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Ecological site R024XY012NV
SALINE TERRACE 6-8 P.Z.
Last updated: 3/07/2025
Accessed: 04/16/2026
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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): 024X–Humboldt Basin and Range Area
Major land resource area (MLRA) 24, the Humboldt Area, covers an area of approximately 8,115,200 acres (12,680 sq. mi.). It is found in the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. Elevations range from 3,950 to 5,900 feet (1,205 to 1,800 meters) in most of the area, some mountain peaks are more than 8,850 feet (2,700 meters).
A series of widely spaced north-south trending mountain ranges are separated by broad valleys filled with alluvium washed in from adjacent mountain ranges. Most valleys are drained by tributaries to the Humboldt River. However, playas occur in lower elevation valleys with closed drainage systems. Isolated ranges are dissected, uplifted fault-block mountains. Geology is comprised of Mesozoic and Paleozoic volcanic rock and marine and continental sediments. Occasional young andesite and basalt flows (6 to 17 million years old) occur at the margins of the mountains. Dominant soil orders include Aridisols, Entisols, Inceptisols and Mollisols. Soils of the area are generally characterized by a mesic soil temperature regime, an aridic soil moisture regime and mixed geology. They are generally well drained, loamy and very deep.
Approximately 75 percent of MLRA 24 is federally owned, the remainder is primarily used for farming, ranching and mining. Irrigated land makes up about 3 percent of the area; the majority of irrigation water is from surface water sources, such as the Humboldt River and Rye Patch Reservoir. Annual precipitation ranges from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) for most of the area, but can be as much as 40 inches (101 cm) in the mountain ranges. The majority of annual precipitation occurs as snow in the winter. Rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms in the spring and fall.Ecological site concept
This ecological site is on fan piedmonts. Soils associated with this site are very deep, well drained and formed in alluvium derived from mixed rocks, loess and volcanic ash. The soil profile is characterized by an ochric epipedon, a sodium free surface, and moderately to strongly sodium effected subsoil. Soil textures are dominated by silt loam, ashy very fine silt loam, and/or ashy fine sandy loam. The soil temperature regime is mesic and the soil moisture regime is typic aridic.
This ecological site does not exhibit different abiotic factors or soil characteristics than winterfat dominated ESCs and full consideration should be given to correlating this ES to Silty 4-8" PZ (024XY004NV) as a CP or state.
Future field work in compare the soil characteristics and abiotic factors for all winterfat dominated ESCs in MRLA 24 and determine if they are actually one ESC. All soil correlated to these ESCs, regardless of depth, are dominated by silt loam textures (SiL, VFSL, FSL) or textures that are probably ashy.Associated sites
R024XY004NV SILTY 4-8 P.Z.
This ecological site is on fan piedmonts. Soils associated with this site are very deep, and well drained. The soil profile is characterized by an ochric epipedon, a sodium free surface, and moderately to strongly sodium effected subsoil. Soil textures are dominated by silt loam, ashy very fine silt loam, and/or ashy fine sandy loam.
R024XY007NV SALINE BOTTOM
Saline Bottom ecological site is on alluvial flats, stream terraces and flood plains. Soils are very deep, somewhat poorly drained and formed in alluvium derived from mixed alluvium, loess and volcanic ash. The soil profile is characterized by an ochric epipedon, strong to moderate salinity throughout and a high water table between 70-100cm at some time during the year.
R024XY011NV SODIC FLAT 6-8 P.Z.
Important abiotic factors include crusting & baking of the surface layer upon drying, inhibiting water infiltration and seedling emergence. Greasewood (SAVE4) dominant shrub; Shadscale saltbrush (ATCO) minor shrub.
R024XY020NV DROUGHTY LOAM 8-10 P.Z.
Important abiotic factors contributing to the presence of this site include limited available soil moisture due to texture and precipitation zone. Vegetative cover is less than 25% and is dominated by deep-rooted, cool season perennial bunchgrasses and drought tolerant shrubs. Dominant species include Thurber’s needlegrass (ACTH7), Indian ricegrass (ACHY), Wyoming big sagebrush (ARTRW8), and spiny hopsage (GRSP).
Similar sites
R024XY067NV SHALLOW SILTY 5-8 P.Z.
Shadscale saltbush (ATCO) dominant shrub and squirreltail (ELEL5) dominant herbaceous.
R024XY060NV SHALLOW SILTY 8-10 P.Z.
