Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R034BY102UT
Desert Alkali Sand (Fourwing saltbush)
Last updated: 3/05/2022
Accessed: 12/03/2024
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 034B–Warm Central Desertic Basins and Plateaus
MLRA 34B occurs in is in Utah (70 percent) and Colorado (30 percent). It makes up about 12,850 square miles (33,290 square kilometers). A small part of the area is in the High Plateaus of Utah Section of the Colorado Plateaus Province of the Intermontane Plateaus. The northern part of the MLRA occurs in the Uinta Basin Section, which is bounded by the Uinta Mountains to the north, the Wasatch Range to the west, the Roan Plateau to the south, and the Rabbit Hills to the east. The southern part of the MLRA occurs in the northern third of the Canyon Lands Section. This section is bounded by the Roan Plateau to the north, the Wasatch Plateau to the west, the southern end of the San Rafael Swell to the south, and the western slope of the Rocky Mountains to the east. Elevation ranges from 4,100 feet (1,250 meters) near Green River, Utah, to 7,500 feet (2,285 meters) at the base of the Wasatch Range and the Roan Plateau.
Most of this area is covered by residual basin-floor materials and materials washed in from the surrounding mountains and plateaus. Shale and sandstone are the dominant rock types. The Tertiary-age Green River, Uinta, and Duchesne Formations dominate the northern part of the MLRA. The southern part is dominated by Cretaceous-age materials with lesser amounts of Jurassic and Triassic materials. The dominant Cretaceous formations are Mancos Shale, Dakota Sandstone, and the members of the Mesa Verde Group. The dominant Jurassic formations are the Morrison, Entrada, and Navajo. The dominant Triassic formations are the Chinle and Moenkopi. Quaternary alluvial, eolian, and glacial deposits occur in both parts of the MLRA.
The average annual precipitation in most of this area ranges from 6 to 10 inches (150 to 255 millimeters). A small part of this area receives as much as 24 inches of annual precipitation.
Much of the precipitation occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms during the period July through September. May and June are usually the drier months. Precipitation is more evenly distributed throughout the year in the northern part of the MLRA than in the southern part, where there is a significant peak in late summer. The northern part of the MLRA receives more precipitation as snow during winter than the southern part. The average annual temperature ranges from 41 to 54 degrees F (5 to 12 degrees C). The freeze-free period averages 170 days and ranges from 110 to 235 days.
The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols and Entisols. Mollisols occur at the higher elevations, particularly in the northern part of the MLRA. The dominant soil temperature regime is mesic, and the dominant soil moisture regime is aridic. The soils receiving less than 8 inches (205 millimeters) of precipitation annually have an aridic soil moisture regime. The soils receiving 8 to 12 inches (205 to 305 millimeters) have an aridic soil moisture regime that borders on ustic. The soils receiving 12 to 16 inches (305 to 405 millimeters) generally have an ustic soil moisture regime that borders on aridic. The dominant soil mineralogy is mixed and soils are formed in slope alluvium or residuum derived from shale or sandstone. Many of the soils are shallow or moderately deep to shale or sandstone bedrock. The soils at the lower elevations generally have significant amounts of calcium carbonate, salts, and gypsum.
Ecological site concept
This site occurs on strath terraces with slopes ranging from 2 to 5 percent. Elevations range from 4,700 feet to 5,500 feet on all aspects. Characteristic soils in this site are 20 to 40 inches deep and well drained. They formed in alluvium, residuum and eolian deposits derived mainly from sandstone. Soils are typically coarse-loamy with a sandy loam surface texture and are alkali affected. Permeability is moderately slow to moderately rapid and runoff is high. The water supplying capacity is 3 to 4 inches. Average annual soil loss in potential is approximately 1 ton/acre. Soil temperature regime is mesic and soil moisture regime is typic aridic. Precipitation ranges from 5-8 inches annually.
