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Ecological site R028BY016NV

SHALLOW CALCAREOUS SLOPE 8-10 P.Z.

Accessed: 11/21/2024

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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 site typically occurs on hills and mountains. Slopes gradients >30 percent are typical. Elevations range from 5500 to 7500 feet.
The soils associated with this site are shallow, well drained, and are characterized by an ochric epipedon. They formed in residuum and colluvium derived from limestone. The presence of this site is driven by droughty soil conditions resulting from low available water holding capacity and carbonatic minerology.
The reference state is dominated by black sagebrush, Indian ricegrass and needleandthread. Production ranges from 100 to 350 pounds per acre.
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 Calcareous Hill 8-12" PZ (028BY059NV). 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

F028BY060NV	PIMO-JUOS/ARNO4/PSSPS-ACHY
F028BY083NV	Cobbly Calcareous Mountain Slopes 10-12 P.Z.
R028BY008NV	SHALLOW CALCAREOUS SLOPE 10-12 P.Z.
R028BY010NV	LOAMY 8-10 P.Z.
R028BY011NV	SHALLOW CALCAREOUS LOAM 8-10 P.Z.
R028BY059NV	SHALLOW CALCAREOUS HILL 8-12 P.Z.
R028BY080NV	SHALLOW LOAM 8-10 P.Z.

Similar sites

R028BY048NV	CALCAREOUS MOUNTAIN RIDGE PSSPS dominant grass.
R028BY027NV	SHALLOW CALCAREOUS SLOPE 14+ P.Z. PSSPS dominant grass.
R028BY011NV	SHALLOW CALCAREOUS LOAM 8-10 P.Z. More productive site.
R028BY008NV	SHALLOW CALCAREOUS SLOPE 10-12 P.Z. PSSPS-ACHY codominant grasses; more productive site.
R028BY006NV	SHALLOW CALCAREOUS LOAM 10-12 P.Z. PSSPS-ACHY codominant grasses; more productive site.
R028BY089NV	SHALLOW CLAY LOAM 10-12 P.Z. ACHY-ACTH7 codominant grasses; more productive site.
R028BY059NV	SHALLOW CALCAREOUS HILL 8-12 P.Z. JUOS dominates the visual aspect.
R028BY090NV	SHALLOW CALCAREOUS HILL 14+ P.Z. PIMO dominates visual aspect; PSSPS dominant grass; higher elevations.
R028BY093NV	SHALLOW CLAY LOAM 12-14 P.Z. PSSPS-ACTH7 codominant grasses.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Artemisia nova
Herbaceous	(1) Achnatherum hymenoides

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on all exposures of hills and mountains, although south aspects are typical. Slopes range from 8 to 75 percent, but slope gradients >30% percent are typical. Elevations typically range from 5500 to 7500 feet, but may occur between 5000 and 8000 feet in some areas.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Hill (2) Mountain
Flooding frequency	None
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	5,500 – 6,500 ft
Slope	30 – 75%
Ponding depth	Not specified
Water table depth	Not specified
Aspect	SE, S, SW

Climatic features

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

The average annual precipitation ranges from 8 to 12 inches. Mean annual air temperature is about 45 to 50 degrees F. The average growing season is 90 to 120 days.

Mean annual precipitation across the range in which this ES occurs is 9.01".
Monthly mean precipitation: January 0.69; February 0.65; March 0.87; April 0.88; May 1.14; June 0.73; July 0.65; August 0.77; September 0.66; October 0.79; November 0.62; December 0.60.
*The above data is averaged from the Diamond Valley- Eureka and McGill WRCC climate stations.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (average)	90 days
Freeze-free period (average)	120 days
Precipitation total (average)	9 in

Bar

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Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range

Bar

Line

Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 4. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 5. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) MCGILL [USC00264950], Ely, NV
(2) DIAMOND VALLEY - EUREKA 14NNW [USC00262296], Eureka, NV

Soil features

The soils associated with this site have an ochric epipedon, are well drained, shallow, and formed in residuum and colluvium derived from limestone. Primary factor driving the presence of this site is the low available water holding capacity and droughtiness of the soil. Runoff is high and the potential for sheet and rill erosion is slight to moderate depending on slope.
Soil series associated with this site include: Zimbob, Roden, Izar, Jung, Atlow, Hooplite, Puett, and Hundraw.
The representative soil series is Zimbob, a Loamy-skeletal, carbonatic, mesic Lithic Xeric Torriorthents. Diagnostic horizons include an ochric epipedon from the soil surface to 18 cm,
identifiable secondary carbonates from 13 to 30cm, and fractured limestone bedrock at 30cm. Clay content in the particle size control section averages 10 to 18 percent. Rock fragments range from 35 to 50 percent, mainly consist of gravel. Reaction is moderately alkaline or strongly alkaline and soils are strongly to violently effervescent, increasing with depth.
Soil series that formed in alluvium currently correlated to this site (Tosser, Wala, Biken, Palinor, Tarnach, Umil, Automal, and Pedoli variant) will be field checked for recorrelation to 028BY011NV, Shallow Calcareous Loam 8-10" PZ.
Soil series with a frigid soil temperature regime (Punchbowl, Solak, Akerue, Simpark, Weigle, Umil, & Nobuck) currently correleated to this site will be field checked and recorrelated as appropriate.

