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Ecological site R030XY127CA

Sodic Dune 3-5" P.Z.

Last updated: 2/24/2025
Accessed: 03/17/2025

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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.

Ecological site concept

This site occurs on partially stabilized sand dunes and shrub-coppice dunes. Elevations are 1745 to 2915 feet. Slopes range from 0 to 15 percent. The soils that characterize this site are very deep and somewhat excessively drained. They are formed in sandy eolian material blown from recent alluvium.

Please refer to group concept R030XY129CA to view the provisional STM.

Associated sites

R030XY047NV	ALLUVIAL PLAIN Alluvial Plain

R030XY047NV

ALLUVIAL PLAIN

Alluvial Plain

Similar sites

R030XB142CA	Sandy 5-7" P.Z. Sandy 5-7
R030XY133CA	Sodic Sand 3-5" P.Z. Sodic Sand 3-5

R030XB142CA

Sandy 5-7" P.Z.

Sandy 5-7

R030XY133CA

Sodic Sand 3-5" P.Z.

Sodic Sand 3-5

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Atriplex canescens (2) Suaeda moquinii
Herbaceous	Not specified

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Physiographic features

This site occurs on partially stabilized sand dunes and shrub-coppice dunes. Elevations are 1745 to 2915 feet. Slopes range from 0 to 15 percent.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Dune
Elevation	396 – 888 m
Slope	0 – 30%
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

The climate on this site is arid characterized by warm, moist winters (30 to 60 degrees F) and hot, dry summers (70 to 110 degrees F). The average annual precipitation ranges from 2 to 6 inches with most falling as rain from November to March. Approximately 30% to 45% of the annual precipitation occurs from July to September as a result of summer convection storms. Mean annual air temperature is 64 to 75 degrees F.

The average frost-free period is 240 to 360 days.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (average)	360 days
Freeze-free period (average)
Precipitation total (average)	152 mm

Soil features

The soils that characterize this site are very deep and somewhat excessively drained. They are formed in sandy eolian material blown from recent alluvium. Surface textures are loamy sands and loamy fine sands. Subsurface textures are loamy fine sands and fine sands. Available water capacity is low and permeability is rapid. Wind erosion hazard is severe. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Water tables are greater than 60 inches.

Representative_Soil Map Units

901 Bluepoint, minor component in Typic Haplosalids

903 Typic Torriorthents, minor component in Typic Haplosalids, clayey

Ecological dynamics

Please refer to group concept R030XY129CA to view the provisional STM.

As ecological condition deteriorates the perennial grasses will decrease. Fourwing saltbush and Mojave seablite will increase. Non-native annual forbs and grasses such as Russian thistle and schismus will invade this site.

The foliage of the chenopods appears to have fire-retarding qualities associated with the salt content of the leaves. A severe fire, however, will typically kill the aboveground portions. If burned, saltbushes can resprout from the root crown or underground portions of the stem. These species can also reestablish sites through an abundance of wind-dispersed seed from adjacent unburned sites.

Management for this site would be to protect it from excessive disturbance and maintain existing plant cover. Close roads and trails no longer being used and revegetate using native species indigenous to this site. Removal of non-native plant species and an appropriate monitoring program are also recommended. Off-road vehicle use may destroy small mammal burrows.

Species indigenous to this site are recommended for any revegetation efforts. Fourwing saltbush has been widely used for rehabilitating sites in southern and northern desert shrublands. Seed may be broadcast or drill-seeded, but broadcasting often produces better results. Seeding success is generally sporadic.

Seedlings are generally transplanted during the early spring, since three weeks or more of good soil moisture are required for establishment. The soil profile should be irrigated prior to transplanting and supplemental irrigation is recommended for the first growing season. Protection from rodents is also recommended.

State and transition model

More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text

Ecosystem states

1. Reference State - Plant Community 1.1

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Reference State - Plant Community 1.1

State 1
Reference State - Plant Community 1.1

Community 1.1
Reference State - Plant Community 1.1

The historic site potential is wind blown sand accumulations, which are stabilized or partially stabilized by shrubs, scattered low annuals and perennial grasses. The total cover increases as the dunes are progressively stabilized. This site is characterized by an open to fairly dense stand of shrubs dominated by Atriplex canescens, A. polycarpa and Suaeda moquinii. Perennial grasses are sparse. Annuals are seasonally present. Dunes will retain water just below the surface allowing the perennial vegetation to survive long drought periods. This site is stable in this condition. The representative natural plant community is Stabilized and Partially-Stabilized Desert Dunes or Fourwing Saltbush Series. Fourwing saltbush and Mojave seablite dominate this community. Potential vegetative composition is about 10% grasses, 10% forbs, and 80% shrubs. The following table lists the major plant species and percentages by weight, air dry, of the total plant community that each contributes in an average production year. Fluctuations in species composition and relative production may change from year to year dependent upon abnormal precipitation or other climatic factors.

Forest overstory. **Allow no more than 3% of each shrub species of this group, and no more than 10% in aggregate.

Forest understory. **Allow no more than 2% of each grass species, and no more than 5% in aggregate.

