Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R032XY138WY
Saline Lowland (SL) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone
Accessed: 04/19/2024
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.
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.
Associated sites
| R032XY104WY |
Clayey (Cy) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone |
|---|---|
| R032XY128WY |
Lowland (LL) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone |
| R032XY142WY |
Saline Subirrigated (SS) 5-9” Big Horn Basin Precipitation Zone |
Similar sites
| R032XY338WY |
Saline Lowland (SL) 10-14" East Precipitation Zone Saline Lowland 10-14” Foothills and Basins East P.Z., 032XY338WY has higher production |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
This site normally occurs on land that receives overflow from intermittent streams or runoff from adjacent slopes.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Alluvial fan
(2) Drainageway (3) Stream terrace |
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) |
| Flooding frequency | None to occasional |
| Ponding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) |
| Ponding frequency | None to rare |
| Elevation | 3,700 – 6,000 ft |
| Slope | 10% |
| Ponding depth |
Not specified |
| Water table depth | 30 – 60 in |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Annual precipitation ranges from 5-9 inches per year. The normal precipitation pattern shows peaks in May and June and a secondary peak in September. This amounts to about 50% of the mean annual precipitation. Much of the moisture that falls in the latter part of the summer is lost by evaporation and much of the moisture that falls during the winter is lost by sublimation. Average snowfall is about 20 inches annually. Wide fluctuations may occur in yearly precipitation and result in more dry years than those with more than normal precipitation.
Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums, due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Cold air outbreaks from Canada in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Chinook winds may occur in winter and bring rapid rises in temperature. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring.
High winds are generally blocked from the basin by high mountains, but can occur in conjunction with an occasional thunderstorm.
Growth of native cool-season plants begins about April 1 and continues to about July 1. Cool weather and moisture in September may produce some green up of cool season plants that will continue to late October.
The following information is from the “Emblem” climate station:
Minimum Maximum 5 yrs. out of 10 between
Frost-free period (days): 98 171 May 13 – September 19
Freeze-free period (days): 120 184 May 1 – October 5
Mean Annual Precipitation (inches): 3.22 10.97
Mean annual precipitation: 7.42 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 45.01 F (31.2 F Avg. Min. to 58.7 F Avg. Max.)
For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ website. Other climate station(s) representative of this precipitation zone include” Basin”, “Deaver”, “Lovell”, and “Worland”.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 171 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 184 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 9 in |
Influencing water features
Soil features
The soils of this site are moderately deep and very deep well-drained soils formed in alluvium. These soils have moderate to rapid permeability and are moderately to strongly saline and/or alkaline. Higher soluble salt concentrations may be found in the subsoils. The surface soil will be highly variable and vary from 2 to 8 inches in thickness. A fluctuating water table occurs in these areas and ranges from 2.5 to 5 feet. These areas are subject to occasional overflow. The soil characteristics having the most influence on the plant community are depth to a water table during the growing season, occasional overflow or flooding during the growing season, and the elevated quantities of soluble salts.
Major Soil Series correlated to this site include: Binton
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Loam (2) Clay loam (3) Silt loam |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Somewhat poorly drained to excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Moderate to rapid |
| Soil depth | 20 – 60 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
1 – 6.2 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
15% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
4 – 16 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
8 – 16 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
8.4 – 9.6 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
Potential vegetation on this site is dominated by tall and mid perennial grasses, which can tolerate soils with moderate amounts of salinity and alkalinity. These grasses are also adapted to periodic overflows and a water table near the surface for a portion of the growing season. Other significant vegetation includes greasewood, rubber rabbitbrush and a variety of forbs. The expected potential composition for this site is about 70% grasses, 10% forbs and 20% woody plants. The composition and production will vary naturally due to historical use, fluctuating precipitation and fire frequency.
As this site deteriorates, species such as inland saltgrass and greasewood increase. Weedy annuals will invade. Grasses such as alkali sacaton, basin wildrye, and rhizomatous wheatgrasses will decrease in frequency and production.
