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Ecological site R028BY009NV

SHALLOW SILTY 8-10 P.Z.

Accessed: 12/22/2024

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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.

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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): 028B–Central Nevada Basin and Range

MLRA 28B occurs entirely in Nevada and comprises about 23,555 square miles (61,035 square kilometers). More than nine-tenths of this MLRA is federally owned. This area is in the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. It is an area of nearly level, aggraded desert basins and valleys between a series of mountain ranges trending north to south. The basins are bordered by long, gently sloping to strongly sloping alluvial fans. The mountains are uplifted fault blocks with steep sideslopes. Many of the valleys are closed basins containing sinks or playas. Elevation ranges from 4,900 to 6,550 feet (1,495 to 1,995 meters) in the valleys and basins and from 6,550 to 11,900 feet (1,995 to 3,630 meters) in the mountains.
The mountains in the southern half are dominated by andesite and basalt rocks that were formed in the Miocene and Oligocene. Paleozoic and older carbonate rocks are prominent in the mountains to the north. Scattered outcrops of older Tertiary intrusives and very young tuffaceous sediments are throughout this area. The valleys consist mostly of alluvial fill, but lake deposits are at the lowest elevations in the closed basins. The alluvial valley fill consists of cobbles, gravel, and coarse sand near the mountains in the apex of the alluvial fans. Sands, silts, and clays are on the distal ends of the fans.
The average annual precipitation ranges from 4 to 12 inches (100 to 305 millimeters) in most areas on the valley floors. Average annual precipitation in the mountains ranges from 8 to 36 inches (205 to 915 millimeters) depending on elevation. The driest period is from midsummer to midautumn. The average annual temperature is 34 to 52 degrees F (1 to 11 degrees C). The freeze-free period averages 125 days and ranges from 80 to 170 days, decreasing in length with elevation.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a mesic soil temperature regime, an aridic or xeric soil moisture regime, and mixed or carbonatic mineralogy. They generally are well drained, loamy or loamyskeletal, and shallow to very deep.
Nevada’s climate is predominantly arid, with large daily ranges of temperature, infrequent severe storms and heavy snowfall in the higher mountains. Three basic geographical factors largely influence Nevada’s climate: continentality, latitude, and elevation. The strong continental effect is expressed in the form of both dryness and large temperature variations. 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 ascend the western slopes of the Sierra Range, the air cools, condensation occurs 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, as a result the lowlands of Nevada are largely desert or steppes.
The temperature regime is also affected by the blocking of the inland-moving maritime air. Nevada sheltered from maritime winds, has a continental climate with well-developed seasons and the terrain responds quickly to changes in solar heating. Nevada lies within the midlatitude belt of prevailing westerly winds which occur most of the year. These winds bring frequent changes in weather during the late fall, winter and spring months, when most of the precipitation occurs.
To the south of the mid-latitude westerlies, lies a zone of high pressure in subtropical latitudes, with a center over the Pacific Ocean. In the summer, this high-pressure belt shifts northward over the latitudes of Nevada, blocking storms from the ocean. The resulting weather is mostly clear and dry during the summer and early fall, with occasional thundershowers. The eastern portion of the state receives noteworthy summer thunderstorms generated from monsoonal moisture pushed up from the Gulf of California, known as the North American monsoon. The monsoon system peaks in August and by October the monsoon high over the Western U.S. begins to weaken and the precipitation retreats southward towards the tropics (NOAA 2004).

Ecological site concept

The current ecological site concept that exists for this site occurs on lake plains. Slopes are typically less that 2 percent and elevations range from 4500-6500 feet. Soils correlated to this site are very deep, well drained and derived from lacustrine sediments. The soils are also typically alkaline and effervescent and are characterized by the presence of an ochric epipedon. The surface horizon commonly has a platy soil structure and this results in periods of brief ponding.
The reference plant community is dominated by shadscale with an understory of Indian ricegrass and squirreltail. Total annual air-dry production is about 400 lbs/ac on an average year.

Following a comprehensive review of ecological site concepts and soil map unit components in 2016, it was determined that there is currently no way to separate or compete the site characteristics of this ecological site with those of Shallow Silty 5-8"PZ (028BY073NV). It is very possible that these two sites are one site and expressing different community phases, however this won’t be confirmed without further field investigations. Any user of this ecological site should understand this possibility when making land management decisions.

