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Ecological site R025XY063OR
SKELETAL CLAYPAN
11+ PZ
Last updated: 4/25/2024
Accessed: 06/28/2026
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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 ecological site is on gently sloping foothills and broad tablelands associated with volcanic plateau landscapes. Elevations range from 4,300 to 6,500 ft. The soils associated with this site are very shallow or shallow to a duripan or lithic contact and have an abrupt boundary in the top 10 inches resulting in wet non-satiated conditions. These soils have high amounts of gravels, cobbles, or stones on the surface which occupy plant growing space yet protect the soil from excessive erosion. The available water capacity is low due to a high volume of rock fragments throughout the profile, but the surface cover of rock fragments helps to reduce evaporation and conserve soil moisture. Lower water holding capacity results in lower overall site production. The soil climate is frigid. The reference plant community is characterized by low sagebrush in the overstory and Sandberg bluegrass in the understory.
(wet non-saturated conditions - Schoeneberger, P.J., 2012, pg 1-15)Associated sites
R025XY011OR VERY SHALLOW 8-13 PZ
R025XY061OR SHALLOW CLAYPAN 8-11 PZ
R025XY016OR SHALLOW CLAYPAN 11-13 PZ
R025XY018OR SHALLOW CLAYPAN 13-16 PZ
R025XY064OR SHRUBBY SHALLOW CLAYPAN 13-16 PZ
R025XY010OR LOAMY 8-11 PZ
R025XY012OR LOAMY 11-13 PZ
R025XY014OR LOAMY 13-16 PZ
R025XY065OR SHRUBBY LOAM 13-16 PZ
Similar sites
R025XY011OR VERY SHALLOW 8-13 PZ
This site is on very shallow and shallow soils with high rock fragment content. Production is much lower and vegetation is dominated by stiff sage (Artemesia rigida) and Sandberg bluegrass.
R025XY061OR SHALLOW CLAYPAN 8-11 PZ
This site has higher available water holding capacity resulting in higher production. The perennial deep rooted grass layer is dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass.
R025XY016OR SHALLOW CLAYPAN 11-13 PZ
This site has higher available water holding capacity resulting in higher production. The perennial deep rooted grass layer is dominated by Idaho fescue.
R025XY018OR SHALLOW CLAYPAN 13-16 PZ
This site has higher available water holding capacity resulting in higher production. The perennial deep rooted grass layer is dominated by Idaho fescue.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia arbuscula
Herbaceous (1) Poa secunda
(2) Poa cusickiiPhysiographic features
This site is on plateaus and tablelands. Slopes range from 2 to 12 percent. Elevation varies from 4,300 to 6,500 feet.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Lava plateau > Plateau
(2) Tableland
Runoff class Medium to high Elevation 4300 – 6500 ft Slope 2 – 12 % Water table depth 100 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The annual precipitation ranges from 11 to 13 inches plus, most of which occurs in the form of snow during the months of December through March. Localized convection storms occasionally occur during the summer. High course fragments in the soil limit water holding capacity and therefore limit effective precipitation. The soil temperature regime is frigid with a mean air temperature of 46 degrees F. Temperature extremes range from 10 to 90 degrees F. The frost free period ranges from less than 30 to 100 days. The optimum growth period for native plants is from April through June.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 30-100 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 110-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (average) 90 days Freeze-free period (average) 120 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) DANNER [USC00352135], Jordan Valley, OR
">Influencing water features
Site is not influenced by water features.<br />
Site is not connected to a water table.Soil features
The soils associated with this site are very shallow or shallow over bedrock or an indurated pan. The surface layer is a cobbly to extremely cobbly ashy silt loam or loam less than 10 inches thick. The subsoil is clay to clay loam. An abrupt boundary occurs at the interface of the surface and subsoil, resulting in wet non-satiated conditions in the spring. Depth to bedrock or an indurated pan is 6 to 25 inches. Permeability is slow. The available water holding capacity is about 0.5 to 3 inches for the profile. High rock fragment cover on the soil surface reduces erosion potential on this site.
The soil series correlated with this site are Knotmer and Salheur.
