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Conservation Service
Ecological site R028AY236UT
Semidesert Shallow Loam (Black Sagebrush) North
Last updated: 5/02/2025
Accessed: 07/16/2026
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Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 028A–Ancient Lake Bonneville
MLRA 28A occurs in Utah (82 percent), Nevada (16 percent), and Idaho (2 percent). It encompasses approximately 36,775 square miles (95,246 square kilometers). A large area west and southwest of Great Salt Lake is a salty playa. This area is the farthest eastern extent of the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. It is an area of nearly level basins between widely separated mountain ranges trending north to south. The basins are bordered by long, gently sloping alluvial fans. The mountains are uplifted fault blocks with steep side slopes. Most of the valleys are closed basins containing sinks or playa lakes. Elevation ranges from 3,950 to 6,560 feet (1,204 to 2000 meters) in the basins and from 6,560 to 11,150 feet (1996 to 3398 meters) in the mountains. Much of the MLRA has alluvial valley fill and playa lakebed deposits at the surface from pluvial Lake Bonneville, which dominated this MLRA 13,000 years ago. A level line of remnant lake terraces on some mountain slopes indicates the former extent of this glacial lake. The Great Salt Lake is what remains of the pluvial lake.
Mountains in the interior of this MLRA consist of tilted blocks of marine sediments from Cambrian to Mississippian age with scattered outcrops of Tertiary continental sediments and volcanic rocks. The average annual precipitation is 5 to 12 inches (13 to 30 cm) in the valleys and ranges up to 49 inches (124 cm) in the mountains. Most of the rainfall in the southern LRU occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the growing season (April through September). The driest period is from midsummer to early autumn in the northern LRU. Precipitation in winter typically occurs as snow. The average annual temperature is 39 to 53 °F (4 to 12 °C). The freeze-free period averages 165 days and ranges from 110 to 215 days, decreasing in length with increasing elevation. The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. Soils are dominantly in the mesic or frigid soil temperature regime, aridic or xeric soil moisture regime, and mixed mineralogy. The soils are generally well drained, loamy or loamy-skeletal, and very deep.LRU notes
The Basin and Range North LRU exhibits dry summer with stronger xeric patterns than the Basin and Range South LRU. Ranges in the north LRU are about 50 percent Paleozoic sedimentary/metasedimentary (limestone/quartzite dominant) and about 10 percent Tertiary volcanics. The basin floors are between 4,200 and 5,100 feet (1280 to 1554 meters) in elevation. Pinyon and juniper sites have a greater percentage of Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) in the plant community than pinyon pine (Pinus edulis or monophylla). The Basin and Range North have few semidesert ecological sites with Utah juniper. Cool season grasses, such as bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudorogneria spicata), are dominant in the plant community, while warm season grasses are largely absent or a small component of the plant community.
Ecological site concept
Semidesert Shallow Loam (black sagebrush) North site can be found on hills, hillsides, mountainsides, and hillslopes between 4,400 and 7,000 feet typically on slopes steeper than 8 percent and up to 70 percent. The soil is shallow to bedrock (10 to 20 inches deep) with a very cobbly loam surface texture and 3 to about 60 percent volume of rock fragments in the subsurface. It is similar to other shallow loam ecological sites, however this site in reference condition does not have a tree canopy of Utah juniper. This site is also similar to the Semidesert Very Steep Shallow Loam, black sagebrush sites, except that the Semidesert Shallow Loam (Black Sagebrush) North is found at less steep slopes (10 to 45 percent opposed to 30 to 75 percent slopes). The southern LRU counterpart to this site is R028AB236UT. This site in the south LRU can have Utah juniper encroach and has a larger component of warm season grasses in the plant community. Soils correlated to this site need field verification to determine the correct LRU.
Areas mapped in Millard county survey (UT617) will need to be field checked for inclusion in either the north or south LRU. Previous versions of the state and transition model included Utah juniper in state 3 and a seeded state, state 5. No photo or data evidence has been found of Utah juniper dominance or any seeded areas so these were removed from the STM. Field verification will be needed to further conclude if either of these states should be added.Associated sites
R028AY220UT Semidesert Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush)
Often occurs downslope adjacent to the site.
