Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R039XB050NM
Mountain Grassland
Accessed: 12/30/2024
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.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
This site occurs on the north and northeast facing slopes at the lower elevation and on all exposures at the higher elevations. The site is located on open benches, fans, or ridges between parks, valleys, and mountain slopes. High mountain rims and valleys are included in this site. It often occurs on benches or depressed areas within the steeper slopes of the ponderosa pine zone. Slopes range from 0 to 20 percent, but average less than 15 percent. Elevation ranges from 6,500 to 12,000 feet above sea level.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Fan
(2) Ridge |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 6,500 – 12,000 ft |
| Slope | 20% |
| Aspect | N, NE |
Climatic features
The average annual precipitation ranges from 16 to 30 inches. Precipitation increases with elevation. Variations of five inches, more or less, are common. Nearly two-thirds of the precipitation falls in the form of high-intensity, short-duration thunderstorms from March to October. Winter precipitation is mainly in the form of snowfalls of six to ten inches.
Mild summers and moderately cold winters characterize the temperature reginme. Large seasonal and diurnal temperature changes occur. The average annual temperature is about 45 degrees F with extremes of -26 degrees F in winter to 100 degrees F in summer.
The average frost-free season is 80 to 145 days. The last killing frost is in early May to early June, and the first killing frost is in early September to early October.
Temperature and precipitation favor cool-season, perennial plant growth. However, the temperatures are warm enough at the lower elevations to allow the warm-season species to occupy an important part of this plant community.
Climate data was obtained from http://www.wrcc.sage.dri.edu/summary/climsmnm.html using 50% probability for freeze-free and frost-free seasons using 28.5 degrees F and 32.5 degrees F, respectively.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 147 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 175 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 30 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
This site is not influenced by water from a wetland or stream.
Soil features
The soils of this site are typically moderately deep and well drained over partially weathered igneous bedrock at about 30 to 50 inches, although pockets of deep soil also occur. Surface textures are typically loams. Underlying layers vary from clay loam to clay at a depth of 2 to 7 inches. Permeability is slow. Available water-holding capacity is high.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Cobbly loam (2) Stony |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Clayey |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Slow |
| Soil depth | 30 – 72 in |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 15 – 35% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
9 – 12 in |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
15 – 35% |
Ecological dynamics
To be developed.
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
Historic Climax Plant Community
Community 1.1
Historic Climax Plant Community
This is a grassland site characterized by cool-season, perennial mid-grasses. Woody species and forbs occupy a major role on this site. Other grasses that could appear on this site include: Kentucky bluegrass, muttongrass, sedges, redtop, New Mexico feathergrass, Letterman needlegrass, Canadian wildrye, sleepygrass, bottlebrush squirreltail, timothy, slender wheatgrass, wolftail, creeping muhly, orchardgrass, nodding brome, and Indiangrass. Other woody species that could appear on this site include: rubber rabbitbrush, broom snakeweed, pingue, snowberry, fringed sagewort, cliffrose, skunkbush sumac, fourwing saltbush, New Mexico locust, mountain ash, and rose. Other forbs that could appear on this site include: lupine, locoweed spp., trailing fleabane, aster spp., goldenrod, and geranium.
Figure 4. 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 340 | 782 | 1224 |
| Forb | 50 | 115 | 180 |
| Total | 390 | 897 | 1404 |
Table 6. Ground cover
| Tree foliar cover | 5-15% |
|---|---|
| Shrub/vine/liana foliar cover | 3-5% |
| Grass/grasslike foliar cover | 0% |
| Forb foliar cover | 0% |
| Non-vascular plants | 0% |
| Biological crusts | 0% |
| Litter | 15-25% |
| Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" | 0% |
| Surface fragments >3" | 0% |
| Bedrock | 0% |
| Water | 0% |
| Bare ground | 15-30% |
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). NM1601, R039XB050NM Mountain Grassland HCPC. R039XB050NM Mountain Grassland HCPC Cool-season perennial mid-grass grassland with components of shrubs and forbs. .