(wet non-saturated conditions - Schoeneberger, P.J., 2012, pg 1-15)Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Volcanic ash
(2) Residuum – volcanic rock
(3) Loess – volcanic rock
Surface texture (1) Cobbly, ashy silt loam
(2) Extremely cobbly, ashy loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy-skeletal
(2) Clayey-skeletal
Drainage class Well drained to moderately well drained Permeability class Slow to moderate Depth to restrictive layer 6 – 25 in Soil depth 6 – 25 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 15 – 45 % Surface fragment cover >3" 5 – 10 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)0.5 – 3 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7 – 8 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(0-40in)5 – 45 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(0-40in)5 – 50 % Ecological dynamics
The reference plant community is dominated by low sagebrush (little sagebrush) with an understory of Sandberg bluegrass. The site has low to moderate resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasion (Stringham et al. 2015). Resilience is a system’s capacity to regain its structure, processes, and function following stressors or disturbance (e.g. drought or fire). Resistance is the capacity of the system to retain its structure, processes, and function despite stressors or disturbances (including pressure from invasive species) (Chambers 2014a). Increased resilience increases with elevation, aspect, increased precipitation and increased nutrient availability (Stringham et al. 2015); where greater resource availability and more favorable environmental conditions exist for plant growth and reproduction (Chambers 2014a).
This ecological site’s lower available water holding capacity and restrictive soil features limit site productivity resulting in more open space for establishment of invasive annual grasses, though this is slightly mitigated by high surface fragment cover. Timing of precipitation also favors invasive annual grasses that are particularly well adapted to cool wet winters and warm dry summers; beginning growth and utilizing resources prior to native species breaking dormancy. The site’s cooler soil temperature regime (frigid) does increase resistance compared to warmer sites, but is not cold enough to inhibit invasive annual grasses (Chambers 2014b).
This site shows little variation in composition and production. Low sagebrush and Sandberg bluegrass always dominates the site. Cusick bluegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue and production will increase as the soils become deeper. Sandberg bluegrass will increase as the soil becomes more shallow.
If the condition of the site deteriorates due to extended disturbance, Idaho fescue and Cusick bluegrass will decrease while low sagebrush and Sandberg bluegrass increase. With further deterioration, annuals will invade and bare ground will markedly increase.
This ecological site is dominated by deep-rooted cool season, perennial bunchgrasses and long-lived shrubs (50+ years) with high root to shoot ratios. Community types with low sagebrush as the dominant shrub were found to have soil depths and thus available rooting depths of 71 to 81 centimeters in a study in northeast Nevada (Jensen 1990). These shrubs have a flexible generalized root system with development of both deep taproots and laterals near the surface (Comstock and Ehleringer 1992).
Periodic drought regularly influences sagebrush ecosystems and drought duration and severity has increased throughout the 20th century in much of the Intermountain West. Major shifts away from historical precipitation patterns have the greatest potential to alter ecosystem function and productivity. Species composition and productivity can be altered by the timing of precipitation and water availability with the soil profile (Bates et al. 2006).
Low sagebrush is fairly drought tolerant but also tolerates periodic wetness during some portion of the growing season. Low sagebrush is also susceptible to the sagebrush defoliator Aroga moth. Aroga moth can partially or entirely kill individual plants or entire stands of big sagebrush (Furniss and Barr 1975), but the research is inconclusive of the damage sustained by low sagebrush populations.
The low sagebrush communities have high spatial and temporal variability in precipitation both among years and within growing seasons. Nutrient availability is typically low but increases with elevation and closely follows moisture availability. The invasibility of plant communities is often linked to resource availability. Disturbance can decrease resource uptake due to damage or mortality of the native species and depressed competition. It can also increase resource pools by the decomposition of dead plant material following disturbance. The invasion of sagebrush communities by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) has been linked to disturbances (fire, abusive grazing) that have resulted in fluctuations in resources (Chambers et al. 2007).
The dominant perennial bunchgrass on this site is Sandberg bluegrass. Perennial bunchgrasses generally have shallower root systems than the shrubs, but root densities are often as high as or higher than those of shrubs in the upper 0.5 m of the soil profile. General differences in root depth distributions between grasses and shrubs results in resource partitioning in these shrub/grass systems.
Fire Ecology:
Prior to 1897, mean fire return intervals for low sagebrush communities have been estimated to be from 35 to over 100 years. This site's low production and high surface fragments greatly limit fire spread. Fire most often occurs during wet years with high forage production.