R028AY230UT Semidesert Shallow Hardpan (Black Sagebrush) North
Shallow to hardpan, not bedrock.
R028AY234UT Semidesert Shallow Loam (Utah juniper-Salina wildrye)
Salina wildrye is the dominant grass.
R028AY243UT Semidesert Shallow Loam (Wyoming Big Sagebrush) North
Occurs on fractured bedrock.
Similar sites
R028AY260UT Semidesert Very Steep Shallow Loam (Black Sagebrush)
Found on steeper slopes.
R028AB236UT Semidesert Shallow Loam (Black sagebrush) South
This site is the similar site found in the Basin and Range South LRU.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia nova
Herbaceous (1) Pseudoroegneria spicata
Physiographic features
Semidesert Shallow Loam (Black Sagebrush) North site can be found on hills, hillsides, mountainsides and hillslopes between 4,400 and 7,000 feet typically on slopes steeper than 8 percent and up to 70 percent.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
(2) Hillslope
(3) Hillside or mountainside
Elevation 4400 – 7000 ft Slope 8 – 70 % Climatic features
The climate is semi-arid and characterized by cold snowy winters and warm dry summers. The average annual precipitation is 11 to 12 inches. Approximately 70 percent comes as rain from March through October. On the average, June through September are the driest months and March through May are the wettest months.
Mean Annual Air Temperature: 45-50
Mean Annual Soil Temperature: 47-52Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 80-90 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 120-130 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (actual range) 70-90 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 120-130 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (average) 80 days Freeze-free period (average) 120 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 5. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 6. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 7. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 8. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 9 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) ROSETTE [USC00427408], Park Valley, UT
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(2) MORONI [USC00425837], Mount Pleasant, UT
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(3) SALINA [USC00427557], Salina, UT
">Influencing water features
Soil features
The characteristic soils are 10 to 20 inches deep over bedrock and well drained. They formed in alluvium, colluvium, and residuum derived mainly from limestone, sandstone, and siltstone parent materials the surface horizon is loam texture and 4 inches thick. About 15 to 60 percent of the soil surface is covered by rock fragments. The volume of rock fragments in the soil profile is 20 to 70 percent.
The rock fragments in these soils are dominated by pebbles in most soils, but cobbles and stones predominate in some soils. Theses soils are calcareous throughout and permeability is generally moderate. The available water capacity is 1 to 2 inches.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – limestone
(2) Colluvium – limestone
(3) Residuum – limestone
Surface texture (1) Very cobbly loam
(2) Very gravelly loam
(3) Flaggy loam
(4) Stony loam
Drainage class Well drained to somewhat excessively drained Permeability class Moderate to moderately rapid Soil depth 10 – 20 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 15 – 42 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 20 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)1 – 1.6 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(Depth not specified)1 – 40 % Electrical conductivity
(Depth not specified)0 – 4 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(Depth not specified)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(Depth not specified)7.9 – 9 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)19 – 37 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)3 – 35 % Ecological dynamics
Black sagebrush is the dominant shrub in the ecological site with bluebunch wheatgrass as the dominant understory species. Fire in the Reference State can occur and increase the occurrence of fire tolerant shrubs, such as rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus and Ericameria) and horsebrush (Tetradymia). Fire may also temporarily increase cover and production of grasses (see community phase 1.2). Shrubs can also increase in the absence of fire (see community phase 1.3). As ecological condition deteriorates due to overgrazing, lack of fire, and introduction of non-native species (see T1a), bluebunch wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass decrease, while black sagebrush, low rabbitbrush, and snakeweed increase.
Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and annual forbs are most likely to invade this site. Fire return intervals are often altered and decreased after the introduction of annual grasses and forbs. This can create an altered plant community and state (see T2b and State 4). There is no known recovery to State 1 or 2 from either of these alternate states.State and transition model
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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State has three community phases. These community phases are influenced by disturbance, like fire. Fire can remove patches of shrubs and temporarily make grasses the dominant plant. Lack of fire can lead to an increase in shrub dominance, reducing the understory grasses.
