Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site DX032X01A146
Sands (Sa)
Big Horn Basin Core
Last updated: 9/05/2019
Accessed: 05/21/2026
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Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 032X–Northern Intermountain Desertic Basins
Major land resource area (MLRA):
032X – Northern Intermountain Desertic Basins – This MLRA is comprised of two major Basins, the Big Horn and Wind River. These two basins are distinctly different and are split by LRU’s to allow individual ESD descriptions. These warm basins are surrounded by uplifts and rimmed by mountains, creating a unique set of plant responses and communities. Unique characteristics of the geology and geomorphology single these two basins out.
Further information regarding MLRAs, refer to: United States Department of Agriculture, 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. Available electronically at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcs142p2_053624#handbook.LRU notes
Land Resource Unit (LRU):
32X01A (WY): This LRU is the Big Horn Basin within MLRA 32. This LRU is lower in elevation, slightly warmer and receives slightly less overall precipitaiton than the Wind River Basin (LRU 02). This LRU was originally divided into two LRU's - LRU A which was the core and LRU B which was the rim. With the most current standards, this LRU is divided into two Subsets. This subset is Subset A, referred to as the Core, which is warm, dry eroded basin floor. As the LRU shifts outer edges, aspect and relation to the major bodies of water and taller landforms create minor shifts in soil chemistry influencing the variety of ecological sites and plant interactions. The extent of soils currently correlated to this ecological site does not fit within the digitized boundary. Many of the noted soils are provisional and will be reviewed and corrected in mapping update projects. Other map units are correlated as small inclusions within other MLRA’s/LRU’s based on elevation, landform, and biological references. Older ESD's will refer to LRU A. LRU A and LRU 01 in MLRA 32X are synonymous.
Moisture Regime: Typic Aridic, prior to 2012, there are map units that cross over to ustic aridic or ustic aridic was correlated into this core area. As progressive mapping continues and when the ability to do update projects, these overlapping map units will be corrected.
Temperature Regime: Mesic
Dominant Cover: Rangeland, with Saltbush flats the dominant vegetative cover for this LRU/ESD.
Representative Value (RV) Effective Precipitation: 5-9 inches (127 – 229 mm)
RV Frost-Free Days: 110-150 daysClassification relationships
Relationship to Other Established Classification Systems:
National Vegetation Classification System (NVC):
3 Xeromorphic Woodland, Scrub & Herb Vegetation Class
3.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass
3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland formation
3.B.1.NE Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division
M169 Great Basin & Intermountain Tall Sagebrush Shrubland & Steppe Macrogroup
G302 Artemisia Tridentata - Artemisia tripartita - Purshia tridentata Big Sagebrush Steppe Group
Ecoregions (EPA):
Level I: 10 North American Deserts
Level II: 10.1 Cold Deserts
Level III: 10.1.18 Wyoming Basin
Level IV: 10.1.18.g Big Horn Salt Desert Shrub BasinEcological site concept
• Site receives no additional water.
• Slope is < 30%
• Soils are:
o Textures range from sand to fine sandy loam in top 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface
o Clay content is < 15% in top 4” (10 cm) of mineral soil surface
o All subsurface horizons in the particle size control section have a weighted average of <15% clay. (The particle size control section is the segment of the profile from 25-100 cm’s).
o Moderately deep to very deep (20-80+ in. (50-200+ cm)
o Soil profile lacks structure and development.
o Not skeletal (<35% rock fragments) within 20” (50 cm) of mineral soil surfaceAssociated sites
R032XY166WY Shallow Sandy (SwSy) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
Shallow Sandy sites are commonly found inter-mixed with or in association with sands and sandy site along sandstone outcroppings (escarpments).
DX032X01A150 Sandy (Sy) Big Horn Basin Core
Sandy sites are commonly found inter-mixed with or in association with sands and shallow sandy site along sandstone outcroppings (escarpments aprons or dipslopes).