Shadscale saltbush (ATCO) dominant shrub; squirreltail (ELEL5) and indian ricegrass (ACHY) dominant herbaceous.
R024XY004NV SILTY 4-8 P.Z.
Winterfat (KRLA2) dominant shrub and Indian ricegrass (ACHY) dominant herbaceous; Sickle saltbush (ATFA) rare to absent.
R024XY014NV COARSE SILTY 4-8 P.Z.
Winterfat (KRLA2) dominant shrub and Indian ricegrass (ACHY) dominant herbaceous; Sickle saltbush (ATFA) rare to absent.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Atriplex falcata
Herbaceous (1) Achnatherum hymenoides
Physiographic features
This site is on inset fans of middle and lower piedmont slopes, on alluvial flats, lake plains, and on axial-stream terraces. Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent, but slope gradients of 0 to 2 percent are most typical. Elevations are 3900 to 5800 feet (1189 to 1768 m).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Inset fan
(2) Alluvial flat
(3) Lake plain
Runoff class Low to medium Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) Flooding frequency Rare to frequent Elevation 3900 – 5800 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Water table depth 72 – 0 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate associated with this site is semiarid and characterized by cool, moist winters and warm, dry summers. Average annual precipitation is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm). Mean annual air temperature is 45 to 53 degrees F. The average growing season is about 80 to 130 days.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 130 days Freeze-free period (average) Precipitation total (average) 10 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
Some areas receive run-in moisture from higher landscapes.
Soil features
The soils associated with this site are very deep. Surface soils are medium textured and less that 10 inches (25cm) thick. These soils are moderately well to well drained with a seasonally high-water table at a depth of greater than 6 feet (2m). The soils are strongly saline and moderately to strongly sodium affected. The greatest concentration of salts is below 10 inches (25cm) of the surface, where dissolved salts accumulate at the upper limits of capillary movement. Some areas receive additional moisture as run-in from higher landscapes and excess salts are washed onto the site. Surface runoff from the soils in this site is low to high and some small areas may be ponded in the late winter and early spring. Soil series associated with this site include: Landco, Relley, Rosney, Wholan, and Yipor.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – volcanic breccia
Surface texture (1) Silt loam
(2) Very fine sandy loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Slow to moderate Soil depth 72 – 84 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 4 % Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)6.8 – 7.9 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 15 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 32 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 90 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.4 – 9.6 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 4 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
An ecological site is the product of all the environmental factors responsible for its development and it has a set of key characteristics that influence a site’s resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasives. Key characteristics include 1) climate (precipitation, temperature), 2) topography (aspect, slope, elevation, and landform), 3) hydrology (infiltration, runoff), 4) soils (depth, texture, structure, organic matter), 5) plant communities (functional groups, productivity), and 6) natural disturbance regime (fire, herbivory, etc.) (Caudle 2013). Biotic factors that influence resilience include site productivity, species composition and structure, and population regulation and regeneration (Chambers et al. 2013).
Winterfat is a long-lived, drought tolerant, native shrub typically about 30 cm tall (Mozingo 1987). It has a woody base from which annual branchlets grow (Welsh et al. 1987). The most common variety is a low growing dwarf form (less than 38.1 cm), which is most often found on desert valley floors (Stevens et al. 1977). Total winter precipitation is a primary growth driver and lower than average spring precipitation can reverse the impact of plentiful winter precipitation. While summer rainfall has a limited impact, heavy August-September rain can cause a second flowering in winterfat (West and Gasto 1978). Winterfat reproduces from seed and primarily pollinates via wind (Stevens et al. 1977). Seed production, especially in desert regions, is dependent on precipitation (West and Gasto 1978) with good seed years occurring when there is appreciable summer precipitation and little browsing (Stevens et al. 1977).Winterfat has multiple dispersal mechanisms: diaspores are shed in the fall or winter, dispersed by wind, rodent-cached, or carried on animals (Majerus 2003). Diaspores take advantage of available moisture, tolerating freezing conditions as they progress from imbibed seeds to germinants to nonwoody seedlings (Booth 1989). Under some circumstances, the degree of reproduction may be dependent on mature plant density (Freeman and Emlen 1995).
These communities often exhibit the formation of microbiotic crusts within the interspaces between shrubs. These crusts influence the soils on these sites and their ability to reduce erosion and increase infiltration; they may also alter the soil structure and possibly increase soil fertility (Fletcher and Martin 1948, Williams 1993). Finer textured soils such as silts tend to support more microbiotic cover than coarse texture soils (Anderson 1982). Disturbance such as hoof action from inappropriate grazing and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) invasion can reduce biotic crust integrity (Anderson 1982, Ponzetti et al. 2007) and increase erosion.
