Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R043BY204WY
Clayey Foothills and Mountains West
Accessed: 11/23/2024
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
| R043BY206WY |
Clayey Overflow Foothills and Mountains West Clayey Overflow |
|---|---|
| R043BY222WY |
Loamy Foothills and Mountains West |
Similar sites
| R034AY204WY |
Clayey Foothills and Basins West (Cy) Clayey (Cy) 10-14W has lower production and no mountain brome or spike fescue. |
|---|---|
| R043BY222WY |
Loamy Foothills and Mountains West Loamy (Ly) 15-19W has coarser soil textures and more diverse grass species. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
This site is found in valley bottoms and on gently sloping to steep mountain slopes. It is found on all exposures with a tendency toward north and east slopes at lower elevations.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Hill
(2) Alluvial fan (3) Stream terrace |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 5,600 – 8,300 ft |
| Slope | 60% |
| Ponding depth |
Not specified |
| Aspect | Aspect is not a significant factor |
Climatic features
Annual precipitation ranges from 15-19 inches per year. 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. This is predominantly due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Cold air outbreaks in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures. Extreme storms may occur during the winter, but most severely affect ranch operations during late winter and spring.
Prevailing winds are from the southwest, and strong winds are less frequent than over other areas of Wyoming. Occasional storms, however, can bring brief periods of high winds with gusts exceeding 50 mph.
Growth of native cool season plants begins about May 15 and continues to about August 15.
The following information is from the “Jackson” climate station:
Minimum Maximum 5 yrs. out of 10 between
Frost-free period (days): 12 60 July 9 – August 12
Freeze-free period (days): 42 100 June 20 – August 26
Annual Precipitation (inches): <11.98 >19.69 (2 years in 10)
Mean annual precipitation: 17.00 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 38.9 F (23.3 F Avg. Min. to 54.5 F Avg. Max.)
For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/cgibin/state.plstate=wy website. Other climate stations representative of this precipitation zone include ”Afton” in Lincoln County; and “Darwin Ranch” in Teton County.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 60 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 100 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 19 in |
Influencing water features
Soil features
These are moderately deep (greater than 20” to bedrock) to very deep, well drained soils with textures ranging from clay and silty clay through the finer silty and sandy clay loams. Soil cracking (not severe) occurs during the dry summer months especially where the plant cover has been reduced. Root penetration is somewhat restricted due to the fine textures and reduced depth of moisture penetration. Water holding capacity is high, but the surface intake is restricted which causes runoff and reduces effectiveness of precipitation.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Loam (2) Clay loam (3) Sandy clay loam |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Clayey |
| Drainage class | Well drained |
| Permeability class | Very slow to moderately slow |
| Soil depth | 20 – 60 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 5% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
3 – 6 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
5 – 15% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
4 – 16 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
10 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
7.4 – 9 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
10% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
As this site deteriorates because of a combination of frequent and severe grazing, species such as rhizomatous wheatgrasses, Idaho fescue, Letterman needlegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, mountain big sagebrush, snowberry, and green rabbitbrush will increase. Bluebunch wheatgrass, western needlegrass, slender wheatgrass, serviceberry, and mountain brome 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
More interactive model formats are also available.
View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available.
