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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): 028B–Central Nevada Basin and Range
MLRA 28B occurs entirely in Nevada and comprises about 23,555 square miles (61,035 square kilometers). More than nine-tenths of this MLRA is federally owned. This area is in the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. It is an area of nearly level, aggraded desert basins and valleys between a series of mountain ranges trending north to south. The basins are bordered by long, gently sloping to strongly sloping alluvial fans. The mountains are uplifted fault blocks with steep sideslopes. Many of the valleys are closed basins containing sinks or playas. Elevation ranges from 4,900 to 6,550 feet (1,495 to 1,995 meters) in the valleys and basins and from 6,550 to 11,900 feet (1,995 to 3,630 meters) in the mountains.
The mountains in the southern half are dominated by andesite and basalt rocks that were formed in the Miocene and Oligocene. Paleozoic and older carbonate rocks are prominent in the mountains to the north. Scattered outcrops of older Tertiary intrusives and very young tuffaceous sediments are throughout this area. The valleys consist mostly of alluvial fill, but lake deposits are at the lowest elevations in the closed basins. The alluvial valley fill consists of cobbles, gravel, and coarse sand near the mountains in the apex of the alluvial fans. Sands, silts, and clays are on the distal ends of the fans.
The average annual precipitation ranges from 4 to 12 inches (100 to 305 millimeters) in most areas on the valley floors. Average annual precipitation in the mountains ranges from 8 to 36 inches (205 to 915 millimeters) depending on elevation. The driest period is from midsummer to midautumn. The average annual temperature is 34 to 52 degrees F (1 to 11 degrees C). The freeze-free period averages 125 days and ranges from 80 to 170 days, decreasing in length with elevation.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a mesic soil temperature regime, an aridic or xeric soil moisture regime, and mixed or carbonatic mineralogy. They generally are well drained, loamy or loamyskeletal, and shallow to very deep.
Nevada’s climate is predominantly arid, with large daily ranges of temperature, infrequent severe storms and heavy snowfall in the higher mountains. Three basic geographical factors largely influence Nevada’s climate: continentality, latitude, and elevation. The strong continental effect is expressed in the form of both dryness and large temperature variations. Nevada lies on the eastern, lee side of the Sierra Nevada Range, a massive mountain barrier that markedly influences the climate of the State. The prevailing winds are from the west, and as the warm moist air from the Pacific Ocean ascend the western slopes of the Sierra Range, the air cools, condensation occurs and most of the moisture falls as precipitation. As the air descends the eastern slope, it is warmed by compression, and very little precipitation occurs. The effects of this mountain barrier are felt not only in the West but throughout the state, as a result the lowlands of Nevada are largely desert or steppes.
The temperature regime is also affected by the blocking of the inland-moving maritime air. Nevada sheltered from maritime winds, has a continental climate with well-developed seasons and the terrain responds quickly to changes in solar heating. Nevada lies within the midlatitude belt of prevailing westerly winds which occur most of the year. These winds bring frequent changes in weather during the late fall, winter and spring months, when most of the precipitation occurs.
To the south of the mid-latitude westerlies, lies a zone of high pressure in subtropical latitudes, with a center over the Pacific Ocean. In the summer, this high-pressure belt shifts northward over the latitudes of Nevada, blocking storms from the ocean. The resulting weather is mostly clear and dry during the summer and early fall, with occasional thundershowers. The eastern portion of the state receives noteworthy summer thunderstorms generated from monsoonal moisture pushed up from the Gulf of California, known as the North American monsoon. The monsoon system peaks in August and by October the monsoon high over the Western U.S. begins to weaken and the precipitation retreats southward towards the tropics (NOAA 2004).Ecological site concept
This site occurs on lake plains and flood plains. Slopes gradients of 0 to 2 percent are typical and elevations range from 3400 to 7000 feet.
The soils associated with this site are very deep, poorly drained, and are derived from silty alluvium, loess or lacustrine deposits from mixed rock sources. They are strongly salt and sodium affected in their upper profile with soil reaction and salinity decreasing with depth. Seasonally high water table can be found between 20 to 60 inches.
The reference state is dominated by basin wildrye and alkali sacaton, with a component of black greasewood. The plant community is characterized by an open stand of perennial grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, with few shrubs. Production ranges from 800 to 2200 pounds per acre.
Additional moisture is received on this site during the winter and spring months as run-in from higher landscapes. Seed viability, germination and available water holding capacity is reduced due to the saline condition of the soils. The surface layer of these soils will crust and bake upon drying, inhibiting water infiltration and seedling emergence. Runoff is very low and ponding occurs in some areas.Associated sites
R028BY002NV SALINE MEADOW
This site occurs lake terraces. Slopes are less than 2 percent and elevations range from 4400 to 6800 feet. The soils associated with this site are very deep, poorly drained, and strongly salt and sodium affected. Soils are characterized by a ochric epipedon and decreasing salinity with depth. The water table is near the surface for short periods in the early spring, but usually stabilizes at depths below 40 inches during the growing season.
R028BY041NV DRY FLOODPLAIN
This site occurs on drainageways, inset fans and alluvial fans. Slope gradients of 0 to 15 percent, but 0 to 2 percent are most typical. Elevations are 3900 to 6500 feet. The soils associated with this site are typically very deep and moderately well drained. The soils are subject to overflow in the spring on an average of one year in seven. Although run-in from higher landscapes can supply additional moisture for plant growth, there typically is insufficient moisture to leach salts and alkali from the upper soil profile. The surface soil tends to be moderately salt and sodium affected and a thick surface crust often forms as these soils dry.
