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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 alluvial flat and stream terraces. Soils are very deep, well drained, and formed in alluvium derived from mixed parent material. The soil profile is characterized by an ochric epipedon, a pH greater than 8.5 throughout and silt clay loam or loam texture.
Where this ecological site is correlated to poorly drained soil series should be evaluated as a CP of 024XY007NV, Saline Bottom.Associated sites
R024XY003NV SODIC TERRACE 6-8 P.Z.
This ecological site is on lake plains and basin floor remnants. Soil is very deep, well drained and formed in a thin layer of loess and alluvium derived from mixed parent material influenced by volcanic ash over lacustrine sediments. Soils are characterized by a very low infiltration, an ochric epipedon, and moderate to very strong alkalinity.
R024XY004NV SILTY 4-8 P.Z.
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.
R024XY007NV SALINE BOTTOM
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. Sodicity (SAR) is 13-99 in the upper 50cm and decreases with depth. Dominant plant species are Black greasewood (SAVE4) and Basin wildrye (LECI4)
Similar sites
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.
R024XY007NV SALINE BOTTOM
Greasewood (SAVE4) dominant shrub; Torrey's saltbush (ATTO) minor shrub, if present.
R024XY006NV DRY FLOODPLAIN
Soils are moderately well drained. Basin Big sagebrush (ARTRT) dominant shrub; Greasewood (SAVE4) minor shrub, or absent.
R024XY022NV SODIC TERRACE 8-10 P.Z.
Soils are characterized by a very low infiltration, an ochric epipedon, moderate to very strong alkalinity. Greasewood (SAVE4), Big sagebrush (ARTR2) codominant; more productive site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Atriplex torreyi
Herbaceous (1) Leymus cinereus
Physiographic features
This site is on alluvial flats and lake plains. Slopes range from 0 to 4 percent, but slope gradients of 0 to 2 percent are most typical. Elevations are 3500 to 6600 feet (1067 to 2012 m).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Lake plain
(2) Alluvial flat
Runoff class Medium to very high Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days) Flooding frequency Rare to occasional Elevation 3500 – 6600 ft Slope 0 – 4 % Water table depth 45 – 84 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 10 inches (15 to 25 in). Mean annual air temperature is 45 to 53 degrees F. The average growing season is about 90 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
This site is adjacent to perennial streams.
Soil features
The soils associated with this site are very deep, well drained and formed in alluvium derived from mixed parent material. The soil profile has an ochric epipedon, a pH greater than 8.5 throughout, and silt loam texture. Soils are moderately to strongly salt affected. Soil reaction decreases with depth.
This site normally receives additional moisture from flooding or as run-in from higher landscapes. Potential for sheet and rill erosion is slight. Soil series associated with this site include: Benin, Perwaso, Preble, and Slawha.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium
(2) Lacustrine deposits
Surface texture (1) Silt loam
(2) Silty clay loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Somewhat poorly drained to well drained Permeability class Very slow to moderate Soil depth 72 – 84 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 3 % Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)6 – 7.9 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 35 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)4 – 32 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)30 – 90 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.4 – 9.6 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 17 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
As ecological condition declines and where management results in abusive grazing use by livestock, basin wildrye composition is reduced as Torrey's quailbush, big sagebrush, rubber rabbitbrush and black greasewood composition greatly increase. Cheatgrass, halogeton and annual mustards are species likely to invade this site.
Fire Ecology:
The mean fire return interval for salt-desert shrub communities ranges from 35 to 100 years. Salt-desert shrub communities are usually unaffected by fire because of low fuel loads, although a year of exceptionally heavy winter rains can generate fuels by producing a heavy stand of annual forbs and grasses. Torrey’s quailbush has been shown to have reduced flammability due to high moisture and ash contents. Torrey’s quailbush can survive at least some fires. The most likely postfire regeneration strategy of Torrey’s quailbush is seed production. Black greasewood may be killed by severe fires, but it commonly sprouts soon after low to moderate-severity fires. Basin big sagebrush is readily killed when aboveground plant parts are charred by fire. Prolific seed production from nearby unburned plants coupled with high germination rates enables seedlings to establish rapidly following fire. Basin wildrye is top-killed by fire. Older basin wildrye plants with large proportions of dead material within the perennial crown can be expected to show higher mortality due to fire than younger plants having little debris. Basin wildrye is generally tolerant of fire but may be damaged by early season fire combined with dry soil conditions.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 textEcosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateCommunity 1.1
Reference Plant CommunityThe reference plant community is dominated by Torrey's quailbush and basin wildrye.