Associated sites
| R034BY112UT |
Desert Sand (Fourwing Saltbush) |
|---|---|
| R034BY115UT |
Desert Sandy Loam (Indian Ricegrass) |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
(1) Atriplex canescens |
| Herbaceous |
(1) Achnatherum hymenoides |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on strath terraces with slopes ranging from 2 to 5 percent. Elevations range from 4,700 feet to 5,500 feet on all aspects.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Strath terrace
|
|---|---|
| Runoff class | High |
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 4,700 – 5,500 ft |
| Slope | 2 – 5% |
| Ponding depth |
Not specified |
| Water table depth |
Not specified |
Climatic features
Average annual precipitation is 5 to 8 inches. Approximately 60 to 70 percent occurs as rain from March through September. On the average, November through February are the driest months and July through October are the wettest months. The mean annual air temperature is 8.4 degrees celsius and the soil temperatures are in the mesic regime. The average freeze-free period is 110 to 125 days. In average years, plants begin growth around March 15 and end growth around October 15.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (characteristic range) | |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (characteristic range) | 110-125 days |
| Precipitation total (characteristic range) | 5-8 in |
Influencing water features
None
Soil features
Characteristic soils in this site are 20 to 40 inches deep and well drained. They formed in alluvium, residuum and eolian deposits derived mainly from sandstone. Soils are typically coarse-loamy with a sandy loam surface texture and are alkali affected. Permeability is moderately slow to moderately rapid and runoff is high. The water supplying capacity is 3 to 4 inches. Average annual soil loss in potential is approximately 1 ton/acre. Soil temperature regime is mesic and soil moisture regime is typic aridic. Precipitation ranges from 5-8 inches annually.
Modal Soil: Muff SL, Hummocky, 2-5% – fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Natrargids
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Parent material |
(1)
Slope alluvium
–
sandstone
(2) Residuum – sandstone (3) Eolian deposits – sandstone |
|---|---|
| Surface texture |
(1) Sandy loam (2) Loamy sand |
| Family particle size |
(1) Coarse-loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately slow to moderately rapid |
| Depth to restrictive layer | 20 – 40 in |
| Soil depth | 20 – 40 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | Not specified |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (Depth not specified) |
3 – 4 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Electrical conductivity (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
State 1: Reference State
This reference state was determined by the study of rangeland relic areas, areas protected from excessive disturbance, as well as areas influenced by activities such as grazing and recreation. Literature reviews, trends in plant community dynamics, and historical accounts are also considered.
This reference state represents the plant communities and ecological dynamics of the desert alkali sand, fourwing saltbush site. This state includes the biotic communities that can become established on this ecological site if all successional sequences are completed under the natural disturbance regime. This state is dominated by perennial warm and cool season grasses, where four-wing saltbush and shadscale make up the dominant shrub canopy. In this state, both warm and cool season grass species are present, including Indian ricegrass and sand dropseed. Forb composition is variable.
Primary disturbance mechanisms include occasional fire caused by lightning strikes and Native American ignition sources, climate fluctuations, insect herbivory, and native herbivore grazing. Timing of these natural disturbances dictates the what ecological dynamics occur. The reference state is self sustaining and resistant to change due to its high resistance to natural disturbances and it's high resilience following natural disturbances. When natural disturbances occur, the rate of recovery is relatively rapid due to niches being filled with highly adapted native vegetation.
Reference State: Community phases influenced by infrequent fire, native herbivore grazing, insect herbivory, and weather.
Indicators: A well developed perennial cool and warm season grass understory with fourwing saltbush forming the dominant visual aspect.
Feedbacks: Extended drought and/or improper grazing that result in a reduction of native perennial plant vigor which may cause invasive species to become established in the understory, increased bare spaces, erosion, and soil loss. Infrequent but regular fires and/or properly managed grazing that maintain the perennial bunch grass understory and the establishment of shrubs.
At-risk Community Phase: All communities in this state are at risk when native plants are stressed and/or nutrients become available for invasive plants to establish; plant community 1.3 is most at risk due to its limited understory.
Trigger: Introduction and establishment of non-native invasive plants such as cheatgrass and Russian thistle.
Community Phase 1.1: Desert Grassland/Shrubland.
This plant community phase is characterized by a fourwing saltbush overstory with a perennial cool and warm season grass understory. The dominant cool season grass is Indian ricegrass and the dominant warm season grasses are sand dropseed and James galleta. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs may or may not be present and cover is variable.
Community Phase Pathway 1.1a
This pathway occurs when events, such as fire or shrub insect herbivory, favor the establishment of perennial native grasses and a reduction in the shrub canopy.
Community Phase Pathway 1.1b
This pathway occurs when events favor the establishment of native shrubs and a reduction in the perennial grass understory. Events may include time without disturbances, or improper grazing. This is the natural successional pathway from community 1.1 to 1.3.