R028BY081NV MOIST FLOODPLAIN
This site occurs on flood plains and stream terrace. Slope gradients range from 0 to 15 percent, but slopes of 0 to 4 percent are most typical. Elevations are 4000 to 6800 feet. The soils associated with this site are typically very deep, fertile and have a very low to high available water capacity. The soils are poorly drained to excessively drained and runoff is medium to very high. Ponding occurs in some areas. Flooding, and a seasonally high water table at or near the soil surface, supply additional moisture for plant growth.
Similar sites
R028BY041NV DRY FLOODPLAIN
ARTRT dominant shrub.
R028BY020NV SODIC FLAT 5-8 P.Z.
Much less productive site; vegetation typically restricted to coppice mounds.
R028BY003NV LOAMY BOTTOM 10-14 P.Z.
ARTRT dominant shrub; more productive site; SAVE4 absent.
R028BY069NV SODIC FLAT 8-10 P.Z.
Less productive site; SPAI minor grass; ground cover 10% or less.
R028BY028NV SODIC TERRACE 8-10 P.Z.
SAVE4 and ARTR2 codominant shrubs; less productive site.
R028BY074NV SODIC TERRACE 5-8 P.Z.
SAVE4-ATCO codominant shrubs; less productive site.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Sarcobatus vermiculatus
Herbaceous (1) Leymus cinereus
(2) Sporobolus airoidesPhysiographic features
This site occurs on lake plains and floodplains. Slopes range from 0 to 4 percent, but slope gradients of 0 to 2 percent are most typical. Elevations are 3400 to 7000 feet.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Lake plain
(2) Flood plain
Runoff class Very low to very high Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to long (7 to 30 days) Flooding frequency Rare to occasional Ponding duration Long (7 to 30 days) Ponding frequency None to occasional Elevation 3400 – 7000 ft Slope 0 – 4 % Ponding depth 0 – 4 in Water table depth 36 – 60 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
The climate associated with this site is semiarid, characterized by cold, moist winters and warm, dry summers.
The average annual precipitation ranges from 6 to 10 inches. Mean annual air temperature is about 45 to 50 degrees F. The average growing season is 100 to 120 days.
Mean annual precipitaion at the ELY WBO, NEVADA climate station (262631) is 9.72 inches. Monthly mean precipitation is:
January 0.77; February 0.78; March 1.01; April 1.03;
May 1.10; June 0.65; July 0.64; August 0.81;
September 0.75; October 0.82;
November 0.68; December 0.68.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 70 days Freeze-free period (average) 110 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 3. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 4 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) ELY YELLAND FLD AP [USW00023154], Ely, NV
">Influencing water features
The Saline Bottom site is associated with adjacent drainages and streams.
Soil features
The soils associated with this site are very deep, poorly drained, formed in silty alluvium derived from lacustrine deposits and have a seasonally high water table between 20 to 60 inches. They are strongly salt and sodium affected in the upper profile, with soil reaction and salinity decreasing with depth. Subsurface soils are fine-textured typically silt loams or silty clays. The soil series that are associated with this site are Beanflat, Boofuss, Dianev, Duffer, Dunphy, Equis, Ewelac, Nevka, Ocala, Rustigate, Sader, Umberland, and Wendane.
The representative soil series is Equis, a fine, carbonatic, mesic Typic Halaquepts. Diagnostic horizons include an ochric epipedon from the soil surface to a depth of 18 cm. Clay content in the particle control section averages 40 to 50 percent silicate clay, 30 to 45 percent carbonates of clay size. Reaction is strongly alkaline or very strongly alkaline. Effervescence is Strongly effervescent or violently effervescent. Lithology consists mixed rocks.
Additional moisture is received on this site during the winter and spring months as run-in from higher landscapes. Wetting of these soils dilutes their salt and sodium from the water table is common. Seed viability, germination and available water holding capacity is reduced due to the saline condition of these soils. The surface layer of these soils will crust and bake upon drying, inhibiting water infiltration and seedling emergence. Runoff is very low to very high and ponding occurs in some areas.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium
Surface texture (1) Loam
(2) Silt loam
(3) Silty clay
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained Permeability class Slow to moderate Soil depth 72 – 84 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)4.4 – 7.9 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)10 – 65 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)4 – 32 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)5 – 90 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.9 – 11 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 31 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
An ecological site is the product of all the environmental factors responsible for its development and it has a set of key characteristics that influence a site’s resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasives. Key characteristics include 1) climate (precipitation, temperature), 2) topography (aspect, slope, elevation, and landform), 3) hydrology (infiltration, runoff), 4) soils (depth, texture, structure, organic matter), 5) plant communities (functional groups, productivity), and 6) natural disturbance regime (fire, herbivory, etc.) (Caudle et al 2013). Biotic factors that influence resilience include site productivity, species composition and structure, and population regulation and regeneration (Chambers et al. 2013).
The ecological site is dominated by basin wildrye, a cool-season perennial grass and co- dominated by alkali sacaton, a warm-season perennial grass. Black greasewood dominates the overstory.
