Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R025XY001NV
MOIST FLOODPLAIN
Last updated: 4/24/2024
Accessed: 09/13/2026
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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): 025X–Owyhee High Plateau
The Owyhee High Plateau, MLRA 25, lies within the Intermontane Plateaus physiographic province. The southern half is found in the Great Basin while the northern half is located in the Columbia Plateaus. The southern section of the Owyhee High Plateau is characterized by isolated, uplifted fault-block mountain ranges separated by narrow, aggraded desert plains. This geologically older terrain has been dissected by numerous streams draining to the Humboldt River. The northern section forms the southern boundary of the extensive Columbia Plateau basalt flows. Deep, narrow canyons drain to the Snake River across the broad volcanic plain.
This MLRA is characteristically cooler and wetter than the neighboring MLRAs of the Great Basin. Elevation ranges from 3,000 to 7,550 feet on rolling plateaus and in gently sloping basins. It is more than 9,840 feet on some steep mountains. The average annual precipitation in most of this area is typically 11 to 22 inches. It increases to as much as 49 inches at the higher elevations. Precipitation occurs mainly as snow in winter. The supply of water from precipitation and streamflow is small and unreliable, except along major rivers. Streamflow depends largely on accumulated snow in the mountains.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols and Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a mesic or frigid temperature regime and an aridic, arid bordering on xeric, or xeric moisture regime. Most of the soils formed in mixed parent material. Volcanic ash and loess mantle the landscape. Surface soil textures are loam and silt loam, and have ashy texture modifiers in some cases. Argillic horizons occur on the more stable landforms.Ecological site concept
This site is on intermontane basins along flood plains and stream terraces of perennial streams. Slopes range from 0 to 8 percent with elevations of 4000 to 6300 feet (1219 to 1920 meters).
The soils associated with this site are very deep, poorly drained and fertile with a seasonal high water table between 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60cm) of the soil surface. Important abiotic factors contributing to the presence of this ecological site include a seasonally high water table and occasional to frequent, long duration, flooding from early spring to summer.
The representative plant community is dominated by creeping wildrye and basin wildrye. Other important perennial species include willows, Nevada bluegrass and various sedge species. Potential vegetative composition is approximately 75 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs and 15 percent shrubs. Approximate cover is 70 to 85 percent.Associated sites
R025XY003NV LOAMY BOTTOM 8-14 P.Z.
LECI4 dominant grass; usually a more productive site; soil lacks a seasonal high water table.
R025XY006NV DRY MEADOW
PONE3 and PHAL2 dominant plants; less productive site; seasonal high water table below 50cm.
R025XY005NV WET MEADOW
DECE3 dominant grass and willow minor or absent; less productive site.
Similar sites
R025XY003NV LOAMY BOTTOM 8-14 P.Z.
LECI4 dominant grass; usually a more productive site; soil lacks a seasonal high water table.
R025XY006NV DRY MEADOW
PONE3 and PHAL2 dominant plants; less productive site; seasonal high water table below 50cm.
R025XY005NV WET MEADOW
DECE3 dominant grass and willow minor or absent; less productive site.
R025XY079NV STREAMBANK
PRIVM co-dominant; more productive site; soil moderately well drained with a cryic soil temperature regime.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Salix
Herbaceous (1) Leymus triticoides
(2) Leymus cinereusPhysiographic features
This site is in intermontane basins and/or bolsons along flood plains and stream terraces of perennial streams. Slopes range from 0 to 8 percent. Elevations are typically between 4000 to 6300 feet (1219 to 1920 meters).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Bolson > Flood plain
(2) Intermontane basin > Stream terrace
Runoff class High Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days) Flooding frequency Occasional to frequent Elevation 4000 – 6300 ft Slope 0 – 8 % Water table depth 6 – 20 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate associated with this site is semiarid, characterized by cold, dry winters and hot, dry summers.
The average annual precipitation ranges from 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm). Average annual air temperature is around 47 Degrees F.
The average frost free period for this site is 64 days while the freeze free period is 91 days. Temperatures can change by as much as 40-50 Degrees F in a 24 hour period.
*The above data is averaged from the ELKO RGNL and ELKO NWS Climate stations, NASIS and, Western Regional Climate Center.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 50-100 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 60-140 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (actual range) 50-100 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 60-140 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (average) 60 days Freeze-free period (average) 90 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 4. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 5. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 6 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) ELKO RGNL AP [USW00024121], Elko, NV
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(2) ELKO NWS OFFICE [USC00262570], Elko, NV
">Influencing water features
This site is adjacent to and influenced by perennial streams. Important water features contributing to the presence of this ecological site include endosaturation and a seasonal high water table between 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60 cm) from the soil surface. Frequent flooding ranging from brief to long duration occurs in early spring, encouraging initiation of plant growth.