The Historic Climax Plant Community (description follows the plant community diagram) has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, or areas protected from excessive disturbance. Trends in plant communities going from heavily grazed areas to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts have also been used.
The following is a State and Transition Model Diagram that illustrates the common plant communities (states) that can occur on the site and the transitions between these communities. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community narratives following the diagram.
State and transition model
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View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective text
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Alkali Sacaton/Basin Wildrye/Greasewood Plant Community
Community 1.1
Alkali Sacaton/Basin Wildrye/Greasewood Plant Community
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Historic Climax Plant Community. This state evolved with grazing by large herbivores, periodic fires, supplemental moisture, and saline and/or alkali soils. Potential vegetation is about 70% grasses or grass-like plants, 10% forbs and 20% woody plants. Saline tolerant grasses dominate the state. The major grasses include alkali sacaton, basin wildrye, rhizomatous wheatgrasses, and bottlebrush squirreltail. Woody plants are greasewood and rubber rabbitbrush. A variety of forbs also occurs in this state and plant diversity is high (see Plant Composition Table). The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 1200 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 700 lbs. /acre in unfavorable years to about 1600 lbs. /acre in above average years. This state is stable and well adapted to the Northern Intermountain Desertic Basins climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought resistance. This is a sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity). Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Moderate, continuous season-long grazing will convert this plant community to the Alkali Sacaton/Inland Saltgrass/Greasewood Plant Community. Prolonged drought will exacerbate this transition.
Figure 2. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0502, 5-9BH Extra water sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 5 | 35 | 30 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
State 2
Alkali Sacaton/Inland Saltgrass/Greasewood Plant Community
Community 2.1
Alkali Sacaton/Inland Saltgrass/Greasewood Plant Community
Historically, this plant community evolved under moderate grazing by large ungulates and low fire frequency. Currently, this site is normally found under a moderate, season-long grazing regime and in the absence of fire or brush control. Prolonged drought can also play an important role and will exacerbate these conditions. Saline and flood tolerant perennial plants make up the dominant species in this plant community. Dominant grasses include alkali sacaton, inland saltgrass, rhizomatous wheatgrasses, blue grama, and mat muhly. Forbs commonly found in this plant community include wild onion, pursh seepweed, smooth goldaster, and povertyweed. Greasewood and rubber rabbitbrush comprises the majority of the woody species and make up less than 25% of the annual production. When compared to the Historical Climax Plant Community, basin wildrye and rhizomatous wheatgrasses have decreased. Annual weedy plants have increased, but occur in small patches. Inland saltgrass, greasewood, and rubber rabbitbrush have increased. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 880 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 500 lbs. /acre in unfavorable years to about 1100 lbs. /acre in above average years. This state is stable and protected from excessive erosion. The herbaceous component is mostly intact and plant vigor and replacement capabilities are sufficient. Only minimal occurrences of water flow patterns and litter movement is evident. Incidence of pedestalling is minimal. Soils are mostly stable and the surface shows minimum soil loss. The watershed is functioning and the biotic community is intact. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Prescribed grazing or possibly long-term prescribed grazing will result in a plant community very similar to the Historic Climax Plant Community, except that greasewood will persist without a return to a normal fire regime or some form of brush control. • Frequent and severe grazing with brush management or wildfire will convert this plant community to the Inland Saltgrass Sod Plant Community. • Frequent and severe grazing with the occasional overflow and no fire will convert this plant community to the Mixed Shrub/Inland Saltgrass Sod Plant Community. • Frequent and severe grazing with no overflow and no fire will convert this plant community to the Dense Shrub/Bare Ground Plant Community. Prolonged drought will exacerbate this transition.
