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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 typically occurs on inset fans. Slope gradients of 0 to 2 percent are typical and elevations range from 4500 to 5500 feet.
The soils associated with this site are very deep, well drained, and derived from mixed alluvium. Soils are coarse textured and the surface has a well-developed vesicular horizon and a pH within the rooting zone of 8.8+. Water intake rates are moderately slow and available water holding capacity is high. The soil moisture regime is typic aridic and the soil temperature regime is mesic.
The reference state is dominated by sickle saltbush and western wheatgrass. Indian ricegrass, bottlebrush squirreltail, and winterfat are also associated with this site. Average annual production ranges from 200 to 500 pounds per acre.Associated sites
R028BY013NV SILTY 8-10 P.Z.
R028BY018NV SILTY 5-8 P.Z.
R028BY073NV SHALLOW SILTY 5-8 P.Z.
R028BY075NV COARSE GRAVELLY LOAM 6-8 P.Z.
Similar sites
R028BY065NV SALINE TERRACE 8-10 P.Z.
More productive site
R028BY097NV ALKALI SILT FLAT
ATFA-SAVE4 codominant shrubs
R028BY033NV GRAVELLY CLAY 14+ P.Z.
PLJA common; more productive site
R028BY020NV SODIC FLAT 5-8 P.Z.
KOAM is a major shrub on site
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Atriplex falcata
Herbaceous (1) Pascopyrum smithii
(2) Achnatherum hymenoidesPhysiographic features
This site occurs on inset fans and occasionally on fan skirts. Slope gradients of 0 to 2 percent are most typical, although they may range up to 4 percent. Elevations typically range from 4500 to 5500 feet, but may occur up to 6000 in some locations.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Inset fan
(2) Fan skirt
Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) Flooding frequency Rare Ponding frequency None Elevation 4500 – 5500 ft Slope 0 – 2 % Water table depth 72 – 0 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.
Average annual precipitation ranges from 5 to 8 inches. Mean annual air temperature is about 45 to 50 degrees F. The average growing season is about 100 to 120 days.
Mean annual precipitation across the range in which this ES occurs is 7.83".
Monthly mean precipitation: January 0.685; February 0.61; March 0.70; April 0.845; May .97; June 0.68; July 0.50; August 0.395; September 0.50; October 0.745; November 0.60; December 0.60.
*The above data is averaged from the Beowawe and Lages WRCC climate stations.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 120 days Freeze-free period (average) 160 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) BEOWAWE 49S U OF N RCH [USC00260800], Eureka, NV
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(2) LAGES [USC00264341], Ely, NV
">Influencing water features
Influencing water features are not associated with this site.
Soil features
The soils associated with this site are very deep, well drained, and derived from mixed alluvium. Soils are coarse textured ranging from silt loams to very fine sandy loams. They have less than 18% clay in the particle size control section and pH within the rooting zone is 8.8 or greater. The surface has a well-developed vesicular crust. The water intake rates are moderately slow, available water holding capacity is high, runoff is low. The soil moisture regime is typic aridic and the soil temperature regime is mesic.
Soil series associated with this site include: Ixian, Sondoa, Toano, Wholan, and Zimwala.
The representative soil series is Toano, a Coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, calcareous, mesic Typic Torriorthents. Diagnostic horizons include an ochric epipedon from the soil surface to 18 cm, and identifiable secondary carbonates from 13 to 53 cm. Clay content in the particle size control section averages 8 to 15 percent. Rock fragments are less than 5 percent throughout the profile. Reaction is moderately alkaline or strongly alkaline. Effervescence is strongly to violently effervescent increasing with depth. Soils are derived from sedimentary rocks, loess, and volcanic ash.Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Silt loam
(2) Very fine sandy loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderately slow Soil depth 60 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 0 – 2 % Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)5.9 – 7.9 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)10 – 30 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 16 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 12 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.9 – 9 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 5 % 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 Great Basin shrub communities have high spatial and temporal variability in precipitation, both among years and within growing seasons. Nutrient availability is typically low but increases with elevation and closely follows moisture availability. The moisture resource supporting the greatest amount of plant growth is usually the water stored in the soil profile during the winter. The invasibility of plant communities is often linked to resource availability. Disturbance can decrease resource uptake due to damage or mortality of the native species and depressed competition or can increase resource pools by the decomposition of dead plant material following disturbance.
