DATA -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
No data. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
bunchgrasses, especially deep-rooted perennial species, slow runoff and increase infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
is not present. -
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:
Cool season deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses medium shrubsSub-dominant:
perennial forbsOther:
shallow rooted bunchgrassesAdditional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
very little mortality or decadence is expected on this site. Mortality of shallow rooted grasses may occur due to extended periods of drought. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Additional data is needed but is expected to be low and at a shallow depth. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
is 600 pounds per acre (672 Kg/ha) in a year with normal precipitation and temperatures. Perennial grasses produce 40-50 percent of the total production, forbs 5-15 percent and shrubs 40-50 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:
includes cheatgrass, clasping pepperweed, beggar ticks, tansymustard, Jim Hill tumblemustard, yellow salsify, and halogeton. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
all functional groups have the potential to reproduce in normal and favorable years.
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