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Residuum – limestone (2) Colluvium – dolomite
Surface texture	(1) Extremely gravelly loam (2) Fine sandy loam
Family particle size	(1) Loamy
Drainage class	Well drained
Permeability class	Moderately rapid
Soil depth	12 – 18 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	35 – 75%
Surface fragment cover >3"	15%
Available water capacity (0-40in)	0.5 – 1 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	35 – 55%
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	Not specified
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	1 – 5
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	8.2 – 8.6
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified)	35 – 50%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified)	5 – 10%

Ecological dynamics

An ecological site is the product of all the environmental factors responsible for its development and it 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).

Periodic drought regularly influences sagebrush ecosystems and drought duration and severity has increased throughout the 20th century in much of the Intermountain West. Major shifts away from historical precipitation patterns have the greatest potential to alter ecosystem function and productivity. Species composition and productivity can be altered by the timing of precipitation and water availability within the soil profile (Bates et al. 2006).

Native insect outbreaks are also important drivers of ecosystem dynamics in sagebrush communities. Climate is generally believed to influence the timing of insect outbreaks especially a sagebrush defoliator, Aroga moth (Aroga websteri). Aroga moth infestations have occurred in the Great Basin in the 1960s, early 1970s, and is ongoing in Nevada since 2004 (Bentz et al. 2008). Thousands of acres of sagebrush have been impacted, with partial to complete die-off observed (Gates 1964, Hall 1965), but the research is inconclusive of the damage sustained by black sagebrush populations.

Black sagebrush is generally long-lived; therefore it is not necessary for new individuals to recruit every year for perpetuation of the stand. Infrequent large recruitment events and simultaneous low, continuous recruitment is the foundation of population maintenance (Noy-Meir 1973). Survival of the seedlings is dependent on adequate moisture conditions.

The perennial bunchgrasses that are co-dominant with the shrubs include Indian ricegrass and needleandthread. Sandberg’s bluegrass, and squirreltail are other important grass species. These species generally have somewhat shallower root systems than the shrubs, but root densities are often as high or higher than those of shrubs in the upper 0.5 m of the soil profile. General differences in root depth distributions between grasses and shrubs results in resource partitioning in these shrub/grass systems.

The Great Basin sagebrush communities have high spatial and temporal variability in precipitation both among years and within growing seasons. Nutrient availability is typically low but increases with elevation and closely follows moisture availability. 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. The invasion of sagebrush communities by cheatgrass has been linked to disturbances (fire, abusive grazing) that have resulted in fluctuations in resources (Chambers et al. 2007).

The range and density of singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper has increased since the middle of the nineteenth century (Tausch 1999, Miller and Tausch 2000). Causes for expansion of trees into sagebrush ecosystems include wildfire suppression, historic livestock grazing, and climate change (Bunting 1994). Mean fire return intervals prior to European settlement in black sagebrush ecosystems were greater than 100 years, however frequent enough to inhibit the encroachment of singleleaf pinyona and Utah juniper into these low productive sagebrush cover types (Kitchen and McArthur 2007). Thus, trees were isolated to fire-safe areas such as rocky outcroppings and areas with low-productivity. An increase in crown density causes a decrease in understory perennial vegetation and an increase in bare ground. This allows for the invasion of non-native annual species such as cheatgrass. With annual species in the understory wildfire can become more frequent and increase in intensity. With frequent wildfires these plant communities can convert to annual species with a sprouting shrub and juvenile tree overstory.

This ecological site is low to moderate resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasion. Increased resilience increases with elevation, aspect, increased precipitation and increased nutrient availability. Five possible stable states have been identified for this site.