These salt-desert shrub communities are dominated by plants belonging to the family Chenopodiaceae. Chenopods possess morphological and physiological traits that permit accommodation of both climatological drought resulting from low levels of precipitation, and physiological drought caused by high salt content of soils.
Atriplex species are considered medium to short-lived shrubs and possess a number of morphological and physiological traits that enable them to cope with drought. Some of these traits include: a) photosynthesis through the C4 carboxylation pathway; b) production of leaf trichomes and accumulation of salt crystals on the leaf surface to increase reflectance; c) accumulation and synthesis of inorganic and organic solutes to maintain turgor; and 4) root association with endomycorrhizae that allows absorption of soil moisture at very low water potentials (Cibils, et al. 1998, Dobrowolski 1990, Newton and Goodin 1989). Three Atriplex species occur on this site: sickle saltbush, shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) and fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens). Sickle saltbush is a low-growing, evergreen, subshrub which is woody at the base and herbaceous above (Mozingo 1987). Shadscale is an evergreen, rigidly branched, spiny, compact, rounded shrub. Fourwing saltbush is an evergreen or deciduous, tall, diffusely branched shrub (Perryman 2014).
Fire is not a typical disturbance in these sparsely vegetated communities. Changes in hydrology will affect plant communities; for example a drought may decrease herbaceous vegetation and eventually affect the shrub species as well.
The herbaceous component includes both perennial deep-rooted and shallow-rooted bunchgrasses, perennial rhizomatous grasses and perennial forbs. The soils have low to moderate surface runoff and typically have a well-developed vesicular crust, thus vegetation productivity is enhanced in wet years when flooding and ponding can occur.
The ecological site has low resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasion. The primary disturbance on these sites is drought, inappropriate grazing and soil disturbance (off-road vehicles, etc). Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) are most likely to invade disturbed sites. Three possible stable states have been identified for this site. The resilience to disturbance for this ecological site is described at the end of this document.
Fire Ecology:
Historically, salt-desert shrub 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).
Sickle saltbush sprouts from the root and shows an ability to reproduce by root sprouts where soil is loose and friable (Nord et al. 1969) which may allow it to sprout after fire. Sickle saltbush has also been observed to have stem layering where branches are partially covered by soil (Nord et al. 1969, Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984) and the conditions are favorable. These plants have been observed to recover quickly after roadside burning (Nord et al. 1969), but the research is inconclusive on its response to wildfire.
Western wheatgrass, the dominant grass on this site, is a coarse-leaved, sod forming perennial grass (Wasser and Shoemaker 1982). It has good fire tolerance, likely due to its coarse leaves and rhizomatous growing structure (Wasser and Shoemaker 1982). In a study by White and Currie (1983), fall burning increased western wheatgrass but clipping and spring burning basal cover was similar to the untreated control plot.
The effect of fire on bunchgrasses relates to culm density, culm-leaf morphology, and the size of the plant. The initial condition of bunchgrasses within the site along with seasonality and intensity of the fire all factor into the individual species response. For most forbs and grasses the growing points are located at or below the soil surface providing relative protection from disturbances which decrease above ground biomass, such as grazing or fire. Thus, fire mortality is more correlated to duration and intensity of heat which is related to culm density, culm-leaf morphology, size of plant and abundance of old growth (Wright 1971, Young 1983). However, season and severity of the fire will influence plant response. Plant response will also vary depending on post-fire soil moisture availability.
A minor component on this site, Indian ricegrass is fairly fire tolerant (Wright 1985), which is likely due to its low culm density and below-ground root crowns. Vallentine (1989) cites several studies in the sagebrush zone that classified Indian ricegrass as being slightly damaged from late summer burning. Indian ricegrass has also been found to reestablish on burned sites through seed dispersed from adjacent unburned areas (Young 1983, West 1994). Thus the presence of surviving, seed producing plants facilitates the reestablishment of Indian ricegrass. Grazing management following fire to promote seed production and establishment of seedlings is important.