Associated sites

R028BY010NV	LOAMY 8-10 P.Z.
R028BY011NV	SHALLOW CALCAREOUS LOAM 8-10 P.Z.
R028BY013NV	SILTY 8-10 P.Z.
R028BY056NV	SILT FLAT

Similar sites

R028BY073NV	SHALLOW SILTY 5-8 P.Z. This site has a much higher ATCO component less herbaceous composition.
R028BY075NV	COARSE GRAVELLY LOAM 6-8 P.Z. ACHY dominant grass; more productive site; greater shrub diversity.
R028BY017NV	LOAMY 5-8 P.Z. Less productive site; PIDE4 important shrub.
R028BY019NV	LOAMY SLOPE 5-8 P.Z. Less productive site; on steep slopes of rock pediments and low hills.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Atriplex confertifolia
Herbaceous	(1) Achnatherum hymenoides (2) Elymus elymoides

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Physiographic features

This site can be found on lake plains and alluvial flats. Slopes are typically less than 2 percent, but may range up to 4 percent in some areas. Elevations are 4500 to 6500 feet.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Lake plain (2) Alluvial flat
Ponding duration	Very brief (4 to 48 hours) to brief (2 to 7 days)
Ponding frequency	Rare to none
Elevation	1,372 – 1,981 m
Slope	0 – 2%
Ponding depth	0 cm
Water table depth	0 cm
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The climate associated with this site is semiarid, characterized by cold, moist winters and warm, dry summers.

The average annual precipitation is about 8 inches. Mean annual air temperature is 45 to 50 degrees F. The average growing season is 100 to 120 days.

Mean annual precipitation across the range in which this ES occurs is 7.83".
Monthly mean precipitation in inches: January 0.685; February 0.61; March 0.70; April 0.845; May .97; June 0.68; July 0.50; August 0.395; September 0.50; October 0.745; November 0.60; December 0.60.
*The above data is averaged from the Beowawe and Lages WRCC climate stations.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (average)	120 days
Freeze-free period (average)	160 days
Precipitation total (average)	203 mm

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

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Line

Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 4. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 5. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) LAGES [USC00264341], Ely, NV
(2) BEOWAWE 49S U OF N RCH [USC00260800], Eureka, NV

Soil features

Soils associated with this site are very deep, well drained and derived from lacustrine deposits. They are alkaline and effervescent throughout and characterized by the presence of an ochric epipedon. Soil moisture regime is typic aridic and the soil temperature regime is mesic. The surface horizon commonly has a platy soil structure. The combination of low runoff and a platy surface structure results in reduced infiltration and periods of brief ponding. Soil series associated with this site are Bubus, Jesse Camp, Katelana, Mazuma, Raph, and Rotinom.

A representative soil component is Katelana (NV780 MU246), a fine-silty, carbonatic, mesic Typic Torriorthent. Soil characteristics include: an ochric epipedon from the soil surface to 18cm, clay content in the particle size control section averaging from 18 to 27 percent and a strongly alkaline and violently effervescent soil profile. These soils formed in alluvium derived from limestone over lacustrine sediments.

Following a comprehensive review of ecological site concepts and soil map unit components in 2016, it was determined that there is currently no way to separate or compete the site characteristics of this ecological site with those of Shallow Silty 5-8"PZ (028BY073NV). It is likely these two sites are one site and expressing different community phases, however this won’t be confirmed without further field investigations. Any user of this ecological site should understand this possibility when making land management decisions.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Lacustrine deposits – limestone
Surface texture	(1) Silt loam
Family particle size	(1) Loamy
Drainage class	Well drained
Permeability class	Slow to moderate
Soil depth	152 – 183 cm
Surface fragment cover <=3"	0 – 10%
Surface fragment cover >3"	0%
Available water capacity (0-101.6cm)	14.99 – 20.07 cm
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-101.6cm)	1 – 60%
Electrical conductivity (0-101.6cm)	4 – 32 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-101.6cm)	2 – 180
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-101.6cm)	8.4 – 9
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	0 – 5%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	0%

Ecological dynamics

Important abiotic factors contributing to the precedence of this ecological site include the platy soil surface structure and combined with the silt loam soil texture. This severely limits infiltration and results in reduced soil water availability even where this site occurs adjacent to sites correlated to the 8-10inch precipitation zone. Slight changes in soil surface structure that result in small increases in perennial grass production are considered to be within the range of variation for this ecological site concept.
An ecological site is the product of all the environmental factors responsible for its development and has a set of key characteristics that influence a site’s resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasives. Key characteristics include 1) climate (precipitation, temperature), 2) topography (aspect, slope, elevation, and landform), 3) hydrology (infiltration, runoff), 4) soils (depth, texture, structure, organic matter), 5) plant communities (functional groups, productivity), and 6) natural disturbance regime (fire, herbivory, etc.) (Caudle et al 2013). Biotic factors that influence resilience include site productivity, species composition and structure, and population regulation and regeneration (Chambers et al. 2013).