Wetland description
N/A
Soil features
The soils associated with this site are very deep, formed in alluvium derived from mixed parent material and range from poorly to very poorly drained. Soils are characterized by a thick fertile surface horizon (mollic epipedon) and a seasonal high water table with 6 inches (15cm) of the soil surface. Soil are typically characterized by greater than 18 percent clay (fine or fine-silty in the particle size control section) and have a silt loam, loam or silty clay loam surface texture. These soils are susceptible to gullying and have the potential to degrade during large precipitation events.
Soil series associated with this site include: Humboldt, Devilsgait, Paranat, Sonoma, Delvada, Woofus, Crooked Creek, and Rose Creek.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – volcanic rock
Surface texture (1) Silt loam
(2) Silty clay loam
(3) Loam
Drainage class Very poorly drained to poorly drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderate Soil depth 60 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 10 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 5 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)6 – 8 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.4 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 5 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 2 % 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 et al. 2013). Biotic factors that influence resilience include site productivity, species composition and structure, and population regulation and regeneration (Chambers et al 2013).
This ecological site is characteristic of an riparian area. Riparian areas differ from adjacent uplands in vegetative composition and structure, geomorphology, hydrology, microclimate, and fuel characteristics. Dominant vegetation is tolerant of saturation in the soil profile and vegetative composition is complex and is tied closely to hydrologic processes, geomorphology, and use history.
This ecological site is co-dominated by creeping wildrye and basin wildrye. Creeping wildrye is a strongly rhizomatous perennial grass and is commonly associated with riparian areas. This grass is frequently use for soil stabilization, as it readily established from seed or rhizomes and is fire tolerant. Basin wildrye is a large perennial bunchgrass known to be tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions, but is generally common on deep, water receiving landscape positions (Anderson 2002).
Willows (Salix spp.) are a biotic component of this ecological site. Willow are both drought resistant and tolerant of saturated soil conditions. Willows reproduce by both seeds and root sprouts. Regeneration is limited by site availability and extent of regeneration can be an indicator of time since disturbance. Many willows are pioneer species and rapidly colonize fresh alluvial deposits (Anderson 2006).
This ecological site occupies a small percentage of the landscape, but provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife. Ecological diversity of this system is maintained by natural disturbance regimes including fire and flooding. Fire regimes in riparian areas are related to the fire regime of the adjacent upland community, although its suggested that fire frequency and severity was generally lower and than adjacent communities (Dwire and Kauffman 2003). The presence of invasive species has the ability to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their natural range of variation. Precipitation patters are highly variable and unpredictable throughout this area. Dryland riparian areas are tolerant of prolonged drought conditions, however decline in overcall vegetative cover and production is expected during drought periods.State and transition model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
T1 - introduction of non-native species T2 - road building, water diversions and/or up-stream channelization State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThis state is representative of the natural variability under pristine pre-Euro settlement conditions. This site is highly productive and vegetation is tolerant of saturation in the soil profile. Vegetation serves as an indicator of soil moisture gradient. Species classified as obligate or facultative wet occur closest to the perennial stream channel. Moving perpendicular to the stream channel vegetation become more tolerant of dry soil conditions.
Dominant plant species
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willow (Salix), shrub
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beardless wildrye (Leymus triticoides), grass
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basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus), grass
Community 1.1
Reference Plant communityThis community phase is characterized by a dense stand of perennial grasses dominated by creeping wildrye and basin wildrye. Willows are often prevalent enough to dominate the visual aspect of the plant community. Other important perennial species include Nevada bluegrass and sedge species. Potential vegetative composition is approximately 75 percent grasses, 10 percent forbs and 15 percent shrubs. Approximate cover is 70 to 85 percent. Bare ground is approximately 20 percent. Litter cover occurs within plant interspaces at a depth of 1 to 3 inches.
Resilience management. Grasslands communities with basin wildrye historically experienced mostly infrequent stand replacing fires, intervals range from 35 to 100 years, depending on climate and ignition sources.
Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 1350 1875 2625 Shrub/Vine 270 375 525 Forb 180 250 350 Total 1800 2500 3500 State 2
Current PotentialThis state is similar to the Reference State 1.0. 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. 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.