Bottlebrush squirreltail a minor component on this site, is considered more fire tolerant than Indian ricegrass due to its small size, coarse stems, and sparse leafy material (Britton et al. 1990). Post fire regeneration occurs from surviving root crowns and from on- and off-site seed sources. Bottlebrush squirreltail has the ability to produce large numbers of highly germinable seeds, with relatively rapid germination (Young and Evans 1977) when exposed to the correct environmental cues. Early spring growth and ability to grow at low temperatures contribute to the persistence of bottlebrush squirreltail among cheatgrass dominated ranges (Hironaka and Tisdale 1973).State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 5. State and Transition Model
Figure 6. Legend
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
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. This state has two community phases, one co-dominated by shrubs and grass and the other dominated by shrubs. 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. This site is very stable, with little variation in plant community composition. Plant community changes would be reflected in production in response to drought or abusive grazing. Wet years will increase grass production, while drought years will reduce production. Shrub production will also increase during wet years; however, recruitment of sickle saltbush is episodic.
Community 1.1
Community Phase
Figure 7. Saline Terrace 5-8" (R028BY047NV) T.Stringham May 2012
Figure 8. Saline Terrace 5-8" (R028BY047NV) T.Stringham May 2012
This community is dominated by sickle saltbush and western wheatgrass. Indian ricegrass, bottlebrush squirreltail and winterfat are also important species on this site. Community phase changes are primarily a function of chronic drought. Fire is infrequent and patchy due to low fuel loads. Potential vegetative composition is about 15% grasses, 5% forbs and 80% shrubs. Approximate ground cover (basal and crown) is 5 to 10 percent.
Figure 9. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Shrub/Vine 160 280 400 Grass/Grasslike 30 53 75 Forb 10 17 25 Total 200 350 500 Community 1.2
Community PhaseDrought will favor shrubs over perennial bunchgrasses. However, long-term drought will result in an overall decline in the plant community, regardless of functional group.
Pathway a
Community 1.1 to 1.2Drought and/or herbivory would reduce the perennial grasses and winterfat on this site. Fires would also decrease vegetation on these sites but would be infrequent and patchy due to low fuel loads.
Pathway a
Community 1.2 to 1.1Time, lack of disturbance and recovery from drought would allow the vegetation to increase and bare ground would eventually decrease.
State 2
Current Potential StateThis state is similar to the Reference State 1.0 with two 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. 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 is dominated by sickle saltbush and western wheatgrass. Indian ricegrass, bottlebrush squirreltail and winterfat are also important species on this site. Community phase changes are primarily a function of chronic drought. Fire is infrequent and patchy due to low fuel loads. Non-native annual species are present; halogeton and Russian thistle are the species most likely to invade this site.
Community 2.2
Community PhaseDrought will favor shrubs over bunchgrasses; however long-term drought will result in an overall decline in the plant community regardless of functional group. Unpalatable shrubs such as sickle saltbush increase with inappropriate grazing while Indian ricegrass, winterfat and shadscale decline. Bare ground increases along with annual weeds.
Pathway a
Community 2.1 to 2.2Inappropriate grazing and/or drought
Pathway a
Community 2.2 to 2.1Release from drought and/or growing season grazing pressure allows recovery of bunchgrasses, sickle saltbush, and winterfat.
State 3
Shrub StateThis state consists of two community phases, one phase with sickle saltbush and other shrubs dominating the overstory, and the other dominated by sickle saltbush. This site has crossed a biotic threshold and site processes are being controlled by shrubs.
Community 3.1
Community PhasePerennial grasses like western wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass are reduced and the site is dominated by sickle saltbush, winterfat, shadscale and other shrubs. Annual non-native species may be present to increasing. Bare ground is significant.
Community 3.2
Community PhaseSickle saltbush dominates the overstory. Black greasewood may be a significant component. Winterfat, shadscale and other palatable shrubs are reduced in the community. Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses may be present in trace amounts or absent from the community. Bare ground increases, non-native annual species may be present to increasing.
Pathway a
Community 3.1 to 3.2Drought and/or inappropriate grazing management would reduce the winterfat component of the overstory.