Community Phase 1.2: Desert Grassland
This plant community phase is characterized by well developed perennial warm and cool season grassland with occasional scattered fourwing saltbush, depending on disturbance history. Dominant grasses include Indian ricegrass, needle-and-thread, James galleta, and sand dropseed. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs my or may not be present and cover is variable. This plant community typically is a result of a fire in either plant community 1.2 or 1.3 and thus shrubs may or may not be present depending on when the fire occurred.
Community Phase Pathway 1.2a
This pathway occurs when events favor the establishment of native shrubs with minimal loss of the perennial grass understory. Events may include time without disturbances or mild drought.
Community Phase 1.3: Desert Shrubland
This plant community phase is characterized by a well developed shrub overstory with a minimally developed native perennial grass understory. Dominant shrub species include fourwing saltbush and shadscale. Dominant perennial cool and warm season grasses include Indian ricegrass and sand dropseed. Other perennial grasses, shrubs, and forbs may or may not be present and cover is variable. Due to increased bare ground and decreased perennial grass understory this plant community is most at risk for erosion, soil loss, and invasion by introduced species such as cheatgrass, annual mustard, and/or Russian thistle, as well as invasive native species including broom snakeweed.
Community Phase Pathway 1.3a
This pathway occurs when events, such as a cool fire or insect herbivory, favor a minimal decrease in the shrub canopy and the increased establishment of native perennial grasses.
Community Phase Pathway 1.3b
This pathway occurs when events, such as a hot fire, favors the establishment of native perennial grasses with a major reduction or removal of the shrub canopy.
Transition T1a
This transition is from the native perennial grass understory in the reference state to a state that contains invasive plants such as cheatgrass, Russian thistle, and annual mustards. Events that may trigger this event include fire, improper domestic livestock grazing, and extended drought that stress the native plants and allow nutrients to become available for more tolerant invasive species. Non-native, invasive species such as cheatgrass, however, have been known to invade into intact perennial plant communities where little to no disturbances have occurred. So while this transition may occur from any state in the reference state it typically will occur from community 1.3. Once invasive species have established in the understory a threshold has been crossed.
State 2: Current Potential State
This state is similar to the reference state except there are now non-native invasive plants established in the understory. This state is dominated by perennial warm and cool season grasses, where fourwing saltbush and shadscale make up the shrub canopy. Dominant grass species include Indian ricegrass, sand dropseed, needle-and-thread, and James galleta. Forb composition is variable. Primary disturbance mechanisms include fire, human induced fire suppression, weather fluctuations, domestic livestock grazing, insect herbivory, and native herbivore grazing. Timing and severity of these disturbances dictate the ecological dynamics that occur. Disturbances can lead to shifts in species composition that affect the nutrient cycling, soil-water relationships, hydrology, and soil stability. This state has lower resistance to disturbances and resilience after disturbance than the reference state due to the occurrence of invasive species and increased bare ground.
Current Potential State: Community phases influenced by fire, native herbivore grazing, domestic livestock grazing, insect herbivory cycles, lack of disturbances, and weather.
Indicators: A well developed perennial cool and warm season grass understory with fourwing saltbush forming the dominant visual aspect. Invasive plants are present.
Feedbacks: Extended drought and/or improper grazing that result in a reduction of native perennial plant vigor which may cause invasive species to dominate the understory, increased bare spaces, erosion, and soil loss. Infrequent but regular fires and/or properly managed grazing that maintain the perennial bunch grass understory and the establishment of shrubs.
At-risk Community Phase: All communities are at risk when cheatgrass is present in the understory due to increased fine fuels, which may decrease the natural fire return interval that could eventually lead the site into an annual grass state (State 4). All community phases are also subject to possible transition into the disturbed state (state 3) due to increased bare ground, and increased opportunities for soil erosion especially when site is exposed to improper livestock grazing.
Trigger: Increase and/or establishment of broom snakeweed, and surface disturbances which increase soil erosion and loss; and/or increased establishment of invasive annuals such as cheatgrass and annual mustards which decrease the fire return interval.
Restoration Pathway: None
Community Phase 2.1: Desert Grassland/Shrubland
This plant community is characterized by a native perennial bunch grass understory with minimal occurrence of non-native invasive species. Fourwing saltbush forms the dominant shrub overstory. Commonly observed invasive plants include broom snakeweed, Russian thistle, cheatgrass, and annual mustards. Dominant perennial cool and warm season grasses include Indian ricegrass and sand dropseed. Other grasses, shrubs, and forbs my or may not be present and cover is variable.