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0502, 5-9BH Extra water sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 5 | 35 | 30 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
State 3
Mixed Shrub/Inland Saltgrass Sod Plant Community
Community 3.1
Mixed Shrub/Inland Saltgrass Sod Plant Community
This plant community is the result of frequent and severe grazing with periodic overflows and no fire or brush control. This plant community is dominated by a dense short grass sod and includes a mosaic shrub overstory. Greasewood and rubber rabbitbrush are the primary overstory species in this plant community. Shrubs comprise less than 25% of the annual production. The dominant grasses are inland saltgrass, mat muhly, and blue grama. Noxious weeds such as Russian knapweed, leafy spurge, or Canada thistle may invade the site. Plant diversity is moderate to poor. When compared to the Historic Climax Plant Community, the tall and medium grasses are absent. Short warm season grasses are dominant and weedy annuals are common. Shrubs will have increased as a percentage of the total production, but will not dominate as the sod prevents a homogeneous shrub cover. Noxious weeds, such as Russian knapweed, are present if a seed source is available. Areas of bare ground may have increased in patches and total production has decreased. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 480 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 300 lbs. /acre in unfavorable years to about 600 lbs. /acre in above average years. The sod component of this plant community is extremely resistant to change and continued frequent and severe grazing or the removal of grazing does not seem to affect the plant composition or structure of the plant community. The biotic integrity of this state is mostly not functional as plant diversity is poor, especially the herbaceous species. However, the vegetative structure may still be partially intact as the shrub component is still within a reasonable percentage of the total composition. This sod bound plant community is very resistant to water infiltration. While this sod protects the site itself, excessive runoff increases erosion on bare ground and can cause rills, channels and gully erosion. Water flow patterns are obvious in the bare ground areas and shrubs and sod patches are pedestalled. Rill channels are noticeable in the interspaces and gullies may be establishing where rills have concentrated. The watershed may or may not be functioning, as runoff is excessive and erosional processes are accelerated. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Grazing land mechanical treatment (chiseling, etc.) and brush management followed by prescribed grazing and, if necessary, seeding will return this plant community to near Historic Climax Plant Community. • Frequent and severe grazing with no overflow and no fire will convert this plant community to the Dense Shrub/Bare Ground Sod Plant Community. Prolonged drought will exacerbate this transition.
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0502, 5-9BH Extra water sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 5 | 35 | 30 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
State 4
Dense Shrub/Bare Ground Plant Community
Community 4.1
Dense Shrub/Bare Ground Plant Community
This plant community evolved under frequent and severe grazing with the absence of fire and an interruption in overflow or an extended period of drought. Greasewood and rubber rabbitbrush are the dominant species of this plant community. Tall and medium grasses have been eliminated. The interspaces between shrubs have expanded leaving the amount of bare ground more prevalent and more soil surface exposed to erosive elements. The annual grasses and forbs, such as cheatgrass, foxtail barley, kochia, halogeton, and Russian thistle make up the dominant understory along with noxious weeds such as Russian knapweed. Total annual production is mostly from shrubs and these weedy annuals. Shrubs make up greater than 25% of the total annual production. When compared with the Mixed Shrub/Inland Saltgrass Sod Plant Community, the annual production is similar as the shrub production compensates for the decline in the herbaceous production. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 450 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 350 lbs. /acre in unfavorable years to about 600 lbs. /acre in above average years. This plant community is resistant to change as the stand becomes more decadent. These areas may actually be more resistant to fire as less fine fuels are available and the bare ground between the shrubs has increased. Continued frequent and severe grazing or the removal of grazing does not seem to affect the plant composition or structure of the plant community. Annual grasses, weedy species and bare ground compromise the biotic integrity. Plant diversity is poor and the potential for native grasses to reproduce is absent. The shift in the vegetative structure and function is extreme and the biotic integrity is lost. The soil of this state is not well protected as erosion has accelerated because of increased bare ground. Water flow patterns and pedestalling are obvious. Infiltration is reduced and runoff has increased. Rill channels may be noticeable in the interspaces and gullies may be establishing where rills have concentrated. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Brush management, followed by prescribed grazing and seeding if necessary, will return this plant community at or near HCPC. If prescribed fire is used as a means to reduce or remove the shrubs, sufficient fine fuels will need to be present. This may require deferment from grazing prior to treatment. Since both greasewood and rubber rabbitbrush are difficult to remove or control, repeated treatments or a combination of treatments may be necessary. Post management is critical to ensure success. This can range from two or more years of rest to partial growing season deferment, depending on the condition of the understory at the time of treatment and the growing conditions following treatment. In the case of an intense wildfire that occurs when desirable plants are not completely dormant, the length of time required to reach the HCPC may be increased and seeding of natives is recommended. • Prescribed grazing or possibly long-term prescribed grazing will return this plant community Mixed Shrub/Inland Saltgrass Plant Community.