Pathway a
Community 3.2 to 3.1Release from drought and appropriate grazing management would allow for the winterfat, shadscale and perennial grasses to increase within the community.
Transition A
State 1 to 2Trigger: This transition is caused by the introduction of non-native annual plants, such as halogeton and cheatgrass. Slow variables: Over time the annual non-native species will increase within the community. Threshold: Any amount of introduced non-native species causes an immediate decrease in the resilience of the site. Annual non-native species cannot be easily removed from the system and have the potential to significantly alter disturbance regimes from their historic range of variation.
Transition A
State 2 to 3Trigger: Inappropriate, long-term grazing will decrease or eliminate deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses and increase sickle saltbush. Slow variables: Long term decrease in deep-rooted perennial grass density. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses changes nutrient cycling, nutrient redistribution, and reduces soil organic matter.
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 32–99 western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 18–53 – Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 7–28 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 7–18 – 2 Secondary Perennial Grasses 7–28 saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 2–7 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 2–7 – Forb3 Perennial 7–28 milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 2–7 – povertyweed IVAX Iva axillaris 2–7 – globemallow SPHAE Sphaeralcea 2–7 – Shrub/Vine4 Primary Shrubs 218–299 sickle saltbush ATFA Atriplex falcata 193–228 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 18–53 – shadscale saltbush ATCO Atriplex confertifolia 7–18 – 5 Secondary Shrubs 18–53 fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 4–11 – greasewood SAVE4 Sarcobatus vermiculatus 4–11 – Table 7. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 2.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 3.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock Interpretations:
This site has limited value for livestock grazing, due to the low forage production. Productivity and grazing capacities are typically low for salt-desert shrub communities and these sites are typically used for winter range.
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. This site has limited value for livestock grazing, due to the low forage production. 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. Western wheatgrass is considered one of the most valuable wheatgrasses on rangelands. It often inhabits sites with high salinity and few other grass species (Dayton 1937).
Sickle saltbush provides valuable winter forage for livestock and wildlife in areas where it is it the predominant shrub such as rangelands and disturbed sites (Ansley and Abernethy 1983). With grazing saltbush will initially increase in the community and native perennial bunchgrasses will decrease. Overgrazing may reduce plant vigor. In a study by Fisser and Joyce (1983), saltbush remained the dominant vegetation in an exclosure protected from grazing for seven years. After sixteen years of protection from grazing the same exclosures exhibited an increase in perennial bunchgrasses and a subsequent decrease in sickle saltbush which was significantly correlated with precipitation combined with protection from grazing. They also found that 35 percent shrub removal during winter was acceptable for maintenance of the population, but severe overuse can cause a decrease in sickle saltbush and allow an increase in Halogeton.
Indian ricegrass is highly palatable to all classes of livestock in both green and cured condition. It supplies a source of green feed before most other native grasses have produced much new growth. Indian ricegrass is a deep-rooted, cool season perennial bunchgrass that is adapted primarily to sandy soils. Indian ricegrass is a preferred forage species for livestock and wildlife (Cook 1962, Booth et al. 2006). This species is often heavily utilized in winter because it cures well (Booth et al. 2006). It is also readily utilized in early spring, being a source of green feed before most other perennial grasses have produced new growth (Quinones 1981). Booth et al. (2006) note that the plant does well when utilized in winter and spring. Cook and Child (1971) however, found that repeated heavy grazing reduced crown cover, which may reduce seed production, density, and basal area of these plants. Additionally, heavy early spring grazing reduces plant vigor and stand density (Stubbendieck 1985). In eastern Idaho, productivity of Indian ricegrass was at least 10 times greater in undisturbed plots than in heavily grazed ones (Pearson 1965). Cook and Child (1971) found significant reduction in plant cover after 7 years of rest from heavy (90%) and moderate (60%) spring use. The seed crop may be reduced where grazing is heavy (Bich et al. 1995). Tolerance to grazing increases after May, thus spring deferment may be necessary for stand enhancement (Pearson 1964, Cook and Child 1971); however, utilization of less than 60% is recommended.
Winterfat is an important forage plant for livestock, especially during winter when forage is scarce. Abusive grazing practices have reduced or eliminated winterfat on some areas even though it is fairly resistant to browsing. Effects depend on severity and season of grazing.