Fire Ecology:
Fire is not a major disturbance of these community types (Winward 2001), and would be infrequent. Historic fire return intervals have been estimated at 100-200 years (Kitchen and McArthur 2007); however, fires were probably patchy and very infrequent due to the low productivity of these sites. Black sagebrush plants have no morphological adaptations for surviving fire and must reestablish from seed following fire (Wright et al. 1979). The ability of black sagebrush to establish after fire is mostly dependent on the amount of seed deposited in the seed bank the year before the fire. Seeds typically do not persist in the soil for more than 1 growing season (Beetle 1960). A few seeds may remain viable in soil for 2 years (Meyer 2008); however, even in dry storage, black sagebrush seed viability has been found to drop rapidly over time, from 81% to 1% viability after 2 and 10 years of storage, respectively (Stevens et al. 1981). Thus, repeated frequent fires can eliminate black sagebrush from a site, however black sagebrush in zones receiving 12 to 16 inches of annual precipitation have been found to have greater fire survival (Boltz 1994). In lower precipitation zones, spiny hopsage and/or shadscale may become the dominant shrub species following fire. Douglas’ rabbitbrush and ephedra can also sprout after fire and become a dominant shrub on this site often with an understory of Sandberg’s bluegrass and/or cheatgrass and other weedy species.

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 all factor into the individual species response. The two dominant grasses on this site, Indian ricegrass and needleandthread grass, have different responses to fire. Needleandthread is top-killed by fire but is likely to resprout if fire does not consume above ground stems (Akinsoji 1988, Bradley, Noste and Fischer 1992). In a study by Wright and Klemmedson (1965), season of burn rather than fire intensity seemed to be the crucial factor in mortality for needleandthread grass. Early spring season burning was seen to kill the plants while August burning had no effect. Indian ricegrass is fairly fire tolerant (Wright 1985), which is likely due to its low culm density and below ground plant crowns. Indian ricegrass has 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 is necessary for reestablishment of Indian ricegrass. Grazing management following fire to promote seed production and establishment of seedlings is important.
Sandberg’s bluegrass, a minor component of this ecological site, has been found to increase following fire likely due to its low stature and productivity (Daubenmire 1975). Sandberg’s bluegrass may retard reestablishment of deeper rooted bunchgrass. Repeated frequent fire in this community will eliminate both black sagebrush and Indian ricegrass from the site and facilitate the establishment of an annual weed community with varying amounts of Sandberg’s bluegrass, spiny hopsage and rabbitbrush.

Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon are usually killed by fire, and are most vulnerable to fire when it is under four feet tall (Bradley et al. 1992). Larger trees, because they have foliage farther from the ground and thicker bark, can survive low severity fires but mortality does occur when 60% or more of the crown is scorched (Bradley et al. 1992). With the low production of the understory vegetation, high severity fires within this plant community were not likely and rarely became crown fires (Bradley et al. 1992, Miller and Tausch 2000). Tree density on this site increases with grazing management that favors the removal of fine fuels and management focused on fire suppression. With an increase of cheatgrass in the understory, fire severity is likely to increase. Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon reestablishes by seed from nearby seed source or surviving seeds. Utah juniper begins to produce seed at about 30 years old (Bradley et al. 1992). Seeds establish best through the use of a nurse plant such as sagebrush and rabbitbrush (Everett and Ward 1984, Tausch and West 1988, Bradley et al. 1992).

State and transition model

Custom diagram

Standard diagram

Figure 6. State and Transition Model

Figure 7. Legend

Figure 8. Legend

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

State 1
Reference State

The Reference State is a representative of the natural range of variability under pristine conditions. The Reference State has three general community phases; a shrub-grass dominant phase, and a shrub dominant phase and a grass dominate 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. Plant community phase changes are primarily driven by fire, periodic drought and/or insect or disease attack. Due to the nature and extent of disturbance in this site, all three plant community phases would likely occur in a mosaic across the landscape. Utah juniper may be present on the site, but will only occur as scattered trees and will not dominate the site.

Community 1.1
Community Phase

This plant community is dominated by black sagebrush and Indian ricegrass. Shadscale, needleandthread grass, Sandberg’s bluegrass, and bottlebrush squirreltail important associated species. Utah juniper and/or singleleaf pinyon may be present. Potential vegetative composition is about 40% grasses, 5% forbs, and 55% shrubs and trees. Approximate ground cover (basal and crown) is 5 to 10 percent.

Figure 9. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 5. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (lb/acre)	Representative value (lb/acre)	High (lb/acre)
Shrub/Vine	54	122	188
Grass/Grasslike	40	90	140
Forb	5	11	18
Tree	1	2	4
Total	100	225	350

Community 1.2
Community Phase

This community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early seral community phase. Indian ricegrass and needleandthread will increase and dominate the community. Sprouting shrubs such as Douglas’ rabbitbrush, spiny hopsage, and shadscale may increase. Black sagebrush could still be present in unburned patches. Forbs may increase post-fire but will likely return to pre-burn levels within a few years.

Community 1.3
Community Phase

Black sagebrush increases in the absence of disturbance. Decadent sagebrush dominates the overstory and the deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses in the understory are reduced, either from competition with shrubs or from herbivory. Sandberg’s bluegrass will likely increase in the understory and may be the dominant grass on the site. Scattered Utah juniper trees may be present on the site.