Low sagebrush is killed by fire and does not sprout (Tisdale and Hironaka 1984). Establishment after fire is from seed, generally blown in and not from the seed bank (Bradley et al. 1992). Fire risk is greatest following a wet, productive year when there is greater production of fine fuels (Beardall and Sylvester 1976). Fire return intervals have been estimated at 100-200 years in black sagebrush-dominated sites (Kitchen and McArthur 2007) and likely is similar in the low sagebrush ecosystem. Historically, however, fires were probably patchy due to the low productivity of these sites. Recovery time of little sagebrush following fire is variable (Young 1983). After fire, if regeneration conditions are favorable, low sagebrush recovers in 2 to 5 years; on harsh sites where cover is low to begin with and/or erosion occurs after fire, recovery may require more than 10 years (Young 1983). Slow regeneration may subsequently worsen erosion (Blaisdell et al. 1982).
The effect of fire on bunchgrasses relates to culm density, culm-leaf morphology, and the size of the plant. The initial condition of bunchgrasses within the site along with seasonality and intensity of the fire all factor into the individual species response. The growing points for most forbs and grasses are located at or below the soil surface, providing relative protection from disturbances which decrease above ground biomass, such as grazing or fire. Thus, fire mortality is more correlated to duration and intensity of heat which is related to culm density, culm-leaf morphology, size of plant and abundance of old growth (Wright 1971, Young 1983). However, season and severity of the fire and post-fire soil moisture availability will influence plant response.
Adapted from: Stringham, T.K., P. Novak-Echenique, P. Blackburn, D. Snyder, and A. Wartgow. 2015. Final Report for USDA Ecological Site Description State-and-Transition Models by Disturbance Response Groups, Major Land Resource Area 25 Nevada. University of Nevada Reno, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report 2015-02. p. 569State 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 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State 1.0The Reference State 1.0 is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The reference state has three general community phases: a shrub-grass dominant phase, a perennial grass dominant phase and a shrub dominant phase. 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. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire, periodic drought and/or insect or disease attack.
Community 1.1
Reference Plant CommunityThis community is dominated by low sagebrush and and Sandberg bluegrass. Cusick bluegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue are present. Forbs and other grasses make up smaller components.
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 100 125 150 Shrub/Vine 80 100 120 Forb 20 25 30 Total 200 250 300 Community 1.2
This community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early/mid-seral community. Sandberg bluegrass and other perennial bunchgrasses dominate. Depending on fire severity patches of intact sagebrush may remain. Rabbitbrush and other sprouting shrubs may be sprouting. Perennial forbs may be a significant component for a number of years following fire.
Community 1.3
Sagebrush increases in the absence of disturbance. Decadent sagebrush dominates the overstory and the deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses in the understory are reduced either from competition with shrubs and/or from herbivory.
Pathway P1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2Fire will decrease or eliminate the overstory of sagebrush and allow for 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 P1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3Time and lack of disturbance such as fire allows for sagebrush to increase and become decadent. Long-term drought, herbivory, or combinations of these will cause a decline in perennial bunchgrasses and fine fuels leading to a reduced fire frequency and allowing sagebrush to dominate the site.
Pathway P1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1Time and lack of disturbance will allow sagebrush to increase.
Pathway P1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.1A low severity fire, herbivory or combinations will reduce the sagebrush overstory and create a sagebrush/grass mosaic.
Pathway P1.3b
Community 1.3 to 1.2Fire will decrease or eliminate the overstory of sagebrush and allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Fires may be high severity in this community phase due to the dominance of sagebrush resulting in removal of overstory shrub community.
State 2
Current Potential State 2.0This 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. This state has the same three general community phases. These non-native species can be highly flammable, and 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 nonnatives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Community 2.1
This community phase is similar to the Reference State Community Phase 1.1, with the presence of non-native species in trace amounts. Low sagebrush and Sandberg bluegrass dominate the site. Forbs and other shrubs and grasses make up smaller components of this site.
Community 2.2
This community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early to mid-seral community where annual non-native species are present. Sagebrush is present in trace amounts; Sandberg bluegrass dominates the site, with other perennial grasses present. Depending on fire severity patches of intact sagebrush may remain. Rabbitbrush may be sprouting or dominant in the community. Perennial forbs may be a significant component for a number of years following fire. Annual non-native species are stable or increasing within the community.