Shadscale is a valuable browse species, providing a source of palatable, nutritious forage for a wide variety of livestock, particularly in winter (Ansley and Abernethy 1983). Shadscale provides good browse for domestic sheep. Shadscale leaves and seeds are an important component of domestic sheep and cattle winter diets.
Black greasewood is browsed by cattle when green, but contains soluble oxalates that may cause poisoning and death if large quantities are consumed in a short time period (Blaisdell and Holmgren).
Bottlebrush squirreltail is very palatable winter forage for domestic sheep of Intermountain ranges. Domestic sheep relish the green foliage. Overall, bottlebrush squirreltail is considered moderately palatable to livestock. Bottlebrush squirreltail generally increases in abundance when moderately grazed or protected (Hutchings and Stewart 1953). In addition, moderate trampling by livestock in big sagebrush rangelands of central Nevada enhanced bottlebrush squirreltail seedling emergence compared to untrampled conditions. Heavy trampling however was found to significantly reduce germination sites (Eckert et al. 1987). Squirreltail is more tolerant of grazing than Indian ricegrass but all bunchgrasses are sensitive to over utilization within the growing season.
Prolonged drought and/or inappropriate grazing will cause a decrease in winterfat and Indian ricegrass, while sickle saltbush increases. Repeated spring and early summer grazing will decrease sickle saltbush and increase bare ground. Halogeton and other non-native annuals increase with excessive grazing. Inappropriate grazing during the winter while soils are wet may lead to soil compaction and reduced infiltration. Prolonged inappropriate grazing during any season leads to abundant bare ground, desert pavement and active wind and water erosion.
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:
Salt-desert shrub communities are relatively simple in terms of structure and species diversity but they serve as habitat for several wildlife species including reptiles, small mammals, birds and large herbivores (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984).
For example, salt-desert shrub communities provide important forage plants, such as winterfat and sickle saltbush, for wildlife especially during winter when forage is scarce. Winterfat seeds are eaten by rodents. Winterfat is a staple food for black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus). Winterfat and perennial grasses average 80% of jackrabbits’ diet in southeastern Idaho, with shrubs being grazed in fall and winter particularly (Johnson and Anderson 1984). Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) browse winterfat (Stevens et al. 1977, Ogle et al. 2001). Pronghorn and rabbits browse stems, leaves, and seed stalks of winterfat year round, especially during periods of active growth (Stevens et al. 1977). Winterfat is used for cover by rodents. It is potential nesting cover for upland game birds, especially when grasses grow up through its crown. Management of wildlife browse is difficult and browse may be harmful to winterfat reestablishment as seed production and regrowth are curtailed if grazing occurs as the plant begins to grow (Eckert 1954).
Lagamorphs such as the Black-tailed jackrabbits will feed selectively on Winterfat, as previously mentioned, which comprises a majority of their diet. (Johnson and Anderson 1984). Similarly, although Nuttall’s cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) consumed mostly grasses and forbs, winterfat made up a large component of their diet as well (Johnson and Hansen 1979).
Rodents also utilize winterfat and sickle saltbush habitat. The diet of Townsend's ground squirrel (Urocitellus townsendii) consisted on average of 47% winterfat and three other native plant species (Yensen and Quinny 1992). Great Basin pocket mice can be found sporadically in winterfat communities (Dobkin and Sauder 2004).Piute ground squirrels (Urocitellus mollis), little pocket mice (Perognathus longimembris), dark kangaroo mice (Microdipodops megacephalus), chisel-toothed kangaroo rats (Dipodomys microps) and desert woodrats (Neotoma lepida) are found invariably in various shrubsteppe communities especially where winterfat occurs (Dobkin and Sauder 2004).
Ungulates that occur in Nevada feed on winterfat as well. Winterfat has been documented as a substantial forage item for bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) occurring in Yellowstone National Park, Arizona and North Dakota badlands throughout winter months (Keating et al. 1985, Fairaizl 1978, Morgart 1990). Winterfat has been identified as important forage for mule deer and makes up the majority of elk (Cervus canadensis) diet in winter (Hansen and Reed 1979, Hubbard and Hansen 1976, Nevada Wildlife Action Plan Team 2012).