Pathway a
Community 1.1 to 1.2

A low severity fire would decrease the overstory of sagebrush and allow for the understory perennial grasses to increase. Fires are typically low severity resulting in a mosaic pattern due to low fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring facilitating an increase in fine fuels may be more severe and reduce sagebrush cover to trace amounts.

Pathway b
Community 1.1 to 1.3

Absence of disturbance over time, significant herbivory, chronic drought or combinations of these would allow the sagebrush overstory to increase and dominate the site. This will generally cause a reduction in perennial bunch grasses; however Sandberg’s bluegrass may increase in the understory depending on the timing and intensity of herbivory. Heavy spring utilization will favor an increase in sagebrush.

Pathway a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Time and lack of disturbance will allow sagebrush to establish.

Pathway a
Community 1.3 to 1.1

A low severity fire, herbivory or combinations will reduce the sagebrush overstory and create a sagebrush/grass mosaic.

Pathway b
Community 1.3 to 1.2

Fire will decrease or eliminate the overstory of sagebrush and allow for the perennial bunchgrasses to dominate the site. Fires will typically be high intensity due to the dominance of sagebrush resulting in removal of the overstory shrub community.

State 2
Current Potential State

This state is similar to the Reference State 1.0 and has three similar community phases. Ecological function has not changed in this state, but the resiliency of the state has been reduced by the presence of invasive weeds. These non-native species can be highly flammable, and promote fire where historically fire had 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 the non-natives high seed output, persistent seed bank, rapid growth rate, ability to cross pollinate and adaptations for seed dispersal.

Community 2.1
Community Phase

This community phase is compositionally similar to the Reference State Community Phase 1.1 with the presence non-native species in trace amounts. This community is dominated by black sagebrush and Indian ricegrass. Shadscale, needleandthread, Sandberg’s bluegrass, and bottlebrush squirreltail important associated species. Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon may be present.

Community 2.2
Community Phase

This community phase is characteristic of a post-disturbance, early seral community where annual non-native species are present. Sagebrush is present in trace amounts; perennial bunchgrasses dominate the site. Depending on fire severity patches of intact sagebrush may remain. Rabbitbrush or other sprouting shrubs may be increasing. Shadscale may increase. Annual non-native species generally respond well after fire and may be stable or increasing within the community.

Community 2.3
Community Phase (At Risk)

Black sagebrush dominates the overstory and perennial bunchgrasses in the understory are reduced, either from competition with shrubs or from inappropriate grazing, or from both. Rabbitbrush may be a significant component. Sandberg’s bluegrass will likely increase in the understory and may be co-dominant with the deep rooted bunchgrasses. Utah juniper may be present and without management will likely increase. Annual non-native species are stable or increasing. This community is at risk of crossing a threshold to either State 3.0 (grazing or fire) or State 4.0 (fire).

Pathway a
Community 2.1 to 2.2

A low severity fire (or brush management) would decrease the overstory of sagebrush and allow for the understory perennial grasses to increase. Fires are typically low severity resulting in a mosaic pattern due to low fuel loads. A fire following an unusually wet spring or a change in management favoring an increase in fine fuels may be more severe and reduce sagebrush cover to trace amounts. Annual non-native species are likely to increase after fire.

Conservation practices

Brush Management

Pathway b
Community 2.1 to 2.3

Absence of disturbance over time, chronic drought, inappropriate grazing management or combinations of these would allow the sagebrush overstory to increase and dominate the site. Inappropriate grazing management reduces the perennial bunchgrass understory; conversely Sandberg bluegrass may increase in the understory.

Pathway a
Community 2.2 to 2.1

Absence of disturbance over time and/or grazing management that favors the establishment and growth of sagebrush allows the shrub component to recover. The establishment of black sagebrush can take many years.

Pathway a
Community 2.3 to 2.1

Grazing management that reduces shrubs will allow for the perennial bunchgrasses in the understory to increase. Heavy late-fall/winter grazing may cause mechanical damage to sagebrush promoting the perennial bunchgrass understory. Brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance will also decrease sagebrush and release the perennial understory. Annual non-native species are present and may increase in the community. A low severity fire would decrease the overstory of sagebrush and allow for the understory perennial grasses to increase. Due to low fuel loads in this State, fires will likely be small creating a mosaic pattern.

Conservation practices

Brush Management

Pathway b
Community 2.3 to 2.2

State 3
Shrub State

This state has one community phase is characterized by black sagebrush or a sprouting shrub overstory with a Sandberg’s bluegrass understory. The site has crossed a biotic threshold and site processes are being controlled by shrubs. Bare ground has increased and pedestalling of grasses may be excessive.

