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Ecological site R058AY713MT

Saline Overflow 10-14

Last updated: 8/29/2024
Accessed: 11/13/2024

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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): 058A–Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part

MLRA 058A, Northern Rolling High Plains (Northern Part), is an expansive and agriculturally and ecologically significant area encompassing 26 counties in southeast Montana (99 percent) and northeast Wyoming (1 percent). It stretches approximately 290 miles from east to west and 220 miles from north to south and comprises approximately 42,350 square miles (26,875,928 acres). The area is within the Missouri Plateau, Unglaciated, Section of the Great Plains Province of the Interior Plains. It is an area of old plateaus and terraces that have been eroded. Slopes generally are gently rolling to steep, and wide belts of steeply sloping badlands border a few of the larger river valleys. In some areas flat-topped, steep-sided buttes rise sharply above the general level of the plains. Elevations generally range from 1,950 to 3,280 feet, increasing from east to west and from north to south.

Tertiary continental shale, siltstone, and sandstone of the Fort Union Formation underlie the eastern one-third to one-half of this area. Marine and continental sediments of the Cretaceous Montana Group underlie the rest of the MLRA, generally at the higher elevations. There are also younger Cretaceous sediments of the Livingston Group occurring between the higher elevation Montana Group sediments and the lower elevation Tertiary sediments. The dominant soil orders in MLRA 058A are Entisols and Inceptisols. The soils in the area dominantly have a frigid soil temperature regime, an ustic soil moisture regime, and mixed or smectitic mineralogy. They range from shallow to very deep and are generally well drained and clayey or loamy.

The area primarily supports native prairie vegetation characterized by a variety of cool-season and warm-season graminoids, forbs, and shrubs. In the western portion of the area, cool-season grasses such as western wheatgrass and bluebunch wheatgrass are dominant but, in the eastern portion of the area, warm-season grasses such as little bluestem and sideoats grama become dominant. Wyoming big sagebrush, silver sagebrush, and fringed sagewort are common shrub species throughout the area. Forested areas occur in rough hilly areas and river breaks, particularly in areas with higher precipitation. Common tree species are ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain juniper with scattered pockets of Douglas fir.

More than 75 percent of this MLRA is native rangeland utilized for livestock production and more than 50 percent of the MLRA consists of privately-owned ranches. Approximately 15 percent of the MLRA is used as cropland. Other land uses including forestland, urban development, water, and other uses combine for less than 10 percent of the total land use.

Classification relationships

NRCS Soil Geography Hierarchy
• Land Resource Region: Western Great Plains
• Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 058A Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part

National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units (Cleland et al., 1997; McNab et al., 2007)
• Domain: Dry
• Division: Temperate Steppe
• Province: Great Plains-Palouse Dry Steppe Province (331)
• Section: North Central Highlands (331K) and Powder River Basin (331G)

National Vegetation Classification Standard (Federal Geographic Data Committee, 2008)
• Class: Mesomorphic Shrub and Herb Vegetation Class (2)
• Subclass: Shrub and Herb Wetland Subclass (2.C)
• Formation: Salt Marsh Formation (2.C.5)
• Division: Distichlis spicata - Hordeum jubatum Great Plains Saline Marsh Division (2.C.5.Na)
• Macrogroup: Great Plains Saline Wet Meadow and Marsh Macrogroup (2.C.5.Na.1)
• Group: Western Great Plains Saline Wet Meadow Group (2.C.5.Na.1.b)

EPA Ecoregions
• Level 1: Great Plains (9)
• Level 2: West-Central Semi-Arid Prairies (9.3)
• Level 3: Northwestern Great Plains (9.3.3)
• Level 4: Montana Central Grasslands (43n), River Breaks (43c), and Pine Scoria Hills (43p)

Ecological site concept

This ecological site occurs on overflow areas where salt or alkali accumulations are apparent and salt tolerant plants dominate the vegetative component. This site occurs on level to nearly level depressions, drainageways, or stream terraces at elevations ranging from 1,900 to 3,500 feet. Slopes are generally less than 4 percent. This site occurs on all aspects, although aspect is not a significant factor. The soils of this ecological site are moderately to strongly saline or sodic and salt or sodium accumulations are apparent on or near the soil surface. Soils are typically deep to very deep and well drained to somewhat poorly drained. The soil textures are typically loam, clay loam, or silty clay loam.