Several passerine species occur in winterfat-dominated communities; these include horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri), and sage thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) in east-central Nevada; however, they are not dependent on these species as their range extend well beyond the distribution of winterfat (Carey 1995, Bradford et al. 1996, Dobkin and Sauder 2004). Furthermore, the sandy soils found in winterfat communities can be important to burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) and short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) (Nevada Wildlife Action Plan Team 2012)
Reptiles and amphibians have been documented to utilize habitat associated with winterfat and sickle saltbush. The use of salt-desert shrub communities by reptiles and amphibians has not been well documented. However, several species of reptiles and amphibians are found where within salt-desert shrub 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 where sickle saltbush and winterfat species are dominant (Hamilton 2004). Studies have not determined if all species of reptiles and amphibians prefer certain species of saltbush or winterfat; however, researchers agree that maintaining habitat where saltbush and winterfat and reptiles and amphibians occur is important; however, there has been no research regarding the effect of saltbush and winterfat on reptile and amphibian habitat and distribution (Linsdale 1938, West 1999 and ref. therein). Shadscale is a valuable browse species, providing a source of palatable, nutritious forage for a wide variety of wildlife particularly during spring and summer before the hardening of spiny twigs. It supplies browse, seed, and cover for birds, small mammals, rabbits, deer, and pronghorn antelope.
Elk consume western wheatgrass during the fall, winter, spring, and summer. Western wheatgrass is used by various small mammals.
Indian ricegrass is eaten by pronghorn in moderate amounts whenever available. A number of heteromyid rodents inhabiting desert rangelands show preference for seed of Indian ricegrass. Indian ricegrass is an important component of jackrabbit diets in spring and summer. Indian ricegrass seed provides food for many species of birds. Doves, for example, eat large amounts of shattered Indian ricegrass seed lying on the ground.
Bottlebrush squirreltail is a dietary component of several wildlife species.
Changes in plant community composition caused by human activity, invasive weeds, fire and frequency associated with this ecological site could affect the distribution and presence of wildlife species and it is important to maintain the community for optimal productivity and species diversity (Nevada Wildlife Action Plan 2012, USDA Ecological Site Description 2014).
Hydrological functions
Runoff is low to medium. Permeability is very slow to moderate. Rills are none. Water flow patterns are rare to common depending on site location relative to major inflow areas. Moderately fine to fine surface textures and physical crusts result in limited infiltration rates. The surface layer will normally crust and bake upon drying, inhibiting water infiltration and seedling emergence. Pedestals are none. There are typically no gullies associated with this site. Shrubs and deep-rooted perennial herbaceous bunchgrasses and/or rhizomatous grasses (western wheatgrass) aid in infiltration.
Recreational uses
Aesthetic value is derived from the diverse floral and faunal composition and the colorful flowering of wild flowers and shrubs during the spring and early summer. This site offers rewarding opportunities to photographers and for nature study. This site is used for camping and hiking and has potential for upland and big game hunting.
Other products
Seeds of shadscale were used by Native Americans of Arizona, Utah, and Nevada for bread and mush. Indian ricegrass was traditionally eaten by some Native Americans. The Paiutes used the seed as a reserve food source.
Other information
Winterfat adapts well to most site conditions, and its extensive root system stabilizes soil. However, winterfat is intolerant of flooding, excess water, and acidic soils. Western wheatgrass is a good soil binder and is well suited for reclamation of disturbed sites such as erosion control and soil stabilization. Bottlebrush squirreltail is tolerant of disturbance and is a suitable species for revegetation.
Supporting information
Type locality
Location 1: Elko County, NV Township/Range/Section T37N R67E S16 Latitude 41° 5′ 28″ Longitude 114° 23′ 51″ General legal description SE ¼ and SW ¼, Approximately 2 miles south of Cobre, 8½ miles northeast of Oasis, Elko County, Nevada. This site also occurs in White Pine County, Nevada. Other references
Ansley, J. R. and R. H. Abernethy. 1983. Overcoming seed dormancy in Gardner saltbush (Atriplex gardneri (moq.) D. Dietr) as a strategy for increasing establishment by direct seeding. Pp 153-158. In Tiedemann, Arthur R.; McArthur, Durrant E.; Stutz, Howard C.; Stevens, Richard; Johnson, Kendall L., compilers. Proceedings- Symposium on the Biology of Atriplex and Related chenopods. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Provo, Utah.