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0502, 5-9BH Extra water sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 5 | 35 | 30 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
State 5
Inland Saltgrass Sod Plant Community
Community 5.1
Inland Saltgrass Sod Plant Community
This plant community is the result of long-term improper grazing use plus fire or some form of brush management. This state is dominated by inland saltgrass sod. Intermittent areas of bare ground have increased and extend between the patches of sod. When compared to the Historic Climax Plant Community, the tall and medium grasses are absent. Short warm season grasses are dominant and weedy annuals are common. Noxious weeds, such as Russian knapweed, are present if a seed source is available. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 280 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 100 lbs. /acre in unfavorable years to about 350 lbs. /acre in above average years. This sod is extremely resistant to change and continued frequent and severe grazing or the removal of grazing does not seem to affect the plant composition or structure of the plant community. The biotic integrity of this state is not functional and plant diversity is extremely low. This sod bound plant community is very resistant to water infiltration. While this sod protects the site itself, excessive runoff increases erosion on bare ground areas and can cause rill channels and gully erosion. Water flow patterns are obvious in the bare ground areas and pedestalling is apparent along the sod edges. Rill channels are noticeable in the interspaces and gullies may be establishing where rills have concentrated. The watershed is not normally functioning, as runoff is excessive and erosional processes are accelerated. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Grazing land mechanical treatment (chiseling, etc.) followed by prescribed grazing and reseeding native species, will return this plant community to near Historic Climax Plant Community condition. • Frequent and severe grazing with the occasional overflows and no fire will convert this state to the Mixed Shrub/Inland Saltgrass Sod Plant Community.
Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0502, 5-9BH Extra water sites - LL, Ov, CyO, SL.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 5 | 35 | 30 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | 180–300 | |||||
| alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 180–300 | – | ||
| 2 | 120–300 | |||||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 120–300 | – | ||
| 3 | 120–300 | |||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 120–300 | – | ||
| 4 | 0–180 | |||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–60 | – | ||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 0–60 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 0–60 | – | ||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 0–60 | – | ||
| Canada wildrye | ELCA4 | Elymus canadensis | 0–60 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELELE | Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides | 0–60 | – | ||
| mat muhly | MURI | Muhlenbergia richardsonis | 0–60 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–60 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 5 | 0–120 | |||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–60 | – | ||
| textile onion | ALTE | Allium textile | 0–60 | – | ||
| phlox | PHLOX | Phlox | 0–60 | – | ||
| woodyaster | XYLOR | Xylorhiza | 0–60 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 6 | 120–240 | |||||
| greasewood | SAVE4 | Sarcobatus vermiculatus | 120–240 | – | ||
| 7 | 0–60 | |||||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 0–60 | – | ||
| 8 | 0–60 | |||||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 0–60 | – | ||
| 9 | 0–60 | |||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 0–60 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Historic Climax Plant Community: The predominance of grasses in this plant community favors grazers and mixed-feeders, such as bison, deer, and antelope. Suitable thermal and escape cover for wildlife is available as quantities of woody plants are adequate. In addition, topographical variations provide some escape cover as well. When found adjacent to sagebrush dominated states, this plant community may provide brood rearing/foraging areas for sage grouse, as well as lek sites. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles as well as upland game birds. Many grassland obligate small mammals would occur here.