Dominant plant species
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willow (Salix), shrub
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basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus), grass
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beardless wildrye (Leymus triticoides), grass
State 3
ErodedThis state is characterized by lowering of the water table, extensive erosion and disconnection from the natural floodplain due to anthropogenic impacts such as road building, water diversion and up-stream channelization. Vegetation is dominated by basin big sagebrush, greasewood or rabbitbrush. Understory may include native perennial grasses/grasslikes. Non-native species may be stable to increasing.
This state resembles another ecological site concept called Loamy bottom. An important distinction between a degraded moist floodplain and a loamy bottom is the proximity to a perennial stream. A true loamy bottom is not associated with a perennial stream.Dominant plant species
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basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata), shrub
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rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), shrub
Transition T1
State 1 to 2Trigger: This transition is caused by the introduction of non-native species. Slow variables: Over time the annual non-native plants 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. Perennial non-natives have the potential to offer significant competition to native vegetation causing a reduction in both vigor and reproductive capacity.
Transition T2
State 2 to 3Trigger: significant anthropogenic disturbance such as road building, water diversions and up-stream channelization. Slow variables: Prolonged drought, inappropriate grazing management, and the presence of non-native species coupled with significant anthropogenic disturbance resulting in active soil erosion. Threshold: Disconnection from the floodplain, loss of seasonal flooding and lowering of the water table.
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 1329–2153 basin wildrye LECI4 Leymus cinereus 562–750 – beardless wildrye LETR5 Leymus triticoides 562–750 – sedge CAREX Carex 37–185 – saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 37–94 – mat muhly MURI Muhlenbergia richardsonis 37–94 – 2 Secondary Perennial Grasses 90–375 sloughgrass BECKM Beckmannia 13–125 – rush JUNCU Juncus 13–125 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 13–125 – alkali sacaton SPAI Sporobolus airoides 13–125 – alkali cordgrass SPGR Spartina gracilis 13–125 – Forb3 Perennial 145–440 yarrow ACHIL Achillea 18–55 – aster ASTER Aster 18–55 – Rocky Mountain iris IRMI Iris missouriensis 18–55 – cinquefoil POTEN Potentilla 18–55 – dock RUMEX Rumex 18–55 – ragwort SENEC Senecio 18–55 – cows clover TRWO Trifolium wormskioldii 18–55 – Shrub/Vine4 Primary Shrubs 93–187 willow SALIX Salix 93–187 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 108–330 silver sagebrush ARCA13 Artemisia cana 18–55 – basin big sagebrush ARTRT Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata 18–55 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 18–55 – Woods' rose ROWO Rosa woodsii 18–55 – greasewood SAVE4 Sarcobatus vermiculatus 18–55 – silver buffaloberry SHAR Shepherdia argentea 18–55 – Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock Interpretations:
This site is suited for livestock grazing. grazing managment should be keyed to Creeping wildrye, Basin wildrye and perennial grass production. Creeping wildrye can be used for forage and is very palatable to all livestock. Once established it is very rhizomatous and maintains stands for many years. 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. Nevada bluegrass is a widespread forage grass. It is one of the earliest grasses in the spring and is sought by domestic livestock and several wildlife species. Nevada bluegrass is a palatable species, but its production is closely tied to weather conditions. It produces little forage in drought years, making it a less dependable food source than other perennial bunchgrasses. Sedge provides good to fair forage for domestic grazing. Saltgrass's value as forage depends primarily on the relative availability of other grasses of higher nutritional value and palatability. It can be an especially important late summer grass in arid environments after other forage grasses have deceased. Saltgrass is rated as a fair to good forage species only because it stays green after most other grasses dry. Livestock generally avoid saltgrass due to its coarse foliage. Saltgrass is described as an “increaser” under grazing pressure. Mat muhly is top killed be fire. Fire does not harm mat muhly to any great extent because the rhizome buds are insulated by the soil. There is a greater than 65% chance that at least 50% of the plants in a population will survive a fire. In the West, willows are generally considered to be more palatable to sheep than to cattle, but cattle may make greater use of willow because they tend to frequent riparian areas.
