Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R024XY055NV
SANDY 5-8 P.Z.
Last updated: 3/06/2025
Accessed: 04/11/2025
General information
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 024X–Humboldt Basin and Range Area
Major land resource area (MLRA) 24, the Humboldt Area, covers an area of approximately 8,115,200 acres (12,680 sq. mi.). It is found in the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. Elevations range from 3,950 to 5,900 feet (1,205 to 1,800 meters) in most of the area, some mountain peaks are more than 8,850 feet (2,700 meters).
A series of widely spaced north-south trending mountain ranges are separated by broad valleys filled with alluvium washed in from adjacent mountain ranges. Most valleys are drained by tributaries to the Humboldt River. However, playas occur in lower elevation valleys with closed drainage systems. Isolated ranges are dissected, uplifted fault-block mountains. Geology is comprised of Mesozoic and Paleozoic volcanic rock and marine and continental sediments. Occasional young andesite and basalt flows (6 to 17 million years old) occur at the margins of the mountains. Dominant soil orders include Aridisols, Entisols, Inceptisols and Mollisols. Soils of the area are generally characterized by a mesic soil temperature regime, an aridic soil moisture regime and mixed geology. They are generally well drained, loamy and very deep.
Approximately 75 percent of MLRA 24 is federally owned, the remainder is primarily used for farming, ranching and mining. Irrigated land makes up about 3 percent of the area; the majority of irrigation water is from surface water sources, such as the Humboldt River and Rye Patch Reservoir. Annual precipitation ranges from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) for most of the area, but can be as much as 40 inches (101 cm) in the mountain ranges. The majority of annual precipitation occurs as snow in the winter. Rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms in the spring and fall.
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 ascends the western slopes of the Sierra Range, the air cools, condensation takes place 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, with the result that the lowlands of Nevada are largely desert or steppes.
Ecological site concept
The soils associated with this site have formed in coarse textured alluvium or aeolian deposits from mixed rock sources. Some soils have a thick layer of overblown or alluvial sand. These soils have rapid infiltration and percolation rates, very low available water capacity and are somewhat excessively drained with very low runoff. Potential for sheet and rill erosion is slight, but wind erosion potential is high. Spiny hopsage (GRSP) and Indian ricegrass (ACHY) are dominant species.
Associated sites
| R024XY017NV |
SANDY 8-10 P.Z. This site is on sand sheets and sand dunes. Soils associated with this site are very deep, well drained to somewhat excessively drained, and formed in alluvium or eolian deposits derived from mixed parent material. The soil profile is characterized by an ochric epipedon. Surface textures are usually loamy fine sand or loamy very fine sand. |
|---|---|
| R024XY009NV |
SALINE MEADOW This site is on floodplains and inset fans. Soils are very deep, poorly drained and formed in alluvium derived from mixed parent material. The soil profile is characterized by a fine sand surface texture. Important abiotic factors contributing to this ecological site include high sodicity, moderately high salinity and a water near the surface at during some part of the year. |
Similar sites
| R024XY001NV |
DUNES 6-10 P.Z. Occurs on sandhill or dune landform; Indian ricegrass (ACHY) dominant grass; needle and thread (HECO26) not codominant. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Grayia spinosa |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Achnatherum hymenoides |
Physiographic features
This site is on sand sheets that cover lower erosional fan remnants and alluvial fans. Slopes range from 0 to 15 percent, but slope gradients of 2 to 8 percent are typical. Elevations are 3800 to 5000 feet (1158 to 1524 m).
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Sand sheet
(2) Fan remnant (3) Alluvial fan |
|---|---|
| Runoff class | Very low |
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 3,800 – 5,000 ft |
| Slope | 15% |
| Water table depth | 72 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
The climate associated with this site is semiarid and characterized by cool, moist winters and warm, dry summers. Average annual precipitation is 5 to 8 inches (13 to 20cm). Mean annual temperatures are 45 to 53 degrees F. The average growing season is about 90 to 130 days.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 130 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | |
| Precipitation total (average) | 8 in |
Figure 1. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
There are no influencing water features associated with this site.