Potential vegetative composition is about 45% grasses, 5% forbs and 50% shrubs.
Approximate ground cover (basal and crown) is 25 to 40 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 400 600 750 Grass/Grasslike 360 540 675 Forb 40 60 75 Total 800 1200 1500 Community 1.2
Reference Plant Community 1.2This community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early-seral community phase. Basin wildrye and alkali sacaton dominate the community. Black greasewood will decrease but will likely sprout and return to pre-burn levels within a few years. Early colonizers such as rabbitbrush and shadscale may increase.
Community 1.3
Reference Plant Community 1.3Black greasewood and big sagebrush increase in the absence of disturbance. Decadent shrubs dominate the overstory and deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses in the understory are reduced either from competition with shrubs, herbivory, drought or combinations of these.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2Fire will decrease or eliminate the overstory of black greasewood and allow the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Fires will typically be low severity, resulting in a mosaic pattern due to low fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring may be more severe and reduce sagebrush cover to trace amounts.
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3Absence of disturbance over time, significant herbivory, long term drought or combinations of these would allow the black greasewood overstory to dominate the site and reduce the perennial bunchgrasses. Inland saltgrass may increase in the understory depending on the timing and intensity of herbivory. Heavy spring utilization will favor an increase in black greasewood.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1Time and lack of disturbance will allow shrubs to increase.
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.2Fire will decrease the overstory of black greasewood and allow the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Fires will typically by high intensity in this phase due to the dominance of black greasewood resulting in removal of the overstory shrub community.
State 2
State 2This state is similar to the Reference State 1.0 with three similar 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
Community Phase 2.1This community is dominated by basin wildrye and black greasewood. Alkali sacaton and rabbitbrush are also common on these sites. Inland saltgrass, alkaligrass and other perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs make up smaller components. Non-native annual species such as halogeton and cheatgrass are present.
Community 2.2
Community Phase 2.2This community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early-seral community phase. Basin wildrye and alkali sacaton dominate the community. Black greasewood will decrease but will likely sprout and return to pre-burn levels within a few years. Early colonizers such as rabbitbrush and shadscale may increase. Annual non-native species are stable to increasing in the community.
Community 2.3
Community Phase 2.3Black greasewood and big sagebrush increase in the absence of disturbance. Decadent shrubs dominate the overstory and deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses in the understory are reduced either from competition with shrubs, inappropriate grazing management, drought or combinations of these
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2A low severity fire would decrease the overstory of black greasewood and allow the understory perennial grasses to increase. Fires are typically low severity resulting in a mosaic pattern due to low fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring facilitating an increase in fine fuels may be more severe and reduce black greasewood cover to trace amounts. Brush treatments would also reduce the shrub overstory and allow the perennial grasses in the understory to increase
Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3Absence of disturbance over time, inappropriate grazing management, long term drought, lowering of the water table by groundwater pumping or channel incision or combinations of these would allow the black greasewood overstory to dominate the site and reduce perennial bunchgrasses. Inland saltgrass may increase in the understory depending on the timing and intensity of grazing. Heavy spring utilization will favor an increase in black greasewood.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1Time and lack of disturbance will allow shrubs to increase, this may be coupled with inappropriate grazing management.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.2Release from drought and/or water table recovery would allow an increase in perennial bunchgrasses. Fire and/or brush treatments will also decrease the overstory of black greasewood and give a competitive advantage for existing perennial 265 bunchgrasses. This may lead to bunchgrasses dominating the site. Fires will typically by high intensity in this phase due to the dominance of black greasewood resulting in removal of the overstory shrub community.