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:
Willows provide food and cover for many wildlife species. Willows, in general, are a preferred food and building material of beaver. It is especially important for deer and nongame birds. Willow is moderately to highly palatable for mule deer and elk, and is an important browse during winter. Ducks, grouse, other birds, and small mammals eat willow shoots, catkins, buds, and leaves. Creeping wildrye is used for forage for many wildlife species and is often used for cover. 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. Nevada bluegrass is an important forage species for several wildlife species. Sedges have a high to moderate resource value for elk and a medium value for mule deer. Elk consume beaked sedge later in the growing season. Saltgrass provides cover for a variety of bird species, small mammals, and arthropods and is on occasion used as forage for several big game wildlife species. The palatability of mat muhly for wildlife species has been rated as fair to poor.Hydrological functions
These soils are susceptible to gullying which intercepts normal overflow patterns causing site degradation. Gullies are rare to common depending on severity of associated stream channel entrenchment. There are no rills or water flow patterns. Fine litter (foliage of grasses and annual and perennial forbs) only expected to move during periods of flooding by adjacent streams. Persistent litter (large woody material) will remain in place except during peak flooding periods. Deep-rooted perennial grasses and grass-like plants slow runoff and increase infiltration. Tall stature and relatively coarse foliage of basin wildrye and associated litter break raindrop impact and provide opportunity for snow catch and snow 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 is used for camping and hiking and has potential for upland and big game hunting.
Wood products
N/A
Other products
Native Americans used the leaves of willows to treat mosquito bites, bee stings and stomach aches and used to stems for implements such as baskets, arrow shafts, scoops and fish traps. Basin wildrye was used as bedding for various Native American ceremonies, providing a cool place for dancers to stand.
Other information
Willow is useful in stabilizing streambanks and providing erosion control on severely disturbed sites. It is valuable in revegetating disturbed riparian sites having high water tables and low elevations. 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. Creeping wildrye is primarily used for reclamation of wet, saline soils. Given its extensive system of rhizomes and roots which form a dense sod, saltgrass is considered a suitable species for controlling wind and water erosion.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
This ESC is based on historic soil survey data and range site information. It was originally established in 1969.
Type locality
Location 1: Elko County, NV Township/Range/Section T36N R38E S27 General legal description Northeast of Halleck, on the Humboldt River floodplain, Elko County, Nevada References
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Anderson, M. 2006. Salix exigua.
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Anderson, M. 2002. Leymus cinereus..
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Caudle, D., H. Sanchez, J. DiBenedetto, C. Talbot, and M. Karl. 2013. Interagency Ecological Site Handbook for Rangelands.
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Chambers, J.C., B.A. Bradley, C.S. Brown, C. D’Antonio, M.J. Germino, J.B. Grace, S.P. Hardegree, R.F. Miller, and D.A. Pyke. 2013. Resilience to Stress and Disturbance, and Resistance to Bromus tectorum L. Invasion in Cold Desert Shrublands of Western North America. Ecosystems 17:360–375.
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Dwire, K. and J. Kauffman. 2003. Fire and riparian ecosystems in landscapes in the western United States. Forest Ecology and Management. 178:61–74.
Other references
Fire Effects Information System [Online]. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis
Houghton, J.G., C.M. Sakamoto, and R.O. Gifford. 1975. Nevada’s Weather and Climate, Special Publication 2. Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada, Reno, NV.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2004. The North American Monsoon. Reports to the Nation. National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center. Available online: http://www.weather.gov/
USDA-NRCS Plants Database (Online; http://www.plants.usda.gov).Contributors
RK/GKB
E. HourihanApproval
Kendra Moseley, 4/24/2024
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) GK BRACKLEY Contact for lead author State Rangeland Management Specialist Date 06/22/2006 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
None -
Presence of water flow patterns:
None -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground ± 20%; surface rock fragments minimal; shrub canopy less than 5%; basal cover of perennial herbaceous plants ± 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) only expected to move during periods of flooding by adjacent streams. Persistent litter (large woody material) will remain in place except during peak flooding periods. -
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 4 to 6. (To be field tested.) -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface structure is platy, subangular blocky or granular. Soil surface colors are very dark and have mollic epipedons. Organic matter can range from 2 to 3.5 percent for much of the upper 20 inches. (OM values derived from lab characterization data.) -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Deep-rooted perennial grasses and grass-like plants slow runoff and increase infiltration. Tall stature and relatively coarse foliage of wildrye and associated litter break raindrop impact and provide opportunity for snow catch and snow accumulation on site. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None - Platy subsurface layers 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-statured, deep-rooted, cool season, perennial bunchgrasses=rhizomatous, cool season, perennial grasses and grass-like plantsSub-dominant:
Deep-rooted, cool season, perennial forbs>shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial grasses and grass-like plants>fibrous, shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial forbs>tall shrubs (willow).Other:
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 15% of total woody canopy -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Within plant interspaces (± 90%) and depth of litter is 1 to 3 inches -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
For normal or average growing season (through mid-July) ± 2500 lbs/ac; Spring flooding 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:
Potential invaders include knapweed, quackgrass, foxtail barley, thistle, annual kochia, hoary cress, tall whitetop -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All functional groups should reproduce in most years.
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