Ecological dynamics

Loamy, north aspect, grassland produces about 900 to 1,600 pounds per acre of above-ground biomass annually

The line between sagebrush steppe and true grasslands has been discussed and debated for many years. Daubenmire states that the line has nothing to do with pre-settlement as native ungulates played no significant role in the evolution of ecotypes. He also says that there is no evidence that the distribution of vegetative types is related to fire. And he also says there is no useful correlation between soil classification and the line between grasslands and sagebrush steppe.

The ecotones between Daubenmire’s vegetation types can be defined on the basis of consistent differences in climate and consistent differences in vegetation. Higher spring precipitation, especially in March, favors grasses over sagebrush. The grassland area of southeastern Adams and eastern Franklin counties have more precipitation in March. The same for the grasslands in Walla Walla, Asotin and Garfield counties. The Goldendale Prairie and the high elevation grassland above Coulee Dam in Douglas county also have higher spring precipitation. So, the grassland areas of MLRA 8 are consistent with Daubenmire’s findings.

On the Loamy, north aspect, grassland ecological site, Idaho fescue is dominant while bluebunch is sub-dominant. The presence and relative abundance of Idaho fescue is an indicator of the comparatively mesic environment for this site. Idaho fescue is shorter and has a dense clump of shoots, while bluebunch wheatgrass is taller and is less dense. Both species are long-lived bunchgrasses. Bluebunch has an awned spike seed head while Idaho fescue has an awned panicle seed head. The ratio of Idaho fescue to bluebunch wheatgrass plants on any site can vary due to aspect and elevation.

Both grasses provide a crucial and extensive network of roots to the upper portions (up to 48” deep in soils with no root-restrictive horizons) of the soil profile. These roots create a massive underground network to stabilize the soils, provide organic matter and nutrients inputs, and help maintain soil pore space for water infiltration and water retention in the soil profile. The extensive rooting system of mid-sized bunchgrasses leave very little soil niche space available for invasion by other species. This drought resistant root system can compete with, and, suppress the spread of exotic weeds.

The stability and resiliency of the reference communities is directly linked to the health and vigor of Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass. Refer to page 8 for more details about bunchgrass physiology. Research has found that the community remains resistant to medusahead if the site maintains at least 0.8 mid-sized bunchgrass plant/sq. ft. (K. Davies, 2008). The relationship between bunchgrasses and other invasive species should be similar. These two bunchgrasses hold the system together. If we lose either or both bunchgrass the ecosystem begins to unravel.

The natural disturbance regime for grassland communities is periodic lightning-caused fires. The fire return intervals (FRI) listed in research for sagebrush steppe communities is quite variable. Ponderosa pine communities have the shortest FRI of about 10 to 20 years (Miller). The FRI increases as one moves to wetter forested sites or to dries shrub steppe
communities. Given the uncertainties and opinions of reviewers, a mean of 75 years was chosen for Wyoming sagebrush communities (Rapid Assessment Model). This would place the historic FRI for grassland steppe around 30 to 50 years

The effect of fire on the community depends upon the severity of the burn. With a light to moderate fire there can be a mosaic of burned and unburned patches. Bunchgrasses thrive as the fire does not get into the crown. Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass exhibit rapid tillering when there is light severity fires and favorable soil moisture. Rabbitbrush and horsebrush are sprouting shrubs and may increase following fire. Largely, the community is not affected by lower intensity fire.

A severe fire puts stress on the entire community. Some spots and areas can be completely sterilized. Under windy conditions, a fire can burn into the crown of Idaho fescue, leaving behind “black holes” or nothing but ash. Sterilized spots and dead Idaho fescue plants makes the site vulnerable to exotic invasive species. Seeding should be strongly be considered. Bluebunch wheatgrass and basin wildrye will have weak vigor for a few years but generally survive. Bluebunch wheatgrass keeps the site resistant to change, while Idaho fescue makes the site more at risk.

Spring burning can be especially damaging to Idaho fescue.

Grazing is another common disturbance that occurs to this ecological site. Grazing pressure can be defined as heavy grazing intensity, or frequent grazing during reproductive growth, or season-long grazing (the same plants grazed more than once). As grazing pressure increases the plant community unravels in stages:
1. Cusick bluegrass is eliminated. Adjacent natives fill the void
2. Idaho fescue declines while bluebunch wheatgrass increases
3. Both Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass decline while threadleaf sedge increases
4. With further decline invasive species such as cheatgrass, chervil or yellow star-thistle colonize the site
5. With further decline the site can become a community dominated by invasive species

Managing grasslands to improve the vigor and health of native bunchgrasses begins with an understanding of grass physiology. New growth each year begins from basal buds. Given the opportunity Idaho fescue readily produces new seedlings while bluebunch wheatgrass plants rely principally on tillering. During seed formation, the growing points of bluebunch wheatgrass become elevated and are vulnerable to damage or removal. Idaho fescue has weak stems and is much more sensitive to grazing than bluebunch wheatgrass.

If defoliated during the formation of seeds, bluebunch wheatgrass has limited capacity to tiller compared with other, more grazing resistant grasses (Caldwell et al., 1981). Repeated critical period grazing is especially damaging. Over several years each native bunchgrass pasture should be rested during the critical period two out of every three years (approximately April 15 to July 15). And each pasture should be rested the entire growing season every third year (approximately March 1 to July 15).

In the spring each year it is important to monitor and maintain an adequate top growth: (1) so plants have enough energy to replace basal buds annually, (2) to optimize regrowth following spring grazing, (3) to protect the elevated growing points of bluebunch wheatgrass, and (4) to avoid excessing defoliation of Idaho fescue with its weak stems.

These grasses remain competitive if:
(1) Basal buds are replaced annually,
(2) Enough top-growth is maintained for growth and protection of growing points, and
(3) The timing of grazing and non-grazing is managed over a several-year period. Careful management of late spring grazing is especially critical

For more grazing management information refer to Range Technical Notes found in Section I Reference Lists of NRCS Field Office Technical Guide for Washington State.

In Washington, Idaho fescue – bluebunch wheatgrass communities provide habitat for a variety of upland wildlife species.