Alkali Sacaton/Inland Saltgrass/Greasewood Plant Community: This plant community exhibits a moderate level of plant species diversity due to the accumulation of salts in the soil. It provides both thermal and escape cover for deer and antelope especially if other woody communities are nearby. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include western meadowlarks, horned larks, and golden eagles as well as upland game birds. Many grassland obligate small mammals would occur here.
Mixed Shrub/Inland Saltgrass Sod Plant Community: These communities provide some foraging and cover for deer, antelope, and other large ungulates. This plant community, especially if proximal to other woody cover, may be used by sage grouse and other game birds for foraging and cover.
Dense Shrub/Bare Ground Plant Community: This plant community can provide important winter foraging and cover for mule deer and antelope during that time. The plant community composition comprises little diversity, and thus, is less apt to meet the seasonal needs of large grazers. It may provide some foraging opportunities and cover for sage grouse, pheasant, and partridge.
Inland Saltgrass Sod Plant Community: This plant community may be used by the same large grazers that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse and productive, thus, is less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals. It may provide some foraging opportunities for sage grouse when it occurs proximal to woody cover.
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
The following table lists suggested stocking rates for cattle under continuous season-long grazing under normal growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using this information along with animal preference data, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. Under more intensive grazing management, improved harvest efficiencies can result in an increased carrying capacity. If distribution problems occur, stocking rates must be reduced to maintain plant health and vigor.
Plant Community Production Carrying Capacity*
(lb. /ac) (AUM/ac)
Historic Climax Plant Community 700-1600 .30
Alkali sacaton/Inland saltgrass/Greasewood 500-1100 .22
Mixed Shrub/Inland Saltgrass Sod 300-600 .12
Dense Shrub/Bare Ground 350-600 .07
Inland Saltgrass Sod 100-350 .07
* - Continuous, season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period the forage for livestock use needs to be supplemented with protein because the quality does not meet minimum livestock requirements.
Hydrological functions
Water is the principal factor limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group B and C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. Infiltration ranges from moderate to rapid. Runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group and ground cover. In many cases, areas with greater than 75% ground cover have the greatest potential for high infiltration and lower runoff. An example of an exception would be where short-grasses form or a strong sod dominates the site. Areas where ground cover is less than 50% have the greatest potential to have reduced infiltration and higher runoff (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrology information).
Rills and gullies should not typically be present. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable if at all present. Pedestals are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts may be present. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1-2% of the soil surface.
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species and big game such as deer and antelope. The wide varieties of plants which bloom from spring until fall have an esthetic value that appeals to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Other products
None noted.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel were also used. Other sources used as references include: USDA NRCS Water and Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, and USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties.
Inventory Data References
Data Source Number of Records Sample Period State County
SCS-RANGE-417 19 1965-1986 WY Park & others
Contributors
Ray Gullion
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) | Ray Gullion |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | ray.gullion@wy.usda.gov |
| Date | 02/19/2008 |
| Approved by | E. Bainter |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rills should not be present -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Essentially non-existent -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground is 15-25% occurring in small areas throughout site -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
None -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Little to no plant litter movement. Plant litter remains in place and is not moved by erosional forces. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Plant cover and litter is at 70% or greater of soil surface and maintains soil surface integrity. Soil Stability class is anticipated to be 4 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Use Soil Series description for depth and color of A-horizon -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Grass canopy and basal cover should reduce raindrop impact and slow overland flow providing increased time for infiltration to occur. Healthy deep rooted native grasses enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. Infiltration is Moderate. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
No compaction layer or soil surface crusting should be present. -
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:
Mid stature Grasses >> Shrubs > Forbs > Short stature Grasses/grasslikes -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Very Low -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
1200 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:
Cheatgrass and other annuals, Greasewood, Rubber rabbitbrush, Inland saltgrass, Exotics and Species found on Noxious Weed List -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing
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