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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): 078C–Central Rolling Red Plains, Eastern Part
MLRA 78C is characterized by moderately dissected, rolling plains with prominent ridges and valleys and numerous terraces adjacent to dissecting streams. Loamy and clayey soils are generally deep, well drained, and developed in soft, calcareous sandstones, siltstones, and shales in red beds of Permian age. Characteristic red soils have formed in most of the area because of the underlying Permian red-bed sedimentary rocks.
LRU notes
NA
Classification relationships
This ecological site is correlated to soil components at the Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) level which is further described in USDA Ag Handbook 296.
Ecological site concept
The Slickspot ecosite occurs on depressed areas of lighter colored surface soils over
compact clay layers. Salinity is often high and surface crusting is common. These sites
are commonly mapped as complexes within other soils/sites. Salt tolerant vegetation
dominates these areas. Due to the nature of the soils, these areas may be particularly
sensitive to erosion following soil disturbances.Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Sporobolus airoides
(2) Bouteloua gracilisPhysiographic features
These are small areas, generally less than one acre in size, but can be larger, located on nearly level to moderately sloping plains.
Figure 2. Slickspot
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Alluvial plain > Terrace
Runoff class High to very high Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 900 – 2000 ft Slope 0 – 3 % Ponding depth 0 in Water table depth 60 – 80 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
MLRA 78C lies within the subtropical sub-humid climate regime. This regime is characterized by rapid changes in temperature; marked extremes, both daily and annual; and rather erratic rainfall. The weather is alternately influenced by cold dry air from the Arctic Circle, and warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico.
Seasonal changes are gradual. Spring is a season of variable weather and relatively high precipitation with prevailing winds from the southwest. Summers are generally hot with low humidity. Fall has long periods of pleasant weather interspersed with moderate to heavy rains. Winter is open and moderate to cold with winds from the north and infrequent snows.
Wind speeds average more than eleven miles an hour with prevailing southern winds. Rather strong winds can occur in all months of the year. While strong gusty winds occur, severe dust storms are rare.
Approximately 75 percent of the rainfall occurs during the warm season, and much of it comes in storms of high intensity and short duration in May and June. These rains can be particularly erosive on sites where vegetation is sparse. Occasional droughts are to be expected. Lack of rainfall and hot, dry winds often curtail forage production during July and August.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (characteristic range) 180-190 days Freeze-free period (characteristic range) 200-200 days Precipitation total (characteristic range) 30-30 in Frost-free period (actual range) 180-190 days Freeze-free period (actual range) 200-210 days Precipitation total (actual range) 30-40 in Frost-free period (average) 180 days Freeze-free period (average) 200 days Precipitation total (average) 30 in Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 3. Monthly precipitation range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 4. Monthly minimum temperature range
Characteristic rangeActual rangeBarLineFigure 5. Monthly maximum temperature range
BarLineFigure 6. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 7. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 8 Annual average temperature pattern
Climate stations used
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(1) ALTUS IRIG RSCH STN [USC00340179], Elmer, OK
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(2) WICHITA MTN WR [USC00349629], N Central Comanche Cnty, OK
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(3) ALTUS DAM [USC00340184], Lone Wolf, OK
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(4) HOBART MUNI AP [USW00093986], Hobart, OK
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(5) CHATTANOOGA [USC00341706], Chattanooga, OK
">Influencing water features
None
Wetland description
NA
Soil features
Soils are mapped for each county within the MLRA. Mapunits are representations of the major soil series component(s) and named accordingly. Each Mapunit is spatially represented on a digital soils map as polygons of different shapes and sizes. Within these Mapunits, there are often minor soil series components included. These minor components are soils that occur within a Mapunit polygon but are of small extent (15% or less of the Mapunit area). However, it is difficult to separate these minor soils spatially due to the scale of soil mapping.
Ecological sites are correlated at the component level of the soil survey. Therefore, a single Mapunit may contain multiple Ecological Sites just as it may contain multiple soil components. This is important to understand when investigating soils and Ecological Sites. A soil survey Mapunit may be correlated to a single Ecological Site based on the major component; however, there may be inclusional areas of additional Ecological Sites which are correlated to the minor components of that particular soil Mapunit.