Bich, B. S., J. L. Butler, and C. A. Schmidt. 1995. Effects of differential livestock use on key plant species and rodent populations within selected Oryzopsis hymenoides/Hilaria jamesii communities of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The Southwestern Naturalist 40:281-287.
Blaisdell, J. P. and R. C. Holmgren. 1984. Managing Intermountain Rangelands - Salt-desert Shrub Ranges. General Technical Report INT-163, USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, UT.
Booth, D. T., C. G. Howard, and C. E. Mowry. 2006. 'Nezpar' Indian ricegrass: description, justification for release, and recommendations for use. Rangelands 2:53-54.
Britton, C. M., G. R. McPherson, and F. A. Sneva. 1990. Effects of burning and clipping on five bunchgrasses in eastern Oregon. Western North American Naturalist 50:115-120.
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.
Cibils, A.F., D.M. Swift, and E.D. McArthur. 1998. Plant Herbivore Interactions in Atriplex: Current State of Knowledge. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Gen. Tech. Rept. RMRS-GTR-14. 31pp.
Cook, C. W. 1962. An evaluation of some common factors affecting ttilization of desert range species. Journal of Range Management 15:333-338.
Cook, C. W. and R. D. Child. 1971. Recovery of desert plants in various states of vigor. Journal of Range Management 24:339-343.
Dayton, W. 1937. Range Plant Handbook. USDA, Forest Service. Bull.
Dobrowolski, J.P., M.M. Caldwell, and J.H. Richards. 1990. Basin Hydrology and Plant Root Systems. In: Osmond, C.B., L.F. Pitelka, and G.M. Hidy (eds). Plant Biology of the Basin and Range. Berlin, Heidelberg, Springer-Verlag: 243-292.
Eckert, R. E., Jr., F. F. Peterson, and F. L. Emmerich. 1987. A study of factors influencing secondary succession in the sagebrush [Artemisia spp. L.] type. Pp. 149-168 in Proceedings: Seed and Seedbed Ecology of Rangeland Plants. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultureal Research Service, Tucson, A.Z.
Fire Effects Information System (Online; http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/).
Fisser, H. G. and L. A. Joyce. 1983. Atriplex/Grass and forb relationships under no grazing and shifting precipitation patterns in north-central Wyoming. Page 87 in Tiedemann, Arthur R.; McArthur, Durrant E.; Stutz, Howard C.; Stevens, Richard; Johnson, Kendall L., compilers. Proceedings- Symposium on the Biology of Atriplex and Related Chenopods. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Provo, Utah.
Hironaka, M. and E. Tisdale. 1973. Growth and development of Sitanion hystrix and Poa sandbergii. Research Memorandum RM 72-24. U.S. International Biological Program, Desert Biome.
Hodgkinson, H. S. 1987. Relationship of saltbush species to soil chemical properties. Journal of Range Management 40:23-26.
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.
Hutchings, S. S. and G. Stewart. 1953. Increasing forage yields and sheep production on Intermountain winter ranges. Circular No. 925. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
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/.
Newton, R.J. and J.R. Goodin. 1989. Moisture stress adaptation in shrubs. In: McKell, C.M., ed. The biology and utilization of shrubs. New York: Academic Press. Pp.365-378.
Nord, E. C., D. R. Christensen, and A. P. Plummer. 1969. Atriplex species [or Taxa] that spread by root sprouts, stem layers, and by seed. Ecology 50:324-326.
Paysen, T. E., R. J. Ansley, J. K. Brown, G. J. Gottfried, 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. Wildland Fire in Ecosystems: Effects of Fire on Flora. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-vol 2:121-159.
Pearson, L. 1964. Effect of harvest date on recovery of range grasses and shrubs. Agronomy Journal 56:80-82.