Associated sites

R058AY737MT	Saline Subirrigated 10-19 This site occurs on similar landforms adjacent to the Saline Overflow ecological site. It typically occurs on lower terraces where groundwater is closer to the surface.
R058AY711MT	Overflow 10-14 This site occurs on similar landscapes and terrace positions to the Saline Overflow ecological site, but in areas that have not accumulated salts in the soil profile.

R058AY737MT

Saline Subirrigated 10-19

This site occurs on similar landforms adjacent to the Saline Overflow ecological site. It typically occurs on lower terraces where groundwater is closer to the surface.

R058AY711MT

Overflow 10-14

This site occurs on similar landscapes and terrace positions to the Saline Overflow ecological site, but in areas that have not accumulated salts in the soil profile.

Similar sites

R058AY737MT	Saline Subirrigated 10-19 This site differs from the Saline Overflow ecological site in that it receives additional moisture primarily from groundwater rather than from surface water. Depth to a water table is 24 to 40 inches.
R058AY711MT	Overflow 10-14 This site differs from the Saline Overflow ecological site in that soils do not contain accumulated salts within the 4 inches of the soil surface. This site supports a diverse herbaceous plant community and is more productive.
R058AY714MT	Saline Upland 10-14 This site differs from the Saline Overflow ecological site in that it occurs in uplands or ephemeral drainageways and does not receive enough additional moisture to significantly increase production. Clay content is 35 percent or less.
R058AY705MT	Dense Clay Non-Sodic 10-14 This site differs from the Saline Overflow ecological site in that it occurs in uplands or ephemeral drainageways and does not receive enough additional moisture to significantly increase production. Clay content is greater than 35 percent.

Table 1. Dominant plant species

Tree	Not specified
Shrub	(1) Sarcobatus vermiculatus
Herbaceous	(1) Pascopyrum smithii (2) Sporobolus airoides

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Physiographic features

This ecological site occurs on level to nearly level depressions, drainageways, or stream terraces. The slopes are generally less than 4 percent. This site occurs on all aspects. Aspect is not a significant factor.

Table 2. Representative physiographic features

Landforms	(1) Depression (2) Drainageway (3) Stream terrace
Flooding frequency	None to rare
Ponding frequency	None
Elevation	1,900 – 3,500 ft
Slope	4%
Water table depth	40 – 72 in
Aspect	Aspect is not a significant factor

Climatic features

MLRA 058A is a semi-arid region and is considered to have a continental climate characterized by cold winters, hot summers, low humidity, light rainfall, and much sunshine. The climate is the result of the MLRA’s location in the geographic center of North America. Temperatures can be extreme. The average annual temperature is 41 to 49 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer daytime temperatures are typically quite warm, generally averaging in the lower to mid 80 degree range for July and August. Summertime temperatures will typically reach 100 degrees or more at some point during the summer and can reach 90 degrees during any month between May and September. Conversely, winter temperatures can be cold, averaging in the lower teens or less for December and January. There will typically be several days of below zero temperatures each winter. It is not uncommon for temperatures to reach 30 to 40 degrees below zero, or even colder, most any winter.