Community Phase Pathway 2.1a
This pathway occurs when events favor the establishment of grasses with a complete removal of the shrub component. Events may include fire that allows for the reestablishment of the perennial grasses or grazing livestock in such a way that removes the shrub canopy.
Community Phase Pathway 2.1b
This pathway occurs when events favor the establishment of shrubs with a reduction in the grass understory. Events may include fire suppression, time, or grazing livestock in such a way that reduces the grass understory and allows for increased establishment of the shrub component.
Community Phase 2.2: Desert Grassland
This plant community phase is characterized by well developed perennial warm and cool season grassland with occasional scattered fourwing saltbush, depending on when the disturbance history. There is minimal occurrence of non-native invasive species. Grass species present include Indian ricegrass, needle-and-thread, sand dropseed, James galleta, and cheatgrass. Commonly seen invasive forbs and shrubs include Russian thistle, broom snakeweed and annual mustards. Other grasses, shrubs, and forbs my or may not be present and cover is variable. This plant community typically is a result of a cool fire in either plant community 2.1 or 2.3 and thus shrubs may or may not be present depending on when the fire occurred.
Community Phase Pathway 2.2a
This pathway occurs when events favor the establishment of shrubs with minimal loss of the grass understory. Events may include time without disturbances, mild drought, or grazing livestock in such a way that allows for the increase of shrubs and decrease of grass species.
Community Phase 2.3: Desert Shrubland
This plant community phase is characterized by a well developed shrub overstory with a minimally developed native perennial grass understory. Non-native invasive plants are present. Shrub species include fourwing saltbush, broom snakeweed, and shadscale, Grasses include Indian ricegrass, needle-and-thread, sand dropsseed, cheatgrass, and James galleta. Commonly occurring invasive forbs include annual mustards and Russian thistle. Other grasses, shrubs, and forbs my or may not be present and cover is variable.
Community Phase Pathway 2.3a
This pathway occurs when events favor the establishment of native perennial grasses with a removal of the shrub canopy. Events typically include a cool fire that will significantly reduce or remove the shrubs, but still allow for establishment of native perennial grasses.
Community Phase Pathway 2.3b
This pathway occurs when events, such as insect herbivory, favor a decrease in shrub canopy. A variety of insects including Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera feed on fourwing saltbush.
Transition T2a
This transition from the Current Potential State (State 2) to the Disturbed State (State 3). This transition occurs when events favor broom snakeweed to dominate the site. Bare ground increases and perennial/annual grass production decreases. Events typically include improperly managed domestic livestock grazing for extended periods of time. This transition may occur from any community in the current potential state. Once broom snakeweed and bare ground dominate, and drive the ecological dynamics of a site, a threshold has been crossed.
Transition T2b
This transition from the Current Potential State (State 2) to the Annual Grass State (State 4). This transition occurs when events allow cheatgrass to dominate the site. Bare ground typically will decrease as cheatgrass increases. A hot, catastrophic fire occurring in any community in the current potential state can cause this transition to occur. This often causes an increase in the fire return interval. Once cheatgrass dominates and drives the ecological dynamics of a site, a threshold has been crossed.
State 3: Disturbed State
This state is characterized by a dominance of broom snakeweed, Russian thistle, and various shrub species, with minimal occurrence of the perennial warm and cool season grasses associated with this site. Fourwing saltbush may or may not be present. The primary disturbance mechanism is improperly managed domestic livestock grazing that maintains the broom snakeweed and bare ground. The shift in species composition, as well as the increased bare ground, affects the nutrient cycling, soil-water relationships, hydrology, and soil stability of this site. This state has lower resistance to disturbances and resilience after a disturbance than the previous two states.
Disturbed State: Community phase maintained by improperly managed domestic livestock grazing.
Indicators: A plant community dominated by broom snakeweed and Russian thistle, where bare ground is very common.
Feedbacks: Improper domestic livestock grazing that allows for the continued establishment and maintenance of broom snakeweed and bare ground. Time without disturbances that may aid in the reestablishment of native perennial grasses and shrubs.
At-risk Community Phase: All community phases are at risk when cheatgrass is present in the plant community and there are sufficient fine fuels to carry a fire.