Community 2.3
Sagebrush increases in the absence of disturbance. Decadent sagebrush dominates the overstory and perennial bunchgrasses in the understory are reduced either from competition with shrubs and/or from herbivory. Annual non-natives species may be stable or increasing due to lack of competition with perennial bunchgrasses. This site is susceptible to further degradation from grazing, drought, and fire.
Pathway P2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2Fire reduces the shrub overstory and allows for perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Fires are typically low severity resulting in a mosaic pattern due to low fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring or a change in management favoring an increase in fine fuels may be more severe and reduce sagebrush cover to trace amounts. Annual non-native species are likely to increase after fire.
Pathway P2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3Time and lack of disturbance allows for sagebrush to increase and become decadent. Long-term drought, herbivory, or combinations of these will cause a decline in perennial bunchgrasses and fine fuels leading to a reduced fire frequency and allowing sagebrush to dominate the site.
Pathway P2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1Time and lack of disturbance will allow sagebrush to increase.
Pathway P2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.1A change in grazing management that reduces shrubs will allow for the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory to increase. Heavy late-fall or winter grazing may cause mechanical damage and subsequent death to sagebrush, facilitating an increase in the herbaceous understory. Brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance will also decrease sagebrush and release the perennial understory. A low severity fire would decrease the overstory of sagebrush and low for the understory perennial grasses to increase. Due to low fuel loads in this State, fires will likely be small creating a mosaic pattern. Annual non-native species are present and may increase in the community.
Pathway P2.3b
Community 2.3 to 2.2Fire eliminates/reduces the overstory of sagebrush and allows for the understory perennial grasses to increase. Fires may be high severity in this community phase due to the dominance of sagebrush resulting in removal of overstory shrub community. Annual non-native species respond well to fire and may increase post burn.
State 3
Annual State 3.0An abiotic threshold has been crossed and state dynamics are driven by fire and time. The herbaceous understory is dominated by annual non-native species such as cheatgrass and mustards. Resiliency has declined and further degradation from fire facilitates a cheatgrass and sprouting shrub plant community. Fire return interval has shortened due to the dominance of cheatgrass in the understory and is a driver in site dynamics.
Community 3.1
Annuals dominate; Sandberg bluegrass and perennial forbs may still be present in trace amounts. Surface erosion may increase with summer convection storms and would be verified through increased pedestalling of plants, rill formation or extensive water flow paths.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Transition from the Reference State 1.0 to Current Potential State 2.0 Trigger: This transition is caused by the introduction of non-native annual plants, such as cheatgrass, mustards, and bur buttercup. 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 3Transition from Current Potential State 2.0 to Annual State 3.0 Trigger: Fire or soil disturbing treatment would transition to Community Phase 3.1. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species. Threshold: Loss of perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs changes temporal and spatial nutrient capture and cycling within the community. Increased, continuous fine fuels modify the fire regime by increasing frequency, size and spatial variability of fires.
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Dominant, shallow rooted perennial grasses 75–100 Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 75–100 – 2 Sub-dominant, deep rooted perennial grasses 23–75 Idaho fescue FEID Festuca idahoensis 5–25 – Cusick's bluegrass POCU3 Poa cusickii 12–25 – bluebunch wheatgrass PSSPS Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata 5–25 – 3 Other, deep rooted perennial grasses 4–10 squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 2–5 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 2–5 – Forb4 Dominant, perennial forbs 10–20 balsamroot BALSA Balsamorhiza 3–5 – tapertip hawksbeard CRAC2 Crepis acuminata 2–5 – fleabane ERIGE2 Erigeron 3–5 – phlox PHLOX Phlox 2–5 – 5 Other perennial forbs 3–9 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 1–3 – pussytoes ANTEN Antennaria 1–3 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 1–3 – Shrub/Vine6 Dominant, perennial, evergreen shrubs 50–75 little sagebrush ARAR8 Artemisia arbuscula 50–75 – 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 (%) Interpretations
Animal community
LIVESTOCK INTERPRETATIONS:
This site is suited to use by cattle, sheep and horses in late spring, summer and fall under a planned grazing system. Use should be potponed until the soils are firm enough to prevent trampling damage and soil compaction.