Drought and/or inappropriate grazing will initially favor shrubs but prolonged drought can cause a decrease in the winterfat, bud sagebrush and other shrubs, while bare ground increases. Indian ricegrass will decrease with inappropriate grazing management. Squirreltail may maintain or also decline within the community. Repeated spring and early summer grazing will have an especially detrimental effect on winterfat and bud sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). Cheatgrass and other non-native annual weeds increase with excessive grazing. Abusive grazing during the winter may lead to soil compaction and reduced infiltration. Prolonged abusive grazing during any season leads to abundant bare ground, desert pavement and active wind and water erosion. Repeated, frequent fire will promote cheatgrass dominance and elimination of the native plant community. These sites frequently attract recreational use, primarily by off highway vehicles (OHV). Annual non-native species increase where surface soils have been disturbed. Three alternative stable states have been identified for this site.
Fire Ecology:
The mean fire return interval for salt-desert shrub communities ranges from 35 to 100 years. Increased presence of non-native annual grasses, such as cheatgrass, can alter fire regimes by increasing fire frequency under wet to near-normal summer moisture conditions. When fire does occur, the effect on the ecosystem may be extreme. Sickle saltbush has a high fire tolerance and if it is top-killed it will sprout vigorously from the root. Indian ricegrass can be killed by fire, depending on severity and season of burn. Indian ricegrass reestablishes on burned sites through seed dispersed from adjacent unburned areas. Bottlebrush squirreltail's small size, coarse stems, and sparse leafy material aid in its tolerance of fire. Postfire regeneration occurs from surviving root crowns and from on- and off-site seed sources. Frequency of disturbance greatly influences postfire response of bottlebrush squirreltail. Undisturbed plants within a 6 to 9 year age class generally contain large amounts of dead material, increasing bottlebrush squirreltail's susceptibility to fire.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagramMore 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 1
Reference StateThe Reference State 1.0 is a representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. This state has two community phases, one co-dominated by shrubs and grass, and the other dominated by shrubs. State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. This site is very stable, with little variation in plant community composition. Plant community changes would be reflected in production in response to drought or inappropriate grazing management. Wet years will increase grass production, while drought years will reduce production. Shrub production will also increase during wet years; however, recruitment of winterfat is episodic.
Community 1.1
Reference Plant CommunityThe plant community is dominated by sickle saltbush. Other important species on this site are Indian ricegrass and bottlebrush squirreltail.
Potential vegetative composition is about 35 percent grasses, 5 percent forbs and 60 percent shrubs.
Approximate ground cover (basal and crown) is 10 to 20 percent.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)Shrub/Vine 120 240 420 Grass/Grasslike 70 140 245 Forb 10 20 35 Total 200 400 700 Community 1.2
Community Phase 1.2Drought will favor shrubs over perennial bunchgrasses. However, long term drought will result in an overall decline in the plant community, regardless of functional group.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2Long term drought and/or herbivory. Fires would also decrease vegetation on these sites but would be infrequent and patchy due to low fuel loads.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1Time, lack of disturbance and recovery from drought would allow the vegetation to increase and bare ground would eventually decrease.
State 2
Current Potential StateThis state is similar to the Reference State 1.0. This state has the same two general community phases. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Non-natives may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. These non-natives can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These feedbacks include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include the non-natives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Community 2.1
Plant community 2.1This community is dominated by winterfat and Indian ricegrass. Bottlebrush squirreltail and bud sagebrush are also important species on this site. Community phase changes are primarily a function of chronic drought. Fire is infrequent and patchy due to low fuel loads. Non-native annual species are present.
Community 2.2
Plant community 2.2This community is dominated by winterfat. The perennial grass component is significantly reduced.
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2Drought will favor shrubs over perennial bunchgrasses. However, long term drought will result in an overall decline in the plant community, regardless of functional group. Inappropriate grazing management will favor unpalatable shrubs such as shadscale, and cause a decline in winterfat and bud sagebrush.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1Release from long term drought and/or growing season grazing pressure allows recovery of bunchgrasses, winterfat, and bud sagebrush.
State 3
Shrub StateThis state consists of one community phase. This site has crossed a biotic threshold and site processes are being controlled by shrubs. Bare ground has increased.