This ecological site is dominated by deep-rooted cool season, perennial bunchgrasses and drought tolerant shrubs with high root to shoot ratios. The dominant shrubs usually root to the full depth of the winter-spring soil moisture recharge, which Fernandez and Caldwell (1975) reported as between 80 and 110 cm for shadscale. Shadscale initiates root growth in early April, a few days to a week prior to aerial plant parts. Shadscale in particular exhibits active root growth for several weeks after termination of shoot growth (Fernandez and Caldwell 1975). Continued root growth, even for established plants that are not exploring new areas of the soil, facilitates water absorption particularly in low soil moisture conditions (Gardner 1960). Fernandez and Caldwell (1975) concluded that the ability of shadscale to explore the soil volume at greater depths with a more profuse system of small branching lateral roots than winterfat or sagebrush may play a role in its ability to remain photosynthetically active longer into the summer season. Although shadscale exhibits the ability to withstand drought conditions on a short-term basis, the forty year photographic record (1951-1990) from the Raft River Valley of south-central Idaho visually demonstrates the impact of multiple years of drought on shadscale communities (Sharp et al. 1990). Scale insects have also been implicated in the death of shadscale (Sharp et al. 1990) however the data on this subject remains inconclusive (Nelson et al. 1990). Interestingly, periods of above normal springtime precipitation are also linked to shadscale die-off. Nelson et al. (1990) investigated areas of severe shadscale die-off that were, for the most part, located in low areas in valley bottoms or upland depressions that apparently incurred prolonged high soil moisture during a wet period. The high soil moisture appeared to be correlated with increased pythiaceous fungi leading to rootlet mortality and plant stress (Nelson et al. 1990). The authors suggest that depending on the degree and duration of plant stress, injury could range from a sustained disease to rapid death.

Shadscale is a densely clumped, rounded, compact native shrub. It generally attains heights of 8 to 32 inches and widths of 12 to 68 inches (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984). Shadscale is considered an evergreen to partially deciduous shrub as a small percentage of leaves are dropped in the winter (Smith and Nobel 1986). Shadscale possesses wider ecological amplitude than most Atriplex species (Crofts and Van Epps 1975), and shows ploidy levels from diploid (2x) to decaploid (10x). The extensive polyploidy of shadscale is an important consideration when implementing revegetation projects because ploidy levels are usually associated with distinct habitats (Sanderson et al. 1990). Diploid individuals are unlikely to perform as well in areas where tetraploids are more common. Diploid individuals generally occur above Pleistocene lake levels, whereas lake floors are usually occupied by autotetraploids. Overall, tetraploids are the most widespread throughout its range (Carlson 1984).

Bud sagebrush, a common shrub to this ecological site, is a native, summer-deciduous shrub. It is low growing, spinescent, aromatic shrub with a height of 4 to 10 inches and a spread of 8 to 12 inches (Chambers and Norton 1993).

The perennial bunchgrasses that are sub-dominant with the shrubs include Indian ricegrass and bottlebrush squirreltail. Indian ricegrass a hardy, cool-season, densely tufted, native perennial bunchgrass that grows from 4 to 24 inches in height (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984). Squirreltail is a competitive, short-lived, perennial grass that readily establishes from seed. These species generally have somewhat shallower root systems than the shrubs, but root densities are often as high or higher than those of the shrubs in the upper 0.5m of the soil profile. General differences in root depth distributions between grasses and shrubs results in resource partitioning these shrub – grass systems.

