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Draft. A draft ecological site description is either incomplete or has not undergone quality control and quality assurance review.
Associated sites
F029XY001CA Shallow Sandy Slope
F029XY001CA Pinus monophylla/Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana-Eriogonum wrightii is located on the upper backslopes of mountains at higher elevations. It is typically found on north- and east-facing slopes.
R029XY186CA Sandy Slope 10-12" p.z.
R029XY189CA Sandy Slope 10-12" p.z. is located on adjacent, north-facing slopes. The dominant species is mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana).
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Eriogonum fasciculatum
(2) Eriogonum wrightiiHerbaceous (1) Achnatherum speciosum
(2) Poa secundaPhysiographic features
This ecological site is found on various land forms. At higher elevations of the survey area, it is found on backslopes of hills and mountains (Grandora, Pilotwell, and Canebrake soils). Slopes in these areas are typically between 15 and 50 percent. It is also found on inset fans in the lower elevations of the survey area (Inyo soils). Slopes in these areas range from 4 to 15 percent.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Mountain
(2) Hill
(3) Inset fan
Flooding duration Very brief (4 to 48 hours) Flooding frequency None to rare Ponding frequency None Elevation 2500 – 6000 ft Slope 4 – 60 % Aspect S Climatic features
The Mojave Desert experiences clear, dry conditions for a majority of the year. Winter temperatures are mild, summer temperatures are hot, and seasonal and diurnal temperature fluctuations are large. Monthly minimum temperature averages range from 30 to 80 degrees F (-1 to 27 degrees C). Monthly maximum temperature averages range from 60 to 110 degrees F (16 to 43 degrees C) (CSU 2002).
Average annual rainfall is between 2 and 8 inches (50 to 205 millimeters) (USDA 2006). Snowfall is more common at elevations above 4000 feet (1220 meters), but it may not occur every year (WRCC 2002). The Mojave Desert receives precipitation from two sources. Precipitation falls primarily in the winter as a result of storms originating in the northern Pacific Ocean. The Sierra Nevada and Transverse Ranges create a rain shadow effect, causing little precipitation to reach the Mojave Desert. Sporadic rainfall occurs during the summer as a result of convection storms formed when moisture from the Gulf of Mexico or Gulf of California moves into the region. Summer rainfall is more common and has a greater influence on soil moisture in the eastern Mojave Desert.
Windy conditions are also common in the Mojave Desert, particularly in the west and central Mojave Desert. Spring is typically the windiest season, with winds averaging 10-15 miles per hour (WRCC 2002). Winds in excess of 25 miles per hour and gusts in excess of 50 miles per hour are not uncommon (CSU 2002).
Although half of the Jawbone-Butterbredt ACEC Soil Survey is in the Mojave Desert (MLRA 30), the western and northwestern areas of the survey transition into the Southern Nevada Basin and Range (MLRA 29). As the Mojave Desert transitions into the Southern Nevada Basin and Range, the temperature range generally becomes cooler (WRCC 2002). Precipitation as rain and as snow also increases (USDA 2006). This survey area has a wide range of precipitation due to its location. Where the Mojave Desert influences are stronger, average annual precipitation ranges from 5 to 7 inches (127 to 178 millimeters). Where the Southern Nevada Basin and Range influences are stronger, average annual precipitation commonly ranges from 7 to 9 inches (178 to 229 millimeters), and may range up to 12 inches (305 millimeters) annually (WRCC 2002). At elevations above 4000 feet (1370 meters), average annual snowfall may reach 20 inches (WRCC 2002).