Trigger: Increased cheatgrass and a resulting decrease in the sites fire return interval.
Restoration Pathway: Time with proper livestock grazing or other disturbance that allows native perennial vegetation to reclaim the site. This may take many years to accomplish.
Community Phase 3.1: Disturbed Grassland/Shrubland
This plant community phase is characterized by a dominance of broom snakeweed and Russian thistle. The perennial warm and cool season grasses may or may not be present. Fourwing saltbush and shadscale also may be present. Cheatgrass is typically present and other invasive forbs are variable. Bare ground (60-80% cover) is very common and the biological crust (0-5%) cover when present is characterized by light cyanobacteria in the interspaces, with an occasional isolated lichen or moss pinnacle under the plant canopy. This plant community is most at risk when cheatgrass is present and fine fuel loads are sufficient to carry a fire, causing this community to be at risk of transitioning to an annual grass state (state 4).
Transition T3a
This transition is from the Disturbed State (State 3) to the Annual Grass state (State 4). This transition occurs when cheatgrass production is sufficient in the disturbed state for fire to be able to carry through the ecological site. Once cheatgrass drives the ecological dynamics of the site, a threshold has been crossed.
Restoration Pathway R3a
This restoration from the Disturbed State (State 3) to the Current Potential State (State 2). This restoration pathway occurs as native perennial shrubs and grasses are able to reclaim a site over time when improper livestock grazing and other disturbances are removed. For this to occur there must still be a seed source for native grasses and shrubs near or on the site. This restoration pathway may take many decades to complete and may not even be possible with the current knowledge.
State 4: Annual Grass State
This states ecological processes are driven by the dominance of cheatgrass production. Other invasive, and some native plant species may also be present. Cheatgrass dramatically affects the soil/plant/water relationships of a site. Research has shown that it has substantial effects on soil water content and temperature, as well as impacts on the frequency and intensity of disturbance. After a cheatgrass invasion, a sites fundamental nutrient cycling processes, root pores, mycorrhizal associations, microbial species, and soil organic material are changed (Chapin et al. 1997; Belnap and Phillips, 2001). These alterations may eventually create ecologically impoverished sites that are very difficult to restore to functionally. The competitiveness of cheatgrass and its ability to quickly establish after a disturbance make this state extremely resistance to change and resilient after a disturbance.
Annual Grass State: Community phases maintained, in a self-sustaining manner, by frequent fire.
Indicators: A site where ecological processes are driven by cheatgrass.
Feedbacks: A self sustaining disturbance regime of frequent fire.
Community Phase 4.1: Cheatgrass Dominated
This plant community is characterized by dominance of cheatgrass, other native species are present but no longer drive the ecological dynamics of the site. Bare ground is minimal (5-15% cover) due to the increase in litter and cheatgrass’ dense establishment. Fire can carry through this community. Biological crusts (1-5% cover) are characterized by light cyanobacteria in the interspaces.
Community Phase Pathway 4.1a
This pathway is characterized by frequently occurring fires (every 5-10 years) that allows for establishment of a cheatgrass monoculture.
Community Phase 4.2: Cheatgrass Monoculture
This community is characterized by a complete monoculture of cheatgrass, where other grasses and shrubs do not occur. Invasive annual forbs may or may not be present, depending on current climatic conditions. This plant community is self-enhancing through frequent fire (every 5-10 years). Bare ground (5-15%) is minimal and biological crusts (1-5%) are characterized by light cyanobacteria in the interspaces.
State and transition model
Figure 1. STM
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Ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Reference State
Community 1.1
Reference State
The dominant aspect of this plant community is fourwing saltbush and Indian ricegrass. The composition by air-dry weight is approximately 30 percent perennial grasses, 10 percent forbs, and 60 percent shrubs.