Community 3.1
Community Phase

Figure 10. T.K. Stringham_9/2013

Figure 11. T.K. Stringham_9/2013

Black sagebrush dominates overstory while Sandberg’s bluegrass dominates the understory. Deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses have significantly declined. Annual non-native species may be present. Bare ground and soil redistribution may be increasing. If present on the site, Utah juniper is increasing. The community phase may be at risk of transitioning into a Tree State or Annual State

Community 3.2
Community Phase (At Risk)

Shadscale or rabbitbrush dominate the overstory. Annual non-native species may be increasing and bare ground is significant. This site is at risk for an increase in invasive annual weeds.

Pathway a
Community 3.1 to 3.2

Fire reduces black sagebrush to trace amounts and allows for sprouting shrubs such as rabbitbrush to dominate. Shadscale may also establish post-fire and become dominate. Inappropriate or excessive sheep grazing could also reduce cover of sagebrush and allow for shadscale or sprouting shrubs to dominate the community. Brush treatments with minimal soil disturbance would facilitate sprouting shrubs and Sandberg’s bluegrass.

Conservation practices

Brush Management

State 4
Tree State

This state has two community phases that are characterized by a dominance of Utah juniper in the overstory. Singleleaf pinyon may also be present. Black sagebrush and perennial bunchgrasses may still be present, but they are no longer controlling site resources. Soil moisture, soil nutrients and soil organic matter distribution and cycling have been spatially and temporally altered.

Community 4.1
Community Phase

Utah juniper and/or singleleaf pinyon trees dominate the overstory, sagebrush is decadent and dying, deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses are decreasing. Recruitment of sagebrush cohorts is minimal. Annual non-natives may be present or increasing. Bare ground in interspaces are large and connected.

Community 4.2
Community Phase

Utah juniper/singleleaf pinyon trees dominate the overstory. Black sagebrush is decadent and dying with numerous skeletons present. Bunchgrasses present in trace amounts and annual non-native species may dominate understory. Herbaceous species may be located primarily under the canopy or near the drip line of trees. Bare ground interspaces are large and connected. Soil redistribution may be apparent.

Pathway a
Community 4.1 to 4.2

Time and lack of disturbance or management action allows for tree cover and density to further increase and trees to out-compete the herbaceous understory species for sunlight and water.

State 5
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 grass community which is perpetuated by a shortened fire return interval fire. The herbaceous understory is dominated by annual non-native species such as cheatgrass, halogeton, and mustards. Resiliency has declined and further degradation from fire facilitates a cheatgrass and/or halogeton and sprouting shrub plant community. Fire return interval has shortened due to the dominance of cheatgrass in the understory and is a driver in site dynamics.

Community 5.1
Community Phase

Cheatgrass, mustards, halogeton and other annuals dominate the site. Halogeton more readily invades this site. Sprouting shrubs may be present. Erosion may be significant.

Transition A
State 1 to 2

Trigger: Introduction of non-native annual plants. Slow variables: Over time the annual non-native plants 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: To Community Phase 3.1: Inappropriate cattle/horse grazing will decrease or eliminate deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses, increase Sandberg bluegrass and favor shrub growth and establishment. To Community Phase 3.2: Severe fire will remove sagebrush overstory, decrease perennial bunchgrasses and enhance Sandberg’s bluegrass. Soil disturbing brush treatments and/or inappropriate sheep grazing will reduce sagebrush and potentially increase sprouting shrubs and Sandberg’s bluegrass. Slow variables: Long term decrease in deep-rooted perennial grass density and/or black sagebrush. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses changes nutrient cycling, nutrient redistribution, and reduces soil organic matter. Loss of long-lived, black sagebrush changes the temporal and depending on the replacement shrub, the spatial distribution of nutrient cycling.

Transition B
State 2 to 4

Trigger: Absence of disturbance over time allows for Utah juniper dominance. Feedbacks and ecological processes: Trees increasingly dominate use of soil water resulting in decreasing herbaceous and shrub production and decreasing organic matter inputs, contributing to reductions in soil water availability to grasses and shrubs and increased soil erodibility. Slow variables: Long term increase in juniper density. Threshold: Trees overtop black sagebrush and out-compete shrubs for water and sunlight. Shrub skeletons exceed live shrubs in number. There is minimal recruitment of new shrub cohorts. Litter builds up underneath trees while bare ground increases in interspaces; this changes nutrient cycling and levels of organic matter in the soil. Redistribution of soil, organic matter and nutrients may occur with water and wind erosion.

Transition C
State 2 to 5

Trigger: Catastrophic fire or soil surface disturbance. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species. Threshold: Loss of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs changes energy and nutrient capture and cycling both temporally and spatially within the community. Increased, continuous fine fuels modify the fire regime by changing intensity, size and spatial variability of fires.

