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Draft. A draft ecological site description is either incomplete or has not undergone quality control and quality assurance review.
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R019XD046CA Loamy Upland 16-20" p.z.
Loamy Upland 16-20" p.z. has valley oak in the plant community.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree (1) Quercus agrifolia
Shrub (1) Artemisia californica
(2) Salvia leucophyllaHerbaceous Not specified
Physiographic features
This site occurs on hills and to a lesser extent mountain slopes. Slopes range from 9 to 75 percent. Aspects are variable. Elevation ranges from 600 to 2200 feet.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
(2) Mountain slope
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 600 – 2200 ft Slope 9 – 75 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
This site receives slightly more annual rainfall than the more coastal sites due to movement of hot and cold air masses and pressure systems influenced by the ocean and surrounding mountains. Roughly 94% of yearly precipitation falls form November through April. The driest months are June, July and August, with those months historically receiving trace amounts of rainfall. The average annual precipitation ranges from 14 to 24 inches. The mean annual air temperature ranges from 60 to 64 degrees F.
There are no reliable climate stations for this specific ecological site. The two stations listed (Oxnard and Los Angeles Civic Center) are on the extreme northwest and southwest of the area.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 350 days Freeze-free period (average) 0 days Precipitation total (average) 20 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
Soil features
This ecological site is associated with the Balcom and Linne soil series, and at a higher order with mollic halploxeralfs and typic haploxeralfs. The Balcom series consists of moderately deep, well drained soils that formed in material that weathered from soft, calcareous shale and sandstone. It has a loam surface and subsurface texture to 20 to 40 inches, where shale bedrock is encountered. This bedrock easily crushes to a loam textured soil. The Linne series consists of moderately deep, well drained soils that formed in material weathered from fairly soft shale and sandstone. The surface texture is clay loam, that extends down to 29 inches. A sandy clay loam texture is found from 29 to 32 inches, and a fine sandy loam is present from 33 to 36 inches. The depth to the soft white mudstone bedrock ranges from 20 to 40 inches. The Mollic haploxeralfs have a loam surface texture in the upper 5 inches, with a clay loam subsurface texture from 5 to 35 inches. Below 35 inches is weathered sandstone. The Typic haploxerepts have a silty clay loam surface texture that extends to 22 inches. A channery clay loam is found at 22 to 38 inches. Weathered calcareous shale bedrock is encountered below 38 inches.
The Linne and Balcom soils are strongly calcareous, and have calcium carbonate percentages of 1 to 15 percent. The PH ranges from 7.9 to 8.4. The other soils did not have signs of calcium carbonates, and their PH range was from 6.1 to 7.3.
The Linne soils are classified as Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, thermic Calcic Pachic Haploxerolls, and the Balcom soils are Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, thermic Typic Calcixerepts.
This ecological site has been correlated with the following map units and soil components within the Santa Monica Mountains Soil Survey Area (CA692).
Map Unit Component Percent
122 Mollic haploxeralfs 35
330 Linne 6
330 Linne 40
331 Linne 75
332 Linne 85
333 Linne 75
460 Typic haploxerepts 85
461 Typic haploxerepts 85
500 Balcom 85
503 Balcom, dark surface 15
503 Balcom 70
530 Balcom 15
531 Balcom 20
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Loam
(2) Clay loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderate to moderately slow Soil depth 20 – 40 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 5 – 15 % Surface fragment cover >3" 5 – 35 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)5.02 – 7.33 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 15 % Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.1 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)5 – 15 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)5 – 35 % Ecological dynamics
This ecological site is associated with scattered California live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), with California (coastal) sagebrush (Artemisia californica), native grasses, and non-native grasses. San Luis purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) and sawtooth goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa) are also common. There is very little data on species composition and production for this site.
Historically the cover of California sagebrush was probably uniform and continuous with native bunchgrasses and forbs in the open areas. Now, annual grasses and forbs account for almost half the cover and production. California live oak is present throughout.
California sagebrush has shallow fibrous roots that are well adapted for the loam and clay loam soils associated with this ecological site. Soils with loamy surface textures have a moderate water holding capacity within that zone, which allows the roots to reach the soil moisture for a longer period of time than the more coarse textured soils. California live oak prefers deep loamy soils and develops deep roots that may reach ground water, but also relies upon extensive lateral and surface roots to reach the surface water and create mycorrhizal associations.
