Dense Clay

Description

This state represents what is believed to show the natural range of variability that dominated the dynamics in this ecological site prior to European settlement. This site, in reference, is dominated by rhizomatous wheatgrass, green needlegrass, forbs and a minor amount of cactus. Heavy grazing and/or drought will not significantly change the species composition but will cause a dramatic decrease in total annual production. Erosion of the surface horizon is also a likely outcome with heavy grazing. In pre-European times the primary disturbances included grazing by large ungulates and small mammals and drought. Favorable growing conditions occurred during the spring, and warm months of June through August. Today a similar state can be found in areas where proper livestock use has occurred.

Submodel