Similar sites
DX032X01A150 Sandy (Sy) Big Horn Basin Core
Soils for the sandy site are more developed and stable, and support more mid-stature bunchgrasses and shrubs than sands site does.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Artemisia cana
Herbaceous (1) Hesperostipa comata
(2) Calamovilfa longifoliaLegacy ID
R032XA146WY
Physiographic features
This site occurs on nearly level to 30% slopes.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Intermontane basin > Alluvial fan
(2) Intermontane basin > Hill
(3) Intermontane basin > Plateau
Runoff class Negligible to high Elevation 3700 – 6000 ft Slope 0 – 30 % Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
Climate Features
Annual precipitation and modeled relative effective annual precipitation ranges from 5 to 9 inches (127 – 229 mm). The normal precipitation pattern shows peaks in May and June and a secondary peak in September. The noted peaks account for approximately 50% of the mean annual precipitation. Much of the moisture that falls in the latter part of the summer is lost by evaporation and much of the moisture that falls during the winter is lost by sublimation.
Average snowfall is about 20 inches annually. Wide fluctuations may occur in yearly precipitation and result in more dry years than those with more than normal precipitation. Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums, due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Cold air outbreaks from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may occur in winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring. High winds are generally blocked from the basin by high mountains but can occur in conjunction with an occasional thunderstorm.
Growth of native cool-season plants begins approximately on April 1st and continues through to July 1st. Cool weather and moisture in September may produce some green up of cool season plants that will continue to late October. For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/. “Basin”, "Emblem", "Greybull", “Lovell”, "Worland FAA AP" and “Worland” are the representative weather stations for LRU A. The following graphs and charts are a collective sample representing the averaged normals and 30-year annual rainfall data for the selected weather stations from 1981 to 2010.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 110-120 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 130-140 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (actual range) 110-120 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 130-150 days Precipitation total (actual range) 10-10 in Frost-free period (average) 110 days Freeze-free period (average) 140 days Precipitation total (average) 10 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 5. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 6. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 7 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) WORLAND [USW00024062], Worland, WY
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(2) WORLAND [USC00489770], Worland, WY
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(3) BASIN [USC00480540], Basin, WY
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(4) GREYBULL [USC00484080], Greybull, WY
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(5) EMBLEM [USC00483031], Burlington, WY
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(6) LOVELL [USC00485770], Lovell, WY
">Influencing water features
The characteristics of these upland soils have no influence from ground water (water table below 60 inches (150 cm)) and have minimal influence from surface water/overland flow. There may be isolated features that are affected by snow pack that persists longer than surrounding areas due to position on the landform (shaded/protected pockets). No streams are classified within this ecological site.
Soil features
The soils of this site are moderately deep (greater than 20” to bedrock) to very deep, well-drained soils that formed in alluvium, alluvium over residuum, or eolian deposits. These soils have moderate, moderately rapid, or rapid permeability. The surface soil will vary from 3 to 6 inches deep. The coarser topsoils may be included if underlain by finer textured subsoil. The soil characteristic having the most influence on plant community is the light texture which can affect the available moisture.
Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – sandstone
(2) Eolian deposits – sandstone
(3) Residuum – sandstone
Surface texture (1) Fine sandy loam
(2) Sandy loam
(3) Loamy very fine sand
Family particle size (1) Sandy
Drainage class Well drained to excessively drained Permeability class Moderately rapid to rapid Soil depth 20 – 60 in Available water capacity
(0-40in)1.8 – 4.2 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 5 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 4 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 5 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 8.4 Ecological dynamics
Ecological Dynamics of the Site:
Potential vegetation on this site is dominated by tall and mid perennial grasses. Other significant vegetation includes winterfat, fourwing saltbush, and silver and big sagebrush, and a variety of forbs. The expected potential composition for this site is about 70% grasses, 10% forbs and 20% woody plants. The composition and production will vary naturally due to historical use, fluctuating precipitation and fire frequency.
As this site deteriorates, species such as silver sagebrush, green and rubber rabbitbrush, and big sagebrush will increase. Plains pricklypear and weedy annuals will invade. Mid-grasses such as needleandthread, prairie sandreed and Indian ricegrass will decrease in frequency and production.
The Historic Climax Plant Community (description follows the plant community diagram) has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, or areas protected from excessive disturbance. Trends in plant communities going from heavily grazed areas to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts have also been used.