Soil features
The soils associated with this site have formed in coarse textured alluvium or aeolian deposits from mixed rock sources. Some soils have a thick layer of overblown or alluvial sand. These soils have rapid infiltration and percolation rates, very low available water capacity and are somewhat excessively drained with very low runoff. Potential for sheet and rill erosion is slight, but wind erosion potential is high. The soil series associated with this site includes: Hawsley.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Alluvium
(2) Eolian deposits |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Fine sand (2) Loamy sand |
| Family particle size |
(1) Sandy |
| Drainage class | Somewhat excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Rapid |
| Soil depth | 72 – 84 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 3 – 12% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
2.7 – 2.8 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
2 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
1 – 5 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 9 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
3 – 12% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
This plant community is dynamic in response to changing weather patterns and disturbance regimes. The potential native plant community is dominated by Indian ricegrass, spiny hopsage and fourwing saltbush. Shadscale, Nevada dalea, bud sagebrush and winterfat are associated shrub species. Needleandthread, squirreltail and basin wildrye are common species found throughout.
In arid and semi-arid systems coarse-textured soils lose less moisture to evaporation than fine-textured soils and thus have higher water availability (Lane et al 1998). This principle known as the inverse-texture hypothesis, predicts that plant communities on coarse-textured soils should have higher above-ground net primary productivity than communities on fine-textured soils in arid or semi-arid regions. Sandy soils are highly susceptible to wind erosion. Management of the plant community should insure sufficient plant cover to protect site from soil surface movement. Infiltration is rapid on coarse-textured soil reducing the potential for sheet and rill erosion during typical precipitation events.
Spiny hopsage is well adapted to sagebrush deserts and is highly drought tolerant. It can be evergreen in southern deserts, but is deciduous in the summer in northern deserts. Spiny hopsage accumulates large amounts of potassium in its leaves. The decay of the leaf litter under the canopy is capable of concentrating potassium on the soil surface and raising the surface soil pH. These soil changes may affect future growth of spiny hopsage and associated shrubs. Spiny hopsage, a member of the Chenopodiaceae is fairly tolerant of alkaline and saline soils and it commonly found on highly calcareous alkaline soils. It is capable of growing on a wide range of soil textures, but prefers sandy soils (Tirmenstein 1999).
This ecological site is dominated by perennial bunchgrasses. Grasses have an extensive fibrous root system that aids in soil stabilization and contributes organic matter to the soil profile. Grasses are intensive exploiters; they extract a large portion of their moisture from shallow soil horizons through their dense network of shallow roots (Burgess 1995). This trait makes grasses very efficient competitors for limited shallow soil moisture, especially during summer precipitation events. The shrubs of this site are extensive exploiters; they have roots systems that penetrate large volumes of soil both shallow and deep layers (Burgess 1995). This allows shrubs to extract moisture from layers that are too deep or distributed too erratically for intensive exploiters.
Vegetation plays an important role in reducing the erodibilty of the soil surface. Incorrect management actions may result in reduced vegetative cover and increased soil erosion. Long-term surface disturbance or reoccurring wildfire will reduce native plant cover, plant density, and species diversity of this site. As ecological condition declines, Indian ricegrass and needleandthread decrease in the understory. Spiny hopsage, fourwing saltbrush, shadscale, and rabbitbrush increase and become the dominant vegetation as conditions decline. Cheatgrass, Russian thistle, halogeton, and annual mustards are species likely to invade this site.