California sagebrush communities can perpetuate themselves without much disturbance. Stands can be greater than 60 years old with out encroachment of chaparral species or stand senescence. However, human caused disturbances have brought change to the coastal scrub community. The introduction of non-native annual grasses and forbs and an increased fire frequency have caused some sagebrush communities to convert to annual grasslands.
The primary natural disturbance to this community is lightning-ignited fire. The historic fire interval for California sagebrush is difficult to determine, but several reports indicates a range between 20 to 100 years (Hauser, 2006). Fire frequencies have increased in recent times due to human ignited fires and the increased flammability and continuity of the non-native annual grasses. One fire study in the Santa Monica Mountain sagebrush communities concluded that the average fire return interval was 14 years between 1909 and 1977 (Hauser, 2006).
California sagebrush can resprout after a moderate fire, and reproduce from seed. The seeds can germinate with light and moisture alone, so sagebrush will continue to produce seedlings during fire free intervals. Seed dormancy can also be broken by charred wood leachate. Resprouting is the primary mode of regeneration the first year after a fire. Seedlings were more common the second year after a fire (Hauser, 2006).
A study concerning the suppression of California sagebrush regeneration by annual grasses showed that the sagebrush had difficulty competing with the non-native grasses during germination and the first season of growth, most likely due to limited water resources. Annual grass roots are closer to the soil surface making them capable of taking up water before the sagebrush roots, which are commonly deeper in the soil surface. Annuals also tend to utilize soil water earlier in the season and more efficiently, leaving the soil depleted for the sagebrush. By the second year, the California sagebrush that survived has a more established root system and the annual grasses have less of an affect on sagebrush growth (Eliason and Allen).
The ability of California live oak to produce seedlings that survive may be dependent upon the presence of California sagebrush. One report noted a higher rate of seedling recruitment associated with California sagebrush, and almost no recruitment associated with annual grasses (Callaway and Davis, 1998). California live oak seedlings grow better under the shade and protection of California sagebrush because the shade creates a moist environment and the shrubs hide and protect the young seedlings from herbivores (Steinberg and Howard, 2002).
This plant community is considered a California threatened habitat. It provides a home to several threatened animal and plant species. It is threatened by urbanization, increased fire frequencies and the invasion of non-native species.
State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 3. Loamy Hill State and Transition Model
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 textEcosystem states
State 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 6 submodel, plant communities
State 7 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Scattered California live oak with California Sagebrush and annual grasses 2.1Community 1.1
Scattered California live oak with California Sagebrush and annual grasses 2.1This plant community is the reference community for this ecological site. It is dominated by California sagebrush and non-native annual grasses. There are a few large California live oaks present, with less than 5 percent cover. This community has been altered due to grazing, the introduction of non-native plant species, and altered fire regimes. Cattle ranches were present during the mid 1800’s in the Santa Monica Mountains. Since this time, California sagebrush communities have been affected by grazing and introduced plant species. Today not much of this area is grazed, but the non-native annual grasses have become well established. The fire frequency has increased in modern times due to human ignited fires. Ranchers often burned land for pasture, and human caused accidental fires have increased. The annual grasses have also altered the fire regime, because they provide a readily ignitable and continuous fuel source.
The fire regime for this state may be shorter than the historic fire regime of 20-100 years. A 20 to 40 year fire frequency may be more common during this state. If the fire frequency becomes more frequent than 10 or 20 years, this state may convert to state 3, an annual grassland community (Hauser, 2006).
The primary pathway for this community is initiated by a canopy fire and leads to community 2.2, regeneration.
State 2
Scattered California live oak with California sagebrush 1.1Community 2.1
Scattered California live oak with California sagebrush 1.1This community is dominated by California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) with scattered California live oaks (Quercus agrifolia). It is hard to find this community in an unaltered state. The historic community most likely had native grasses such as purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), with San Luis purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) and sawtooth goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa). Historically a variety of native annuals and perennials were present.
Regeneration is initiated by fire, and the cycle may be as short as 20 years, or more than 100 years. California sagebrush and California live oak can continue to regenerate in the absence of fire, and California live oak can live for more than 250 years.