The following is a State and Transition Model Diagram that illustrates the common plant communities (states) that can occur on the site and the transitions between these communities. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community narratives following the diagram.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
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 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Needleandthread/Prairie sandreed Plant CommunityCommunity 1.1
Needleandthread/Prairie sandreed Plant CommunityThe interpretive plant community for this site is the Historic Climax Plant Community. This state evolved with grazing by large herbivores and periodic fires. The cyclical natural of the fire regime in this community prevented big sagebrush from being the dominant landscape. This plant community can be found on areas that are properly managed with grazing and/or prescribed burning, and on areas receiving occasional short periods of rest. The state is a mix of warm and cool season mid and tall grasses. Potential vegetation is about 70% grasses or grass-like plants, 10% forbs, and 20% woody plants.
The major grasses include needleandthread, prairie sandreed, and Indian ricegrass. Other grasses occurring in the state include rhizomatous wheatgrasses, Sandberg bluegrass, blue grama and red threeawn. Fourwing saltbush, winterfat and silver and big sagebrush are conspicuous components of this state. A variety of forbs also occurs in this state and plant diversity is high (see Plant Composition Table).
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 500 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 350 lbs. /acre in unfavorable years to about 700 lbs. /acre in above average years.
The state is stable and well adapted to the Northern Intermountain Desertic Basins climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought resistance. This is a sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity).
Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:
• Moderate, Continuous Season-Long grazing will convert the plant community to the Perennial Grass/Mixed Shrub Plant Community. Prolonged drought will exacerbate this transition.Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 9. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0501 , 5-9BH Upland sites. Monthly percentages of total annual growth for all upland sites with dominantly C3 Cool season plants..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 15 50 20 5 10 State 2
Perennial Grass/Mixed Shrub Plant CommunityCommunity 2.1
Perennial Grass/Mixed Shrub Plant CommunityHistorically, this plant community evolved under grazing by bison and a low fire frequency. Currently, this site normally is found under a moderate, season-long grazing regime and extended periods without fire is now common. Prolonged drought can also play an important role under these grazing regimes and will exacerbate these conditions. Shrubs such as silver and big sagebrushes, yucca, and green rabbitbrush, make up less than 25% of the total annual production. Mid and tall perennial grasses make up the majority of the understory with the balance made up of short, warm-season grasses, and miscellaneous forbs.
The understory of grass and grass-like plants includes needleandthread, prairie sandreed, rhizomatous wheatgrasses, blue grama and red threeawn. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include scarlet globemallow, fringed sagewort, lemon scurfpea, sulfur buckwheat, sandwort, hairy goldaster, and phlox. The overstory of brush and understory of grass and forbs provide a diverse plant community.
When compared to the Historic Climax Plant Community, Indian ricegrass, and winterfat have decreased. Indian ricegrass may occur in only trace amounts under the sagebrush canopy or within the patches of pricklypear. Blue grama, big and silver sagebrush, and yucca have increased. Plains pricklypear cactus will also have increased, but occurs only in small patches.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 400 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 200 lbs. /acre in unfavorable years to about 525 lbs. /acre in above average years.
This plant community is resistant to change. The herbaceous species present are well adapted to grazing; however, species composition can be altered through long-term overgrazing. The herbaceous component is mostly intact and plant vigor and replacement capabilities are sufficient. Incidence of pedestalling is minimal. Soils are mostly stable, but areas of wind-scouring and deposition are noticeable in small patches. The watershed is functioning and the biotic community is intact.
Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:
• Prescribed grazing or possibly long-term prescribed grazing is needed to return this state to near Historic Climax Plant Community condition.
• Frequent and severe grazing, will convert the plant community to the Blowout Dune/Mixed Shrub Plant Community.Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0501 , 5-9BH Upland sites. Monthly percentages of total annual growth for all upland sites with dominantly C3 Cool season plants..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 15 50 20 5 10 State 3
Blowout Dune/Mixed Shrub Plant CommunityCommunity 3.1
Blowout Dune/Mixed Shrub Plant CommunityThis plant community is the result of frequent and severe grazing and protection from fire. Bare sand and shrubs dominate this plant community, as the annual production of sagebrush, green rabbitbrush and yucca will exceed 25% of the total. Yucca can become a dominant plant on this site especially if browsing of the yucca during the bloom growth stage is removed. These shrub species are a significant component of the plant community and the preferred cool season grasses have been eliminated or greatly reduced.