Fire Ecology:
The mean fire return interval for salt-desert shrub communities ranges from 35 to 100 years. Increased presence of non-native annual grasses, such as cheatgrass, can alter fire regimes by increasing fire frequency under wet to near-normal summer moisture conditions. When fire does occur, the effect on the ecosystem may be extreme. Indian ricegrass can be killed by fire, depending on severity and season of burn. Indian ricegrass reestablishes on burned sites through seed dispersed from adjacent unburned areas. Needleandthread is top-killed by fire. It may be killed if the aboveground stems are completely consumed. Needleandthread is slightly too severely damaged by fire. Needleandthread sprouts from the caudex following fire, if heat has not been sufficient to kill underground parts. Recovery usually takes 2 to 10 years. Bottlebrush squirreltail's small size, coarse stems, and sparse leafy material aid in its tolerance of fire. Postfire regeneration occurs from surviving root crowns and from on- and off-site seed sources. Frequency of disturbance greatly influences postfire response of bottlebrush squirreltail. Undisturbed plants within a 6 to 9 year age class generally contain large amounts of dead material, increasing bottlebrush squirreltail's susceptibility to fire.
Spiny hopsage is considered to be somewhat fire tolerant and often survives fires that kill sagebrush. Mature spiny hopsage generally sprout after being burned. Spiny hopsage is reported to be least susceptible to fire during summer dormancy. Fire typically top-kills or kills fourwing saltbush. Fourwing saltbush may sprout after top-kill, depending upon ecotype. Fourwing saltbush probably establishes primarily from seed after fire, with some populations also regenerating vegetatively. Shadscale is fire intolerant and it does not readily recover from fire, except for establishment through seed. Nevada dalea communities rarely burn, thus Nevada dalea has little adaptations to fire and is probably killed. Nevada ephedra is a minor component of the reference plant community. Ephedra is tolerant of fire and sprouts from the root crown and may increase following fire.
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 text
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
The reference state is representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The visual aspect of the plant community is dominated by an evergreen shrub community. State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire, periodic drought and insect or disease attack.
Community 1.1
Reference Plant Community
The reference plant community is dominated by Indian ricegrass and spiny hopsage. Potential vegetative composition is about 50% grasses, 10% forbs and 40% shrubs. Approximate ground cover (basal and crown) is 20 to 30 percent.
Figure 2. 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 | 125 | 200 | 300 |
| Shrub/Vine | 100 | 160 | 240 |
| Forb | 25 | 40 | 60 |
| Total | 250 | 400 | 600 |
Community 1.2
Plant community 1.2
This plant community is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early seral community phase. This community is dominated by Indian ricegrass, needleand thread, bottlebrush squirreltail and basin wildrye. Shrubs initially decrease. However, spiny hopsage, rabbitbrush and Nevada Ephedra sprout from the surviving root crown following fire and quickly recover. This plant community phase is at risk of invasion by non-native species. Non-natives are able to take advantage of increased availability of critical resources following disturbance.
Community 1.3
Plant Community 1.3
This plant community is characterized by a decadent shrub overstory. Perennial grasses are declining from drought, completion from over-mature shrub overstory and inadequate rest and recovery from defoliation. In the absence of stand replacing disturbances shrubs become over mature and decadent. This results in reduced quantity and diversity of plant species and increased bare ground. This plant community is at risk of invasion by non-native species. Non-natives can easily invade plant communities where structural and functional groups are reduced. Increased bare ground is an indicator of site susceptibility to accelerated wind erosion.
Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2
Fire and/or insect or disease attack
Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3
Drought and/or inadequate rest and recovery from defoliation and absence or fire or other natural disturbance
Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time. Recovery of plant community to pre-fire conditions may take greater than 10 years.
Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.1
Adequate rest and recovery from defoliation, fast moving, low intensity fire, and release from drought allow for the perennial grasses to increase over time.
Pathway 1.3b
Community 1.3 to 1.2
Stand replacing fire and/or insect/disease attack.
State 2
Current Potential State
This state is characterized by the presence of non-native invasive species in the understory. This state is similar to the Reference State (1). Ecological function (soil hydrology, nutrient cycling, energy capture) has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Prescribed grazing and infrequent fire maintains state dynamics. These non-natives are highly flammable and can promote wildfire where fires historically have been infrequent. 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. Positive feedbacks decrease ecosystem resilience and stability of the state. These include cheatgrass’s high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate and adaptations for seed dispersal.
