Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R151XY011LA
Saline Sandy Ridge 55-64 PZ
Accessed: 12/31/2024
General information
Approved. An approved ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model, enough information to identify the ecological site, and full documentation for all ecosystem states contained in the state and transition model.
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 151X–Gulf Coast Marsh
Major land resource area (MLRA)151, Gulf Coast Marsh, is in Louisiana (95 percent), Texas (4 percent), and Mississippi (1 percent). It makes up about 8,495 square miles (22,015 square kilometers). The towns of Gretna, Chalmette, and Marrero, Louisiana, and the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, are in the eastern part of this MLRA. The town of Port Arthur, Texas, is in the western part. Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 90 cross the area. The New Orleans Naval Air Station is in this MLRA. Fort Jackson, overlooking the mouth of the Mississippi River, and the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve are in the MLRA. A number of national wildlife refuges and State parks occur throughout this area. MLRA 151 is a very complex ecosystem with active deltaic development and subsidence with extreme anthropogenic impact by man with construction of flood protection levees and channelization occurring on the eastern portion of the MLRA. The Western portion of the MLRA is more stable in that portions of the landscape is protected naturally by the Chenier's, although there is Anthropogenic affects of the interior due to channelization for navigation.
Classification relationships
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) and Land Resource Unit (LRU) (USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2006)
The Natural Communities of Louisiana - (Louisiana Natural Heritage Program - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries)
Ecological site concept
The Saline Sandy Ridge ecological sites are on low areas adjacent to gulf coastal beaches mainly at elevations of 5 foot or less. Slopes range from 0 to 3 percent. The soils formed in sandy coastal sediments. These areas flood rarely to frequently with salt water during storm tides.
Associated sites
| R151XY002LA |
Saline Marsh 55-64 PZ Saline Mineral Marsh occurs adjacent to the Saline Sandy Ridge site. |
|---|
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
The Saline Sandy Ridge ecological sites are on low areas adjacent to gulf coastal beaches mainly at elevations of 5 foot or less. Slopes range from 0 to 3 percent. The soils formed in sandy coastal sediments. These areas flood rarely to frequently with salt water during storm tides.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Marsh
(2) Beach ridge |
|---|---|
| Flooding duration | Brief (2 to 7 days) |
| Flooding frequency | Rare to frequent |
| Elevation | 5 ft |
| Slope | 3% |
| Ponding depth |
Not specified |
| Water table depth | 24 – 36 in |
Climatic features
The average annual precipitation is 60 to 65 inches. About 70 percent of the precipitation occurs during the growing season. Rainfall typically occurs as post-frontal precipitation in the winter and heat-convection showers and thunderstorms in the spring and summer. In addition, tropical storms can bring large amounts of rainfall. The freeze-free period averages 325 days and ranges from 290 to 365 dyas, increasing in length from north to south.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 365 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 365 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 65 in |
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation range
Figure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Influencing water features
The Gulf of Mexico is the influencing water feature on this site. The barrier islands are surrounded by Gulf waters, and the beaches and dunes are subject to constant tidal activity. Daily tidal flux, storm surges, and onshore currents all affect the physical state of the site as well as the kinds, proportions, and amounts of vegetation that exist at any point in time.
This site can exist in numerous phases depending upon the recency and severity of Gulf storm events.
Soil features
The dominant soil on this site is Felicity. These areas are on low areas adjacent to gulf coastal beaches mainly at elevations of 5 foot or less. Slopes range from 0 to 3 percent. The soils formed in sandy coastal sediments. These areas flood rarely to frequently with salt water during storm tides.
Taxonomic Classification: Felicity: Mixed, hyperthermic Aquic Udipsmments
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Loamy fine sand (2) Loamy sand (3) Fine sand |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Somewhat poorly drained |
| Permeability class | Very rapid |
| Soil depth | 72 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 15% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | Not specified |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
1.2 – 2.4 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
10 – 30% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
8 – 16 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
Not specified |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
15% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
Not specified |
Ecological dynamics
The Saline Sandy Ridge Ecological Site is a site composed of recently deposited sandy parent materials from the Gulf of Mexico. It occurs as beaches and dunes along the coastline, and as barrier islands off of the southeastern coast of Louisiana. This is a dynamic and continuously evolving site that may exist in various phases of development and vegetative establishment at any point in time. Tidal activity, storm surge, and wind energy are the dominant factors in the ecological dynamics of this site.