Community 1.1
Black sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass
Figure 10. Photo 1: State 1, Community Phase 1.1: Black sagebrush, Wyoming big sagebrush, Winterfat, Bluebuanch wheatgrass. Location: SW of Peplin Mountain; T11N, R12W, Section 13, SW1/4. Date: 8/25/06. Photo taken by Keith Wadman
This community is dominated by Black sagebrush. Shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) and Nevada jointfir (ephedra) (Ephedra nevadensis) are also commonly present. Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata) and Mexican cliffrose (Purshia mexicana) are important browse species. Principle grasses include bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata), and bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides). Abundant forbs include carpet phlox (Phlox hoodia) and hairy balsamroot (Balsamorhiza hookeri). Percent composition by air-dry weight is 45 percent grass, 5 percent forbs, and 50 percent shrubs. Natural fire frequency is estimated to be 50 to 60 years.
Figure 11. 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)Forb 175 263 350 Grass/Grasslike 158 236 315 Shrub/Vine 175 26 35 Total 508 525 700 Table 6. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-30% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-30% Forb foliar cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – – – >0.5 <= 1 – – – – >1 <= 2 – 25-35% 25-35% 0-5% >2 <= 4.5 – – – – >4.5 <= 13 – – – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). UT2361 , PNC. Excellent Condition.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 5 15 40 30 5 5 0 0 0 0 Community 1.2
Yellow rabbitbrush/bluebunch wheatgrassBlack sagebrush decreases in the community. Shadscale, Mexican cliffrose, and other shrubs may decrease also. Winterfat typically resprouts and recovers. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, and other cool season bunchgrasses flourish. Yellow rabbitbrush and, at times, horsebrush (Tetradymia nuttallii) increase in the community. Much of the excess fine fuel accumulation is removed. Fire tolerant shrubs may persist as dominates for 30 years or longer.
Community 1.3
Black sagebrushBlack sagebrush increases significantly in percent composition. Shadscale, winterfat, Mexican cliffrose and other shrubs typically increase also. Shrubs become decadent due to age. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, and other cool-season bunchgrasses begin to lose vigor due to increased shrub competition and become dense with old vegetation. Percent composition by air-dry weight is 35 percent grass, 5 percent forbs, and 60 percent shrubs.
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.2Recent fire occurrence, 1 to 30 years. Site is properly grazed.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.3Extended period of time without a major disturbance such as fire, insect damage or drought. Fire frequency extends well beyond the 50 to 60 year average for the site.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1Normal fire frequency of 50 to 60 years returns on the site.
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.2Recent fire occurrence, 1 to 30 years. Site is properly grazed.
State 2
Current Potential StateThe Current Potential State is similar to the Reference State. Except plant communities in the Current Potential state can include native and acclimatized, naturalized and invasive non-native species. This state is irreversibly changed from the reference state because these non-native species will now remain a permanent part of the community.
Community 2.1
Black sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass/non-native speciesThis community is dominated by Black sagebrush. Shadescale and Nevada jointfir (ephedra) are also commonly present. Winterfat and Mexican cliffrose are important browse species. Principle grasses include bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, needle and thread, and bottlebrush squirreltail. Abundant forbs include carpet phlox and hairy balsamroot. This community is dominated by native species, but may include acclimatized, naturalized and invasive non-native species. Percent composition by air-dry weight is 45 percent grass, 5 percent forbs, and 50 percent shrubs. Natural fire frequency is estimated to be 50 to 60 years.
Community 2.2
Yellow rabbitbrush/purple threeawn/non-native speciesBlack sagebrush decreases in the community. Shadscale, Mexican cliffrose, and other shrubs may decrease also. Winterfat typically resprouts and recovers. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass and other cool season bunchgrasses flourish. Yellow rabbitbrush and, at times, horsebrush increase in the community. Much of the excess fine fuel accumulation is removed. Fire tolerant shrubs may persist as dominates for 30 years or longer. This community is dominated by native species, but may include acclimatized, naturalized and invasive non-native species.
Community 2.3
Black sagebrush/purple threeawn/non-native species
Figure 13. State 2, CP 2.3: Black sagebrush (15% cover), shadscale (3% cover), bud sagebrush (2% cover), western wheatgrass (1% cover), Indian ricegrass (3% cover), squirreltail (1% cover). Location: 313892E 4585815N. Photo by Utah GAP project 5/24/2002.