Community 3.1
Plant community 3.1Perennial bunchgrasses, like Indian ricegrass are reduced and the site is dominated by winterfat. Rabbitbrush and shadscale may be significant components or dominant shrubs. Annual non-native species increase. Bare ground has increased.
State 4
Annual StateThis state consists of two community phases. This state is characterized by the dominance of annual non-native species such as halogeton and cheatgrass. Rabbitbrush, shadscale, sickle saltbush and other sprouting shrubs may dominate the overstory.
Community 4.1
Plant community 4.1This community is dominated by annual non-native species. Trace amounts of winterfat and other shrubs may be present, but are not contributing to site function. Bare ground may be abundant, especially during low precipitation years. Soil erosion, soil temperature and wind are driving factors in site function.
Community 4.2
Plant community 4.2This community is dominated by winterfat with an understory of non-native annual species. Perennial bunchgrasses may be a minor component or missing. Bare ground may be abundant.
Pathway 4.1a
Community 4.1 to 4.2Reestablishment of winterfat. This pathway is unlikely due to the impact of annual non-native species on the establishment and growth of winterfat seedlings.
Pathway 4.2a
Community 4.2 to 4.1Fire.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Trigger: This transition is caused by the introduction of non-native annual plants, such as halogeton and cheatgrass. Slow variables: Over time the annual non-native species will increase within the community. Threshold: Any amount of introduced non-native species causes an immediate decrease in the resilience of the site. Annual non-native species cannot be easily removed from the system and have the potential to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their historic range of variation.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Trigger: Inappropriate, long term grazing of perennial bunchgrasses during the growing season and/or long term drought will favor shrubs and initiate a transition to Community phase 3.1. Slow variables: Long-term decrease in deep-rooted perennial grass density. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses changes nutrient cycling, nutrient redistribution, and reduces soil organic matter.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4Trigger: Severe fire/ multiple fires and/or soil disturbing treatments would transition to Community Phase 4.1. Long term inappropriate grazing management in the presence of non-native annual species would transition to Community Phase 4.2. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs truncates, spatially and temporally, nutrient capture and cycling within the community. Increased, continuous fine fuels from annual non-native plants modify the fire regime by changing intensity, size and spatial variability of fires.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Trigger: Severe fire/ multiple fires, long term inappropriate grazing management, and/or soil disturbing treatments such as plowing. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species. Threshold: Increased, continuous fine fuels modify the fire regime by changing intensity, size and spatial variability of fires. Changes in plant community composition and spatial variability of vegetation due to the loss of perennial bunchgrasses and sagebrush truncate energy capture spatially and temporally thus impacting nutrient cycling and distribution.
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Primary Perennial Grasses 100–160 Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 80–120 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 20–40 – 2 Secondary Perennial Grasses 8–32 basin wildrye LECI4 Leymus cinereus 2–12 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 2–12 – alkali sacaton SPAI Sporobolus airoides 2–12 – Forb3 Perennial Forbs 8–32 povertyweed IVAX Iva axillaris 2–12 – globemallow SPHAE Sphaeralcea 2–12 – Shrub/Vine4 Primary Shrubs 200–240 sickle saltbush ATFA Atriplex falcata 200–240 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 8–32 fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 4–12 – shadscale saltbush ATCO Atriplex confertifolia 4–12 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNAN5 Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa 4–12 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 4–12 – greasewood SAVE4 Sarcobatus vermiculatus 4–12 – 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 (%) Table 9. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock Interpretatios:
This site has limited value for livestock grazing, due to the low forage production. Grazing management should be keyed to dominant grasses or palatable shrubs production. Sickle saltbush provides nutritious forage for livestock. Overgrazing may reduce plant vigor. Indian ricegrass is highly palatable to all classes of livestock in both green and cured condition. It supplies a source of green feed before most other native grasses have produced much new growth. Bottlebrush squirreltail is very palatable winter forage for domestic sheep of Intermountain ranges. Domestic sheep relish the green foliage. Overall, bottlebrush squirreltail is considered moderately palatable to livestock.
Stocking rates vary over time depending upon season of use, climate variations, site, and previous and current management goals. A safe starting stocking rate is an estimated stocking rate that is fine tuned by the client by adaptive management through the year and from year to year.