Community 2.1
Plant Community 2.1
This community is compositionally similar to 1.1 Plant Community with a trace of non-native annuals. Ecological processes (soil hydrology properties, nutrient cycling and productivity) are also similar to 1.1 plant community. Ecological resilience has been reduced by the presence of non-native annual species and this community may respond differently following a disturbance, when compared to non-invaded plant communities.
Community 2.2
Plant Community 2.2
This plant community is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early seral community phase. This community is dominated by Indian ricegrass, needleandthread, and basin wildrye. Spiny hopsage, rabbitbrush and Nevada ephedra sprout from the root crown following fire and recover quickly. Annual non-native species are present in the understory and are stable to increasing, depending on weather patterns and management decisions. This plant community is at risk of reoccurring wildfire due to large amount of herbaceous biomass.
Community 2.3
Plant Community 2.3
This plant community is characterized by the over dominance of shrubs. Inadequate rest and recovery from defoliation, results in increase cover of non-palatable shrubs species. Prolonged drought results in an overall decrease in the herbaceous component of the plant community. Annual non-native species are stable or increasing within the understory. Bare ground is increasing. Increased bare ground is an indicator of site susceptibility to wind erosion. Further reduction of perennial vegetation and continued soil loss may cause this plant community to cross an irreversible threshold in to State 4.
Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2
Stand replacing fire and/or insect and disease attack.
Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3
Inadequate rest and recovery from defoliation, prolonged drought and/or absence of fire and other natural disturbances.
Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.1
Absence of disturbance and natural regeneration over time. Ten years or greater is required for plant community to reach pre-fire conditions.
Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.1
Adequate rest and recovery from defoliation, fast moving, low intensity fire, and release from drought allow for the perennial grasses to increase over time. Non-native annuals may increase.
Pathway 2.3b
Community 2.3 to 2.2
Stand replacing fire (most likely during the dormant season) and/or insect/disease attack. Non-native annuals may increase.
State 3
Shrub/non-native State
This state is characterized by a by sparse overstory of shrubs and an understory of non-native annuals in the plant community primarily; cheatgrass, mustard, halogeton and Russian thistle. Sprouting shrubs are present in trace amounts. Negative feedbacks contributing to the stability of this state include the persistence of non-natives and competition from non-natives for soil moisture and nutrients preventing recruitment of native species. Fine fuels provided by non-native annuals support a fire regime too frequent for the successful establishment of woody native perennials and favor an increase in non-native annuals. Fire occurs often enough in this state to preclude the establishment of rabbitbrush, fourwing saltbush or dominance of sprouting shrubs. Biogeochemical cycling is altered by the dominance of cheatgrass modifying the soil environment. Cheatgrass monocultures have low VAM fungal populations, increasing the difficulty of reestablishing sagebrush and native bunchgrasses that require these mycorrhizae.
Community 3.1
Plant Community 3.1
This plant community is characterized by a native shrub overstory and non-native annual dominated understory. Perennial native grasses are present and initially increase following fire. Annual species, primarily mustards and cheatgrass, dominate the site. This plant community is at risk of increased wildfire due to fine fuel loading. Grazing may be used to manage fuel loading and reduce non-native biomass. However careful management is required to avoid damaging desirable native perennials.
Community 3.2
Plant Community 3.2
This plant community is characterized by the dominance of non-native species. Perennial grasses and native shrubs are present in trace amounts, but are not controlling ecological dynamics. Ecological processes (soil hydrology, nutrient cycling) are controlled by non-native species and abundance of bare ground. This plant community is at risk of reoccurring wildfire due to dominance by non-native annuals. Ecological resilience and resistance is reduced by decreasing native perennials vegetation and increasing cover or bare ground. This plant community is at risk of crossing an irreversible threshold into State 4.
Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2
Inadequate rest and recovery from defoliation/prolonged drought
Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1
Adequate rest and recovery from defoliation and absence of fire allows for recovery of some native perennials.
State 4
Annual State
This state is characterized by active soil movement. Annual non-native species, including cheatgrass, mustards and Russian thistle, dominate the plant community. Sprouting shrubs may be present in trace amounts. Ecological processes are controlled by the non-native annual community during the spring growing season and by the physical process of wind movement of soil after the annual plant cover has senesced. In extremely degraded sites wind erosion of soil may progress to dune formation or flattening (depending on landscape position) and near elimination of the annual plant community. Negative feedbacks contributing to the stability of this state include the persistence of non-natives and competition from non-natives for soil moisture and nutrients prevent recruitment of native species. Fine fuels provided by non-native annuals support a fire regime too frequent for the successful establishment of sagebrush and favor an increase in non-native invasive annuals.
Community 4.1
Plant Community 4.1
This plant community is characterized by active soil movement and the dominance of non-native annual species. Perennial native vegetation is largely absent. This plant community is highly unstable and maybe subject to active dune formation. Dune formation is a function of landscape position. Soils are very active and vegetation reestablishment is limited. Restoration methods available to repair this plant community are limited.
Community 4.2
Plant community 4.2
Sagebrush and/or sprouting shrubs dominate the overstory. Cheatgrass, annual mustards and other non-native annual species dominate the understory. This phase is very at risk of fire and conversion to an annual dominated site.
Pathway 4.1a
Community 4.1 to 4.2
Time and lack of disturbance allows for the shrubs to sprout/increase
Pathway 4.2a
Community 4.2 to 4.1
Fire
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2
Trigger: introduction of non-native annual species. Slow variables: Changes in the kinds of animals and their grazing patterns, drought and/or changes in fire history that altered recruitment rates of native species. Threshold: Reduction in deep-rooted herbaceous understory reduces productivity, changes nutrient cycling and soil stability. 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 T2A
State 2 to 3
Trigger: Multiple stand replacing fires to severely damage spiny hopsage and other fire tolerant shrubs. Typically occurs in the hot season. Slow variables: Increased reproduction and cover of non-native invasive annuals. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses reduced infiltration and increases runoff; this leads to reduced soil organic matter and soil moisture. Modified fire regime (changes in intensity, size and spatial variability of fires).
Transition T2B
State 2 to 4
Trigger: Inadequate rest and recovery from growing season defoliation and/or prolonged drought. Slow variables: Long term decrease in grass density and reduced native species (shrub and grass) recruitment rates. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses changes nutrient cycling and nutrient redistribution; thus reducing soil organic matter.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4
Trigger: Frequent, repeated stand replacing fires Slow Variables: Loss of perennial bunchgrasses and native shrubs, increased reproduction, cover and density of non-native annuals and increased bare ground Threshold: Modified fire regime (changes in frequency, intensity, size and spatial variability of fire). Permanent changes in plant community composition and spatial variability of vegetation (loss of perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs).
Additional community tables
Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Primary Perennial Grasses | 108–180 | ||||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 80–120 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 20–40 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 8–20 | – | ||
| 2 | Secondary Perennial Grasses | 8–20 | ||||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 2–8 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 2–8 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 3 | Perennial Forbs | 8–32 | ||||
| buckwheat | ERIOG | Eriogonum | 2–8 | – | ||
| evening primrose | OENOT | Oenothera | 2–8 | – | ||
| globemallow | SPHAE | Sphaeralcea | 2–8 | – | ||
| princesplume | STANL | Stanleya | 2–8 | – | ||
| 4 | Annual Forbs | 1–20 | ||||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 5 | Primary Shrubs | 88–180 | ||||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 40–80 | – | ||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 20–40 | – | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 20–40 | – | ||
| Nevada dalea | PSPO | Psorothamnus polydenius | 8–20 | – | ||
| 6 | Secondary Shrubs | 8–40 | ||||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 4–8 | – | ||
| Nevada jointfir | EPNE | Ephedra nevadensis | 4–8 | – | ||
| winterfat | KRLA2 | Krascheninnikovia lanata | 4–8 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Livestock Interpretations:
This site has value for livestock grazing. Grazing management should be keyed to dominant grasses and palatable shrubs production. 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. Heavy spring grazing has been found to sharply reduce the vigor of Indian ricegrass and decrease the stand (Cook and Child 1971). In eastern Idaho, productivity of Indian ricegrass was at least 10 times greater in undisturbed plots than in heavily grazed ones (Pearson 1976). 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.