Other Perennial grasses comprise trace to 5% composition (air-dry weight)

Other annual grasses comprise trace to 5% composition (air-dry weight)

**Allow no more than 2% of each forb species and no more than 5% in aggregate.

Other Perennial forbs comprise trace to 5% composition (air-dry weight)

Other annual forbs comprise trace to 10% composition (air-dry weight)

Figure 1. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)

Table 4. Annual production by plant type

Plant type	Low (kg/hectare)	Representative value (kg/hectare)	High (kg/hectare)
Shrub/Vine	269	448	628
Forb	34	56	78
Grass/Grasslike	34	56	78
Total	337	560	784

Table 5. Ground cover

Tree foliar cover	0%
Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover	8-16%
Grass/grasslike foliar cover	1-2%
Forb foliar cover	1-2%
Non-vascular plants	0%
Biological crusts	0%
Litter	0%
Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3"	0%
Surface fragments >3"	0%
Bedrock	0%
Water	0%
Bare ground	0%

Figure 2. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CA3007, Allscale Saltbush. Growth begins in early spring; flowering and seed set occurs by October..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	10	15	30	20	10	5	5	5	0	0	0

Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CA3008, Fourwing saltbush. Growth begins in spring to early summer. Flowering occurs from May through September, and fruit ripens from October to December. Seed dispersal occurs from October through April. Seed may remain on the plants from one to two years..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	5	25	35	15	10	5	5	0	0	0

Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). CA3010, Mojave Seablite. Growth begins in early spring; flowering occurs from July to September..

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
0	0	5	15	20	30	15	10	5	0	0	0

Additional community tables

Interpretations

Animal community

This site provides habitat for small mammals such as desert kangaroo rats and southern grasshopper mice. Coyotes and black-tailed jackrabbits may also occur. Fourwing saltbush is a preferred browse for rabbits and small mammals. The seeds are also readily eaten.

This site provides habitat for reptiles such as Mojave fringe-toed lizards, western whiptails, side-blotched lizards and sidewinders. The sandy textures of the soil are a restrictive feature for burrowing reptiles, such as the desert tortoise.

Birds common to this site include common ravens, loggerhead shrikes, horned larks, blue-gray gnatchaters and several species of sparrows. Upland game birds and small nongame birds readily eat seeds of fourwing saltbush.

Hydrological functions

Runoff is very low. Hydrologic soil group A -soils having high infiltration rates even when thoroughly wetted and consisting chiefly of deep, well drained to excessively drained sands or gravels. Hydrologic conditions: good - >70% ground cover (includes litter, grass and brush overstory); fair - 30 to 70% ground cover; poor <30% ground cover.

Soil Series:Bluepoint
Hydrologic group: A
Hydrologic Conditions and Runoff Curves:
Good 49; Fair 55; Poor 63

Soil Series: Typic Torriorthents
Hydrologic group: A
Hydrologic Conditions and Runoff Curves:
Good 49; Fair 55; Poor 63

Recreational uses

This site is highly valued for open space and those interested in desert ecology. Flowering wildflowers may also attract visitors during the spring.

Other information

Season of Use- Other Mgt. Considerations: Allscale and fourwing saltbush are valuable browse for domestic livestock. Fourwing saltbush has fair to good forage value for domestic sheep and goats, and at least fair forage value for cattle.
Fourwing saltbush can withstand heavy grazing; however, overgrazing can eliminate allscale saltbush from this site.

General guide to initial stocking rate. Before making specific recommendations, an on-site evaluation must be made.

Pounds/acre
air-dry
Normal years 500

_______________________________________________

Military Operations - Management for this site would be to protect it from excessive disturbance and maintain existing plant cover. Land clearing or other disturbances that destroy the vegetation and soil structure can result in soil compaction reduced infiltration rates, accelerated erosion, severe soil blowing, barren areas and the introduction of non-native plant species.

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Sampling technique

_2_ NV-ECS-1
_1_ SCS-Range 417
___ Other

Type locality

Location 1: San Bernardino County, CA
Township/Range/Section	T7N R6E S23
UTM zone	N
UTM northing	3837500
UTM easting	561600
General legal description	TYPICAL SITE LOCATION: SW1/4 Sec. 23 T7N R6E Approximately 10 miles southwest of Ludlow, CA Lavic Lake Quadrangle UTM 11S 0561600e 3837500n (Datum=NAS-C) San Bernardino Co., CA

Other references

Cutler, P.L. and D.J. Griffin 1998. Personal
communication, September 1998.

Brown, T.K. and K.A. Nagy with R.D. Nieuhaus,
Inc. 1995. Final Report, Herpetological
Surveys and Physiological Studies on the
Western Portion of Fort Irwin. NTC.

Brydolf, B with R.D. Nieuhaus, Inc. 1995.
Final Report, 1994 Small Mammal
Surveys of Selected Sites at the
National Training Center Fort Irwin,
California.

Contributors

P. Novak-Echenique

Approval

Sarah Quistberg, 2/24/2025

Rangeland health reference sheet

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.

Author(s)/participant(s)
Contact for lead author
Date	03/17/2025
Approved by	Sarah Quistberg
Approval date
Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on	Annual Production

Indicators

Number and extent of rills:
Presence of water flow patterns:
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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:

Sub-dominant:

Other:

Additional:
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Perennial plant reproductive capability:

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