Representative soil components for this site include:
Hinkle
Slickspot soils occur in Hinkle Series complexes. These sites are small depressed areas and usually light colored on the surface. Slickspots are easily recognized because they are inclusions within larger ecological sites and appear to be "out of place" or unusually different in appearance and vegetation from surrounding sites. Normally, the surface soil is 2 to 4 inches thick over compacted clay. Infiltration is very slow and soil aeration is unfavorable for plant growth. Crusting restricts vegetative yields.Table 4. Representative soil features
Parent material (1) Alluvium – granite
Surface texture (1) Loam
(2) Silt loam
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Moderately well drained to well drained Permeability class Very slow to moderate Soil depth 60 – 80 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)2.5 – 5.3 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)0 – 3 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 6 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)5 – 15 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.1 – 8.6 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
The information contained in the State and Transition Diagram (STD) and the Ecological Site Description was developed using archeological and historical data, professional experience, and scientific studies. The information presented is representative of a very complex set of plant communities. Not all scenarios or plants are included. Key indicator plants, animals and ecological processes are described to inform land management decisions.
Vegetation on this site can vary due to differences in salt content and the degree of compaction of clay loam subsoils. Vegetation is primarily alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), and buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) with various combinations and amounts of sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), windmill grass (Chloris verticillata), silver bluestem (Bothriochloa laguroides var. torreyana), tumblegrass (Schedonnardus paniculatus), fall witchgrass (Digitaria cognata), gummy lovegrass (Eragrostis curtipedicellata), and Texas grama (Bouteloua rigidiseta). During extremely cool, wet spring years, prairie threeawn (Aristida purpurea) and western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) may increase to more than normal levels. Some Slickspots are so salty and droughty that vegetation will not grow, while conversely, other low-salinity Slickspot sites support diverse plant communities relatively well.
Slickspots are often small inclusions within larger Claypan and Loamy Prairie ecological sites, so it is difficult to separate these small ecological sites into individual management units. On this site, grazing abuse tends to decrease alkali sacaton, sideoats grama, and blue grama while increasing buffalograss, gummy lovegrass, mourning lovegrass, whorled dropseed, inland saltgrass, tumblegrass, windmillgrass, and Texas grama. Also, under continuous abuse, reference community plants will eventually be replaced by prairie threeawn and other annuals. This rate of replacement depends upon several factors including, but not limited to, stocking rate, time of grazing, and available moisture.
The significant plant communities are:
1. Midgrass/Shortgrass alkali sacaton dominant
2. Shortgrass blue grama dominant
3. Shortgrass prairie threeawn dominant
State and Transition Diagram:
A State and Transition Diagram for the Slickspot (R078CY091OK) site is depicted below. Thorough descriptions of each state, transition, and pathway follow the model. Experts base this model on available experimental research, field observations, professional consensus, and interpretations. It is likely to change as knowledge increases.
Plant communities will differ across the MLRA because of the natural variability in weather, soils, and aspect. The Reference Plant Community is not necessarily the management goal; other vegetative states may be desired plant communities as long as the Range Health assessments are in the moderate and above category.
The biological processes on this site are complex. Therefore, representative values are presented in a land management context. The species lists are representative and are not botanical descriptions of all species occurring, or potentially occurring, on this site. They are not intended to cover every situation or the full range of conditions, species, and responses for the site.
Composition by dry weight and percent canopy cover are provided to describing the functional groups. Most observers find it easier to visualize or estimate percent canopy for woody species (trees and shrubs).
The following diagram suggests some pathways that the vegetation on this site might take. There may be other states not shown on the diagram. This information is intended to show what might happen in a given set of circumstances. It does not mean that this would happen the same way in every instance. Local professional guidance should always be sought before pursuing a treatment scenario.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
T1A - Extensive soil disturbance followed by seeding T2A - Loss of soil and site stability State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
GrasslandThis is the reference or diagnostic community for the site. The description is based on early range site descriptions, clipping data, professional consensus of experienced range specialists, and analysis of field work.