The dominant grasses are Sandberg bluegrass and blue grama. Weedy annual species such as cheatgrass, Russian thistle, kochia, and a variety of mustards may occupy the site if seed sources are available. Patches of pricklypear cactus can be noticeable. The interspaces between plants have expanded leaving the amount of bare ground more prevalent. Grass production as well as total production is significantly reduced.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 150 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 100 lbs. /acre in unfavorable years to about 300 lbs. /acre in above average years.
This plant community is relatively resistant to change. Continued frequent and severe grazing does not seem to affect the plant composition or structure of the plant community. These areas are more resistant to fire as less fine fuels are available and the bare ground between the shrub plants is increased. Plant diversity is poor. Production is reduced and plant vigor is diminished due to herbivore grazing and blowing sand, which can defoliate the vegetative parts of the grass plants.
The soils are not protected from wind as erosion is accelerated and blowouts will increase. Pedestalling is pervasive and eolian deposits (dunes) form around the clumped vegetation. This situation is normally extensive.
Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:
• Deferment of use or very long-term grazing prescribed grazing, will convert this plant community to the Needleandthread/Yucca Plant Community.
• Reseeding with mulch with brush management and prescribed grazing is necessary to return a protective vegetation cover to this state so as to convert this to near HCPC. The grazing prescription most commonly used is complete deferment during the growing season with limited use in the winter. This will provide as much plant litter cover as possible to protect the soil surface.Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0501 , 5-9BH Upland sites. Monthly percentages of total annual growth for all upland sites with dominantly C3 Cool season plants..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 15 50 20 5 10 State 4
Needleandthread/Yucca Plant CommunityCommunity 4.1
Needleandthread/Yucca Plant CommunityThis plant community can occur where the Blowout Dune/Mixed Shrub Plant Community is deferred from grazing or under very long term prescribed grazing practices. Shrubs and especially yucca remain a significant component of the plant community but grasses, especially needleandthread, have reestablished on the bare sands areas. Pricklypear cactus can also become established in dense patches. The shrub and yucca component is present but is mostly localized to the original areas occupied on the ridgeline of the dunes. The blowout areas and dune slopes are now mostly covered with needleandthread.
Other important grasses are the rhizomatous wheatgrasses when present, threeawns, and Sandberg bluegrass. Patches of annuals such as cheatgrass and other weedy annual forbs such as halogeton, Russian thistle, and kochia, will persist on this site. Noxious weeds such as Russian knapweed may also remain if not treated. The interspaces between plants will have diminished in size.
When compared with the HCPC or the Mixed Shrub/ Perennial Grass Plant Communities, the annual production is less. Most of the climax grasses are not present such as Indian ricegrass and prairie sandreed.
The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 250 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 100 lbs. /acre in unfavorable years to about 325 lbs. /acre in above average years.
This state is somewhat resistant to change under moderate grazing and the reestablishment of perennial mid and tall grasses is difficult in this situation. The biotic integrity of this state is minimally functional and plant diversity is moderate to low.
Erosion has been diminished as the grassed areas are resistant to wind erosive processes. The remnant dune formations should not be confused with current wind erosion processes. Pedestalling is still apparent along the grassed edges, but is not progressing.
Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows:
• Reseeding with mulch with brush management and prescribed grazing is necessary to return a protective vegetation cover to this state so as to convert this to near HCPC. The grazing prescription most commonly used is complete deferment during the growing season with limited use in the winter. This will provide as much plant litter cover as possible to protect the soil surface.