Domestic sheep and to a much lesser degree cattle consume low sagebrush, particularly during the spring, fall and winter (Sheehy and Winward 1981). Severe trampling damage to supersaturated soils could occur if sites are used in early spring when there is abundant snowmelt. Trampling damage, particularly from cattle or horses, in low sagebrush habitat types is greatest when high clay content soils are wet.
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:
This site offers food and cover for antelope, mule deer, rodents and a variety of birds. It is important spring, summer and fall use area for antelope and mule deer.
Low sagebrush is considered a valuable browse plant during the spring, fall and winter months. In some areas it is of little value in winter due to heavy snow. Mule deer utilize and sometimes prefer low sagebrush, particularly in winter and early spring.
Sagebrush-grassland communities provide critical sage-grouse breeding and nesting habitats. Open Wyoming sagebrush communities are preferred nesting habitat. Meadows surrounded by sagebrush may be used as feeding and strutting grounds. Sagebrush is a crucial component of their diet year-round, and sage-grouse select sagebrush almost exclusively for cover. Leks are often located on low sagebrush sites, grassy openings, dry meadows, ridgetops, and disturbed sites.Supporting information
Inventory data references
Vale District BLM Ecological Site Inventory NASIS component and pedon data Range Site Descriptions Field knowledge of range-trained personnel
Other references
Fire Effects Information System [online] http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis
USDA-NRCS Plants Database (Online; http://www.plants.usda.gov).
Barrington, M., S. Bunting, and G. Wright. 1988. A fire management plan for Craters of the Moon National Monument. Cooperative Agreement CA-9000-8-0005. Moscow, ID: University of Idaho, Range Resources Department. 52 p. Draft.
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Beardall, L. E. and V. E. Sylvester. 1976. Spring burning of removal of sagebrush competition in Nevada. In: Tall Timbers fire ecology conference and proceedings. Tall Timbers Research Station. 14: 539-547
Blaisdell, J. P. and J. F. Pechanec. 1949. Effects of Herbage Removal at Various Dates on Vigor of Bluebunch Wheatgrass and Arrowleaf Balsamroot. Ecology 30:298-305.
Blaisdell, J. P., R. B. Murray, and E. D. McArthur. 1982. Managing intermountain rangelands-sagebrushgrass ranges. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-134. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, UT. p. 41.
Britton, C. M., G. R. McPherson, and F. A. Sneva. 1990. Effects of burning and clipping on five bunchgrasses in eastern Oregon. Great Basin Naturalist 50:115-120.
Busso, C. A. and J. H. Richards. 1995. Drought and clipping effects on tiller demography and growth of two tussock grasses in Utah. Journal of Arid Environments 29:239-251.
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Furniss, M. M. and W. F. Barr. 1975. Insects affecting important native shrubs of the northwestern United States General Technical Report INT-19. Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Ogden, UT. p. 68
Ganskopp, D. 1988. Defoliation of Thurber Needlegrass: Herbage and Root Responses. Journal of Range Management 41:472-476.
Jensen, M.E. 1990 Interpretation of environmental gradients which influence sagebrush community distribution in northeastern Nevada. J. of Range Management 43:161-166.
Johnson, C.G., Jr., R.R. Clausnitzer, P.J. Mehringer, and C. Oliver. 1994. Biotic and abiotic processes of Eastside ecosystems: the effects of management on plant and community ecology and on stand and landscape vegetation dynamics. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-322. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 66 p.
Kitchen, S. G. and E. D. McArthur. 2007. Big and black sagebrush landscapes. In: S. Hood, M. Miller [eds.]. Fire ecology and mangement of the major ecosystems of southern Utah. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRMS-GTR-202. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO. P. 73-95.
Laycock, W. A. 1967. How heavy grazing and protection affect sagebrush-grass ranges. Journal of Range Management 20:206-213.
Mueggler, W. F. 1975. Rate and Pattern of Vigor Recovery in Idaho Fescue
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Mueggler, W.F. 1984. Diversity of western rangelands. In: Natural diversity in forest ecosystems: Proceedings; 1982; Athens, GA. Athens, GA: University of Georgia, Institute of Ecology: Pgs 211-217.