Wildlife Interpretations:
Sickle saltbush provides nutritious forage for wildlife. Indian ricegrass is eaten by pronghorn in "moderate" amounts whenever available. In Nevada it is consumed by desert bighorns. A number of heteromyid rodents inhabiting desert rangelands show preference for seed of Indian ricegrass. Indian ricegrass is an important component of jackrabbit diets in spring and summer. In Nevada, Indian ricegrass may even dominate jackrabbit diets during the spring through early summer months. Indian ricegrass seed provides food for many species of birds. Doves, for example, eat large amounts of shattered Indian ricegrass seed lying on the ground. Bottlebrush squirreltail is a dietary component of several wildlife species. Bottlebrush squirreltail may provide forage for mule deer and pronghorn.Hydrological functions
Runoff is low to high. Permeability is slow to moderate. Hydrologic soil groups are B and C. Rills are none to rare. Water flow patterns are often numerous in areas subjected to summer convection storms. Flow patterns short and stable. Pedestals are none to rare. Gullies are rare in areas of this site that occur on stable landforms. Where this site occurs on inset fans, gullies and head-cuts associated with ephemeral channel entrenchment are common. Gullies and head-cuts should be healing or stable. This site may be ponded for short periods in the late winter. In areas with herbaceous cover (sparse) of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and/or rhizomatous grasses, these plants can increase infiltration.
Recreational uses
Aesthetic value is derived from the diverse floral and faunal composition and the colorful flowering of wild flowers and shrubs during the spring and early summer. This site offers rewarding opportunities to photographers and for nature study. This site is used for camping and hiking and has potential for upland and big game hunting.
Other products
Indian ricegrass was traditionally eaten by some Native Americans. The Paiutes used seed as a reserve food source.
Other information
Bottlebrush squirreltail is tolerant of disturbance and is a suitable species for revegetation.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
NASIS soil component data.
Type locality
Location 1: Lander County, NV Township/Range/Section T31N R45E S11 UTM zone N UTM northing 4491626 UTM easting 510834 Latitude 40° 34′ 31″ Longitude 116° 52′ 19″ General legal description Approximately 5 miles southeast of Battle Mountain, off Hill Top Road, Lander County, Nevada. Other references
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Young, R.P. 1983. Fire as a vegetation management tool in rangelands of the Intermountain region. In: Monsen, S.B. and N. Shaw (eds). Managing Intermountain rangelands—improvement of range and wildlife habitats: Proceedings of symposia; 1981 September 15-17; Twin Falls, ID; 1982 June 22-24; Elko, NV. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-157. Ogden, UT. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. Pp. 18-31.Contributors
CP/GKB
TK StringhamApproval
Kendra Moseley, 3/07/2025
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) Patti Novak-Echenique Contact for lead author State Rangeland Management Specialist Date 12/17/2009 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 none to rare. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns are often numerous in areas subjected to summer convection storms. Flow patterns short and stable. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals are none to rare. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground ± 80%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter (foliage of grasses and annual & perennial forbs) expected to move distance of slope length during periods of intense summer convection storms. Persistent litter (large woody material) will remain in place except during unusually severe flooding events. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil stability values will range from 1 to 4. (To be field tested.) -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Structure of soil surface is medium to thick platy, subangular blocky, or prismatic. Soil surface colors are light and soils are typified by an ochric epipedon. Organic matter is typically less than 0.9 percent (OM values taken from lab characterization data). -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
This site may be ponded for short periods in the late winter. In areas with herbaceous cover (sparse) of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and/or rhizomatous grasses, these plants can increase infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Compacted layers are not typical. Platy, subangular blocky, prismatic, or massive subsurface layers are normal for this site and are not to be interpreted as compaction. -
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:
Reference Plant Community: Low shrubs (saltbush)Sub-dominant:
Deep-rooted, cool season, perennial grasses > shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial grasses > tall shrubs (black greasewood, rabbitbrush) > deep-rooted, cool season, perennial forbs = fibrous, shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial and annual forbsOther:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Dead branches within individual shrubs common and standing dead shrub canopy material may be as much as 35% of total woody canopy. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Between plant interspaces (< 5%) and depth of litter is ± ¼ inch. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
For normal or average growing season (through end of May) ± 400 lbs/ac; Winter and spring moisture significantly affect total production. -
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:
Increasers include rubber rabbitbrush and horsebrush. Invaders include annual mustards, Russian thistle, halogeton, knapweeds and cheatgrass. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All functional groups should reproduce in average (or normal) and above average growing season years.
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PrintThe Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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