State 3
State 3Community 3.1
Community Phase 3.1Decadent black greasewood dominates the site. Perennial bunchgrasses are present but a minor component. Annual non-native species may be present and may be increasing in the understory.
Community 3.2
Community Phase 3.2Rabbitbrush dominates the overstory. Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses may be present in trace amounts or absent from the community. Annual non-native species increase. Bare ground is significant.
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2Soil disturbing treatments such as plowing and drill seeding would decrease black greasewood and allow rabbitbrush to dominate site. Lowering of the water table through groundwater pumping and/or channel incision would also decrease black greasewood.
Transition T1a
State 1 to 2Introduction of non-native species such as cheatgrass and halogeton.
Transition T2a:
State 2 to 3Inappropriate grazing management would reduce the perennial understory (3.1 or 3.2). Fire, soil disturbing brush treatments and/or lowering of the water table by groundwater pumping and/or channel incision (3.2).
Restoration pathway R3A:
State 3 to 2Brush management with minimal soil disturbance, coupled with seeding of desired species. It may also be necessary to reduce groundwater pumping or repair of incised channel(s). Probability of success is low.
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 360–540 basin wildrye LECI4 Leymus cinereus 360–540 – 2 Secondary Perennial Grasses 24–180 saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 6–60 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 6–60 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 6–60 – bluegrass POA Poa 6–60 – alkali sacaton SPAI Sporobolus airoides 6–60 – Forb3 Perennial Forbs 24–96 milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 6–12 – povertyweed IVAX Iva axillaris 6–12 – niterwort NITRO Nitrophila 6–12 – globemallow SPHAE Sphaeralcea 6–12 – thelypody THELY Thelypodium 6–12 – Shrub/Vine4 Primary Shrubs 444–660 Torrey's saltbush ATTO Atriplex torreyi 360–480 – greasewood SAVE4 Sarcobatus vermiculatus 60–120 – basin big sagebrush ARTRT Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata 24–60 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 24–120 fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 12–36 – shadscale saltbush ATCO Atriplex confertifolia 12–36 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNAN5 Ericameria nauseosa ssp. nauseosa var. nauseosa 12–36 – spiny hopsage GRSP Grayia spinosa 12–36 – silver buffaloberry SHAR Shepherdia argentea 12–36 – seepweed SUAED Suaeda 12–36 – Table 7. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock Interpretations:
This site is suitable for livestock grazing. Grazing management should be keyed to dominant grasses and palatable shrubs production. Livestock browse the leaves of Torrey’s quailbush. Black greasewood is an important winter browse plant for domestic sheep and cattle. It also receives light to moderate use by domestic sheep and cattle during spring and summer months. Black greasewood contains soluble sodium and potassium oxalates that may cause poisoning and death in domestic sheep and cattle if large amounts are consumed in a short time. Basin big sagebrush may serve as emergency food during severe winter weather, but it is not usually sought out by livestock. The early growth and abundant production of basin wildrye make it a valuable source of forage for livestock. It is important forage for cattle and is readily grazed by cattle and horses in early spring and fall. Though coarse-textured during the winter, basin wildrye may be utilized more frequently by livestock and wildlife when snow has covered low shrubs and other grasses.