• Frequent and severe grazing will return the plant community to the Blowout Dune/Mixed Shrub Plant Community.Figure 12. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0501 , 5-9BH Upland sites. Monthly percentages of total annual growth for all upland sites with dominantly C3 Cool season plants..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 15 50 20 5 10 Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 25–50 thickspike wheatgrass ELLA3 Elymus lanceolatus 25–50 – thickspike wheatgrass ELLAL Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus 25–50 – western wheatgrass PASM Pascopyrum smithii 25–50 – 2 100–200 needle and thread HECO26 Hesperostipa comata 100–200 – 3 100–150 prairie sandreed CALO Calamovilfa longifolia 100–150 – 4 50–100 Indian ricegrass ACHY Achnatherum hymenoides 50–100 – 5 0–50 Grass, perennial 2GP Grass, perennial 0–25 – threeawn ARIST Aristida 0–25 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–25 – Sandberg bluegrass POSE Poa secunda 0–25 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–25 – Forb6 5–50 Forb, perennial 2FP Forb, perennial 0–25 – textile onion ALTE Allium textile 0–25 – desertparsley LOMAT Lomatium 0–25 – phlox PHLOX Phlox 0–25 – scarlet globemallow SPCO Sphaeralcea coccinea 0–25 – Shrub/Vine7 0–50 silver sagebrush ARCA13 Artemisia cana 0–50 – 8 0–50 spiny hopsage GRSP Grayia spinosa 0–50 – 9 5–75 Shrub (>.5m) 2SHRUB Shrub (>.5m) 0–25 – big sagebrush ARTR2 Artemisia tridentata 0–25 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 0–25 – shadscale saltbush ATCO Atriplex confertifolia 0–25 – yellow rabbitbrush CHVI8 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus 0–25 – rubber rabbitbrush ERNA10 Ericameria nauseosa 0–25 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–25 – yucca YUCCA Yucca 0–25 – Table 6. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 7. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Historic Climax Plant Community: The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as bison, elk, and antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for deer may be limited due to the low quantities of woody plants. However, topographical variations could provide some escape cover. When found adjacent to sagebrush dominated states, this plant community may provide brood rearing/foraging areas for sage grouse, as well as lek sites. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles. Many grassland obligate small mammals would occur here.
Perennial Grass/Mixed Shrub: These communities provide limited grazing for antelope and other herbivores. They may be used as a foraging site by sage grouse if proximal to woody cover.
Blowout Dune/Mixed Shrub Plant Community: This community may provide foraging for antelope and other grazers. They may be used as a foraging site by sage grouse if proximal to woody cover and if the Historic Climax Plant Community or the Mixed Shrub/Perennial Grass Plant Community is limiting. Generally, these are not target plant communities for wildlife habitat management.
Needleandthread/Yucca Plant Community: This community may provide foraging for antelope and other grazers. They may be used as a foraging site by sage grouse if proximal to woody cover and if the Historic Climax Plant Community or the Mixed Shrub/Perennial Grass Plant Community is limited.
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
The following table lists suggested stocking rates for cattle under continuous season-long grazing under normal growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using this information along with animal preference data, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. Under more intensive grazing management, improved harvest efficiencies can result in an increased carrying capacity. If distribution problems occur, stocking rates must be reduced to maintain plant health and vigor.
Plant Community Production Carrying Capacity*
(lb. /ac) (AUM/ac)
Historic Climax Plant Community 350-700 .20
Perennial Grass/Mixed Shrub 200-525 .16
Blowout Dune/Mixed Shrub 75-300 .05
Needleandthread/Yucca 100-325 .10
* - Continuous, season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock use needs to be supplemented with protein because the quality does not meet minimum livestock requirements.Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B, with localized areas in hydrologic group C. Infiltration potential for this site varies from moderately rapid to rapid depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. Runoff varies from low to moderate. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where short-grasses form a strong sod and dominate the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrology information).
Rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present. Pedestals are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1-2% of the soil surface.Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide varieties of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
None noted.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel were also used. Other sources used as references include: USDA NRCS Water and Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, and USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties. Inventory Data References Data Source Number of Records Sample Period State County SCS-RANGE-417 19 1965-1986 WY Park & others
Approval
Scott Woodall, 9/05/2019
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) Ray Gullion Contact for lead author ray.gullion@wy.usda.gov Date 02/19/2008 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially non-existent -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 25-35% occurring in small areas throughout site -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Active blowouts should not be present -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Plant cover and litter is at 60% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Soil Stability class is anticipated to be 4 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use Soil Series description for depth and color of A-horizon -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Grass canopy and basal cover should reduce raindrop impact and slow overland flow providing increased time for infiltration to occur. Healthy deep rooted native grasses enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. Infiltration is Moderately rapid to Very Rapid. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer or soil surface crusting should be present. -
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:
Tall and Mid stature GrassesSub-dominant:
Shrubs ForbsOther:
Short stature grasses/grasslikesAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very Low -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
500 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:
Threadleaf sedge, Threeawns, Yucca, Skunkbush sumac, Big sagebrush, Annuals, Exotics, Unpalatable forbs, and Species found on Noxious Weed List -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing
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