As wind and tidal energy dissipate, the open waters of the Gulf deposit sands in shallower, calmer waters on the shoreline. The sandy parent material is trapped by obstacles such as shells, debris, vegetation, and artificial barriers. Beaches begin to build.
In some locations, artificial measures have been installed to reduce the effects of wind and tidal energy. Breakwaters can be installed to buffer tidal action. Fences, sandbags, and other barriers can be used to trap sand. As wind and wave energy are reduced, sands are deposited and vegetation may begin to establish.
Wind energy moves dried sand particles further inland from the shoreline and beach to form low ridges or dunes. These ridges are typically less than 3 feet above mean high tide. The site is saline and is naturally droughty above the intertidal zone. The vegetation on this site is constantly subjected to powerful natural forces. Plants must be able to establish and persist in these harsh conditions.
The combination of wind and wave energy can both create and destroy this site. Wind energy can blow loose sands and deposit them on adjacent marsh sites or open water areas, completely covering existing vegetation and/or filling up shallow water areas. Storm tides can totally engulf the site and move parent material further inland to adjacent sites. Hurricanes and storm tides can destroy the vegetation, wash away the beaches and dunes, and completely inundate the site with salt water. This site is in constant peril of reverting to open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Human activities often have major negative impacts on this site because it is a preferred area for recreation. Off-road motorized vehicles can be particularly destructive on coastal dunes and beaches. Due to their isolation, the barrier islands are practically undisturbed by human activity. However, they are subject to frequent and drastic natural disturbances resulting from the strong wave and wind energy of the Gulf of Mexico.
State and Transitional Pathways:
The State and Transition Diagram which follows provides information on some of the most typical pathways that the vegetation on this site can follow as the result of natural events, management inputs, and application of conservation treatments. There may be other plant communities that can exist on this site under certain conditions. Consultation with local experts and professionals is recommended prior to application of practices or management strategies in order to ensure that specific objectives will be met.
Legend for State & Transition Model
1.1A – The mixedgrass plant community establishes from seeds deposited by birds
or wind, and vegetative materials from adjacent dunes.
1.1B – Excessive storm tides and windblown sand deposits can inundate the site with
water, cover vegetation with sand, and increase salinity. This may cause the
mixedgrass plant community to revert to a sod-forming grass community.
T1A – Overwash from tidal activity deposits additional soil materials and salt water.
Black mangrove and smooth cordgrass totally dominate the plant community.
T1B – Hurricanes and extreme tidal activity can destroy existing vegetation, wash away
dunes and beaches, and inundate the site permanently.
T2A – On barrier islands, storm surges can drown the vegetation and wash away sand.
In extreme instances, the barrier island may disappear and become open water in
the Gulf of Mexico.
T2B – Repeated overwash events on the beaches and dunes of the coastline cover the
smooth cordgrass and the pneumataphores of the black mangrove with water and mud. This can completely kill out the existing vegetation. These overwash events deposit mixed soil materials . As the mudbanks begin to dry out, new plants begin
to establish. The mixed soil materials, altered salinity levels, and new vegetation
can transform the Saline Sandy Ridge Ecological Site into a completely different
ecological site…the Saline Mineral Marsh Ecological Site.
State and transition model
Figure 4. Saline Sandy Ridge
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Ecosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Beach/Dune State
Community 1.1
Sod-Forming Grass Plant Community
Beaches are evolving masses and are typically sparsely vegetated or devoid of vegetation. The lower reaches are subject to daily tidal activity. The upper reaches are subject to seasonal high tides. Sod-forming grasses such as seashore saltgrass and seashore paspalum which are rooted in adjacent dune sand, can produce stolongs that extend into the seasonal high tide zone.