Pearson, L. C. 1965. Primary production in grazed and ungrazed desert communities of eastern Idaho. Ecology 46:278-285.
Perryman, B. 2014. A Field Guide to Nevada Shrubs. Indigenous Rangeland Management Press. Lander, WY.
Quinones, F. A. 1981. Indian ricegrass evaluation and breeding. Bulletin 681. Page 19. New Mexico State University, Agricultural Experiment Station, Las Cruces, NM.
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.
Stubbendieck, J. L. 1985. Nebraska Range and Pasture Grasses: (including Grass-like Plants). University of Nebraska, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, Lincoln, NE.
USDA-NRCS Plants Database (Online; http://www.plants.usda.gov).
Vallentine, J. F. 1989. Range Development and Improvements. Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, CA.
Wasser, C. H. and J. W. Shoemaker. 1982. Ecology and culture of selected species useful in revegetating disturbed lands in the West. FWS/OBS-82/56. Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior.
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.
White, R. S. and P. O. Currie. 1983. Prescribed burning in the northern Great Plains: yield and cover responses of 3 forage species in the mixed grass prairie. Journal of Range Management 36:179-183.
Wright, H. A. 1971. Why squirreltail is more tolerant to burning than needle-and-thread. Journal of Range Management 24:277-284.
Wright, H. A. 1985. Effects of fire on grasses and forbs in sagebrush-grass communities. Pp.12-21 In Rangeland Fire Effects; A Symposium: Boise, ID, USDI-BLM.
Young, J. A. and R. A. Evans. 1977. Squirreltail seed germination. Journal of Range Management 30:33-36.
Young, R. P. 1983. Fire as a vegetation management tool in rangelands of the intermountain region. Pp. 18-31 In Managing Intermountain Rangelands - Improvement of Range and Wildlife Habitats. General Technical Report INT-157. USDA, Forest Service.
Contributors
HA
T. Stringham/P.Novak-Echenique
E. HourihanRangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Patti Novak-Echenique Contact for lead author State Rangeland Management Specialist Date 12/02/2009 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Rills are none. This site is essentially flat. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns are rare to common depending on site location relative to major inflow areas. Water flow patterns can be fairly long (10-15 ft) and narrow (<12 inches) and widely spaced (5-15 ft) apart. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals are none to rare with occurrence limited to water flow paths. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground up to 80%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
There are typically no gullies associated with this site. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter (foliage of grasses and annual & perennial forbs) expected to move distance of slope length during periods of intense summer convection storms or run in of early spring snow melt flows. Persistent litter (large woody material) will remain in place except during unusual flooding (ponding) events. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil stability values will range from 2 to 4. (To be field tested.) -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Structure of soil surface is moderate thick to strong medium platy. Soil surface colors are light grays and soils are typified by an ochric epipedon. Surface textures are silt loams. Organic carbon of the surface 2 to 3 inches is typically less than 1 percent. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Shrubs and deep-rooted perennial herbaceous bunchgrasses and/or rhizomatous grasses (western wheatgrass) aid in infiltration. Moderately fine to fine surface textures and physical crusts result in limited infiltration rates. The surface layer will normally crust and bake upon drying, inhibiting water infiltration and seedling emergence. -
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. Platy, subangular blocky, or massive subsurface layers are normal for this site and are not to be interpreted as compaction. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Reference State: Salt-desert shrubs (sickle saltbush)Sub-dominant:
Low-stature shrubs or half-shrubs (winterfat, shadscale, etc.) > cool season, rhizomatous grasses (western wheatgrass) > deep-rooted, cool season, perennial bunchgrasses > shallow-rooted cool season, perennial bunchgrasses (bottlebrush squirreltail) > deep-rooted, cool season, perennial forbs = fibrous, shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial and annual forbsOther:
microbiotic crustsAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Dead branches within individual shrubs common and standing dead shrub canopy material may be as much as 35% of total woody canopy. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Between plant interspaces (5-10%) and depth (< ¼ in.) -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
For normal or average growing season (March thru May) ± 350 lbs/ac. Favorable years ± 500 lbs/ac and unfavorable years ± 200 lbs/ac. -
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, Russian thistle, 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 reproduction occur during drought years.
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