The data from the following climate stations were used to describe the climate in the Jawbone-Butterbredt ACEC Soil Survey (station number in parentheses):
Cantil, CA (041488)
Inyokern, CA (044278)
Mojave, CA (045756)
Tehachapi, CA (048826)
"Maximum monthly precipitation" represents average monthly precipitation.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 220 days Freeze-free period (average) 0 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
Soil features
This ecological site is found on soils formed from a variety of parent material. Grandora, Pilotwell, and Canebrake soils are formed from colluvium and residuum weathered from granite. Inyo soils are alluvial, formed from mixed sources, very deep (>60 inches), and sandy. Permeability is rapid, runoff is low to medium, and soils are well drained to excessively drained. Available water capacity is very low to low. Pilotwell and Canebrake soils are deep and shallow, respectively, to weathered granitic bedrock. Both are sandy throughout the soil profile. These soils have rapid permeability above the bedrock and low permeability in the bedrock. They are somewhat excessively drained. Available water capacity is very low to low.
This ecological site is found on several soils which classify as follows:
Grandora, warm -- Mixed, mesic Xeric Torripsamment
Inyo -- Mixed, thermic Xeric Torripsamment
Pilotwell – Mixed, thermic, Xeric Torripsamment
Canebrake – Mixed, mesic, shallow Xeric Torripsamment
Soil survey area - Map unit symbol - Component
CA682 – 3275 – Canebrake (major) (correlated to Map Unit 516, Kern County, Northeastern Part (CA668))
CA682 – 3672 – Inyo (major) (correlated to Map Unit 242, Kern County, Northeastern Part (CA668))
CA682 – 3270 – Pilotwell (major) (correlated to Map Unit 250, Kern County, Northeastern Part (CA668))
CA682 – 5201 – Grandora, warm
CA682 – 5205 – Grandora, warm
CA682 – 5210 – Grandora, warm (major)
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Gravelly loamy coarse sand
(2) Loamy coarse sand
(3) Coarse sand
Family particle size (1) Sandy
Drainage class Well drained to excessively drained Permeability class Moderately rapid to rapid Soil depth 25 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 12 – 80 % Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)0.5 – 4.8 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 1 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)5 – 30 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
This ecological site occurs predominantly on south-facing slopes. Relative to adjacent areas, these slopes have warmer temperatures and water is plant available for shorter periods of the year. These warmer and drier conditions are not ideal for the establishment of mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) (Johnson 2000), which is present on adjacent north-facing slopes. Without a mountain big sagebrush canopy, several species present in small amounts in the sagebrush community are able to dominate in this community. These include Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), desert needlegrass (Achnatherum speciosum), and California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). Other shrubs include mormon tea (Ephedra viridis) and mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana).
Desert needlegrass is typically found on coarse-textured or rocky soils. Sandberg bluegrass and California buckwheat are common species that grow under a wide range of conditions. These species are typically found in early- and mid-seral communities and are less common in late seral communities where they are outlived or outcompeted. Mountain big sagebrush is a long-lived, late seral species and is present in small amounts where cooler microclimates have allowed its establishment. Mormon tea favors open canopies and can be found in all stages of succession (Anderson 2001).
Wildfire may affect this plant community. Fire return intervals for this area are approximately 130-150 years (Harris 2006). The dominant species are relatively well adapted to fire. Grasses will typically sprout from the root crown if the fire is not severe, but they also re-establish by seed. California buckwheat establishes by seed, and Mormon tea may sprout or seed following a fire. The post-fire community will likely be similar to the pre-fire one due to conditions that prevent other species such as mountain big sagebrush from establishing in large numbers.
Wildfires or other disturbances may encourage establishment of invasive species. Red brome (Bromus rubens) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) are currently present in small amounts in this ecological site. Further spread of these species may in turn increase the frequency of wildfires by creating a more continuous layer of surface fuels.
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 1
Perennial grass - California buckwheatCommunity 1.1
Perennial grass - California buckwheatThis community occurs below the singleleaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla) woodland. It is closely associated with communities dominated by mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana), which occur on cooler north-facing slopes. The dominant species in this community are desert needlegrass (Achnatherum speciosum), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), and California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). Mormon tea (Ephedra viridis) is also an important species, and small amounts of and mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) also occur in this community. The potential plants community is 50% perennial shrubs, 45% perennial grasses, and 5% annual forbs.