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 1
Wheatgrass/Serviceberry Plant Community (HCPC)
Community 1.1
Wheatgrass/Serviceberry Plant Community (HCPC)
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Historic Climax Plant Community. This state evolved with grazing by large herbivores and is suited for grazing by domestic livestock. Potential vegetation is estimated at 75% grasses or grass-like plants, 15% forbs and 10% woody plants. The major grasses include bluebunch wheatgrass, western needlegrass, mountain brome, slender wheatgrass, and rhizomatous wheatgrass. Other grasses and grass-like plants may include basin and blue wildrye, mutton, Canby, and big bluegrass, California and timber oatgrass, prairie junegrass, oniongrass, sun sedge, Idaho fescue, bottlebrush squirreltail, and Letterman and Columbia needlegrass. Serviceberry is the major woody plant. Other woody plants that may occur include mountain big and low sagebrush, green rabbitbrush, and snowberry. A typical plant composition for this state consists of rhizomatous wheatgrasses 10-25%, bluebunch wheatgrass 10-20%, western needlegrass 10-20%, mountain brome 5-10%, slender wheatgrass 5-10%, other grasses and grass-like plants 10-20%, perennial forbs 5-15%, serviceberry 5-10%, and up to 5% other woody species. Ground cover, by ocular estimate, varies from 60-65%. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 1800 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 1200 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 2200 lbs./acre in above average years. The following is the growth curve of this plant community expected during a normal year: Growth curve number: WY0201 Growth curve name: 15-19W, UPLAND SITES Growth curve description: ALL UPLAND SITES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 0 0 0 0 10 35 30 20 5 0 0 0 (Monthly percentages of total annual growth) The state is stable and well adapted to the Central Rocky Mountains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allow 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: • Nonuse and No Fire will convert this plant community to the Mountain Big Sage/Western Needlegrass State. • Heavy Continuous Season-long Grazing will convert this plant community to the Mountain Big Sage/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass State.
Figure 2. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0201, 15-19W Upland sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 10 | 35 | 30 | 20 | 5 |
State 2
Mountain Big Sage/Western Needlegrass Plant Community
Community 2.1
Mountain Big Sage/Western Needlegrass Plant Community
This plant community is the result of protection from grazing and fire. Mountain big sagebrush dominates with annual production often exceeding 25%, and herbaceous forage production is decreased. The understory of grass includes western needlegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, mountain brome, slender and rhizomatous wheatgrass, blue wildrye and big bluegrass. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 1400 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 1000 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 2000 lbs./acre in above average years. The following is the growth curve of this plant community expected during a normal year: Growth curve number: WY0201 Growth curve name: 15-19W, UPLAND SITES Growth curve description: ALL UPLAND SITES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 0 0 0 0 10 35 30 20 5 0 0 0 (Monthly percentages of total annual growth) The state is stable and protected from excessive erosion. The biotic integrity of this plant community is usually intact, however forage value will decrease and wildlife values will shift toward different species. The watershed is functioning, but dominating shrubs utilize a large amount of water. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Brush Management followed by deferment for 1 to 2 years as part of a Prescribed Grazing plan will return this state to near Historic Climax Plant Community (Wheatgrass/Serviceberry State). Care should be taken when planning brush management to consider wildlife habitat and critical winter ranges.
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0201, 15-19W Upland sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 10 | 35 | 30 | 20 | 5 |
State 3
Mountain Big Sage/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community
Community 3.1
Mountain Big Sage/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community
This plant community is the result of improper grazing management practices. Mountain big sagebrush dominates with annual production often exceeding 30%. There is a large amount of bare ground between sagebrush plants with an understory of grass and forbs limited to the protected areas under shrubs. The major grasses include Sandberg and mutton bluegrass, Letterman needlegrass, and rhizomatous wheatgrass. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 800 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 400 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 1200 lbs./acre in above average years. The following is the growth curve of this plant community expected during a normal year: Growth curve number: WY0201 Growth curve name: 15-19W, UPLAND SITES Growth curve description: ALL UPLAND SITES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 0 0 0 0 10 35 30 20 5 0 0 0 (Monthly percentages of total annual growth) Soil erosion is accelerated because of increased bare ground. The biotic community has been compromised, but is relatively stable. The watershed is functioning, but is at risk of further degradation. Water flow patterns and pedestals are obvious. Infiltration is reduced and runoff is increased. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Brush Management followed by Continuous Season-long Grazing will convert this plant community to the Kentucky Bluegrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass State. • Brush Management followed by deferment for 1 to 2 years as part of a Prescribed Grazing plan will return this state to near Historic Climax Plant Community (Wheatgrass/Serviceberry State). Care should be taken when planning brush management to consider wildlife habitat and critical winter ranges.