Community 1.1
Reference CommunityThe Slickspot ecological site is a small area of open midgrass/shortgrass prairie with alkali sacaton being the dominant grass species and approximately 10% sideoats grama usually on site. The major shortgrasses are sideoats grama along with lesser amounts of blue grama and buffalograss. Slickspots can also support a variety of other grasses and forbs including sedges, common yarrow, windmillgrass, scribner's panicum, Texas grama, mourning lovegrass, silver bluestem, whorled dropseed, inland saltgrass, gummy lovegrass, fall witchgrass, meadow dropseed, heath aster, tumblegrass, and fringeleaf paspalum. Prairie threeawn and western ragweed are common cyclic invaders. There can also be, especially in the southernmost counties of the state, a scattering of honey mesquite found on this site. This plant community evolved via the influence of extremes in temperature, precipitation, wind, drought, fire, and herbivory, especially bison herbivory.
Range management plans should include prescribed grazing and burning to restore, maintain the plant community. Short-term, early, heavy grazing on prairie threeawn to prevent seed production will aid in both the restoration and maintenance of the plant community. Prescribed burning on heavy infestations of prairie threeawn and other targeted species will also aid in their control.
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)Grass/Grasslike 664 1079 1494 Forb 112 182 252 Shrub/Vine 24 39 54 Total 800 1300 1800 Figure 10. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OK0002 , Native Warm Season - North Oklahoma. This is the estimated growth curve for the northern half of Oklahoma where mean annual air temperatures are less than 60 degrees F. Plant growth can vary from year to year dependening on air temperature and timing and amount of precipitation. These figures are merely a representative example for warm season native plants in the geographic area..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 15 20 30 10 6 10 6 0 0 Community 1.2
Shortgrasses, Blue Grama Dominant
This site is predominantly blue grama. Blue grama contributes 50% to 80% of the total non-woody annual vegetative production in this Slickspot stage. The balance of this site's vegetation is usually small percentages of other perennial grasses such as alkali sacaton, buffalograss, sideoats grama, meadow dropseed and gummy lovegrass. Abusive grazing is usually the prime contributor to the predominance of blue grama on this site. Blue grama proliferation will quicken as stocking rate increases. In years of dry summers followed by cool, mild, wet winters, prairie threeawn and western ragweed usually increase.
Range management practices, including the use of prescribed grazing and burning, will help restore, maintain, and manipulate the plant community over time. Restoration to the reference community may take 10 years or more depending upon the condition of the site at the onset of restoration.Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OK0002 , Native Warm Season - North Oklahoma. This is the estimated growth curve for the northern half of Oklahoma where mean annual air temperatures are less than 60 degrees F. Plant growth can vary from year to year dependening on air temperature and timing and amount of precipitation. These figures are merely a representative example for warm season native plants in the geographic area..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 15 20 30 10 6 10 6 0 0 Community 1.3
Shortgrasses, Theeawn Dominant
Figure 12. Slickspot 1.3 Disturbed
This site plant community is predominately prairie threeawn interspersed in remnants of perennial grasses such as alkali sacaton, blue grama, sideoats grama and buffalograss. This plant community is the result of long-term grazing abuse, a history of cultivation, or both. Numerous annuals are usually found on this site. In the southernmost areas of the state, honey mesquite may be found scattered about the site. Remnant perennial grasses will eventually respond to proper stocking rates, but it may take 15 years or more to do so depending upon site condition, seed bank, moisture availability, stocking rate, and other range management practices. In some cases, very few remnant grasses remain. When this occurs, the best management practice may be to reseed the site, however, overall benefits should probably be considered before any outside energy input is implemented.
Figure 13. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). OK0002 , Native Warm Season - North Oklahoma. This is the estimated growth curve for the northern half of Oklahoma where mean annual air temperatures are less than 60 degrees F. Plant growth can vary from year to year dependening on air temperature and timing and amount of precipitation. These figures are merely a representative example for warm season native plants in the geographic area..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 3 15 20 30 10 6 10 6 0 0 Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2Through continuous heavy grazing that exceeds carrying capacity, this plant community may shift to community phase 1.2.
Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1Through an established prescribed grazing program with proper stocking rates, periodic rest, and adequate soil moisture, this community phase may be restored to the reference community 1.1.
Pathway 1.2B
Community 1.2 to 1.3
Shortgrasses, Blue Grama Dominant
Shortgrasses, Theeawn DominantThrough continuous heavy grazing that exceeds carrying capacity, this plant community may shift to community phase 1.3.