During an average year, 70 to 75 percent of the annual precipitation falls between April and September, which are the primary growing season months. Most of the rainfall occurs as frontal storms early in the growing season during the months of May and June. Some high-intensity, convective thunderstorms occur in July and August, and some rainfall occurs in autumn. Later summer precipitation is greater in the eastern portion of the MLRA, which effects plant community composition. Winter precipitation occurs as snow although snowfall is not heavy, averaging about 39 inches annually, and snow cover is typically 1 to 3 inches. Heavy snowfall occurs infrequently, usually late in the winter or early spring. The average annual precipitation ranges from 8 to 22 inches but is typically 11 to 17 inches throughout most of the area. This site occurs on the lower extent with a range of 10 to 14 inches of precipitiation. Precipitation fluctuates widely from year to year and severe drought occurs 2 out of 10 years on average.

There are few natural barriers on the northern Great Plains and the winds move freely across the plains and account for rapid changes in temperature. Spring can be windy throughout the MLRA, with winds averaging over 10 mph about 15 percent of the time. Speeds of 50 mph or stronger can occasionally occur. During the winter months, the western half of the MLRA commonly experiences Chinook winds, which are strong west to southwest surface winds accompanied by abrupt increases in temperature. The Chinook winds are strongest on the western boundary of the MLRA near the Rocky Mountain foothills and decrease eastward. In addition to producing damaging winds, prolonged Chinook episodes can result in drought or vegetation kills due to a reaction of plants to a “false spring” (Oard, 1993).

For local climate station information, refer to https://wrcc.dri.edu/summary/Climsmemt.html.

Table 3. Representative climatic features

Frost-free period (characteristic range)	85-150 days
Freeze-free period (characteristic range)	115-170 days
Precipitation total (characteristic range)	10-14 in
Frost-free period (average)	125 days
Freeze-free period (average)	145 days
Precipitation total (average)	13 in

Bar

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Figure 1. Monthly precipitation range

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Line

Figure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature

Figure 3. Annual precipitation pattern

Figure 4. Annual average temperature pattern

Climate stations used

(1) RAPELJE [USC00246862], Rapelje, MT
(2) HYSHAM 25 SSE [USC00244364], Bighorn, MT
(3) BRANDENBERG [USC00241084], Rosebud, MT
(4) TERRY 21 NNW [USC00248169], Terry, MT
(5) BLOOMFIELD 5 NNE [USC00240923], Bloomfield, MT
(6) GLENDIVE [USC00243581], Glendive, MT
(7) POWDERVILLE 8 NNE [USC00246691], Volborg, MT
(8) JORDAN 23 ENE [USC00244530], Jordan, MT
(9) FT PECK PWR PLT [USC00243176], Fort Peck, MT
(10) CIRCLE [USC00241758], Circle, MT
(11) BROCKWAY 3 WSW [USC00241169], Brockway, MT
(12) MILES CITY F WILEY FLD [USW00024037], Miles City, MT
(13) MIZPAH 4 NNW [USC00245754], Ismay, MT
(14) SAND CREEK [USC00247342], Roy, MT
(15) ROCK SPRINGS [USC00247136], Angela, MT
(16) COHAGEN [USC00241875], Cohagen, MT

Influencing water features

This is a floodplain site that receives additional moisture via surface runoff and from stream overflow. The site receives additional moisture from surrounding uplands which fills the soil profile and increases plant production. During major flood events, the site may be flooded for brief durations. Sometimes, a seasonal groundwater table deeper than 40 inches below the soil surface is present, particularly during spring runoff, but the soil does not exhibit hydric features.

Wetland description

Not Applicable

Soil features

Soils for this ecological site are typically very deep (greater than 60 inches to bedrock), well drained, and derived from alluvium from sedimentary rock. All soils in this concept are characterized by an accumulation of salts and saline, sodic, or saline-sodic conditions occur within 4 inches of the surface. Surface horizon textures are typically clay loam, loam, or silty clay loam and may be stratified with thin layers of loam, fine sandy loam, clay loam, silty clay loam, or silt loam. Subsurface horizon textures are typically clay loam, loam, or silty clay loam and may contain thin layers of fine sandy loam, loam, clay loam, silty clay loam, or silt loam. The soil temperature regime is primarily frigid, with smaller areas of mesic temperature regime present. The soil moisture regime is aridic ustic. Figure 5 shows a typical soil profile for this ecological site. Figure 5 shows a typical soil profile for this ecological site.