The invasibility of plant communities is often linked to resource availability. Disturbance can decrease resource uptake due to damage or mortality of the native species and depressed competition, or can increase resource pools by the decomposition of dead plant material following disturbance. Historically, shadscale-dominant salt-desert shrub communities were free of exotic invaders; however, excessive grazing pressure during settlement and into the 20th century has increased the overall presence of cheatgrass, halogeton, Russian thistle and annual, non-native mustard species (Peters and Bunting 1994). The presence of exotic annual plants within these ecosystems decreases ecosystem resilience and resistance to disturbance through competition for limited resources. Dobrowolski et al. (1990) cite multiple authors on the extent of the soil profile exploited by the competitive exotic annual cheatgrass. Specifically, the depth of rooting is dependent on the size the plant achieves and in competitive environments, cheatgrass roots were found to penetrate only 15 cm whereas isolated plants and pure stands were found to root at least 1 m in depth with some plants rooting as deep as 1.5 to 1.7 m.
This ecological site has low resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasion. Increased resilience increases with elevation, aspect, increased precipitation and increased nutrient availability. Four possible stable states have been identified for this site.

Fire Ecology:
The lack of continuous fuels to carry fires made fire rare to nonexistent in shadscale communities (Young and Tipton 1990), thus it is not surprising that shadscale and bud sagebrush are both fire intolerant (Banner 1992, West 1994). Shadscale does not readily recover from fire, except for establishment through seed (West 1994). The slow reestablishment allows for easy invasion by cheatgrass and other non-native weedy species (Sanderson et al. 1990). The increased presence of exotic annual grasses has greatly altered fire regimes in areas of the Intermountain West where shadscale is a major vegetational component. Exotic annuals increase fire frequency under wet to near-normal summer moisture conditions and repeated, frequent fire has converted large expanses of shadscale rangeland to annual non-native plant communities (Knapp 1998).

The effect of fire on bunchgrasses relates to culm density, culm-leaf morphology, and the size of the plant. The initial condition of bunchgrasses within the site along with seasonality and intensity of the fire factor into individual species' responses. For most forbs and grasses the growing points are located at or below the soil surface providing relative protection from disturbances which decrease above ground biomass, such as grazing or fire. Thus, fire mortality is more correlated to duration and intensity of heat which is related to culm density, culm-leaf morphology, size of plant and abundance of old growth (Wright 1971, Young 1983). However, season and severity of the fire and post-fire soil moisture availability will influence plant response.

Indian ricegrass is a deep-rooted, cool season perennial bunchgrass that is adapted primarily to sandy soils. A prominent grass on this site, it is fairly fire tolerant (Wright 1985), which is likely due to its low culm density and below ground plant crowns. Vallentine (1989) cites several studies in the sagebrush zone that classified Indian ricegrass as being slightly damaged from late summer burning. Indian ricegrass has also been found to reestablish on burned sites through seed dispersed from adjacent unburned areas (Young 1983, West 1994). Thus the presence of surviving, seed producing plants facilitates the reestablishment of Indian ricegrass. Grazing management following fire to promote seed production and establishment of seedlings is important.

Rehabilitation following fire will have limited success. Observations from one hundred and seven separate plantings within the shadscale zone in Utah and Nevada indicate a very low success rate (Bleak et al. 1965). Seed from 148 native and non-native grasses, forbs and shrubs were planted from 1937 to 1962 across ten locations. Good seedling stands were obtained with introduced wheatgrasses, but most perished during the first summer. A few plantings of crested, fairway and Siberian wheatgrass along with Russian wildrye maintained stands for 10 or more years but eventually declined to very few plants (Bleak et al. 1965). The primary cause of seeding failures appeared to be the arid climate.

State and transition model

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Figure 6. State and Transition Model

Figure 7. Legend

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Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State 1.0 is a representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The Reference State has two general community phases: a shrub-grass dominated phase and a shrub dominant phase. State dynamics are maintained by interactions between climatic patterns and disturbance regimes. 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. This site is very stable, with little variation in plant community composition. Plant community changes would be reflected in production response to drought or herbivory. Wet years will increase grass production, while drought years will reduce production. Shrub production will also increase during wet years; however, periods of above-average precipitation during the growing season has been shown to cause shadscale death.

Community 1.1
Community Phase

This community is dominated by shadscale, Indian ricegrass and bottlebrush squirreltail. Bud sagebrush and Douglas' rabbitbush are minor components in the community. Community phase changes are primarily a function of chronic drought or insect damage. Drought will favor shrubs over perennial bunchgrasses. However, long-term drought will result in an overall decline in plant community production, regardless of functional group. Periods of above-average precipitation during the growing season may reduce the shadscale component. Fire is very infrequent to non-existent. Potential vegetative composition is about 45% grasses, 5% forbs, and 50% shrubs. Approximate ground cover (basal and crown) is 10 to 20 percent.