Black greasewood is classified as a phreatophyte (Eddleman 2002), and its distribution is well correlated with the distribution of groundwater (Mozingo 1987). Meinzer (1927) discovered that the taproots of black greasewood could penetrate from 20 to 57 feet below the surface. Romo (1984) found water tables ranging from 3.5-15 m under black greasewood dominated communities in Oregon. Black greasewood stands develop best where moisture is readily available, either from surface or subsurface runoff (Brown 1965). It is commonly found on floodplains that are either subject to periodic flooding, have a high water table at least part of the year, or have a water table less than 34 feet deep (Harr and Price 1972, Blauer et al. 1976, Branson et al. 1976, Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984, Eddleman 2002). Black greasewood is usually a deep rooted shrub but has some shallow roots near the soil surface; the maximum rooting depth can be determined by the depth to a saturated zone (Harr and Price 1972). (Ganskopp (1986) reported that water tables within 9.8 to 11.8 inches of the surface had no effect on black greasewood in Oregon. However, a study, conducted in California, found that black greasewood did not survive six months of continuous flooding (Groeneveld and Crowley 1988, Groeneveld 1990).
Seasonally high water tables have also been found necessary for maintenance of productivity and reestablishment of basin wildrye following disturbances such as fire, drought or excessive herbivory (Eckert et al. 1973). The sensitivity of basin wildrye seedling establishment to reduced soil water availability is increased as soil pH increases (Stuart et al. 1971). Lowering of the water table through extended drought or water pumping will decrease basin wildrye production and establishment while black greasewood, rabbitbrush, inland saltgrass and invasive weeds will increase. Drought will initially cause a decline in bunchgrasses. Prolonged drought will cause a decline in shrubs, including shadscale and black greasewood, while annual weedy species and bare ground will increase. Shadscale is less adapted to drought than many of its common associates (Vest 1962, Holmgren and Hutchings 1972), showing high mortality during periods of prolonged drought (Schultz and Ostler 1995). Tolerance to drought is achieved through partial shedding of leaves; this reduces water loss during severe moisture stress (Lei 1999).
As site condition deteriorates, these sites may become a pure stand of black greasewood or a pure stand with an annual understory. Marcum and Kopec (1997) found inland saltgrass more tolerant of increased levels of salinity than alkali sacaton therefore dewatering and/or long term drought causing increased levels of salinity would create environmental conditions more favorable to inland saltgrass over alkali sacaton. Alkali sacaton is considered a facultative wet species in this region; therefore it is not drought tolerant. A lowering of the water table can occur with groundwater pumping and this may contribute to the loss of deep-rooted species such as greasewood and basin wildrye and an increase in rabbitbrush, shadscale and other species that are not groundwater dependent.
Annual non-native species such as halogeton and cheatgrass invade these sites where competition from perennial species is decreased. Three possible stable states have been identified for this site but an annual state has been noted in other MLRA’s.
Fire Ecology:
Fire is a rare disturbance in these plant communities likely occurring in years with above average production. Natural fire return intervals are estimated to vary between less than 35 years up to 100 years in salt desert ecosystems with basin wildrye (Paysen et al. 2000). Historically, black greasewood-saltbush communities had sparse understories and bare soil in intershrub spaces, making these communities somewhat resistant to fire (Young 1983, Paysen et al. 2000). They may burn only during high fire hazard conditions; for example, years with high precipitation can result in almost continuous fine fuels, increasing fire hazard (West 1994, Paysen et al. 2000).
Black greasewood may be killed by severe fires, but can resprout after low to moderate severity fires (Robertson 1983, West 1994). Sheeter (1969) reported that following a Nevada wildfire, black greasewood sprouts reached approximately 2.5 feet within 3 years. Grazing and other disturbance may result in increased biomass production due to sprouting and increased seed production, also leading to greater fuel loads (Sanderson and Stutz 1994). Higher production sites would have experienced fire more frequently than lower production sites.
Basin wildrye is relatively resistant to fire, particularly dormant season fire, as plants sprout from surviving root crowns and rhizomes (Zschaechner 1985). Miller et al. (2013) reports fall and spring burning increased total shoot and reproductive shoot densities in the first year, although live basal areas were similar between burn and unburned plants. By year two, there was little difference between burned and control treatments.
Alkali sacaton is typically top-killed, but will resprout from tillers. A severe fire can kill it and summer fires have more of an effect than winter fires (Brakie 2007). The recovery time after fire is estimated at two to four years (Bock et al 1978).
Shadscale is intolerant of fire and can only regenerate through seed (Zielinski 1994). Increases in the fire return interval leads to increases in the shrub component of the plant community, potentially facilitating increases in bare ground, inland salt grass and invasive weeds. Lack of fire combined with excessive herbivory decreases or eliminates the herbaceous understory, favoring black greasewood and annual species. Therefore, fire can be detrimental to these communities, especially in the presence of fire tolerant, annual non-native species.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
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference StateThe Reference State 1.0 is a 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
Community PhaseThis community is dominated by basin wildrye and black greasewood. Alkali sacaton, shadscale, rubber rabbitbrush and other shrubs make up minor components. Potential vegetative composition is about 80% grasses and grass-like plants, 5% forbs, and 15% shrubs. Approximate ground cover (basal and crown) is 15 to 30 percent.
Figure 5. 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 640 1200 1760 Shrub/Vine 120 225 330 Forb 40 75 110 Total 800 1500 2200 Community 1.2
Community PhaseThis community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early-seral community phase. Basin wildrye and alkali sacaton dominate the community. Black greasewood will decrease but will likely sprout and return to pre-burn levels within a few years. Early colonizers such as rabbitbrush and shadscale may increase.