Figure 5. Typical Soil Profile

Table 4. Representative soil features

Parent material	(1) Alluvium – sedimentary rock
Surface texture	(1) Clay loam (2) Loam (3) Silty clay loam
Drainage class	Well drained
Permeability class	Moderate
Soil depth	60 – 72 in
Surface fragment cover <=3"	Not specified
Surface fragment cover >3"	Not specified
Available water capacity (0-40in)	1.5 – 2 in
Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in)	10%
Electrical conductivity (0-40in)	2 – 16 mmhos/cm
Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in)	8 – 30
Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in)	6.8 – 9.6
Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (0-20in)	34%
Subsurface fragment volume >3" (0-20in)	34%

Ecological dynamics

Interpretations are primarily based on the Reference state, which is used as a reference in order to understand the original potential of the site. This ecological site developed under the combined influences of climatic conditions, periodic fire activity, grazing by large herbivores, and impacts from small mammals and insects. Changes may occur to the Reference state due to management actions such as improper grazing management, climatic conditions such as drought, and natural events such as multiple fires in close succession. The reference state for this ecological site is dominated by a diversity of medium height, cool-season and warm-season grasses, which are tightly intermixed and well distributed over the site. Various forbs, half-shrubs, and shrubs are common on this site. The Reference state is not necessarily the management goal, as other vegetative states may be considered desired plant communities as long as critical resource concerns are met.

In addition to the Reference state, other plant communities can occur on this site and are usually the result of historic management practices. Long term overgrazing on this ecological site results in a decrease of mid-grasses and more palatable shrubs and in an increase of shortgrasses and less palatable forbs and shrubs. There are various transitional stages which may occur on this ecological site.

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

T1A	-	Prolonged drought, improper grazing, or a combination of these factors
T1B	-	Introduction of non-native invasive species (annual bromes, crested wheatgrass, noxious weeds, etc.)
T1C	-	Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
R2A	-	Proper grazing management in combination with rangeland seeding, grazing land mechanical treatment, and timely moisture (management intensive and costly).
T2A	-	Introduction of non-native invasive species (annual bromes, crested wheatgrass, noxious weeds, etc.)
T2B	-	Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
T3A	-	Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
T4A	-	Cessation of annual cropping
T5A	-	Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)

State 1 submodel, plant communities

1.1. Greasewood, Western Wheatgrass, and Alkali Sacaton

1.2. Greasewood, Povertyweed, and Western Wheatgrass

1.1A	-	Drought, improper grazing management
1.2A	-	Normal or above average precipitation, proper grazing management

State 1
Reference

The Reference state for this ecological site consists of two communities and evolved under the combined influences of climatic conditions, periodic fire activity, grazing by large herbivores, and impacts from small mammals and insects. The Reference state is the plant community in which interpretations are primarily based and is used as a reference in order to understand the original potential of the site.

Dominant plant species

greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), grass
alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), grass
povertyweed (Iva axillaris), other herbaceous

Community 1.1
Greasewood, Western Wheatgrass, and Alkali Sacaton

This plant community is characterized by species such as western wheatgrass, sodium-tolerant bunchgrasses such as alkali sacaton and Nuttall’s alkaligrass, and shrubs such as greasewood, Gardner’s saltbush, and winterfat. Shortgrasses such as saltgrass, alkali bluegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass occur at low canopy cover. Forbs such as povertyweed, woolly plantain, curlycup gumweed, and buckwheat occur at approximately 10 percent canopy cover and shrubs occurs at approximately 5 percent canopy cover.