Transition A
State 3 to 4

Trigger: Absence of disturbance over time allows for Utah juniper/singleleaf pinyon dominance. Feedbacks and ecological processes: Trees increasingly dominate use of soil water resulting in decreasing herbaceous and shrub production and decreasing organic matter inputs, contributing to reductions in soil water availability to grasses and shrubs and increased soil erodibility. Slow variables: Long term increase in tree density. Threshold: Trees overtop black sagebrush and out-compete shrubs for water and sunlight. Shrub skeletons exceed live shrubs in number. There is minimal recruitment of new shrub cohorts. Litter builds up underneath trees while bare ground increases in interspaces; this changes nutrient cycling and levels of organic matter in the soil.

Transition B
State 3 to 5

Trigger: Fire or treatments that disturb the soil and existing plant community (ex: failed restoration attempts). Slow variables: Increased seed production and cover of annual non-native 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 and impact the nutrient cycling and distribution.

Restoration pathway A
State 4 to 3

Removal of trees in community phase 4.1. If restoration efforts fail, this site could transition to annual state 5.0.

Conservation practices

Brush Management
Range Planting

Transition A
State 4 to 5

Trigger: Catastrophic fire causing a stand replacement event. Inappropriate tree removal practices with soil disturbance will also cause a transition to Annual State 5. Slow variables: Increased production and cover of non-native annual species under tree canopies. Threshold: Closed tree canopy with non-native annual species dominant in the understory changes the 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 and impacts nutrient cycling and distribution.

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			56–12
	needle and thread	HECO26	Hesperostipa comata	23–45	–
	Indian ricegrass	ACHY	Achnatherum hymenoides	23–45	–
	squirreltail	ELEL5	Elymus elymoides	5–11	–
	Sandberg bluegrass	POSE	Poa secunda	5–11	–
2	Secondary Perennial Grasses			5–18
	bluebunch wheatgrass	PSSPS	Pseudoroegneria spicata ssp. spicata	1–4	–
Forb
3	Perennial Forbs			11–23
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	79–101	–
	Nevada jointfir	EPNE	Ephedra nevadensis	1–7	–
	buckwheat	ERIOG	Eriogonum	1–4	–
	phlox	PHLOX	Phlox	1–4	–
	goldenweed	PYRRO	Pyrrocoma	1–4	–
	globemallow	SPHAE	Sphaeralcea	1–4	–
Shrub/Vine
4	Primary Shrubs			84–112
	black sagebrush	ARNO4	Artemisia nova	79–101	–
	shadscale saltbush	ATCO	Atriplex confertifolia	5–11	–
5	Secondary Shrubs			10–30
	yellow rabbitbrush	CHVI8	Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus	1–7	–
	Nevada jointfir	EPNE	Ephedra nevadensis	1–7	–
	spiny hopsage	GRSP	Grayia spinosa	1–7	–
	winterfat	KRLA2	Krascheninnikovia lanata	1–7	–
	bud sagebrush	PIDE4	Picrothamnus desertorum	1–7	–
Tree
6	Evergreen			1–4
	Utah juniper	JUOS	Juniperus osteosperma	1–4	–
	singleleaf pinyon	PIMO	Pinus monophylla	0–3	–

Interpretations

Animal community

Livestock/Wildlife Grazing Interpretations:
This site is suitable for livestock grazing. Considerations for grazing management including timing, intensity and duration of grazing. Targeted grazing could be used to decrease the density of non-natives.
Black sagebrush palatability has been rated as moderate to high depending on the ungulate and the season of use (Horton 1989, Wambolt 1996). The palatability of black sagebrush increases the potential negative impacts on remaining black sagebrush plants from grazing or browsing pressure following fire (Wambolt 1996). Pronghorn utilize black sagebrush heavily (Beale and Smith 1970). On the Desert Experiment Range, black sagebrush was found to comprise 68% of pronghorn diet even though it was only the 3rd most common plant. Fawns were found to prefer black sagebrush utilizing it more than all other forage species combined (Beale and Smith 1970). Domestic livestock will also utilize black sagebrush. The domestic sheep industry that emerged in the Great Basin in the early 1900s was largely based on wintering domestic sheep in black sagebrush communities (Mozingo 1987). Domestic sheep will browse black sagebrush during all seasons of the year depending on the availability of other forage species, with greater amounts being consumed in fall and winter. Black sagebrush is generally less palatable to cattle than to domestic sheep and wild ungulates (McArthur et al. 1979); however, cattle use of black sagebrush has also been shown to be greatest in fall and winter (Schultz and McAdoo 2002), with only trace amounts being consumed in summer (Van Vuren 1984).