Robberecht, R. and G. Defossé. 1995. The relative sensitivity of two bunchgrass species to fire. International Journal of Wildland Fire 5:127-134.
Schoeneberger, P.J., D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, and Soil Survey Staff. 2012. Field book for describing and sampling soils, Version 3.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.
Sheehy, D. P. and A. H. Winward. 1981. Relative Palatability of Seven Artemisia Taxa to Mule Deer and Sheep. Journal of Range Management 34:397-399.
Stringham, T.K., P. Novak-Echenique, P. Blackburn, D. Snyder, and A. Wartgow. 2015. Final Report for USDA Ecological Site Description State-and-Transition Models by Disturbance Response Groups, Major Land Resource Area 25 Nevada. University of Nevada Reno, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report 2015-02. p. 569
Tisdale, E. W. and M. Hironaka. 1981. The sagebrush-grass region: A review of the ecological literature. University of Idaho, Forest, Wildlife and Range Experiment Station. Moscow, ID. P. 31
Young, R. P. 1983. Fire as a vegetation management tool in rangelands of the intermountain region. In: S. Monsen, N. Shaw [eds.] Managing intermountain rangelands - improvement of range and wildlife habitats. USDA, Forest Service. P. 18-31
Wright, H.A., L.F. Neuenschwander, and C.M. Britton. 1979. The role and use of fire in sagebrush-grass and pinyon-juniper plant communities: A state-of-the-art review. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-58. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 48 p.
Wright, H. A. 1971. Why Squirreltail Is More Tolerant to Burning than Needle-and-Thread. Journal of Range Management 24:277-284.Contributors
Bob Gillaspy
C.D. Tackman, A.V. Bahn
Jennifer MoffittApproval
Kendra Moseley, 4/25/2024
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) C. TACKMAN, K. MUNDAY, A.RICE, M. KRUEGER, J. FERGUSON, T. ALLAI Contact for lead author State Rangeland Management Specialist for NRCS in Oregon Date 05/15/2017 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:
Water flow patterns are none to rare. In areas subject to summer convection storms and rapid snowmelt, short (<1m) and stable flow patterns can be expected. Flow paths are not connected. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals are common on this site. Occurrence is usually limited to shallow rooted perennial grasses (Sandbergs bluegrass) and in areas of water flow patterns and shrub interspaces. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground 20-25% depending on amount of surface gravels. This site typically has high amount of surface gravels and cobbles. -
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 from grasses and annual & perennial forbs) – limited movement; expected to move no more than the distance of slope length during intense summer convection storms or rapid snowmelt events. Persistent litter (large woody material) will remain in place except during large rainfall events. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Low to moderate resistance to erosion. Aggregate stability values should be 1 to 3 on most soil textures found on this site. High amount of surface cobbles and gravels. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Surface texture is typically gravelly ashy silt loam. Soil surface color is typically light to pale brown (10YR6/3)(dry). Weak fine and very fine subangular blocky structure (A-- 0-10 cm) Surface is covered with 20 percent gravels and 5 percent cobble. (Salheur ) ////Surface texture is typically extremely cobbly loam. Soil surface color is typically brown(10YR4/3)(dry). Fine platy structure (A-- 0-5 cm)(Ninemile). Surface is covered with 36 percent cobbles and 20 percent gravels (Ninemile) *Draft Soil Survey-subject to change. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Typical vegetation composition is 50 percent grasses. 10 percent forbs and 40 percent shrubs. Perennial herbaceous plants (dominated by Sandbergs’s bluegrass ) help slow runoff and 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 none. Subangular blocky structure or subsoil argillic horizons are not to be interpreted as compacted layers. -
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:
Shallow rooted perennial bunch grasses (Sandbergs’s bluegrass)Sub-dominant:
Low sagebrushOther:
Other perennial grasses > forbs = other shrubsAdditional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Rare to slight decadence and mortality on low sagebrush. Slight to none decadence on perennial bunch grasses. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Between plant interspaces. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Favorable – 300 lbs/ac, Average -- 250 lbs/ac, Unfavorable – 200 lbs/ac. Spring 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:
Potential invaders include cheatgrass, medusahead, annual mustards. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All functional groups should reproduce in average (or normal) and above average growing season years. Reduced growth and reproduction occur during extreme or extended drought conditions.
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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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