Community 1.2
Greasewood, Povertyweed, and Western Wheatgrass

This plant community is characterized by western wheatgrass and shortgrass species such as saltgrass, alkali bluegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass. Unpalatable forbs such as povertyweed, woolly plantain, curlycup gumweed, and buckwheat are increasing. Sodium-tolerant bunchgrasses such as alkali sacaton and Nuttall’s alkaligrass are rare. Shrubs species such as greasewood, Gardner’s saltbush, and winterfat occur at approximately 5 percent canopy cover.

Pathway 1.1A
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Drought, improper grazing management such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, or a combination of these factors can shift community 1.1 to community 1.2. These factors favor an increase in shortgrasses and unpalatable forbs and a decrease in mid-statured grasses.

Pathway 1.2A
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Normal or above-average precipitation and proper grazing management shifts community 1.2 to community 1.1.

State 2
Shortgrass

The dynamics of the Shortgrass state are driven by long-term drought, improper grazing management such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, or a combination of these factors. The Shortgrass state for this ecological site consists of one community.

Dominant plant species

greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), shrub
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), grass
povertyweed (Iva axillaris), other herbaceous

Community 2.1
Greasewood, Povertyweed, and Saltgrass

This plant community is characterized by a dominance of short-statured grasses such as saltgrass, alkali bluegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass. Mid-statured grasses such as alkali sacaton, Nuttall’s alkaligrass, and western wheatgrass are rare or absent. Unpalatable forbs such as povertyweed, woolly plantain, curlycup gumweed, and buckwheat are common. Shrubs species such as greasewood, Gardner’s saltbush, and winterfat occur at approximately 5 percent canopy cover. This community phase results in a reduction of soil surface litter, soil organic matter, and infiltration and an increase of soil surface runoff. This plant community is capable of tolerating season-long, heavy grazing and therefore is highly resistant to change.

State 3
Invaded

The Invaded state occurs when invasive plant species invade native plant communities and displace the native species. The Invaded state consists of one community.

Dominant plant species

curly dock (Rumex crispus), other herbaceous
burningbush (Bassia scoparia), other herbaceous

Community 3.1
Curly Dock and Burningbush

Observations suggest that native species diversity declines significantly when invasive or noxious species exceed approximately 30 percent of the plant community. Non-native species such as curly dock and burningbush, known locally as kochia, and noxious weed species such as saltcedar can eventually dominate the seedbank of this site and displace native species. Reduced plant species diversity, simplified structural complexity, and altered ecological processes result in a state that is substantially departed from the Reference state. The dominance of annual, invasive grasses such as cheatgrass and field brome increases the fire cycle frequency.

State 4
Cropland

The Cropland state occurs when cultivation occurs to the land. The Cropland state consists of one community.

Community 4.1
Cropland

The land is cultivated and converted to crop production. This site is poorly suited to cultivation, but many acres are cultivated despite the limitations. The most common crop type on this ecological site is perennial hay. In some cases, the site is planted to non-native perennial species, but in other cases, the native vegetation is retained and harvested for hay or seed. In either case, irrigation is frequently applied to increase production. Occasionally, cereal grains such as wheat and barley are attempted, but production is generally poor.

State 5
Post Cropland

The Post Cropland state occurs when cultivated cropland is abandoned and allowed to either re-vegetate naturally or is seeded back to perennial species for livestock grazing or wildlife use. This state can transition back to the Cropland state if the site is returned to cultivation. No formal studies have been obtained regarding Wyoming big sagebrush recovery following cultivation and further investigation is needed to assess Wyoming big sagebrush recovery in the Post Cropland state. The Post Cropland state has two communities.

Community 5.1
Abandoned Cropland

In the absence of active management, the site can re-vegetate naturally and potentially return to a perennial grassland community over time. Shortly after cropland is abandoned, annual forbs, biennial forbs, and foxtail barley invade the site. Eventually, these pioneering species are replaced by species such as western wheatgrass; however, species composition will depend upon the seed bank. Invasion of the site by exotic species, such as curly dock, will depend upon the site’s proximity to a seed source. Fifty or more years after cultivation, these sites may have species composition similar to phases in the Reference state. However, soil quality is consistently lower than conditions prior to cultivation and a shift to the Reference state is unlikely within a reasonable timeframe (Dormaar, J.F., and S. Smoliak. 1985).