Black sagebrush increases significantly in percent composition. Shadscale, winterfat, Mexican cliffrose, and other shrubs typically increase also. Shrubs become decadent due to age. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, and other cool season bunchgrasses begin to lose vigor due to increased shrub competition and become dense with old vegetation. This community is dominated by native species, but may include acclimatized, naturalized and invasive non-native species. Percent composition by air-dry weight is 35 percent grass, 5 percent forbs, and 60 percent shrubs.
Pathway 1.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.2Recent fire occurrence, 1 to 30 years.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.3Long-term improper grazing (including season long, overstocking, wrong season, etc.) and/or drought remove annual and perennial fine fuels from the site lessening the potential for fire to occur. Fire frequency is greater than 100 years. Utah juniper typically invades site if a seed source is available.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1Fire frequency returns to within the normal range for the site (50 to 60 years).
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.2Recent fire occurrence, 1 to 30 years.
State 3
Non-sprouting shrubs/Invasive annuals StateThe Non-Sprouting Shrub State occurs when the herbaceous understory is reduced. This can occur with grazing or drought. Reducing the grasses also reduces fine fuels which may reduce fire frequency. Reducing the fire frequency can lead to an increase in non-sprouting shrub densities.
Community 3.1
Black sagebrush/Utah juniper/non-native annuals/native perennials
Figure 14. Photo 2: State 3, Community Phase 3.1: Black sagebrush and annual non-native species. Location: T21S, R2W, S25, NE1/4. Date 10/2/2006. Photo taken by Keith Wadman
Black sagebrush and other shrubs dominate the community. Winterfat and Mexican cliffrose are dead or dying. Remaining perennial herbaceous vegetation is declining and is mostly found only in protected locations under shrubs. Invasive, non-native grasses and weeds including cheatgrass, annual mustards, and red-stem storksbill (Erodium cicutarium) dominate the understory.
Community 3.2
Black sagebrush/Utah juniper/invasive annuals
Figure 15. Photo 3: State 3, Black sagebrush and annual non-native species. Location: T21S, R2W, S25, NE1/4. Date taken: 10/2/2006. Photo taken by Keith Wadman
Where Utah juniper has invaded, black sagebrush and other shrub species decrease, otherwise they often dominate the community. Winterfat and Mexican cliffrose are mostly dead. Remaining perennial herbaceous vegetation is rare and is found only in protected locations under shrubs. Invasive, non-native grasses and weeds included cheatgrass, annual mustards, and red-stem storksbill dominate the understory.
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2
Black sagebrush/Utah juniper/non-native annuals/native perennials
Black sagebrush/Utah juniper/invasive annualsLong-term improper grazing (including season long, overstocking, wrong season, etc.) and/or prolonged drought remove annual and perennial fine fuels from this site lessening the potential for a fire to occur. Fire frequency is greater than 100 years.
Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1
Black sagebrush/Utah juniper/invasive annuals
Black sagebrush/Utah juniper/non-native annuals/native perennialsSite is properly grazed for an extended period of time. Native perennial vegetation is recovering, but annual weeds still dominate the understory. Fire frequency is greater than 100 years.
State 4
Sprouting shrubs/Invasive annuals StateThis state occurs when there has been more frequent disturbance that removes sagebrush. Fire tolerant shrubs, like rabbitbrush, increase in the plant community.
Community 4.1
Yellow rabbitbrush/horsebrush/invasive annuals/native perennials
Figure 16. State 4, CP 4.1: Cover in %: 15% shrubs and 15% grasses, 5% bare ground, 60% surface rock, shadscale 7%, black sagebrush 3%, broom snakeweed 3%, ephedra 2%, cheatgrass 15%. Location 292413E 4593828N. Photo taken by Utah GAP project 7/29/2005
Yellow rabbitbrush typically dominates the shrub layer. Various horsebrush species can also be plentiful if conditions are right. Fire tolerant shrubs may persist as dominates with fire period intervals of 10 to 30 years. Broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), a non-sprouting species, may be an episodic dominant species in these communities when conditions are favorable. Most palatable perennial bunchgrasses are significantly reduced. Purple threeawn and James' galleta may increase. Invasive annuals including cheatgrass, annual mustards, and red-stem storksbill dominate the understory.