Figure 2. 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 | 102 | 225 | 345 |
| Grass/Grasslike | 51 | 112 | 172 |
| Forb | 17 | 38 | 58 |
| Total | 170 | 375 | 575 |
Table 6. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 0% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 39-41% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 19-21% |
| Forb foliar cover | 4-6% |
| 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% |
Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
| Height Above Ground (ft) | Tree | Shrub/Vine | Grass/ Grasslike |
Forb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <0.5 | – | – | – | – |
| >0.5 <= 1 | – | – | – | 4-6% |
| >1 <= 2 | – | – | 19-21% | – |
| >2 <= 4.5 | – | 39-41% | – | – |
| >4.5 <= 13 | – | – | – | – |
| >13 <= 40 | – | – | – | – |
| >40 <= 80 | – | – | – | – |
| >80 <= 120 | – | – | – | – |
| >120 | – | – | – | – |
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 1 | Dominant Shrubs | 128–260 | ||||
| fourwing saltbush | ATCA2 | Atriplex canescens | 60–80 | – | ||
| shadscale saltbush | ATCO | Atriplex confertifolia | 20–40 | – | ||
| spiny hopsage | GRSP | Grayia spinosa | 20–40 | – | ||
| greasewood | SAVE4 | Sarcobatus vermiculatus | 8–20 | – | ||
| shortspine horsebrush | TESP2 | Tetradymia spinosa | 4–20 | – | ||
| bud sagebrush | PIDE4 | Picrothamnus desertorum | 4–20 | – | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 4–20 | – | ||
| rubber rabbitbrush | ERNA10 | Ericameria nauseosa | 4–12 | – | ||
| green molly | BAAM4 | Bassia americana | 4–8 | – | ||
| 3 | Sub-Dominant Shrubs | 4–20 | ||||
| Shrub (>.5m) | 2SHRUB | Shrub (>.5m) | 4–20 | – | ||
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 2 | Dominant Grasses | 80–140 | ||||
| Indian ricegrass | ACHY | Achnatherum hymenoides | 40–60 | – | ||
| needle and thread | HECO26 | Hesperostipa comata | 20–40 | – | ||
| sand dropseed | SPCR | Sporobolus cryptandrus | 20–40 | – | ||
| 1 | Sub-Dominant Grasses | 44–100 | ||||
| Grass, annual | 2GA | Grass, annual | 12–20 | – | ||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 12–20 | – | ||
| purple threeawn | ARPU9 | Aristida purpurea | 4–12 | – | ||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 4–12 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 4–12 | – | ||
| James' galleta | PLJA | Pleuraphis jamesii | 4–12 | – | ||
| alkali sacaton | SPAI | Sporobolus airoides | 4–12 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Sub-Dominant Forbs | 88–176 | ||||
| Forb, annual | 2FA | Forb, annual | 20–40 | – | ||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 20–40 | – | ||
| prairie sunflower | HEPE | Helianthus petiolaris | 4–8 | – | ||
| ballhead ipomopsis | IPCOC3 | Ipomopsis congesta ssp. congesta | 4–8 | – | ||
| flatspine stickseed | LAOC3 | Lappula occidentalis | 4–8 | – | ||
| mountain pepperweed | LEMO2 | Lepidium montanum | 4–8 | – | ||
| hoary tansyaster | MACA2 | Machaeranthera canescens | 4–8 | – | ||
| Torrey's desertdandelion | MATO2 | Malacothrix torreyi | 4–8 | – | ||
| whitestem blazingstar | MEAL6 | Mentzelia albicaulis | 4–8 | – | ||
| pale evening primrose | OEPA | Oenothera pallida | 4–8 | – | ||
| cleftleaf wildheliotrope | PHCRC | Phacelia crenulata var. corrugata | 4–8 | – | ||
| woolly plantain | PLPA2 | Plantago patagonica | 4–8 | – | ||
| scarlet globemallow | SPCO | Sphaeralcea coccinea | 4–8 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
This site provides proper grazing for cattle and sheep in the winter and early spring.
This site provides food and cover for wildlife. Wildlife using this site include lizard, snake, mice, hawk, sparrow, jackrabbit, and coyote
Hydrological functions
The soil is in hydrologic group C. The runoff curve numbers are 74 through 86 depending on the condition of the watershed.
Recreational uses
This site may have scenic vistas and limited hunting opportunities.