| 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 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 15 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
Additional community tables
Table 7. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | 115–173 | |||||
| big bluestem | ANGE | Andropogon gerardii | 115–173 | – | ||
| 2 | 230–288 | |||||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 230–288 | – | ||
| 3 | 115–173 | |||||
| little bluestem | SCSC | Schizachyrium scoparium | 115–173 | – | ||
| 4 | 230–288 | |||||
| mountain muhly | MUMO | Muhlenbergia montana | 230–288 | – | ||
| 5 | 115–288 | |||||
| pine dropseed | BLTR | Blepharoneuron tricholepis | 115–288 | – | ||
| 6 | 58–115 | |||||
| blue grama | BOGR2 | Bouteloua gracilis | 58–115 | – | ||
| 7 | 58–115 | |||||
| spike muhly | MUWR | Muhlenbergia wrightii | 58–115 | – | ||
| 8 | 58–115 | |||||
| Arizona fescue | FEAR2 | Festuca arizonica | 58–115 | – | ||
| 9 | 58–115 | |||||
| mountain brome | BRMA4 | Bromus marginatus | 58–115 | – | ||
| 10 | 173–230 | |||||
| sideoats grama | BOCU | Bouteloua curtipendula | 173–230 | – | ||
| 11 | 115–173 | |||||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 115–173 | – | ||
| 12 | 58–115 | |||||
| Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 2GRAM | Graminoid (grass or grass-like) | 58–115 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 13 | 0–58 | |||||
| iris | IRIS | Iris | 0–58 | – | ||
| 14 | 0–58 | |||||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–58 | – | ||
| 15 | 0–58 | |||||
| pea | LATHY | Lathyrus | 0–58 | – | ||
| 16 | 0–58 | |||||
| vetch | VICIA | Vicia | 0–58 | – | ||
| 17 | 0–58 | |||||
| Forb (herbaceous, not grass nor grass-like) | 2FORB | Forb (herbaceous, not grass nor grass-like) | 0–58 | – | ||
|
Tree
|
||||||
| 18 | 58–115 | |||||
| oak | QUERC | Quercus | 58–115 | – | ||
| 19 | 0–230 | |||||
| juniper | JUNIP | Juniperus | 0–230 | – | ||
| twoneedle pinyon | PIED | Pinus edulis | 0–230 | – | ||
| ponderosa pine | PIPO | Pinus ponderosa | 0–230 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 20 | 0–58 | |||||
| hairy mountain mahogany | CEMOP | Cercocarpus montanus var. paucidentatus | 0–58 | – | ||
| 21 | 0–58 | |||||
| Shrub, deciduous | 2SD | Shrub, deciduous | 0–58 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Habitat for Wildlife:
This site provides habitats which support a resident animal community that is characterized by elk, deer, mountain lion, black bear, gray fox, porcupine, chipmunk, red and rock squirrels, eagle, great horned owl, turkey, harlequin quail, band-tailed pigeon, Stellar’s jay, pinyon jay, junco, woodpecker, hummingbird, Sacramento Mountain salamander, short-horned lizard, garter and patch-nosed snakes, and black-tailed rattlesnake.
Bald eagle hunts over this site and the Sacramento Mountain salamander may be resident under logs and rocks.
Hydrological functions
The runoff curve numbers are determined by field investigations using hydrologic cover conditions and hydrologic soil groups.
Hydrologic Interpretations
Soil Series-------------Hydrologic Group
Monjeau-----------------------D
Nolton------------------------D
Recreational uses
This site offers recreation potential for picnicking, camping, horseback riding, biking, nature observation, and photography. Hunting opportunities include elk, deer, turkey, red squirrel, bear, and mountain lion. The mountainous setting of the site enhances its natural beauty.
Wood products
The potential for tree production is limited to a few scattered ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Some Christmas trees can be cut in the fringed areas along the adjacent woodland. Scattered pinyon and juniper could be cut for fuelwood and/or fence posts.
Other products
Grazing:
This site is suitable for grazing by all kinds and classes of livestock during late spring, summer, and early fall. The length of the grazing season varies with elevation and from year to year with weather patterns. Although this site is suited to all kinds and classes of livestock, it is best suited to younger animals. To reduce spot-grazing and overgrazing of gentle slopes, herding and/or construction of stock trails are recommended. Continuous grazing during the grazing season will cause the more desirable species, such as Arizona fescue, mountain muhly, prairie junegrass, sideoats grama, western wheatgrass, and oatgrass to decrease. There would be a corresponding increase in bare ground, Kentucky bluegrass, blue grama, oak, pinyon, and juniper. Goats can be a good tool to help control brush species. This site responds best to a system of grazing that rotates the season of use in pastures.
Other information
Guide to Suggested Initial Stocking Rate Acres per Animal Unit Month
Similarity Index-----------Ac/AUM
100 - 76-------------------3.0 – 4.2
75 – 51--------------------3.9 – 5.0
50 – 26--------------------4.8 – 9.0
25 – 0---------------------9.0+
Supporting information
Type locality
| Location 1: Lincoln County, NM | |
|---|---|
| Location 2: Otero County, NM | |
| Location 3: Torrance County, NM |
Other references
Data collection for this site was done in conjunction with the progressive soil surveys within the Arizona and New Mexico Mountains, Major Land Resource Area 39, of New Mexico. This site has been mapped and correlated with soils in the following soil surveys. Eddy, Otero, Lincoln, and South Chavez Soil Surveys.
Characteristic Soils Are:
Monjeau, Nolton
Contributors
Don Sylvester
Elizabeth Wright
John Tunberg
Michael Carpinelli
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 | |
| Approved by | |
| 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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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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