Figure 5. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0201, 15-19W Upland sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 10 | 35 | 30 | 20 | 5 |
State 4
Kentucky Bluegrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community
Community 4.1
Kentucky Bluegrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community
This plant community is the result of brush management followed by improper grazing techniques. Rhizomatous wheatgrass and Kentucky bluegrass are the dominant grasses. With sagebrush removed, green rabbitbrush will be the dominant shrub, often exceeding 10-20% of the annual production. Rhizomatous wheatgrasses, low growing bunchgrasses such as Letterman needlegrass and Sandberg bluegrass, and unpalatable annual and perennial forbs dominate the herbaceous understory. There is a substantial amount of bare ground. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 350 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 200 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 800 lbs./acre in above average years. The following is the growth curve of this plant community expected during a normal year: Growth curve number: WY0201 Growth curve name: 15-19W, UPLAND SITES Growth curve description: ALL UPLAND SITES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 0 0 0 0 10 35 30 20 5 0 0 0 (Monthly percentages of total annual growth) The soil is not protected and erosion will increase if management is not changed. The biotic integrity may be reduced due to low vegetative production. The watershed is functioning at risk. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Long-term Prescribed Grazing will eventually return this plant community to near Historic Climax Plant Community (Wheatgrass/Serviceberry State). Rest or deferment may be necessary and should be prescribed on an individual site basis.
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0201, 15-19W Upland sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 10 | 35 | 30 | 20 | 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 | 180–450 | |||||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 180–450 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 180–450 | – | ||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 180–450 | – | ||
| western wheatgrass | PASM | Pascopyrum smithii | 180–450 | – | ||
| 2 | 180–360 | |||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 180–360 | – | ||
| 3 | 180–360 | |||||
| western needlegrass | ACOC3 | Achnatherum occidentale | 180–360 | – | ||
| 4 | 90–180 | |||||
| mountain brome | BRMA4 | Bromus marginatus | 90–180 | – | ||
| 5 | 90–180 | |||||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 90–180 | – | ||
| 6 | 90–180 | |||||
| spike fescue | LEKI2 | Leucopoa kingii | 90–180 | – | ||
| 7 | 180–360 | |||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–90 | – | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–90 | – | ||
| Columbia needlegrass | ACNE9 | Achnatherum nelsonii | 0–90 | – | ||
| Porter brome | BRPO2 | Bromus porteri | 0–90 | – | ||
| sun sedge | CAINH2 | Carex inops ssp. heliophila | 0–90 | – | ||
| California oatgrass | DACA3 | Danthonia californica | 0–90 | – | ||
| timber oatgrass | DAIN | Danthonia intermedia | 0–90 | – | ||
| squirreltail | ELEL5 | Elymus elymoides | 0–90 | – | ||
| blue wildrye | ELGL | Elymus glaucus | 0–90 | – | ||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 0–90 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–90 | – | ||
| basin wildrye | LECI4 | Leymus cinereus | 0–90 | – | ||
| oniongrass | MEBU | Melica bulbosa | 0–90 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 0–90 | – | ||
| Sandberg bluegrass | POSE | Poa secunda | 0–90 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 8 | 90–270 | |||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–90 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–90 | – | ||
| agoseris | AGOSE | Agoseris | 0–90 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–90 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–90 | – | ||
| arrowleaf balsamroot | BASA3 | Balsamorhiza sagittata | 0–90 | – | ||
| Indian paintbrush | CASTI2 | Castilleja | 0–90 | – | ||
| hawksbeard | CREPI | Crepis | 0–90 | – | ||
| larkspur | DELPH | Delphinium | 0–90 | – | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–90 | – | ||
| buckwheat | ERIOG | Eriogonum | 0–90 | – | ||
| aster | EUCEP2 | Eucephalus | 0–90 | – | ||
| geranium | GERAN | Geranium | 0–90 | – | ||
| common sneezeweed | HEAU | Helenium autumnale | 0–90 | – | ||
| little sunflower | HEPU3 | Helianthus pumilus | 0–90 | – | ||
| pea | LATHY | Lathyrus | 0–90 | – | ||
| stoneseed | LITHO3 | Lithospermum | 0–90 | – | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–90 | – | ||
| lupine | LUPIN | Lupinus | 0–90 | – | ||
| creeping barberry | MARE11 | Mahonia repens | 0–90 | – | ||
| bluebells | MERTE | Mertensia | 0–90 | – | ||
| ragwort | PACKE | Packera | 0–90 | – | ||
| beardtongue | PENST | Penstemon | 0–90 | – | ||
| phlox | PHLOX | Phlox | 0–90 | – | ||
| buttercup | RANUN | Ranunculus | 0–90 | – | ||
| stonecrop | SEDUM | Sedum | 0–90 | – | ||
| western meadow-rue | THOC | Thalictrum occidentale | 0–90 | – | ||
| clover | TRIFO | Trifolium | 0–90 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–90 | – | ||