Wood products
None
Supporting information
Contributors
Jim Brown
J. Lee Broadbent
Garth Leishman
Approval
Kirt Walstad, 3/05/2022
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) | V. Keith Wadman (NRCS retired). |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | shane.green@ut.usda.gov |
| Date | 05/31/2012 |
| Approved by | Kirt Walstad |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
None. A minor occurrence of rill development may be evident immediately following significant thunderstorm or snow melt events but, because of the sites coarse textured soils, they should begin to heal during the following growing season. The presence of rills may also be more apparent where run-on from adjacent upland sites or exposed bedrock concentrate flows. Any rill development present should be less than 1 inch deep, moderately short (< 5’) and spaced 8 to 10 feet apart. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
A very few stable overland flow patterns may be present and wind around plant bases. They should show no evidence of current erision or deposition. Flow patterns present are normally 10 to 15 feet long, follow natural contours, and are typically spaced at least 15 to 20 feet apart. A slight increase in flow activity may be observed immediately following significant weather events such as thunderstorms or spring run-off events. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
None. There should be no evidence of pedestals or terracettes caused by accelerated water erosion. One to 2 inches of elevational mounding under four-wing saltbush and other shrub canopies, and within biological soil crusts, is normal for this site and is not caused by water erosion. There are no exposed roots around perennial grasses and shrubs. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground ranges from 40% - 45%. Bare ground openings should not be greater than 2 to 3 feet in diameter and should normally not be connected. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
None at site level. Scattered landscape level gully channels, however, are a normal component of desert environments. Where landscape gullies are present, they should be stable, partially vegetated on their sides and bottoms, with no evidence of head-cutting. Some slight increase in disturbance may be evident following significant weather events or when gullies convey considerable runoff from higher elevation rocky or naturally eroding areas. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Some evidence of wind generated soil movement is normal. Moderate depositional mounding within perennial grass crowns, under four-wing saltbush and other shrub canopies, and within biological soil crusts is expected on this site. Wind caused blowouts, where present, are generally stable or are being stabilized with vegetation. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
The majority of litter accumulates in place at the base of plants canopies. Slight movement of the finest material (< 1/8 inch) may move 1 to 2 feet in the direction of prevailing winds or down slope if being transported by water. Some minor accumulation is observed behind obstructions. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
This site should have a soil stability rating of 3 or 4 under plant canopies, and a 2 to 3 in the interspaces. Average should be a 3. Surface textures are typically sands, and fine sands containing few coarse fragments. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
(Cakehill) Soil surface is typically 0 to 4 inches deep. Texture is a sandy loam and structure is weak fine platy parting to weak fine and very fine subangular blocky. The A-horizon color is light brownish gray (10YR 6/2). Soils have an Ochric epipedon that extends 3 inches into the soil profile. The A horizon is normally deeper and better developed under plant canopies. Use the specific information for the soil you are assessing found in the published soil survey to supplement this description. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Healthy stands of perennial grasses and shrubs, as well as the presence of biological crusts, provide for good infiltration, help break raindrop impact, and reduce runoff from storm events. Bare spaces are expected to be fairly small (< 3 feet) should be irregular in shape and usually not connected. Vegetative structure is adequate to capture snow and and allow snowmelt to occur in a controlled manner. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. Weathered sandstone bedrock occurs at 38 inches. -
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:
Sprouting shrubs (four-wing saltbush, black greasewood) > Perennial bunchgrasses (Indian ricegrass, needle-and-thread) >> Perennial forbs (woolly plantain, pale evening primrose).Sub-dominant:
Non-sprouting shrubs (shadscale, spiny hopsage) > = Warm season grasses (James galleta, Sand dropseed).Other:
A wide variety of other grasses and both perennial and annual forbs can be expected to occur in the plant community.Additional:
Moss and lichen communities will normally be found under plant canopies while the cyanobacteria may be found throughout the site. Functional/structural groups may appropriately contain non-native species if their ecological function is the same as the native species. Perennial and annual forbs can be expected to vary widely in their expression in the plant community based upon departures from average growing conditions. -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
All age classes of perennial grasses should be present during years with average to above-average precipitation, there should be very little recent mortality or decadence apparent in either the shrubs or grasses. During severe (multi-year) drought or insect infestations up to 20% of the winterfat may die. There may be partial mortality of individual bunchgrasses and other shrubs during severe drought. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter cover ranges from 15 to 20%. Depth should be 1 leaf thickness in the interspaces and from 1/2 - 3/4 inches under perennial plant canopies. -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
Annual production in air-dry herbage should be approximately 350 to 400 pounds per acre on an average year. Production could vary from 140 to 600 pounds per acre during drought or above-average years. -
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:
Russian thistle, annual bromes and halogeton are most likely to invade this site. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All perennial plant species have the ability to reproduce in most years except drought years. There are no restrictions on either seed or vegetative reproduction. Some seedling recruitment of major species may be present during average or above average years.
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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.
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