Community 1.3
Community Phase
Figure 6. Saline Bottom (R028BY004NV) T. Stringham September 2012
Black greasewood and shadscale increase in the absence of disturbance. Decadent shrubs dominate the overstory and deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses in the understory are reduced either from competition with shrubs, herbivory, drought or combinations of these.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2A low severity fire would decrease the overstory of black greasewood and allow for the understory perennial grasses to increase. Fires are typically low severity resulting in a mosaic pattern due to low fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring facilitating an increase in fine fuels may be more severe and reduce black greasewood cover to trace amounts.
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3Absence of disturbance over time, significant herbivory, chronic drought or combinations of these would allow the black greasewood overstory to increase and dominate the site. This will generally cause a reduction in perennial bunch grasses; however inland saltgrass may increase in the understory depending on the timing and intensity of herbivory. Heavy spring utilization will favor an increase in black greasewood.
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1Time and lack of disturbance will allow black greasewood to increase.
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.2Fire will decrease the overstory of black greasewood and allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Fires are typically high severity in this phase due to the dominance of black greasewood resulting in removal of the overstory shrub community.
State 2
Current Potential StateThis state is similar to the Reference State 1.0 with three similar community phases. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Non-natives may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. These non-natives can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These feedbacks include the presence of all structural and functional groups, low fine fuel loads, and retention of organic matter and nutrients. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include the non-natives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Community 2.1
Community PhaseThis community phase is compositionally similar to the Reference State Community Phase 1.1 with the presence of non-native species in trace amounts. This community is dominated by basin wildrye and black greasewood. Alkali sacaton, shadscale, rubber rabbitbrush and other shrubs comprise the minor components. Non-native annual species such as halogeton and cheatgrass are present.
Community 2.2
Community PhaseThis community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early-seral community where annual non-native species are present. Perennial bunchgrasses such as alkali sacaton, inland saltgrass and basin wildrye dominate the site. Depending on fire severity patches of intact shrubs may remain. Black greasewood and rabbitbrush may be sprouting. Annual non-native species are stable to increasing in the community.
Community 2.3
Community Phase (at risk)Black greasewood dominates the overstory and perennial bunchgrasses in the understory are reduced, either from competition with shrubs or from inappropriate grazing, or from both. Rabbitbrush may be a significant component. Annual non-native species are stable or increasing. This community is at risk of crossing a threshold to State 3.0 (grazing or fire).
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2A low severity fire would decrease the overstory of black greasewood and allow for the understory perennial grasses to increase. Fires are typically low severity resulting in a mosaic pattern due to low fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring or a change in management favoring an increase in fine fuels may be more severe and reduce black sagebrush cover to trace amounts. Brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance may also reduce black greasewood and allow for perennial bunchgrasses to increase. Annual non-native species are likely to increase after fire.
Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3Absence of disturbance over time, chronic drought, inappropriate grazing management or combinations of these would allow the black greasewood overstory to increase and dominate the site. Inappropriate grazing management reduces the perennial bunchgrass understory; conversely inland saltgrass may increase in the understory.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1Absence of disturbance over time, drought and/or grazing management that favors the establishment and growth of black greasewood allows the shrub component to recover.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.2Grazing management that reduces shrubs will allow for the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory to increase. Heavy late-fall/winter grazing may cause mechanical damage to black greasewood promoting the perennial bunchgrass understory. Brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance will also decrease greasewood and release the perennial understory. Fires may be high severity due to the dominance of black greasewood in this community phase; a fire would decrease the shrub overstory and may allow for an increase in perennial bunchgrasses. Annual non-native species are present and may increase in the community.
State 3
Shrub StateThis state has two community phases, one that is characterized by a dominance of black greasewood overstory and the other with a rabbitbrush overstory. This site has crossed a biotic and abiotic threshold and site processes are being controlled by shrubs. Bare ground has increased and pedestalling of grasses may be excessive.
Community 3.1
Community PhaseBlack greasewood dominates the overstory. Rabbitbrush may be a significant component. Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses such as basin wildrye have significantly declined. Annual non-native species increase. Bare ground is significant.
Community 3.2
Community Phase
Figure 7. Saline Bottom (R028BY004NV) T. Stringham April 2013
Figure 8. Saline Bottom (R028BY004NV) T. Stringham April 2013
Rabbitbrush dominates the site. Perennial bunchgrasses are present but a minor component. Annual non-native species are present and may be increasing in the understory.
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2Drought and/or lowering of water table by groundwater pumping would reduce black greasewood and allow for rabbitbrush and other shrubs on the site to dominate. Severe fire would also reduce black greasewood overstory and allow for an increase rabbitbrush.
Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1Release from drought and/or grazing pressure may allow for black greasewood, basin wildrye and other perennial bunchgrasses to increase.
Transition T1
State 1 to 2Trigger: Introduction of non-native annual plants. 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.
Transition T2
State 2 to 3Trigger: To Community Phase 3.1: Inappropriate cattle/horse grazing will decrease or eliminate deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses and favor shrub growth and establishment. To Community Phase 3.2: Severe fire will reduce and/or eliminate black greasewood overstory and decrease perennial bunchgrasses. Soil disturbing brush treatments will reduce black greasewood and possibly increase non-native annual species. Lowering of the water table due to groundwater pumping will also decrease black greasewood and allow for rabbitbrush and other shrubs to increase. Slow variables: Long term decrease in deep-rooted perennial grass density and/or black greasewood. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses changes nutrient cycling, nutrient redistribution, and reduces soil organic matter. Loss of long-lived, black greasewood changes the temporal and depending on the replacement shrub, the spatial distribution of nutrient cycling.