Figure 8. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (kg/hectare)	Representative value (kg/hectare)	High (kg/hectare)
Shrub/Vine	168	224	280
Grass/Grasslike	151	202	252
Forb	17	22	28
Total	336	448	560

Community 1.2
Community Phase

Shrubs such as shadscale and bud sagebrush increase in the community. Perennial bunchgrasses decrease with drought and may become a minor component.

Pathway a
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Long-term drought and/or herbivory. Drought will favor shrubs over perennial bunchgrasses.

Pathway a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Release from drought and/or herbivory would allow the vegetation to increase and bare ground would eventually decrease. Periods of above-average precipitation may reduce shadscale cover.

State 2
Current Potential State

This state is similar to the Reference State 1.0. with the addition of a shadscale and sprouting shrub dominated phase. Ecological function has not changed, however the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. Non-natives may increase in abundance but will not become dominant within this State. These non-natives can be highly flammable and can promote fire where historically fire had been infrequent. Negative feedbacks enhance ecosystem resilience and contribute to the stability of the state. These feedbacks 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 the non-natives’ high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate, and adaptations for seed dispersal. Management would be to maintain high diversity of desired species to promote organic matter inputs and prevent the dispersal and seed production of the non-native invasive species.

Community 2.1
Community Phase

This community is compositionally similar to the Reference State Community Phase 1.1 with the presence of non-native species in trace amounts. This community is dominated by shadscale and Indian ricegrass. Bottlebrush squirreltail, douglas' rabbitbush and bud sagebrush are also important species on this site. Community phase changes are primarily a function of chronic drought or insect damage. Fire is infrequent and patchy due to low fuel loads. Non-native annual species are present in minor amounts (<5%). Potential vegetative composition is approximately 45% grasses, 5% forbs and 50% shrubs.

Community 2.2
Community Phase

Shadscale and rabbitbrush increase while Indian ricegrass and bud sagebrush decline. Bare ground increases along with annual weeds. Prolonged drought may lead to an overall decline in the plant community.

Community 2.3
Community Phase (At Risk)

Shadscale and rabbitbrush dominate the overstory and perennial bunchgrasses. Bud sagebrush is reduced, either from competition with shrubs or from inappropriate grazing management, chronic drought or insect damage or combinations. Annual non-native species may be stable or increasing due to a lack of completion with perennial bunchgrasses. Bare ground may be significant. This community is at risk of crossing a threshold to either State 3.0 (shrub) or State 4.0 (annual).

Pathway a
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Inappropriate growing season grazing favors unpalatable shrubs over bunchgrasses and bud sagebrush. Prolonged drought will also decrease the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory.

Pathway a
Community 2.2 to 2.1

Release from drought and/or appropriate grazing management that facilitates an increase in perennial grasses and bud sage. Extreme growing season wet period may reduce shadscale.

Pathway b
Community 2.2 to 2.3

Chronic drought and/or inappropriate grazing management will significantly reduce perennial grasses and bud sagebrush. Shadscale and rabbitbrush will increase.

Pathway a
Community 2.3 to 2.2

Release from drought and/or appropriate grazing management allows for bud sagebrush and perennial grasses to increase. Periods of above-average precipitation during the growing season may reduce shadscale.

State 3
Shrub State

This state has one community phase that is characterized by shadscale, bud sagebrush or a sprouting shrub overstory with very little to no understory. The site has crossed a biotic threshold and site processes are being controlled by shrubs. Shrub cover exceeds the site concept and may be decadent, reflecting stand maturity and lack of seedling establishment due to competition with mature plants. The shrub overstory dominates site resources such that soil water, nutrient capture, nutrient cycling and soil organic matter are temporally and spatially redistributed. Bareground has increased.

Community 3.1
Community Phase

Decadent shadscale and bud sagebrush dominate the overstory. Rabbitbrush and/or other sprouting shrubs may be a significant component or dominant shrub. Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses may be present in trace amounts or absent from the community. Annual non-native species increase. Bare ground is significant.

State 4
Annual State

This state has one community phase. In this state, a biotic threshold has been crossed and state dynamics are driven by the dominance and persistence of the annual plant community which is perpetuated by a shortened fire return interval. The herbaceous understory is dominated by annual non-native species such as cheatgrass and halogeton. Bare ground may be abundant. Resiliency has declined and further degradation from fire facilitates a cheatgrass and sprouting shrub plant community. The fire return interval has shortened due to the dominance of cheatgrass in the understory and is a driver in site dynamics.