Needleandthread provides highly palatable forage, especially in the spring before fruits have developed. Needlegrasses are grazed in the fall only if the fruits are softened by rain. 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. Spiny hopsage provides a palatable and nutritious food source for livestock, particularly during late winter through spring. Domestic sheep browse the succulent new growth of spiny hopsage in late winter and early spring. Fourwing saltbush is one of the most palatable shrubs in the West. Its protein, fat, and carbohydrate levels are comparable to alfalfa. It provides nutritious forage for all classes of livestock. Palatability is rated as good for domestic sheep and domestic goats; fair for cattle; fair to good for horses in winter, poor for horses in other seasons. Shadscale is a valuable browse species, providing a source of palatable, nutritious forage for a wide variety of livestock. Shadscale provides good browse for domestic sheep. Shadscale leaves and seeds are an important component of domestic sheep and cattle winter diets. Nevada dalea is of little importance to livestock due to its low palatability.
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:
Indian ricegrass is eaten by pronghorn in moderate amounts whenever available. In Nevada it is consumed by desert bighorns. 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. In Nevada, Indian ricegrass may even dominate jackrabbit diets during the spring through early summer months. 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. Needleandthread is moderately important spring forage for mule deer, but use declines considerably as more preferred forages become available. Bottlebrush squirreltail is a dietary component of several wildlife species. Bottlebrush squirreltail may provide forage for mule deer and pronghorn. Spiny hopsage provides a palatable and nutritious food source for big game animals. Spiny hopsage is used as forage to at least some extent by domestic goats, deer, pronghorn, and rabbits. Fourwing saltbush provides valuable habitat and year-round browse for wildlife. Fourwing saltbush also provides browse and shelter for small mammals. Additionally, the browse provides a source of water for black-tailed jackrabbits in arid environments. Granivorous birds consume the fruits. Wild ungulates, rodent and lagomorphs readily consume all aboveground portions of the plant. Palatability is rated good for deer, elk, pronghorn and bighorn sheep. 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. Nevada dalea has low palatability to many wildlife species.
Hydrological functions
Runoff is very low. Permeability is rapid. Hydrologic soil group is A. Rills are none. Water flow patterns none. Pedestals are common with occurrence due to wind scouring. Gullies are none. Perennial herbaceous plants (especially deep-rooted bunchgrasses [i.e., Indian ricegrass]) slow runoff and increase infiltration. Shrub canopy and associated litter break raindrop impact.
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
Indian ricegrass was traditionally eaten by some Native Americans. The Paiutes used seed as a reserve food source. Some Native American peoples traditionally ground parched seeds of spiny hopsage to make pinole flour. Fourwing saltbush is traditionally important to Native Americans. They ground the seeds for flour. The leaves, placed on coals, impart a salty flavor to corn and other roasted food. Top-growth produces a yellow dye. Young leaves and shoots were used to dye wool and other materials. The roots and flowers were ground to soothe insect bites. Seeds of shadscale were used by Native Americans for bread and mush.
Other information
Needleandthread is useful for stabilizing eroded or degraded sites. Bottlebrush squirreltail is tolerant of disturbance and is a suitable species for revegetation. Spiny hopsage has moderate potential for erosion control and low to high potential for long-term revegetation projects. It can improve forage, control wind erosion, and increase soil stability on gentle to moderate slopes. Spiny hopsage is suitable for highway plantings on dry sites in Nevada. Fourwing saltbush is widely used in rangeland and riparian improvement and reclamation projects, including burned area recovery. It is probably the most widely used shrub for restoration of winter ranges and mined land reclamation.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
NASIS soil component data.