Pathway 1.3A
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Shortgrasses, Theeawn Dominant
Shortgrasses, Blue Grama DominantThrough an established prescribed grazing program with proper stocking rates, periodic rest, and adequate soil moisture, this community phase may be restored to the reference community 1.2.
State 2
ConvertedCommunity 2.1
CroplandSlickspots are commonly farmed because they are small inclusions within other ecological sites that are commonly farmed. Slickspot production is profoundly less than surrounding areas; this makes them easily recognizable.
State 3
ErodedSee Eclogical Site:
Eroded Slickspot R078CY891OK
Community 3.1
Eroded SlickspotTransition T1A
State 1 to 2Through cultivation and planting, the site may be transitioned to state 2. Soil properties and hydrology will be altered significantly.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Once in cultivation, the site may become very susceptible to water erosion. Once the "A" horizon has been displace through erosion, this site has transitioned to an Eroded Sate(3).
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 280–630 alkali sacaton SPAI Sporobolus airoides 200–450 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 80–180 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 80–180 – switchgrass PAVI2 Panicum virgatum 80–180 – 2 272–612 tumble windmill grass CHVE2 Chloris verticillata 50–190 – fall witchgrass DICO6 Digitaria cognata 50–190 – tumblegrass SCPA Schedonnardus paniculatus 50–190 – little bluestem SCSC Schizachyrium scoparium 50–190 – gummy lovegrass ERCU Eragrostis curtipedicellata 50–190 – field paspalum PALA10 Paspalum laeve 50–190 – vine mesquite PAOB Panicum obtusum 10–38 – mourning lovegrass ERLU Eragrostis lugens 10–38 – composite dropseed SPCOC2 Sporobolus compositus var. compositus 10–38 – puffsheath dropseed SPNE2 Sporobolus neglectus 10–38 – white tridens TRAL2 Tridens albescens 10–38 – saltgrass DISP Distichlis spicata 10–38 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 10–38 – Texas grama BORI Bouteloua rigidiseta 10–38 – 3 112–252 prairie threeawn AROL Aristida oligantha 40–152 – sedge CAREX Carex 40–152 – Scribner's rosette grass DIOLS Dichanthelium oligosanthes var. scribnerianum 10–38 – purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 10–38 – silver beardgrass BOLAT Bothriochloa laguroides ssp. torreyana 10–38 – field brome BRAR5 Bromus arvensis 10–38 – Forb4 112–252 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–25 – Cuman ragweed AMPS Ambrosia psilostachya 0–25 – green antelopehorn ASVI2 Asclepias viridis 0–25 – Indian paintbrush CASTI2 Castilleja 0–25 – yellowspine thistle CIOC2 Cirsium ochrocentrum 0–25 – narrowleaf rhombopod CLAN Cleomella angustifolia 0–25 – Texas croton CRTE4 Croton texensis 0–25 – prairie fleabane ERST3 Erigeron strigosus 0–25 – Spanish gold GRPA8 Grindelia papposa 0–25 – curlycup gumweed GRSQ Grindelia squarrosa 0–25 – hairy false goldenaster HEVI4 Heterotheca villosa 0–25 – flax LINUM Linum 0–25 – dotted blazing star LIPU Liatris punctata 0–25 – bird's-foot trefoil LOCO6 Lotus corniculatus 0–25 – yellow puff NELU2 Neptunia lutea 0–25 – plantain PLANT Plantago 0–25 – prairie coneflower RATIB Ratibida 0–25 – curly dock RUCR Rumex crispus 0–25 – white heath aster SYER Symphyotrichum ericoides 0–25 – Shrub/Vine5 24–54 pricklypear OPUNT Opuntia 12–27 – honey mesquite PRGL2 Prosopis glandulosa 12–27 – Table 7. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 8. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
Slickspots can be as large as 10 acres or more, but this is rare. They are usually less than one acre. As a result of their small size, Slickspots provide only a small portion of habitat and food for the animal community. Many animals move through and within Slickspot boundaries, but because Slickspots are small inclusions within other larger ecological sites, they should probably be considered as augmenting support sites for animals.
Hydrological functions
The Slickspot ecological site gets its name from the fact that it appears to be very dry on the surface, but because it has a compacted clay loam subsoil and permeability class of impermeable to slow, it is usually boggy (slick) just below the surface. Many farmers and ranchers have mistakenly rode, plowed, walked, or driven across one of these areas only to become stuck; hence the name, Slickspot.