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 885–1650 basin wildrye LECI4 Leymus cinereus 600–900 – alkali sacaton SPAI Sporobolus airoides 225–600 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 30–75 – saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 30–75 – 2 Secondary Perennial Grasses/Grasslikes 75–225 mat muhly MURI Muhlenbergia richardsonis 8–45 – alkali cordgrass SPGR Spartina gracilis 8–45 – Forb3 Perennial 30–120 milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 8–30 – povertyweed IVAX Iva axillaris 8–30 – thelypody THELY Thelypodium 8–30 – Shrub/Vine4 Primary Shrubs 105–200 greasewood SAVE4 Sarcobatus vermiculatus 75–125 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 30–75 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 30–120 shadscale saltbush ATCO Atriplex confertifolia 8–45 – sickle saltbush ATFA Atriplex falcata 8–45 – whiteflower rabbitbrush CHAL9 Chrysothamnus albidus 8–45 – Table 7. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock Interpretations:
This site is suited for livestock grazing. Grazing management considerations include timing, intensity and duration of grazing. During settlement, many of the cattle in the Great Basin were wintered on extensive basin wildrye stands however due to sensitivity to spring use many stands were decimated by early in the 20th century (Young et al. 1976). 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. Spring defoliation of basin wildrye and/or consistent, heavy grazing during the growing season has been found to significantly reduce basin wildrye production and density (Krall et al. 1971). Basin wildrye is used often as a winter feed for livestock and wildlife; not only providing roughage above the snow but also cover in the early spring months (Majerus 1992). Additionally, basin wildrye seed viability has been found to be low and seedlings lack vigor (Young and Evans 1981). Roundy (1985) found that although basin wildrye is adapted to seasonally dry saline soils, high and frequent spring precipitation is necessary to establish it from seed suggesting that establishment of natural basin wildrye seedlings occurs only during years of unusually high precipitation. Therefore, reestablishment of a stand that has been decimated by grazing may be episodic.
Alkali sacaton is a valuable forage species in arid and semiarid regions. Plants are tolerant to moderate grazing and can produce abundant herbage utilized by livestock. Alkali sacaton has been found to be sensitive to early growing season defoliation whereas late growing season and/or dormant season use allowed recovery of depleted stands (Hickey and Springfield 1966).
Inland saltgrass’ 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. Western wheatgrass provides important forage for domestic sheep. Fall regrowth cures well on the stem, so western wheatgrass is good winter forage for domestic livestock.
Black greasewood is an important winter browse plant for domestic sheep and cattle. It also receives light to moderate use by domestic sheep and cattle during spring and summer months. Black greasewood contains soluble sodium and potassium oxalates that may cause poisoning and death in domestic sheep and cattle if large amounts are consumed in a short time. Black greasewood is typically not considered an important browse species for wildlife and livestock. However, in a study by Smith et al. (1992), utilization of new growth on greasewood shrubs by cattle was 77 percent in summer, and greasewood was found to have the highest amounts of crude protein when compared to perennial and annual grasses. These shrubs can be used lightly in the spring as long as there is a substantial amount of other preferable forage available (Benson et al. 2011).
In general, livestock forage only lightly on rubber rabbitbrush during the summer, but winter use can be heavy in some locations. Fall use is variable, but flowers are often used by livestock. A few leaves and the more tender stems may also be used.
Inadequate rest and recovery from defoliation can cause a decrease in basin wildrye and an increase in rabbitbrush and black greasewood, along with inland saltgrass and non-native weeds (Young et al. 1976, Roundy 1985).
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 provides valuable habitat for several wildlife species. Black greasewood provides good cover for wildlife species as well an important winter browse plant for big game animals and a food source for many other wildlife species. (Nevada Wildlife Action Plan 2012, Dayton 1931, Austin and Hash 1988, Johnson 1979, Benson et al. 2011). Ungulates, such as pronghorns (Antilocapra americana), browse black greasewood. It also receives light to moderate use by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) during spring and summer months. Trace amounts of black greasewood were identified in the feces of pronghorn (seasonal preference was not determined) in a microhistology study by Johnson (1979). Furthermore, pronghorn and mule deer that occurred in greasewood habitat, utilized greasewood for cover, although the study did not determine if black greasewood was a desirable forage (Hanley and Hanley 1982). Other studies indicated that although mule deer and pronghorn do not prefer black greasewood as forage, the ungulates use black greasewood habitat as cover (Oedekoven and Lindzey 1987). Small mammals will also utilize black greasewood. For example, trace amounts of black greasewood were identified in the feces of black-tailed jack rabbits (Lepus californicus), seasonal preference was not determined (Johnson 1979). A study in the Great Basin by Feldhamer (1979) found that pocket mice (Chaetodipus pencillatus) and chipmunk (Neotamias quadrimaculatus) populations were restricted to plant communities dominated by black greasewood. Furthermore, black greasewood habitat is documented as used in minor amounts by other small mammals including voles, chipmunks, porcupines (Hystricomorph hystricidae), and raccoons (Anderson 2004). Soils of this habitat tend to be loose and either sandy or gravelly and are often easy to dig making them attractive to species such as the pale kangaroo mouse (Microdipodops pallidus) (Nevada Wildlife Action Plan 2012). This habitat is also an important feeding ground for pallid bats (Antrozous pallidus), which eat scorpions and other large invertebrates off its exposed desert flats (Nevada Wildlife Action Plan 2012). Black greasewood provides cover and nest sites for birds including lark buntings (Calamospiza melanocorys). Bird species, such as the sage sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadensis) and lark buntings, are known to utilize black grease wood habitat (Wiens and Rotenberry 1981, USDA, Ecological Site Interpretation). Also, sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) broods find insects and succulent forbs in black greasewood communities (USDA Ecological Site interpretation) The loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) will use black greasewood for nesting and cover. Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) will use the loose soils for burrowing. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus) winter in the valley bottoms where black greasewood occurs, preying on jack rabbits, and other rodents Nevada Wildlife Action Plan 2012).