Inappropriate grazing management during the growing season will cause a decline in understory plants such as needleandthread and Indian ricegrass. Growing season grazing by cattle may initially cause a decrease in the bunchgrass component and give a competitive advantage to shrub species including black sagebrush (Eckert et al. 1972).

Indian ricegrass is a deep-rooted, cool season perennial bunchgrass that is adapted primarily to sandy soils. 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 feed 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 et al. 1985). 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.
Needle-and-thread grass is most commonly found on warm/dry soils (Miller et al. 2013). It is not grazing tolerant and will be one of the first grasses to decrease under heavy grazing pressure (Smoliak et al. 1972, Tueller and Blackburn 1974). Heavy grazing is likely to reduce basal area of these plants (Smoliak et al. 1972). With the reduction in competition from deep rooted perennial bunchgrasses, shallower rooted grasses such as Sandberg bluegrass and forbs may increase (Smoliak et al. 1972). Further degradation of the grass community can lead to an invasion by exotic annual species such as halogeton and cheatgrass.

Reduced bunchgrass vigor or density provides an opportunity for Sandberg’s bluegrass expansion and/or cheatgrass and other invasive species to occupy interspaces, leading to increased fire frequency and potentially an annual plant community. Sandberg’s bluegrass increases under grazing pressure (Tisdale and Hironaka 1981) and is capable of co-existing with cheatgrass. Excessive sheep grazing favors Sandberg’s bluegrass; however, where cattle are the dominant grazers, cheatgrass often dominates (Daubenmire 1970). Thus, depending on the season of use, the type of grazing animal, and site conditions, either Sandberg’s bluegrass or cheatgrass may become the dominant understory with inappropriate grazing management.

Wildlife Interpretations:
Black sagebrush are desirable forage plants and also act as good cover for wildlife (Blaisdell et al. 1982). Pronghorn do best where shrub cover is moderate to low, therefore, low sagebrush varieties may be preferred in some areas over big sagebrush varieties (Blaisdell et al. 1982). Furthermore, a review identified black sagebrush as the most important source of winter browse for pronghorn in Utah (Allen et al. 1984). In winter, it was reported by Clary and Beale (1983) that pronghorn preferred black sagebrush habitat.
In a study by Behan and Welch (1985) black sagebrush accessions were preferred over six other big sagebrush accessions for winter habitat by mule deer. Black sagebrush (and other sagebrush communities) are less attractive to elk and moose. In southwestern Wyoming comparing winter habitat use by wild ungulates, elk and moose used Wyoming big sagebrush and black sagebrush community less than expected, while mule deer used it almost exclusively (Oedekoven et al. 1987).
Bird species use black sagebrush habitat. Sage thrashers and most passerines prefer areas with black sagebrush and other dwarf shrubs over areas with taller shrubs (Medin et al. 2000). Gunnison sage-grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, Brewer's sparrow, sage sparrow, sage thrasher, also use black sagebrush communities for cover and feed (Paige and Ritter 1999). Greater Sage grouse are known obligates in black sagebrush and other sagebrush habitats and will use black sagebrush sites as winter grounds (Connelly et al. 2000). For example: sage-grouse on the Snake River Plains of Idaho use black sagebrush-big sagebrush communities as winter range, and in Nevada, sage-grouse select wind-swept ridges with short, scattered black sagebrush plants as winter feeding areas (Clements and Young 1997). In fact, throughout the west, greater sage grouse use mixed sagebrush habitats of big sagebrush and black sagebrush stands.

Black sagebrush, is often a component of low sagebrush communities and is an important shrub for pygmy rabbits and other sagebrush obligate species (Oregon Conservation Strategy, 2006).
Rodents also use black sagebrush habitats. A study in northeastern Nevada showed deer mice, Great Basin pocket mice, and Ord's kangaroo rats used gray low sagebrush-black sagebrush communities on dry ridge tops in late spring and summer (McAdoo et al. 2006). Rodents on cold-desert warm-desert ecotones within the Nevada Test Site preferred cold-desert communities over transition and warm-desert communities in which black sagebrush communities were more abundant (Hansen et al. 1999). Black sagebrush communities also support predators. According to study by MacLaren et al. (1988) greater sage-grouse are the primary avian prey of golden eagles in a mixed big sagebrush-black sagebrush shrubland in southeastern Wyoming.
Threats and Management
Changes in plant community composition caused by fire frequency, and other threats associated with this ecological site could affect the distribution and presence of wildlife species.