Community 4.1
Community Phase

Figure 9. Annual State in foreground. Shallow Silty 5-8” (028BY009NV) T. Stringham August 2014

This community is dominated by annual non-native species. Halogeton and cheatgrass most commonly invade these sites. Trace amounts of shadscale and other shrubs may be present, but are not contributing to site function. Bare ground may be abundant, especially during low precipitation years. Wind erosion and extreme soil temperatures are the driving factors in site function.

Transition A
State 1 to 2

Trigger: This transition is caused by the introduction of non-native annual plants, such as halogeton and cheatgrass. Slow variables: Over time the annual non-native species will increase within the community. Threshold: Any amount of introduced non-native species causes an immediate decrease in the resilience of the site. 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 A
State 2 to 3

Trigger: Long-term inappropriate grazing management and/or long-term chronic drought will decrease or eliminate deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses and favor shrub growth and establishment. Slow variables: Long term decrease in deep-rooted perennial grass density. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses changes nutrient cycling, nutrient redistribution, and reduces soil organic matter.

Transition B
State 2 to 4

Trigger: Fire and/or soil disturbing treatments such as drill seeding and plowing. An unusually wet spring may facilitate the increased germination and production of cheatgrass leading to its dominance within the community. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs truncates, spatially and temporally, nutrient capture and cycling within the community. Increased, continuous fine fuels from annual non-native plants modify the fire regime by changing intensity, size and spatial variability of fires.

Transition A
State 3 to 4

Trigger: Fire and/or soil disturbing treatments such as drill seeding and plowing. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species. Threshold: Increased, continuous fine fuels modify the fire regime by changing intensity, size and spatial variability of fires. Changes in plant community composition and spatial variability of vegetation due to the loss of perennial bunchgrasses and sagebrush truncate energy capture spatially and temporally thus impacting nutrient cycling and distribution.

Additional community tables

Table 6. Community 1.1 plant community composition

Group	Common name	Symbol	Scientific name	Annual production (kg/hectare)	Foliar cover (%)
Grass/Grasslike
1	Primary Perennial Grasses			135–224
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	90–135	–
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	45–90	–
2	Secondary Perennial Grasses			9–22
	globemallow	SPHAE	Sphaeralcea	9–18	–
	thelypody	THELY	Thelypodium	4–11	–
	buckwheat	ERIOG	Eriogonum	4–11	–
Forb
3	Perennial			18–40
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	202–224	–
	globemallow	SPHAE	Sphaeralcea	9–18	–
	thelypody	THELY	Thelypodium	2–9	–
	buckwheat	ERIOG	Eriogonum	2–9	–
Shrub/Vine
4	Primary Perennial Shrubs			202–224
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	202–224	–
5	Secondary Perennial Shrubs			9–36
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	2–9	–
	bud sagebrush	PIDE4	Picrothamnus desertorum	2–9	–

Interpretations

Animal community

Livestock Interpretations:
This site is suitable for livestock grazing. Grazing management considerations include timing, intensity, frequency, and duration of grazing. Traditionally, shadscale plant communities provided good winter forage for the expanding sheep and cattle industry in the arid west. Shadscale is a valuable browse species for a wide variety of wildlife and livestock (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984). The spinescent growth habit of shadscale lends to its browsing tolerance with no more than 15 to 20% utilization by sheep being reported (Blaisdell and Holmgren 1984) and significantly less utilization by cattle. Increased presence of shadscale within grazed versus ungrazed areas is generally a result of the decreased competition from more heavily browsed associates (Cibils et al. 1998). Reduced competition from more palatable species in heavily grazed areas may increase shadscale germination and establishment. Chambers and Norton (1993) found shadscale establishment higher under spring than winter browsing as well as heavy compared to light browsing. During years of below average precipitation, shadscale has been found very susceptible to grazing pressure regardless of season (Chambers and Norton 1993). Following fire, grazing exclusion for 2 or more years is beneficial for revegetation of shadscale communities as first year shadscale seedlings lack spines and are highly susceptible to browsing. Spines develop in the second year (Zielinski 1994).