| violet | VIOLA | Viola | 0–90 | – | ||
| mule-ears | WYAM | Wyethia amplexicaulis | 0–90 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 9 | 90–180 | |||||
| Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 90–180 | – | ||
| 10 | 0–90 | |||||
| little sagebrush | ARAR8 | Artemisia arbuscula | 0–90 | – | ||
| big sagebrush | ARTR2 | Artemisia tridentata | 0–90 | – | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–90 | – | ||
| western snowberry | SYOC | Symphoricarpos occidentalis | 0–90 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Wheatgrass/Serviceberry Plant Community (HCPC): Suitable thermal and escape cover for mule deer exists. Sagebrush, which can approach 15% protein and 40-60% digestibility, provides important winter forage for mule deer and elk. Year-round habitat is provided for many sagebrush obligate species such as the sage sparrow, Brewer’s sparrow, sage thrasher, pygmy rabbit, sagebrush vole, horned lizard, and pronghorn antelope. Other birds that would frequent this plant community include horned larks and golden eagles.
Mountain Big Sage/Western Needlegrass Plant Community: This plant community may be useful for the same wildlife that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community.
Mountain Big Sage/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community: This plant community may be beneficial for the same wildlife that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals.
Kentucky Bluegrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass Plant Community: These communities provide limited forage for elk, antelope, and mule deer due to low production and lack of sagebrush.
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)
Wheatgrass/Serviceberry (HCPC) 1200-2200 .55
Mountain Big Sage/Western Needlegrass 1000-2000 .45
Mountain Big Sage/ Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 400-1200 .25
Kentucky Bluegrass/Rhizomatous Wheatgrass 200-800 .1
* - 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 C, with localized areas in hydrologic group D. Infiltration ranges from slow to moderately slow. 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. 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 hydrologic 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 are rare to non-existent. Cryptogamic crusts are present, but only cover 1-2% of the soil surface.
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. The wide variety 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.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Bill Christensen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Karen Clause, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Everet Bainter, Range Management Specialist, NRCS. 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 58 1966-1986 WY Lincoln & others
Contributors
K. Clause
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) | K. Clause, E. Bainter |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | karen.clause@wy.usda.gov or 307-367-2257 |
| Date | 03/16/2007 |
| Approved by | E. Bainter |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Rare to nonexistent. Where present, short and widely spaced. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Rare to nonexistent. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground can range from 0-20%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies should not be present. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Rare to nonexistent. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Herbaceous and large woody litter not expected to move. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil Stability Index ratings range from 3 (interspaces) to 6 (under plant canopy), but average values should be 4.0 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil data is limited for this site. Soil OM of 2 to 5% is expected. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Plant community consists of 70-80% grasses, 15% forbs, and 5-15% shrubs. Evenly distributed plant canopy (60-95%) and litter, despite slow to moderate infiltration rates, results in minimal runoff. Basal cover is typically 5-15% for this site and does affect runoff on this site. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. -
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-size, cool season bunchgrasses>> cool season rhizomatous grasses>>perennial forbs>perennial shrubs>short cool season bunchgrasses -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Minimal decadence, typically associated with shrub component. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter ranges from 5-35% of total canopy measurement with total litter (including beneath the plant canopy) from 50-85% expected. Herbaceous litter depth typically ranges from 5-15mm. Woody litter can be up to a couple inches (4-6 cm). -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
English: 1200-2200 lb/ac (1800 lb/ac average); Metric 1344-2464 kg/ha (2016 kg/ha average). -
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:
English: 1200-2200 lb/ac (1800 lb/ac average); Metric 1344-2464 kg/ha (2016 kg/ha average). -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing, except in extreme drought years.
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.