Community 4.2
Yellow rabbitbrush/horsebrush/invasive annualsYellow rabbitbrush dominates the shrub layer. Various horsebrush species can be plentiful if conditions are right. Fire tolerant shrubs may persist as dominates with fire periods of 10 to 30 years or less. Broom snakeweed may be an episodic dominate species when conditions are favorable. Only remnant palatable bunchgrases remain. Purple threeawn and sand dropseed decrease. Invasive annuals including cheatgrass, annual mustards, and red-stem storksbill dominate the understory.
Pathway 4.1a
Community 4.1 to 4.2Long-term improper grazing (including season long, overstocking, wrong season, etc.) and/or prolonged drought reduce annual and perennial fine fuels from the site. Fire removes black sagebrush and shadscale occupying the site. Yellow rabbitbrush and, at times, various horsebrush species may become dominant.
Pathway 4.2a
Community 4.2 to 4.1Site properly grazed for an extended period of time. Native perennial vegetation slowly recovers. Fire frequency is 5 to 30 years.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Long-term improper grazing (including, season long overstocking, wrong season, etc.) and/or prolonged drought that removes fine fuels from the site lessening the potential for fire to occur. This allows both sprouting and non-sprouting shrubs such as Black sagebrush, shadscale, winterfat, and yellow rabbitbrush to increase. Shrubs may become decadent due to age. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, and other perennial buchgrasses lose vigor and decrease in the community due to shrub competition and grazing pressures. Purple threeawn (<a class="species-link" href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ARPU9" target="_blank" title="Open in plants.usda.gov"><i>Aristida purpurea</i></a>) and sand dropseed (<a class="species-link" href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SPCR" target="_blank" title="Open in plants.usda.gov"><i>Sporobolus cryptandrus</i></a>) may increase. Utah juniper seedlings and saplings may begin to invade the community if a seed source is present. The threshold is crossed when there is an introduction of non-native species, primarily cheatgrass and various annual mustards, that become established in the community. Prior to crossing the threshold, if the site is properly grazed over an extended period of time, native perennial vegetation may recover. Fire frequency can return to within normal range for the site. These events could set the site back into the normal range of variability.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Sustained, long-term improper grazing (including season long, overstocking, wrong season, etc.) and/or prolonged drought; reduced fine fuels resulting in the continued lengthening of a fire period and a dense shrub and/or tree overstory. This leads to a significant reduction of native perennial species and an increase in invading annuals. Utah junipers may increase to occupy a significant portion of the overstory, if a seed source is present. Black sagebrush dominates the shrub layer and may be decadent due to age. Bluebunch wheatgrass and other perennial bunchgrasses are significantly reduced due to increased shrub competition and/or heavy grazing pressure. Purple threeawn and sand dropseed may increase. The threshold is crossed when invasive annuals such as cheatgrass and annual mustards dominate the understory. The occurrence of fire extends well beyond the normal period for this site.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4Long-term improper grazing (including season long, overstocking, wrong season, etc.) and/or prolonged drought. Shortened fire frequency allows site to be dominated by sprouting shrubs including yellow rabbitbrush and horsebrush species. Bluebunch wheatgrass and other perennial bunchgrasses are significantly reduced due to increased shrub competition and/or heavy grazing pressure. Purple threeawn and sand dropseed may increase. Highly combustible fine fuels from invasive annuals dominate the community. Fire frequency is typically 10 to 30 years.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Long-term improper grazing (including season long, overstocking, wrong season, etc.) and/or prolonged drought, shortens fire frequency which allows site to be dominated by sprouting shrubs including yellow rabbitbrush and horsebrush species. There is a significant reduction in perennial bunchgrass species. Highly combustible fine fuels from invasive annuals dominate the community. Fire frequency is typically 10 to 30 years.