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:
Leaves and seeds of Torrey’s quailbush are eaten by many species. Mule deer and pronghorn browse the leaves. Small mammals such as rabbits and rodents have been reported to eat Torrey’s quailbush. Dense stands of Torrey’s quailbush provide excellent cover for several species. Black greasewood is an important winter browse plant for big game animals and a food source for many other wildlife species. It also receives light to moderate use by mule deer and pronghorn during spring and summer months. Basin big sagebrush is the least palatable of all the subspecies of big sagebrush. Basin big sagebrush is browsed by mule deer from fall to early spring, but is not preferred. Basin wildrye provides winter forage for mule deer, though use is often low compared to other native grasses. Basin wildrye provides summer forage for black-tailed jackrabbits. Because basin wildrye remains green throughout early summer, it remains available for small mammal forage for longer time than other grasses.Hydrological functions
Runoff is low to very high. Permeability is very slow to moderate. Hydrologic soil groups are B, C, and D. Rills are none. Water flow patterns are rare to common dependent on location relative to major inflow areas. Water flow patterns are typically short, ending in depressional areas where water ponds. Pedestals are none. There are typically no gullies associated with this site. In areas with herbaceous cover (sparse) of deep-rooted perennial herbaceous bunchgrasses (basin wildrye) and/or rhizomatous grasses (saltgrass), these plants can increase infiltration. Shrub canopy and associated litter break raindrop impact and provide opportunity for snow catch and accumulation on site.
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 has potential for upland bird and big game hunting.
Other products
Native Americans used Torrey’s quailbush seeds to make a thick gruel. They made flour to make small cakes, used the leaves as soap, and used the flowers, stems and leaves as a treatment for nasal congestion. The seeds were likely used in a similar way to fourwing saltbush. Seeds of fourwing saltbush were also reportedly ground into flour. Other uses for fourwing saltbush that may have been similar for big saltbush are the use of the ground meal as an emetic, use of ground flowers or roots moistened with saliva in treating ant bites, and addition of ashes to water for dyeing meal greenish-blue. The leaves, seeds and stems of black greasewood are edible. Some Native American peoples used the bark of big sagebrush to make rope and baskets. Basin wildrye was used as bedding for various Native American ceremonies, providing a cool place for dancers to stand.
Other information
Torrey’s quailbush is a recommended revegetation species in riparian areas throughout its range and has also been used in revegetation projects in other habitats. Black greasewood is useful for stabilizing soil on wind-blown areas. It successfully revegetates eroded areas and sites too saline for most plant species. Basin big sagebrush shows high potential for range restoration and soil stabilization. Basin big sagebrush grows rapidly and spreads readily from seed. Basin wildrye is useful in mine reclamation, fire rehabilitation and stabilizing disturbed areas. Its usefulness in range seeding, however, may be limited by initially weak stand establishment.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
NASIS soil component data.
Type locality
Location 1: Pershing County, NV Township/Range/Section T28N R38E S26 UTM zone N UTM northing 4457831 UTM easting 442919 Latitude 40° 16′ 8″ Longitude 117° 40′ 16″ General legal description SW¼SE¼ Approximately 50 miles south of Winnemucca on Grass Valley Road, along Spring Creek floodplain, Pleasant Valley area, Pershing County, Nevada. This site also occurs in Eureka, Humboldt and Lander Counties, Nevada. Other references
Fire Effects Information System (Online; http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/).
USDA-NRCS Plants Database (Online; http://www.plants.usda.gov).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 02/05/2010 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. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns are rare to common depending on location relative to major inflow areas. Water flow patterns are typically short, ending in depressional areas where water ponds. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals are none. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground ± 30%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
There are typically no gullies associated with this site. -
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 deep flooding (ponding) 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 3 to 6. (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 thin platy or massive. Soil surface colors are light and soils are typified by an ochric epipedon. Organic matter is typically 0.3 to 2.3 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:
In areas with herbaceous cover (sparse) of deep-rooted perennial herbaceous bunchgrasses (basin wildrye) and/or rhizomatous grasses (saltgrass), these plants can increase infiltration. Shrub canopy and associated litter break raindrop impact and provide opportunity for snow catch and accumulation on site. -
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, 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:
Tall shrubs > deep-rooted, cool season, perennial bunchgrassesSub-dominant:
rhizomatous perennial grass = shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial bunchgrasses > associated shrubs > deep-rooted, cool season, perennial forbs = fibrous, shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial and annual forbsOther:
Additional:
-
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 (< 25%) and depth (± ¼ in.). -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
For normal or average growing season (March thru May) ± 1200 lbs/ac; Winter moisture significantly affects 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, sagebrush, Torrey’s saltbush, and black greasewood. 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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