Reptile and amphibian distribution is not widely studied throughout the intermountain cold desert shrub region; however, several reptiles and amphibians are recorded to occur throughout Nevada, where fourwing saltbush, black greasewood and winterfat are known to grow (Bernard and Brown 1977). In black greasewood habitat specifically, western rattle snakes (Crotalus viridis) and gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) were recorded in a study by Diller and Johnson (1988). Reptile species including: eastern racer (Coluber constrictor), ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus), night snakes (Hypsiglena torquata), Sonoran mountain kingsnakes (Lampropeltis pyromelana), striped whipsnakes (Masticophis taeniatus), gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer), long-nosed snakes (Rhinocheilus lecontei), wandering gartersnakes (Thamnophis elegans vagrans), sidewinders (Crotalus cerastes), Great Basin rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus lutosus), Great Basin collared lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores), long-nosed leopard lizard (Gamelia copeii), short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii), desert-horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos), western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis), northern side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana stansburiana), banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus), desert iguana (Diposaurus dorsalis), chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater), zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides), pigmy horned-lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii), desert night lizard (Xantusia vigilis), whip-tailed lizard (Aspidoscelis tigris tigris) and western skinks (Plestiodon skiltonianus) occur in areas where sagebrush is dominant. Similarly, amphibians such as: western toads, Woodhouse’s toads (Anaxyrus woodhousii), northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens), Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris), bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), and Great Basin spadefoots (Spea intermontana), California toads (Anaxyrus boreas halophilus), Amargosa toads (Anaxyrus nelsoni), Sonoran toads (Anaxyrus alvarius), red-spotted toads (Bufo punctatus) and mountain toad (Bufo cavifrons), also occur throughout the Great Basin in areas saltbush and black greasewood species are dominant (Hamilton 2004). Studies have not determined if all species of reptiles and amphibians prefer certain species of saltbush or greasewood; however, researchers agree that maintaining habitat where saltbush and greasewood and reptiles and amphibians occur is important; however, there has been no research regarding the effect of saltbush and greasewood on reptile and amphibian habitat and distribution (Linsdale 1938,West 1999 and ref. therein).
Wildlife forage only lightly on rubber rabbitbrush during the summer, but winter use can be heavy in some locations. Fall use is variable, but flowers are often used by wildlife. A few leaves and the more tender stems may also be used. The forage value of rubber rabbitbrush varies greatly among subspecies and ecotypes.
Basin wildrye provides winter forage for mule deer, though use is often low compared to other native grasses. Basin wildrye provides summer forage for black-tailed jackrabbits. Because basin wildrye remains green throughout early summer, it remains available for small mammal forage for longer time than other grasses.
Hydrological functions
Runoff is very low to very high and ponding occurs in some areas. Potential for rills, pedestals, and terracettes is none. Water flow patterns are rare to common. Moderately fine to fine surface textures result in limited infiltration rates. Concentrations of surface salts and sodium result in chemical crusts which also impedes precipitation infiltration. Water flow patterns are typically short, ending in depressional areas. Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses (basin wildrye and alkali sacaton] 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 moisture accumulation on site.
Recreational uses
Aesthetic value is derived from the diverse floral and faunal composition and the colorful flowering of wild flowers 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 big game hunting.
Other products
The leaves, seeds and stems of black greasewood are edible. Basin wildrye was used as bedding for various Native American ceremonies, providing a cool place for dancers to stand.
Other information
Black greasewood is useful for stabilizing soil on wind-blown areas. It successfully revegetates processed oil shale and is commonly found on eroded areas and sites too saline for most plant species. 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. Alkali sacaton is one of the most commonly used species for seeding and stabilizing disturbed lands. Due to alkali sacaton’s salt tolerance, is recommended for native grass seeding on subirrigated saline sites. 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. Western wheatgrass is a good soil binder and is well suited for reclamation of disturbed sites such as erosion control and soil stabilization.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
NASIS soil component data.
Type locality
Location 1: White Pine County, NV Township/Range/Section T19N R21E S10 UTM zone N UTM northing 4379142 UTM easting 275648 Latitude 39° 31′ 57″ Longitude 119° 36′ 37″ General legal description South part of Spring Valley about 4 miles west of Shoshone off US-HWY 93, White Pine County, Nevada. This site also occurs in Elko and Eureka Counties, Nevada. Location 2: White Pine County, NV Township/Range/Section T36N R64 E S28 Latitude 40° 58′ 28″ Longitude 114° 44′ 39″ General legal description On outer margins of wetland areas at Warm Springs, Independence Valley, about 13 miles southeast of Wells, Elko County, Nevada. This site also occurs in Eureka and White Pine Counties, Nevada. Other references
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Blaisdell, J. P. and R. C. Holmgren. 1984. Managing Intermountain rangelands -- salt-desert shrub ranges. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-163. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, UT.