Hydrological functions

Runoff is slow to medium and the potential for sheet and rill erosion is slight to moderate depending on slope. Rills are rare. A few can be expected on steeper slopes in areas subjected to summer convection storms or rapid spring snowmelt. A few water flow patterns can be expected in areas recently subjected to summer convection storms or rapid snowmelt, particularly on steeper slopes. If waterflow patterns are evident, they are typically short in length and not extensive. Pedestals are rare. Occurrence is usually limited to areas of water flow patterns. Frost heaving of shallow rooted plants should not be considered a "normal" condition. Gullies are none. Deep-rooted bunchgrasses (i.e., needleandthread & Indian ricegrass) slow runoff and increase infiltration. Although low statured, shrub canopy and associated litter break raindrop impact and provide some opportunity for snow catch on site.

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. The large-seeded panicle is often used in dry floral arrangements. Seeds of shadscale were used by Native Americans of Arizona, Utah and Nevada for bread and mush.

Other information

Black sagebrush is an excellent species to establish on sites where management objectives include restoration or improvement of domestic sheep, pronghorn, or mule deer winter range.
Indian ricegrass is well-suited for surface erosion control and desert revegetation although it is not highly effective in controlling sand movement. Certain native ecotypes exhibit desirable characteristics such as drought and salinity tolerance, low seed dormancy, and good nutritional qualities. However, Indian ricegrass can be difficult to establish. Indian ricegrass can be useful in the reclamation of many arid and semiarid areas in the western United States. Typical sites include those in which vegetation has been removed due to surface mining, construction activity, brush control, heavy grazing, or fire. Indian ricegrass can be used for revegetating degraded rangelands in areas of low precipitation and has naturally revegetated overgrazed ranges. Needleandthread is useful for stabilizing eroded or degraded sites. The presence of the long and tough seed awn on needleandthread reduces is usefulness as a commercial seed, but needleandthread hay has been used successfully in revegetation projects. 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	T30 N R61 E S8
General legal description	On barrier bars at north end of Dry Lake Flat on east side of Ruby Valley, Elko County, Nevada.
Location 2: Elko County, NV
Township/Range/Section	T35 N R64 E S5
General legal description	About 13 miles southeast of Wells, Wood Hills area, Elko County, Nevada.

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Contributors

HA/MD/RK
T. Stringham/P.Novak-Echenique
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)	GK Brackley/P.Novak-Echenique
Contact for lead author	State Rangeland Management Specialist
Date	05/01/2006
Approved by	P.Novak-Echenique
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Rills are none to rare. A few rills can be expected on steeper slopes in areas subjected to summer convection storms or rapid spring snowmelt.
Presence of water flow patterns:
None to rare. A few waterflow patterns can be expected in areas recently subjected to summer convection storms or rapid snowmelt, particularly on steeper slopes. If waterflow patterns are evident, they are typically meandering and short in length (<1 m) and not extensive.
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals are none to rare. Occurrence is usually limited to areas of water flow patterns. Frost heaving of shallow rooted plants should not be considered a "normal" condition.
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare Ground 20 to 35% depending on amount of surface rock fragments.
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None - rock fragments protect the surface.
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Fine litter (foliage from grasses and annual & perennial forbs) expected to move distance of slope length (<3m) during intense summer convection storms or rapid snowmelt events. Persistent litter (large woody material) will remain in place except during large rainfall events.
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 3 to 6 on most soil textures found on this site.
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Surface structure is typically thin to thick platy. Soil surface colors are browns or grayish browns and soils are typified by an ochric epipedon. Organic matter of the surface 2 to 3 inches is typically <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:
Deep-rooted bunchgrasses (i.e., needleandthread & Indian ricegrass) slow runoff and increase infiltration. Although low statured, shrub canopy and associated litter break raindrop impact and provide some opportunity for snow catch on site.
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. Platy or massive sub-surface horizons, subsoil argillic or calcic horizons are not to be interpreted as compacted.
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 > low shrubs (black sagebrush)

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

Other:
evergreen trees

Additional:
With an extended fire return interval, the shrub and tree component increases at the expense of the herbaceous component.
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 30% of total woody canopy; some of the mature bunchgrasses (<20%) have dead centers.
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Between plant interspaces 10-20% and litter depth is ±¼ inch.
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
For normal or average growing season (through mid-June) ± 225 lbs/ac; Favorable years ±350 lbs/ac and unfavorable years ±100 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 cheatgrass, snakeweed, annual mustards, Russian thistle and halogeton. with an extended fire return, singleleaf pinyon and Utah juniper may increase and eventually dominate the site.
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 R028BY016NV

SHALLOW CALCAREOUS SLOPE 8-10 P.Z.

Accessed: 11/21/2024

General information

Figure 1. Mapped extent

MLRA notes

Ecological site concept

Associated sites

Similar sites

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Ecosystem states

States 2 and 5 (additional transitions)

State 1 submodel, plant communities

State 2 submodel, plant communities

State 3 submodel, plant communities

State 4 submodel, plant communities

State 5 submodel, plant communities

Natural Resources
Conservation Service