
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R030XY127CA
Sodic Dune 3-5" P.Z.
Last updated: 2/24/2025
Accessed: 03/17/2025
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
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 |
---|
Similar sites
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 |
Herbaceous |
Not specified |
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 |
Influencing water features
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
State 1 submodel, plant communities
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:
Print Options
Sections
Font
Other
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.