Indian ricegrass is a preferred forage species for livestock and wildlife (Cook 1962, Booth et al. 2006). This species is often heavily utilized in winter because it cures well (Booth et al. 2006). It is also readily utilized in early spring, being a source of green forage before most other perennial grasses have produced new growth (Quinones 1981). Booth et al. (2006) note that the plant does well when utilized in winter and spring. Cook and Child (1971) however, found that repeated heavy grazing reduced crown cover, which may reduce seed production, density, and basal area of these plants. Additionally, heavy early spring grazing reduces plant vigor and stand density (Stubbendieck 1985). In eastern Idaho, productivity of Indian ricegrass was at least 10 times greater in undisturbed plots than in heavily grazed ones (Pearson 1965). Cook and Child (1971) found significant reduction in plant cover even 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. In summary, adaptive management is required to manage this bunchgrass well.
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. Bottlebrush squirreltail generally increases in abundance when moderately grazed or protected (Hutchings and Stewart 1953). Squirreltail is more tolerant of grazing than Indian ricegrass but all bunchgrasses are sensitive to over utilization within the growing season.

In summary, overgrazing causes a decrease in Indian ricegrass along with bud sagebrush, while shadscale may initially increase. Spring grazing year after year can be detrimental to bud sagebrush and bunchgrasses. Continued abusive grazing leads to increased bare ground and invasion by annual weeds (e.g., cheatgrass, halogeton, and tansy mustard). Shadscale may become dominant with an annual understory. With further deterioration, shadscale declines, bare ground increases, soil redistribution accelerates and site productivity decreases. On some soils, erosion can result in increased surface salts and development of desert pavement. Reestablishment of perennials is limited in areas of extensive desert pavement. Fire is a very infrequent and patchy event in these salt desert shrub communities; however, where it has occurred the shrub community is greatly reduced and annual exotic weeds will increase if present. Repeated fire within a 10 to 20 year timeframe has the potential to convert this site to an annual weed dominated system. Knowledge of successful rehabilitation strategies in these droughty plant communities is limited grass was at least 10 times greater in undisturbed plots than in heavily grazed ones (Pearson 1965). Cook and Child (1971) found significant reduction in plant cover even 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. Adaptive management is required to manage this bunchgrass well.
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:
Shadscale communities provide valuable habitat for a number of species. 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. (Jameson 1952, Welch et al. 1987). It supplies browse, seed, and cover for birds, small mammals, rabbits, deer, and pronghorn antelope.
Shadscale provides feed for wild ungulates: mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) browse shadscale, especially during winter (Bartmann 1983). Although it is not preferred, shadscale is also browsed in winter by pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) (Beal and Smith 1970).

Shadscale habitats throughout northeastern Nevada are important home ranges for small mammals. The chisel-toothed kangaroo rat (Dipodomys microps) feed on shadscale foliage and use shadscale habitats during the spring, summer, and fall. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) use shadscale habitats all year (O’farrell and Clark 1986). Shadscale leaves and seeds are preferred forage for jackrabbits (Lepus californicus) (Currie and Goodwin 1966). The Great Basin kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii) also feeds on shadscale foliage (Kenagy 1973).

Several bird species will eat the fruit and use shadscale habitats for cover and nesting sites. The horned lark (Eremophila alpestris) occurs throughout shadscale communities. Although less commonly apparent the Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri) and sage thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) also occur in shadscale habitat. Other species, observed occasionally throughout breeding season in shadscale habitat include: northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) , ferruginos hawk (Buteo regalis), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), American kestrel (Falco sparverius) , prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), violet-green swallow (Tachycineta thalassina), cliff swallow (Petrochelidon), bam swallow (Hirundo rustica), common raven (Corvus corax), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), black-throated sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), and western meadowlark (Sternella neglecta) (Medin 1990).

It should be noted the loss of shadscale and associated shrubs has a negative effect on golden eagle habitat. The golden eagle is listed as a threatened species throughout the United States. Areas of shadscale shrub-steppe provide cover and forage for black-tailed jackrabbits, which are a major food source of golden eagles. Shadscale should be maintained within 1.9 miles of golden eagle nests in order to maintain the species (Kochert et al. 1999).

Reptile and amphibian distribution is not widely studied throughout the intermountain cold desert shrub region; however, several reptiles and amphibians are recorded to occur throughout Nevada, where shadscale, bud sagebrush, and other desert shrubs are known to grow (Bernard and Brown 1977). In shadscale habitat specifically, western rattle snakes (Crotalus viridis) and gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) were recorded in a study by Diller and Johnson (1988).
Indian ricegrass is eaten by pronghorn in "moderate" amounts whenever available. 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.
Bottlebrush squirreltail is a dietary component of several wildlife species. Bottlebrush squirreltail may provide forage for mule deer and pronghorn.
Changes in plant community composition could affect the distribution and presence of wildlife species and proper management is important to maintain healthy ecological communities.