Figure 3. 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 202 306 405 Grass/Grasslike 188 277 372 Forb 10 17 22 Tree 0 0 1 Total 400 600 800 Table 6. Ground cover
Tree foliar cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover 20-20% Grass/grasslike foliar cover 10-10% Forb foliar cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Table 7. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 10-20% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-10% Forb basal cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0% Litter 0-0% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 0% Surface fragments >3" 0-0% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 0% Table 8. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – – 2-3% >0.5 <= 1 – 5-7% – – >1 <= 2 – 15-20% 7-10% – >2 <= 4.5 – – – – >4.5 <= 13 – – – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Additional community tables
Table 9. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Tree1 Tree 0–1 bastardsage ERWR Eriogonum wrightii 80–155 – Eastern Mojave buckwheat ERFA2 Eriogonum fasciculatum 60–120 – narrowleaf goldenbush ERLI6 Ericameria linearifolia 60–120 – basin big sagebrush ARTRT Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata 2–4 – California juniper JUCA7 Juniperus californica 0–2 – Joshua tree YUBR Yucca brevifolia 0–2 – singleleaf pinyon PIMO Pinus monophylla 0–1 – grape soda lupine LUEX Lupinus excubitus 0–1 – mormon tea EPVI Ephedra viridis 0–1 – Shrub/Vine1 Perennial Shrubs 202–405 desert needlegrass ACSP12 Achnatherum speciosum 172–340 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 16–32 – Grass/Grasslike2 Perennial Grasses 188–372 blazingstar MENTZ Mentzelia 4–8 – flatcrown buckwheat ERDE6 Eriogonum deflexum 2–4 – Pringle's woolly sunflower ERPR4 Eriophyllum pringlei 0–1 – chia SACO6 Salvia columbariae 0–1 – Forb3 Annual Forbs 6–14 4 Perennial Forbs 4–8 Interpretations
Animal community
The species on this ecological site are a valuable food source for wildlife (Sampson and Jesperson 1963, Pavek 1993, Howard 1997). The grass species are also very valuable forage species for domestic livestock, but use of this ecological site for that purpose may be limited in some areas by steep slopes and lack of water sources.
Recreational uses
This ecological site occurs near the Pacific Crest Trail.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
3 Line-point intercept transects (2006) 1 SCS Range 417 Production and Composition Record (2004)
Type locality
Location 1: Kern County, CA UTM zone N UTM northing 3934784 UTM easting 397021 General legal description Located in the Jawbone-Butterbredt ACES, 0.5 miles south of the junction of SC120 and the Pacific Crest Trail. Other references
Anderson, Michelle D. 2001. Ephedra viridis. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [ 2006, November 30].
California State University (CSU) Desert Studies Center. 2002. Desert Climate. CSU Desert Studies Center, Soda Springs, CA. Online. http://biology.fullerton.edu/facilities/dsc/zz_climate.html. Accessed 28 November 2006.
Harris, Glenn. Natural Resources Specialist, Bureau of Land Management Ridgecrest Field Office, Ridgecrest, CA. Personal communication. November 8, 2006. Progress Field Review. Jawbone-Butterbredt ACEC Soil Survey, Mojave Desert Area, Northwest Part (CA682)
Howard, Janet L. 1997. Poa secunda. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2007, January 18].
Johnson, Kathleen A. 2000. Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [ 2006, November 30].
Pavek, D.S. 1993. Achnatherum speciosum. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2006, October 19].
Sampson, A.W. and B.S. Jesperson. 1963. California range brushlands and browse plants. Publication 4010. Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296.
Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC). 2002. Western U.S. Climate Historical Summaries [Online]. Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV. Online. http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/Climsum.html. Accessed 28 November 2006.
Locator map image generated using TopoZone.com © 1999-2004 Maps a la carte, Inc. - All rights reserved.
Contributors
Allison Tokunaga
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) Contact for lead author Date Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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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:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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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:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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