Recreational uses
Because of the site small size, Slickspot recreational uses are usually included with companion sites such as Claypan and Loamy Prairie ecological sites.
Wood products
None
Other products
None
Supporting information
Inventory data references
SCS Range 417 clipping records. The original information presented here was derived from field observations by Dr. Jack Eckroat, in the summers of 2007 and 2008, correlated to office files and Range Site Technical Descriptions (1961 USDA/SCS). Species compositions are as complete as possible. Production will vary by species from within years, from year to year, and from site to site. Production figures based on limited clipping data, but believed to be the best estimates to date. Production figures intended to show best estimates of the relationships between the total biomass and hierarchy of the different species.
Other references
This “Approved” site was included in an update project during 2013. The State&Transition model was re-formatted and the ESD was edited to fit the new ESIS format. The concepts and vegetative data contained therein was not altered. The entire ESD will be reviewed, updated, and subjected to the QC/QA processes as part of a future project. CW
Contributors
Dr. Jack Eckroat, Grazing Lands Specialist, NRCS, Oklahoma
PES Edits by Tyson Morley, MLRA Soil Scientist, Altus, OklahomaApproval
Bryan Christensen, 9/15/2023
Acknowledgments
Site Development and Testing Plan Future work, as described in a Project Plan, to validate the information in this Provisional Ecological Site Description is needed. This will include field activities to collect low, medium and high intensity sampling, soil correlations, and analysis of that data. Annual field reviews should be done by soil scientists and vegetation specialists. A final field review, peer review, quality control, and quality assurance reviews of the ESD will be needed to produce the final document. Annual reviews of the Project Plan are to be conducted by the Ecological Site Technical Team.
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) Harry Fritzler, Steve Glasgow, Jack Eckroat, Mark Moseley Contact for lead author Date 07/01/2005 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
Due to flatter slopes, there are usually few, if any, rills and there is no active headcutting and sides are covered with vegetation. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
There is some distinct evidence of soil deposition or erosion, (typically around bunchgrasses); otherwise water generally flows evenly over the entire landscape. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals are rare, usually not more than 1 inch deep (usually around rocks and bunchgrasses). Terracettes are absent or uncommon. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
These sites are complexes comprised of Loamy Prairie and Claypan Prairie soils with slickspots occupying 10-30% of the area. There should generally be ~10% bare ground. In the more saline portions, bare ground varies due to sodium content, but may be as much as 30%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Rare, due to flatter slopes and sodium content. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Distribution of litter is variable due to sodium content. If the amount of bare ground is high, then litter movement will be greater. On the average, litter can move ~12-18 inches, then only during high intensity storms. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Surface soil is stabilized (Stability Score 5-6). Stability scores based on a minimum of 6 samples tested. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
A horizon: 0 to 6 inches; brown silt loam, weak fine granular structure. B horizon: 6 to 60 inches; dark brown to reddish brown to red clay, prismatic to blocky structure, very hard and firm. C horizon: > 60 inches; red clay. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Infiltration capacity of this soil is naturally low and runoff is very high. The plant community composition and distribution is a Midgrass and Shortgrass community randomly dispersed. Slowly permeable soils result in high runoff. Most changes in infiltration and runoff can usually be attributed to other factors (e.g. compaction). -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
There is usually no compaction layer. Fine texture and hard, firm structure can be mistaken for a compaction layer, but this is a natural characteristic. -
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:
Midgrasses>ShortgrassesSub-dominant:
ForbsOther:
Shrubs, AnnualsAdditional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Plant mortality and decadence is highly variable on this site due to the droughty nature of the clayey soils, (especially after a severe drought), but will primarily average ~5-10%, especially in the absence of fire and herbivory. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter should cover ~60% of the area between plants with accumulations of up to 1/2 inch deep. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Normal production is 800 – 1800 pounds per year. -
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:
No invasive species. Invasives might include: mesquite, prickly pear, annuals and non-natives. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All plants capable of reproducing at least every 2 years. Seed stalks, stalk length, and seedheads are numerous and what would be expected. Overall health of plants is what would be expected.
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