Blauer, A. C., A. P. Plummer, E. D. McArthur, R. Stevens, and B. C. Giunta. 1976. Characteristics and hybridization of important Intermountain shrubs. II. Chenopod family. USDA For Serv Res Pap INT US Dep Agric Intermt For Range Exp Stn.
Bock, C.E. and J.H. Bock. 1978. Response of birds, small mammals, and vegetation to burning sacaton grasslands in southeastern Arizona. Journal of Rangeland Management. 31(4): 296-300.
Brakie, M. 2007. Plant Fact Sheet – Alkali Sacaton. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plants Database [Online]. Available: http://plants.usda.gov/.
Branson, F. A., R. F. Miller, and I. S. McQueen. 1976. Moisture Relationships in Twelve Northern Desert Shrub Communities Near Grand Junction, Colorado. Ecology 57:1104-1124.
Brown, R. W. 1965. The distribution of plant communities in the Badlands of southeastern Montana. Dissertation. Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana.
Caudle, D., J. DiBenedetto, M. Karl, H. Sanchez, and C. Talbot. 2013. Interagency ecological site handbook for rangelands. Available at: http://jornada.nmsu.edu/sites/jornada.nmsu.edu/files/InteragencyEcolSiteHandbook.pdf. Accessed 4 October 2013.
Chambers, J., B. Bradley, C. Brown, C. D’Antonio, M. Germino, J. Grace, S. Hardegree, R. Miller, and D. Pyke. 2013. Resilience to Stress and Disturbance, and Resistance to Bromus tectorum L. Invasion in Cold Desert Shrublands of Western North America. Ecosystems:1-16.
Eckert, R. E., Jr., A. D. Bruner, and G. J. Klomp. 1973. Productivity of Tall Wheatgrass and Great Basin Wildrye under Irrigation on a Greasewood-Rabbitbrush Range Site. Journal of Range Management 26:286-288.
Eddleman, L. E. 2002. Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Hook.) Torr.: Black greasewood. .in F. T. Bonner, editor. Woody plant seed manual. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington, DC.
Fire Effects Information System (Online; http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/).
Ganskopp, D., L. Aguilera, and M. Vavra. 2007. Livestock forage conditioning among six northern Great Basin grasses. Rangeland Ecology & Management 60:71-78.
Ganskopp, D. C. 1986. Tolerances of Sagebrush, Rabbitbrush, and Greasewood to Elevated Water Tables. Journal of Range Management 39:334-337.
Groeneveld, D. P. 1990. Shrub rooting and water acquisition to threatened shallow groundwater habitats in the Owens Valley, California. . Pages 221-237 in Proceedings -- symposium on cheatgrass incasion, shrub die-off, and other aspects of shrub biology and management Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-276. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Las Vegas, NV.
Groeneveld, D. P. and D. E. Crowley. 1988. Root System Response to Flooding in Three Desert Shrub Species. Functional Ecology 2:491-497.
Harr, R. D. and K. R. Price. 1972. Evapotranspiration from a Greasewood-Cheatgrass community. Water Resources Research 8:1199-1203.
Hickey, W. C., Jr. and H. W. Springfield. 1966. Alkali sacaton: Its merits for forage and cover. Journal of Range Management 19:71-74.
Holmgren, R. C. and S. S. Hutchings. 1972. Salt desert shrub response to grazing use. Pages 153-165 in Wildland shrubs- their biology and utilization. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station.
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.
Krall, J. L., J. R. Stroh, C. S. Cooper, and S. R. Chapman. 1971. Effect of time and extent of harvesting basin wildrye. Journal of Range Management:414-418.
Lei, S. A. 1999. Effects of severe drought on biodiversity and productivity in a creosote bush-blackbrush ecotone of southern Nevada. Pages 217-221 in Proceedings: shrubland ecotones. RMRS-P-11. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Ephraim, UT.
Majerus, M. E. 1992. High-stature grasses for winter grazing. Journal of soil and water conservation 47:224-225.
Marcum, K. B. and D. M. Kopec. 1997. Salinity tolerance of turfgrasses and alternative species in the subfamily Chloridoideae (Poaceae). International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 8:735-742.
Meinzer, C.E. 1927. Plants as indicators of ground water. USGS Water Supply Paper 577.
Mozingo, H. N. 1987. Shrubs of the Great Basin: A natural history. Pages 67-72 in H. N. Mozingo, editor. Shrubs of the Great Basin. University of Nevada Press, 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/
Paysen, T. E., R. J. Ansley, J. K. Brown, G. J. Gotffried, S. M. Haase, M. G. Harrington, M. G. Narog, S. S. Sackett, and R. C. Wilson. 2000. Fire in western shrubland, woodland, and grassland ecosystems. Pages 121-159 in Wildland fire in ecosystems: Effects of fire on flora. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-volume 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Ogden, UT.
Robertson, J. 1983. Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Hook.) Torr.). Phytologia 54:309-324.
Romo, J. T. 1984. Water relations in Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, and Kochia prostrata. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
Roundy, B. A. 1985. Emergence and Establishment of Basin Wildrye and Tall Wheatgrass in Relation to Moisture and Salinity. Journal of Range Management 38:126-131.