Community 5.2
Perennial Grass

When the site is seeded to perennial forage species this community phase can persist for several decades. Introduced perennial grasses, in particular, may form monocultures that persist for 60 years or more (Samuel, M.J., and R.H. Hart. 1994). A mixture of native species may also be seeded to provide species composition and structural complexity similar to that of the Reference state. However, soil quality conditions have been substantially altered and will not return to pre-cultivation conditions within a reasonable timeframe.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

Prolonged drought, improper grazing management such as continuous season-long or year-long grazing, or a combination of these factors weaken the resilience of the Reference state and drive its transition to the Shortgrass state. The Reference state transitions to the Shortgrass state when mid-statured graminoids become rare and shortgrasses such as saltgrass, alkali bluegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass dominate the plant community.

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

The Reference state transitions to the Invaded state when non-native species or noxious weeds invade the plant community. Exotic plant species dominate the site in terms of cover and production and site resilience has been substantially reduced. In addition, other rangeland health attributes, such as reproductive capacity of native grasses and soil quality, have been substantially altered from the Reference state.

Transition T1C
State 1 to 4

Tillage or application of herbicide followed by seeding of cultivated crops, such as wheat, barley, or introduced hay, transitions the Reference state to the Cropland state.

Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1

A reduction in livestock grazing pressure alone may not be sufficient to reduce the cover of blue grama in the Shortgrass state and mechanical treatments may be necessary. Therefore, returning the Shortgrass state to the Reference state can require considerable cost, energy, and time.

Conservation practices

Prescribed Grazing

Transition T2A
State 2 to 3

The Shortgrass state transitions to the Invaded state when non-native species or noxious weeds invade the Shortgrass state. Exotic plant species dominate the site in terms of cover and production. Site resilience has been substantially reduced.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

Tillage or application of herbicide followed by seeding of cultivated crops, such as wheat, barley, or introduced hay, transitions the Shortgrass state to the Cropland state.

Transition T3A
State 3 to 4

The Invaded state will transition to the Cropland state when the site is placed under cultivation.

Transition T4A
State 4 to 5

The transition from the Cropland state to the Post Cropland state occurs with the cessation of cultivation. The site may also be seeded to perennial forage species, such as RS wheatgrass, or a mix of native species.

Transition T5A
State 5 to 4

Tillage or application of herbicide followed by seeding of cultivated crops, such as winter wheat, spring wheat, and barley, transitions the Post Cropland state to the Cropland state.

Additional community tables

Supporting information

Inventory data references

Specific field data was not obtained for this provisional ecological site description. Existing field data were used in conjunction with a review of the scientific literature and professional experience to approximate the plant communities, states, and transitions. All community phases are considered provisional based on the sources identified in this ecological site description.

Other references

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Contributors

Jeff Fenton
Scott Brady
Maryjo Kimble
Brian Kloster

Approval

Kirt Walstad, 8/29/2024

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	09/02/2024
Approved by	Kirt Walstad
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:

Download reference sheet

Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.

Ecosystem states

T1A	-	Prolonged drought, improper grazing, or a combination of these factors
T1B	-	Introduction of non-native invasive species (annual bromes, crested wheatgrass, noxious weeds, etc.)
T1C	-	Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
R2A	-	Proper grazing management in combination with rangeland seeding, grazing land mechanical treatment, and timely moisture (management intensive and costly).
T2A	-	Introduction of non-native invasive species (annual bromes, crested wheatgrass, noxious weeds, etc.)
T2B	-	Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
T3A	-	Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)
T4A	-	Cessation of annual cropping
T5A	-	Tillage or herbicide application and seeding of annual crops or non-native hayland (frequently combined with irrigation practices)