Hydrological functions

Runoff is low or medium. Permeability is moderately slow to moderate. This site is essentially level and rills are non-existent. This site is subject to ponding and flooding after summer convection storms. As a result water flow patterns are rare to common dependent on site location relative to major inflow areas. Water flow patterns are typically short, ending in depressional areas where water ponds. This site is may be ponded for short periods in the late winter. Runoff is not significant. Deep-rooted bunchgrasses (i.e., Indian ricegrass) aid in infiltration.

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 has potential for upland and big game hunting.

Other products

Seeds of shadscale were used by Native Americans of Arizona, Utah, and Nevada for bread and mush. Indian ricegrass was traditionally eaten by some Native Americans. The Paiutes used the seed as a reserve food source.

Other information

Bottlebrush squirreltail is tolerant of disturbance and is a suitable species for revegetation.

Supporting information

Type locality

Location 1: Elko County, NV
Township/Range/Section	T30N R61E S22
Latitude	40° 27′ 55″
Longitude	115° 4′ 54″
General legal description	Approximately 2 miles southeast of the junction of Butte Valley Road and 3-C Road along Butte Valley Road, Elko County, Nevada. This site also occurs in White Pine County, Nevada.

Other references

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Chambers, J. C. and B. E. Norton. 1993. Effects of grazing and drought on population dynamics of salt desert species on the Desert Experimental Range, Utah. Journal of Arid Environments:261-275.

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Knapp, P. A. 1998. Spatio-temporal patterns of large grassland fires in the Intermountain West, U.S.A. Global Ecology & Biogeography Letters 7:259-272.

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Contributors

MD/RK
T Stringham
P NovakEchenique
E. Hourihan

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)	G. Brackley / P Novak-Echenique
Contact for lead author	State Rangeland Management Specialist
Date	12/08/2015
Approved by
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
This site is essentially level and rills are non-existent.
Presence of water flow patterns:
This site is subject to ponding and flooding after summer convection storms. As a result water flow patterns are rare to common dependent on site location relative to major inflow areas. Water flow patterns are typically short, ending in depressional areas where water ponds.
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals are none to rare mainly occuring in water flow paths.
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground 70-80%
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
A few gullies may be evident where this site occurs adjacent to major in-flow areas or ephemeral channels.
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Typically minimal – some wind scouring may occur from a severe wind event preceding a summer convection storm
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter (foliage of grasses and annual & perennial forbs) expected to move distance of slope length during periods of intense summer convection storms or run in of early spring snow melt flows. Persistent litter (large woody material) will remain in place except during unusual flooding or ponding events.
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil stability values will range from 4 to 6.
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Structure of soil surface will be prismatic or thick platy. Soil surface colors are pale browns and soils are typified by an ochric epipedon. Surface textures are fine sandy loams or silt loams. A vesicular crust is common. Organic matter is typically less than 1 percent.
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
This site is may be ponded for short periods in the late winter. Runoff is not significant. Deep-rooted bunchgrasses (i.e., Indian ricegrass) aid in infiltration.
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. Subangular blocky or prismatic structure in the subsoil is normal for these soils and is not to be interpreted as compaction.
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 State: deep-rooted, cool season, perennial bunchgrasses (Indian ricegrass) > salt-desert shrubs (shadscale) >>

Sub-dominant:
> shallow-rooted perennial bunch grasses > associated shrubs > deep-rooted, cool season, perennial forbs >> fibrous, shallow-rooted, cool season, perennial and annual forbs

Other:
microbiotic crusts

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 35% of total woody canopy.
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Between plant interspaces (10-20%) and depth (± ¼ in.)
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
For normal or average growing season (March thru May) ± 400 lbs/ac; Favorable years ± 500 lbs/ac and unfavorable years ±300 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:
Potential invaders include: annual mustards, annual kochia, Russian thistle and halogeton.
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All functional groups should reproduce in average (or normal) and above average growing season years. Reduced growth and reproduction occur during extreme or extended drought periods.

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Natural ResourcesConservation Service

Ecological site R028BY009NV

SHALLOW SILTY 8-10 P.Z.

Accessed: 12/22/2024

General information

Figure 1. Mapped extent

MLRA notes

Ecological site concept

Associated sites

Similar sites

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Ecosystem states

State 1 submodel, plant communities

State 2 submodel, plant communities

State 3 submodel, plant communities

State 4 submodel, plant communities

Natural Resources
Conservation Service