The main pathway for this community is initiated by fire, and creates stand regeneration community 1.2.
State 3
Regeneration of native species 1.2Community 3.1
Regeneration of native species 1.2After a fire, this diverse and short lived community develops. Several native "fire follower" species germinate from seeds that have been lying dormant in the soil more many years. California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), black sage (Salvia mellifera), San Luis purple sage (Salvia leucophylla), coastal buckwheat (Eriogonum cinereum) and purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) can resprout after fire. These species also regenerate from seed.
California live oak resprouts vigorously after fire, and can germinate from seeds that survived the fire.
The natural pathway for this community is with growth and time to community (1.2).State 4
Recovery of shrubs and trees 1.3Community 4.1
Recovery of shrubs and trees 1.3This community is a transitional phase as the California sagebrush and California live oak regain their pre-burn stature and cover.
California sagebrush continues to increase in cover and height, while California live oak quickly regains its original canopy by resprouting. This phase may last from 3 to 20 years.
The main pathway for this community is 1.3a with the continued growth of the California sagebrush and California live oak.
State 5
Regeneration including non-native species 2.2Community 5.1
Regeneration including non-native species 2.2After a fire, this diverse and short lived community develops. Several native "fire follower" species germinate from seeds that have been lying dormant in the soil more many years. California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), black sage (Salvia mellifera), San Luis purple sage (Salvia leucophylla), coastal buckwheat (Eriogonum cinereum) and purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) can resprout after fire. These species also regenerate from seed. In addition to the native species non-native species are present. Non-native species listed by Dagit were the common non-native grasses (Avena fatua, Bromus sp., Cynodon dactylon, Festuca sp., Hordeum murinum, etc.) and mustard (Brassica nigra), followed by a variety of thistles (Centaurea melitensis, Salsola iberica, etc.).
The natural pathway for this community is with growth and time to a developed sagebrush community (2.1).
State 6
Recovery of shrubs and trees with non-natives 2.3Community 6.1
Recovery of shrubs and trees with non-natives 2.3This community may take longer to develop than its historical counterpart. The annual grasses are competing with California sagebrush for water and nutrients.
The composition of this community may be half native California sagebrush species, and half non-native species.
The main pathway for this community is 2.3a with the continued growth of the California sagebrush and California live oak.
State 7
Non-native annual grasses and forbs State 3Community 7.1
Non-native annual grasses and forbs State 3This community develops when fire frequency or other disturbances such as heavy grazing have allowed the annual grasses to establish and dominate. Wild oat (Avena fatua) often dominates the annual grasslands with ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus ssp. rigidus), slender oat (Avena barbata), Spanish brome (Bromus madritensis), and soft brome (Bromus hordeaceus). Other species often present include: Darnel ryegrass (Lolium temulentum), storksbill (Erodium spp.), common barley (Hordeum vulgare), mouse barley (Hordeum murinum), sweetclover (Melilotus spp.), timothy (Phleum spp.), mustard (Brassica nigra), yellow star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), Maltese star-thistle (Centaurea melitensis), Salsola tragus (prickly Russian thistle) and a variety of other native and non-native species.
The annual grasses compete directly with native species for water and nutrients. The annual grasses create a continuous and easily ignitable fuel source, which increases the fire frequency. Native resprouting species cannot continue to resprout with frequent fire fires, and will not replenish the seed bank or create new seeds if they have not had enough time to mature. The length of time needed for this community to properly regenerate has not been determined. Some reports state that fire intervals less than 40 years will cause a significant decline in California sagebrush communities in 100 years, while others say a 20 year fire interval is actually appropriate, and less than 10 year intervals are detrimental (Hauser, 2006).
Restoration of this site would be difficult, but should focus on the reintroduction of native species, restoring longer fire frequencies, and eliminating non-native species.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 6. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 6.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 7.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
California sagebrush provides shade and nesting habitat for small birds, mammals, amphibians, and arthropods(Hauser, 2006).
California sagebrush provides habitat for Bell's sage sparrow, a bird species listed as a Species of Special Concern, and the California gnatcatcher which is found almost exclusively in California sagebrush-dominated communities (Hauser, 2006).