Sanderson, S. C. and H. C. Stutz. 1994. Woody chenopods useful for rangeland reclamation in western North America. Pages 374-378 in Proceedings-- ecology and management of annual rangelands. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-313. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Boise, ID.
Schultz, B. W. and K. W. Ostler. 1995. Effects of prolonged drought on vegetation associations in the northern Mojave Desert. Pages 228-235 in Proceedings: wildland shrub and arid land restoration symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-315. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Las Vegas, NV.
Sheeter, G.R. 1968. Secondary succession and range improvements after wildfire in northeastern Nevada. Reno, NV: University of Nevada. 203 p. Thesis.
Smith, M. A., J. D. Rodgers, J. L. Dodd, and Q. D. Skinner. 1992. Habitat Selection by Cattle along an Ephemeral Channel. Journal of Range Management 45:385-390.
Stringham, T.K., P. Novak-Echenique, P. Blackburn, C. Coombs, D. Snyder and A. Wartgow. 2015. Final Report for USDA Ecological Site Description State-and-Transition Models, Major Land Resource Area 28A and 28B Nevada. University of Nevada Reno, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report 2015-01. p. 1524.
Stuart, D. M., G. E. Schuman, and A. S. Dylla. 1971. Chemical Characteristics of the Coppice Dune Soils in Paradise Valley, Nevada1. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 35:607-611.
USDA-NRCS Plants Database (Online; http://www.plants.usda.gov).
Vest, E. D. 1962. Biotic communities in the Great Salt Lake desert. University of Utah, Institute of Environmental Biological Research.
West, N. E. 1994. Effects of fire on salt-desert shrub rangelands.in Proceedings--Ecology and Management of Annual Rangelands, General Technical Report INT-313. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Boise, ID.
Young, J. A. and R. A. Evans. 1981. Germination of Great Basin Wildrye Seeds Collected from Native Stands. Agron. J. 73:917-920.
Young, J. A., R. A. Evans, and P. T. Tueller. 1976. Great Basin plant communities-pristine and grazed. Holocene environmental change in the Great Basin. Nevada Archeological Survey Research Paper 6:186-215.
Young, R. P. 1983. Fire as a vegetation management tool in rangelands of the intermountain region. Pages 18-31 in Managing intermountain rangelands - improvement of range and wildlife habitats. USDA, Forest Service.
Zielinski, M. J. 1994. Controlling erosion on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Winnemucca District, Nevada. Pages 143-146 in Proceedings - ecology and management of annual rangelands Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-313. USDA, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, Boise ID.
Zschaechner, G. A. 1985. Studying rangeland fire effects: a case study in Nevada. Pages 66-84 in Rangeland fire effects, a symposium. Bureau of Land Management, Boise, Idaho.Contributors
CP/HA
T. Stringham/P.Novak-EcheniqueApproval
Kendra Moseley, 2/19/2025
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) GK BRACKLEY/P.NOVAK-ECHENIQUE Contact for lead author State Rangeland Management Specialist Date 06/20/2006 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
None - this site is essentially flat. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns are rare to common. Water flow patterns are typically long (10-15 ft), an narrow (<1 ft. wide)ending in depressional areas. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Plants may have small pedestals where they are adjacent to water flow paths. Terracettes should not occur. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground <60% -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Gullies are none to common depending on landform. Where this site occurs on landforms not associated with ephemeral or perennial drainageways, gullies do not occur. Where this site occurs associated with drainageways, gullies are rare to common. Gullies and associated head cuts should be healing and stable. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
There is minor evidence of wind scouring with some deposition occurring under shrubs. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter (foliage of grasses and annual & perennial forbs) only is expected to move during periods of flooding by adjacent streams. Persistent litter (large woody material) will remain in place except during large flooding events. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil stability values will range from 1 to 3 in the interspaces and 4 to 6 under cover. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface structure may be thin platy, subangular blocky or prismatic. Soil surface colors are light grays or grayish browns and the soils are typified by an ochric epipedon. Organic carbon can range from 1 to 3 percent. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses (basin wildrye and alkali sacaton] 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 moisture accumulation on site. Moderately fine to fine surface textures result in limited infiltration rates. Concentrations of surface salts and sodium result in chemical crusts which also impedes precipitation infiltration. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
Compacted layers are none. Massive subsurface layers or calcic horizons are normal for this site and are not to be interpreted as compaction. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Reference State: Tall-statured, deep-rooted, cool season, perennial bunchgrasses >>Sub-dominant:
warm season bunchgrasses > salt desert shrubs >> rhizomatous grasses > other shrubs >Deep-rooted, cool season, perennial forbs=fibrous, shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial and annual forbs.Other:
grass-likes, microbiotic crustsAdditional:
With an extended drought and water table decline the shrub component would increase at the expense of the herbaceous component. -
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 25% of total woody canopy. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Within plant interspaces (10-20%) and depth of litter less than 0.25 inches. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
For normal or average growing season (through end of June) ± 1500 lbs/ac; favorable years ± 2200 lbs/ac and unfavorable years ± 800 lbs/ac. Winter moisture significantly affects total production. -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Potential invaders include annual mustards, annual kochia, halogeton and cheatgrass. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All functional groups should reproduce in average (or normal) and above average growing season years. Reduced growth and reproductio occur during drought years.
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