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Shrub/Vine0 Primary Shrubs 138–193 black sagebrush ARNO4 Artemisia nova 138–193 – 3 Secondary Shrubs 55–83 shadscale saltbush ATCO Atriplex confertifolia 6–17 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 6–17 – Nevada jointfir EPNE Ephedra nevadensis 6–17 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 6–17 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 6–17 – granite prickly phlox LIPU11 Linanthus pungens 6–17 – plains pricklypear OPPO Opuntia polyacantha 6–17 – bud sagebrush PIDE4 Picrothamnus desertorum 6–17 – Mexican cliffrose PUME Purshia mexicana 6–17 – stemless mock goldenweed STAC Stenotus acaulis 6–17 – Nuttall's horsebrush TENU2 Tetradymia nuttallii 6–17 – Grass/Grasslike0 Primary Grasses 193–275 bluebunch wheatgrass PSSP6 Pseudoroegneria spicata 110–138 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 55–83 – needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 28–55 – 1 Secondary Grasses 17–28 purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 6–17 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 6–17 – James' galleta PLJA Pleuraphis jamesii 6–17 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 6–17 – Forb2 Forbs 28–55 freckled milkvetch ASLE8 Astragalus lentiginosus 6–17 – Hooker's balsamroot BAHO Balsamorhiza hookeri 6–17 – cushion buckwheat EROV Eriogonum ovalifolium 6–17 – shaggy fleabane ERPU2 Erigeron pumilus 6–17 – ballhead ipomopsis IPCOC3 Ipomopsis congesta ssp. congesta 6–17 – woolly groundsel PACA15 Packera cana 6–17 – low beardtongue PEHU Penstemon humilis 6–17 – spiny phlox PHHO Phlox hoodii 6–17 – gooseberryleaf globemallow SPGR2 Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia 6–17 – heartleaf twistflower STCO6 Streptanthus cordatus 6–17 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 15. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 16. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 17. Community 4.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
The Semidesert Shallow Loam (Black Sagebrush) North site is suited for grazing by cattle and sheep during fall, winter, and spring.
Wildlife using this site include rabbit, coyote, fox, badger, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and dove.
This is a short list of the more common species found. Many other species are present as well and migratory birds are present at times.Hydrological functions
Soils are in hydrologic group D with runoff curves ranging from 80 to 89 depending on hydrologic condition.
Recreational uses
Resources that have special aesthetic and landscape values are wildflowers. Some recreation uses of this site are hiking and horseback riding.
Wood products
None
Other information
Threatened and endangered species include plants and animals.
Supporting information
Type locality
Location 1: Box Elder County, UT Township/Range/Section T10N R14W S12 General legal description S ½ of Section 12, Township 10N, Range 14W Box Elder County Utah Red Dome Allotment, Horse Hills, Photo Number 167 F-6. T. 10 N. R. 14 W. South ½ Section12 Contributors
David J. Somorville
Approval
Jamin Johanson, 5/02/2025
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) Jack Alexander, Range Specialist, Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc. Julia Kluck, Soil Scientist, Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc. Shane Green, State Range Specialist, Utah NRCS Contact for lead author Shane Green, Shane.Green@ut.usda.gov Date 02/09/2010 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Some rills present. Rill development may increase following large storm events, but should begin to heal during the following growing season. Frost heaving will accelerate recovery. Rill development may increase when run inflow enters site from other sites that produce large amounts of runoff (i.e. steeper sites, slickrock, rock outcrop). -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns will be short (2-5’) and meandering; interrupted by plants and exposed rocks. Some evidence of erosion or deposition associated with flow patterns. Where slopes exceed 5%, water flow patterns may be longer (5–10’). -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Plants may have small pedestals (1-3”) where they are adjacent to water flow patterns, but without exposed roots. Terracettes should be few and stable. Terracettes should be small (1-3”) and show little sign of active erosion. Some plants may appear to have a pedestal but rather than be formed by erosion, the only place litter accumulates and soil collects is at plant bases forming the appearance of a pedestal. Well-developed biological crusts may appear pedestalled, but are actually a characteristic of the crust formation. Some plants may appear to have a pedestal but rather than be formed by erosion, the only place litter accumulates and soil collects is at plant bases forming the appearance of a pedestal. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
20-35% bare ground (soil with no protection from raindrop impact). Herbaceous communities are most likely to have lower values. As species composition by shrubs increases, bare ground is likely to increase. Poorly developed biological soil crust that is susceptible to raindrop splash erosion should be recorded as bare ground. Very few if any bare spaces of greater than 1 square foot. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