Type locality
| Location 1: Humboldt County, NV | |
|---|---|
| Township/Range/Section | T36N R34E S32 |
| UTM zone | N |
| UTM northing | 4534143 |
| UTM easting | 400209 |
| Latitude | 40° 57′ 8″ |
| Longitude | 118° 11′ 8″ |
| General legal description | SE¼ Approximately 1100 feet north of Junbgo Road and 500 feet west of Johnson Well, Humboldt County, Nevada. |
Other references
Bich, B.S., J.L. Butler, and C.A. Schmidt. 1995. Effects of differential livestock use of key plant species and rodent populations within selected Oryzopsis hymenoides/Hilaria jamesii communities in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The Southwestern Naturalist 40(3):281-287.
Burgess, T.L. 1995. Desert Grassland, Mixed Shrub Savanna, Shrub Steppe, or Semidesert Scrub? Pp. 31-67 in M.P. McClaran and T.R. Van Devender (eds.), the Desert Grassland. University of Arizona Press, Tucson Arizona
Cook, C.W. and R.D. Child. 1971. Recovery of desert plants in various states of vigor. Journal of Range Management 24(5):339-343.
Lane, D.R., D.P. Coffin and W.K. Lauenroth. 1998. Effects of soil texture and precipitation on above ground net primary productivity and vegetation structure across the central grassland region of the United States. Journal of Vegetation Science. 9:239-250.
Pearson, L.C. 1964. Effect of harvest date on recovery of range grasses and shrubs. Agronomy Journal 56:80-82.
Pearson, L.C. 1976. Primary production in grazed and ungrazed desert communities of eastern Idaho. Ecology 46(3):278-285.
Tirmenstein, D. A. 1999. Grayia spinosa. 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/
Contributors
CP
TK Stringham
Approval
Kendra Moseley, 3/06/2025
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) | Patti Novak-Echenique |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | State Rangeland Management Specialist |
| Date | 03/19/2010 |
| Approved by | Kendra Moseley |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills are none. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Water flow patterns none. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestalling may occur in wind scoured areas. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground ± 60-70%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Gullies are none. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Slight to moderate wind scouring. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter (foliage from grasses and annual & perennial forbs) expected to move unsheltered distance during heavy wind. Persistent litter (large woody material) will remain in place except during intense summer convection storms. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil stability values should be 1 to 3 on the sandy soil textures found on this site. (To be field tested.) -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Surface structure is single grained. Soil surface colors are light and soils are typified by an ochric epipedon. Organic matter of the surface 2 to 3 inches is typically 1 to 1.5 percent dropping off quickly below. Organic matter content can be more or less depending on micro-topography. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Perennial herbaceous plants (especially deep-rooted bunchgrasses [i.e., Indian ricegrass]) slow runoff and increase infiltration. Shrub canopy and associated litter break raindrop impact. -
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. -
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 Plant Community: Deep-rooted, cool season, perennial bunchgrasses > tall shrubs (spiny hopsage)Sub-dominant:
Associated shrubs > shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial bunchgrasses > deep-rooted, cool season, perennial forbs = fibrous, shallow-rooted, cool season, annual and perennial forbsOther:
Additional:
-
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 25% of total woody canopy; some of the mature bunchgrasses (<25%) have dead centers. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Between plant interspaces (± 10-15%) and depth (± ¼in.) -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
For normal or average growing season (February thru May) ± 400 lbs/ac; Spring moisture significantly affects total production. -
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:
Increasers include Douglas rabbitbrush and horsebrush. Invaders include cheatgrass, snakeweed, halogeton, Russian thistle, annual mustards, and knapweeds. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All functional groups should reproduce in average (or normal) and above average growing season years.
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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