California live oak provides acorns for small mammals and birds, as well as cover and nesting sites. It is also a fair browse for deer. Acorn-dependent birds include the acorn woodpecker, yellow-billed magpie, and scrub jay (Steinberg and Howard, 2002).Recreational uses
This area is suitable for hiking, biking, and horse riding trails.
Wood products
The wood of California live oak is not suitable for timber because it warps and cracks. It is mainly used for firewood.
Other products
California sagebrush was used by Chumash Indians for a variety of purposes. They used branches for firesticks and arrow foreshafts. Poultices were made for treating headaches. California sagebrush was used for many sacred rituals. Spanish settlers made tea to treat bronchial problems and used it externally as a wash for wounds and swellings (Hauser, 2006).
The acorns from the California live oak can be eaten after processing.Supporting information
Other references
Allen E.B.; Eliason, S.A.; Marquez V.J.; Shultz, G.P.; Storms, N.K.; Stylinski, C.D.; Zink, T.A.; and Allen, M.F. What are the Limits to Restoration of Coastal Sage Scrub in Southern California? 2nd Interface Between Ecology and Land Development in California. J.E. Keeley, M.B. Keeley and C.J. Fotheringham, eds. USGS Open-File Report 00-62, Sacramento, California. In press.
Bowler, P.A. 2000. Ecological restoration of coastal sage scrub and it's potential role in habitat conservation plans. Environmental Management, vol. 26, supplement 1: pgs S85-S96.
Callaway, Ragan M. and Davis, Frank W., 1998. Recruitment of Quercus agrifolia in Central California: The Importance of Shrub-Dominated Patches. Journal of Vegetation Science, Vol. 9, No. 5 (Oct., 1998), pp. 647-656.
Eliason S.A. and Allen, E.B. (1997). Exotic Grass Competition in Suppressing Native Shrubland Re-establishment. Restoration Ecology, September 1997, vol. 5, no.3 pp. 245-255. Blackwell Publishing.
Howard, Janet L. 1993. Artemisia californica. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2005, April 7].
Hauser, A. Scott. 2006. Artemisia californica. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2007, December 19].
Keeler-Wolf, Todd (1995). Post-Fire Emergency Seeding and Conservation In Southern California Shrublands. Brushfires in California Wildlands: Ecology and Resource Management. Edited by J.E. Keeley and T. Scott. 1995. Internatitional Association of Wildland Fire, Fairfield, WA.
Keeley, Jon E (2003). Fire and Invasive Plants in California Ecosystems. Fire Management Today, Volume 63, No. 2
Keeley, Jon E. (2002). Native American Impacts on Fire Regimes of the Pacific Coast Ranges. US Government, Journal of Biogeography, 29, p. 303-320. Blackwell Science Ltd.
Keeley, J.E. (2001). Fire and invasive species in Mediterranean-climate ecosystems of California. Pages 81–94 in K.E.M. Galley and T.P. Wilson (eds.). Proceedings of the Invasive Species Workshop: the Role of Fire in the Control and Spread of Invasive Species. Fire Conference 2000: the First National Congress on Fire Ecology, Prevention, and Management. Miscellaneous Publication No. 11, Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL.
Keeley, Jon E. and Keeley Sterling C. (1984). Postfire recovery of California Coastal Sage Scrub. American Midland Naturalist, Vol. 111, Issue 1 (Jan. 1984) pp. 105-117
McMurray, Nancy E. 1990. Salvia mellifera. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online].
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer).
Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2007, October 23].
Minnich, Richard A. and Scott, Thomas A. Wildland Fire and the Conservation of Coastal Sage Scrub. Department of Earth Sciences, University of California, Riverside.
Steinberg, Peter D. 2002. Baccharis pilularis. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2005, March 3].
Steinberg, Peter D.; Howard, Janet L. (2002, December). Quercus agrifolia. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/.
Westman, Walter E., 1987. Implications of ecological theory for rare plant conservation in coastal sage scrub. Pages 133-140 in T. S. Elias, editor. Conservation and management of rare and endangered plants: proceedings of a California conference on the conservation and management of rare and endangered plants. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California.
White, Scott D 1995. Disturbance and Dynamics in Coastal Sage Scrub. Fremontia, Volume 23, No 4. California Native Plant Society.
Contributors
Curtis Talbot, Marchel Munnecke
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) Contact for lead author Date Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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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:
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):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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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:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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