No gullies present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Very minor evidence of active wind-generated soil movement. Wind scoured (blowouts) and depositional areas are rarely present. If present they have muted features and are mostly stabilized with vegetation and/or biological crust. Gravel or desert pavement protects the site from wind scour. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Most litter resides in place with some redistribution caused by water and wind movement. Very minor litter removal may occur in flow patterns and rills with deposition occurring at points of obstruction. The majority of litter accumulates at the base of plants. Some leaves, stems, and small twigs may accumulate in soil depressions adjacent to plants. Woody stems are not likely to move. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
This site should have an erosion rating of 5 or 6 under plant canopies and a rating of 4 to 5 in the interspaces with an average rating of 5 using the soil stability kit test. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
This description is based on the modal soil (Checkett GR-L CB-L, soil survey area: 634, Iron-Washington). This site has 5 correlated soils, resulting in variation of each of these attributes. Unless working on a location with the modal soil, it is critical to supplement this description with the soil-specific information from the published soil survey. Soil surface horizon is typically 2 to 3 inches deep. Structure is typically very thin platy. Color is typically pale brown (10YR 6/3), dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) moist. An ochric horizon extends to a depth of 3 inches. An ochric horizon typically extends to a depth of 2 to 10 inches. The ochric horizon is a surface horizon lacking fine stratification and which is either light colored, or thin, or has an low organic carbon content, or is massive and (very) hard when dry. The A horizon would be expected to be more strongly developed under plant canopies. It is important if you are sampling to observe the A horizon under plant canopies as well as the interspaces. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Bunchgrasses and shrubs equally important for increasing infiltration and reducing runoff. Litter plays a role in increasing infiltration and decreasing runoff. Plants provide microhabitat for seedlings, catch litter and soil, and slow raindrops and runoff. Vascular plants and/or well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) will break raindrop impact and splash erosion. Spatial distribution of vascular plants and interspaces between well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) provide detention storage and surface roughness that slows runoff allowing time for infiltration. Interspaces between plants and any well-developed biological soil crusts (where present) may serve as water flow patterns during episodic runoff events, with natural erosion expected in severe storms. When perennial grasses decrease, reducing ground cover and increasing bare ground, runoff is expected to increase and any associated infiltration reduced. Shrubs catch snow, slow wind evaporation, and provide microhabitat for seedling establishment. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. Lithic contact (the boundary with hard bedrock) may occur at about 19 inches. Naturally occurring soil horizons may be harder than the surface because of an accumulation of calcium carbonate and should not be considered as compaction 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:
black sagebrushSub-dominant:
bluebunch wheatgrass > Indian ricegrass > needle and threadOther:
other shrubs, other grasses, forbsAdditional:
In the northern portion of the MLRA cool-season perennial grasses (Indian ricegrass, needle and thread) dominate. In the southernmost portion of the MLRA warm-season perennial grasses (galleta, sand dropseed) dominate. The two groups share dominance in the middle portion of the MLRA. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
During years with average to above average precipitation, there should be very little recent mortality or decadence apparent in either the shrubs or grasses. Some bunchgrass and shrub mortality may occur during severe droughts, particularly on the shallower and coarser soils associated with this site. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover includes litter under plants. Most litter will be fine litter. Depth should be 1-2 leaf thickness in the interspaces and up to 1/2” under canopies. Litter cover may increase to 15-25% following years with favorable growing conditions. Excess litter may accumulate in absence of disturbance. Vegetative production may be reduced if litter cover exceeds 40%. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
525#/acre. Even the most stable communities exhibit a range of production values. Production will vary between communities and across the MRLA. Refer to the community descriptions in the ESD. Production will differ across the MLRA due to the naturally occurring variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The biological processes on this site are complex; therefore, representative values are presented in a land management context. -
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:
Cheatgrass and annual forbs -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All perennial plants should have the ability to reproduce sexually or asexually, except in drought years. Density of plants indicates that plants reproduce at level sufficient to fill available resource. Within capability of site there are no restrictions on seed or vegetative reproductive capacity.
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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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