Community 1.2
Salt-Tolerant/Mixed Grass Plant Community
The mixedgrass plant community consists of plants that can withstand droughty and saline conditions. Blowing sand causes the soil surface to shift frequently. This results in the plant community being in a continual state of flux. Marshhay cordgrass, seashore saltgrass, seashore paspalum, and gulf cordgrass are the major species in this community. Seacoast bluestem is a minor component of the plant community. It is a rhizomatous plant that spreads vegetatively and traps sand. It can play a major role in dune formation and stabilization, especially on barrier islands. Bushy sea-oxeye is a salt tolerant forb that is frequently found on the site. Southern waxmyrtle, eastern baccharis, and bigleaf sumpweed are shrubs that occur in minor amounts. This plant community may exist in dense stands, but may also occur as sparsely vegetated areas interspersed among bare sand areas.
Figure 5. 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 | 0 | 1500 | 2600 |
| Shrub/Vine | 0 | 50 | 200 |
| Forb | 0 | 75 | 200 |
| Total | – | 1625 | 3000 |
Figure 6. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). LA1511, Louisiana Gulf Coast Marshes. Fresh, Brackish, and Saline Marshes of the Louisiana Gulf Coast .
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 1 | 3 | 13 | 23 | 25 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
State 2
Interdial State
Community 2.1
Shrub/Smooth Cordgrass Plant Community
The intertidal plant community is an area subject to daily tidal exchange. This community occurs on the back side of the dunes, opposite from the beaches. Vegetation consists almost totally of smooth cordgrass and black mangrove. This plant community is subject to storm surges which can cause overwash and deposit excessive amounts of sediment on the area. When overwash occurs, the pneumatophores of black mangrove are covered and these shrubs die. At that point, the remaining vegetation consists of a sparse stand of smooth cordgrass interspersed in a barren mudbank of overwash material. Successive overwashes will eventually result in the transformation of the Saline Sandy Ridge Ecological Site to a Saline Mineral Marsh Ecological Site.
Figure 7. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 6. Annual production by plant type
| Plant type | Low (lb/acre) |
Representative value (lb/acre) |
High (lb/acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass/Grasslike | 0 | 500 | 1250 |
| Shrub/Vine | 0 | 200 | 500 |
| Forb | 0 | 25 | 50 |
| Total | – | 725 | 1800 |
Figure 8. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). LA1511, Louisiana Gulf Coast Marshes. Fresh, Brackish, and Saline Marshes of the Louisiana Gulf Coast .
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 1 | 3 | 13 | 23 | 25 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
State 3
Open Gulf Water State
Community 3.1
Open Water
Additional community tables
Table 7. Community 1.2 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | Grass/Grasslike | 0–2600 | ||||
| saltmeadow cordgrass | SPPA | Spartina patens | 0–2000 | – | ||
| gulf cordgrass | SPSP | Spartina spartinae | 0–1000 | – | ||
| gulf bluestem | SCMA3 | Schizachyrium maritimum | 0–1000 | – | ||
| smooth cordgrass | SPAL | Spartina alterniflora | 0–1000 | – | ||
| seashore paspalum | PAVA | Paspalum vaginatum | 0–300 | – | ||
| saltgrass | DISP | Distichlis spicata | 0–300 | – | ||
| seashore dropseed | SPVI3 | Sporobolus virginicus | 0–200 | – | ||
| bitter panicgrass | PAAM2 | Panicum amarum | 0–100 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 2 | Forbs | 0–200 | ||||
| bushy seaside tansy | BOFR | Borrichia frutescens | 0–200 | – | ||
| turkey tangle fogfruit | PHNO2 | Phyla nodiflora | 0–50 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 3 | Shrubs | 0–200 | ||||
| black mangrove | AVGE | Avicennia germinans | 0–200 | – | ||
| Jesuit's bark | IVFR | Iva frutescens | 0–100 | – | ||
| wax myrtle | MOCE2 | Morella cerifera | 0–50 | – | ||
| eastern baccharis | BAHA | Baccharis halimifolia | 0–50 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
This site is not grazed by livestock, and does not produce vegetation with any significant value as a food source for deer, furbearers, geese, or ducks. Large populations of invertebrates, including mollusks and crustaceans, are found on undisturbed or minimally disturbed beaches and bars. Many species of shore birds use the shoreline extensively as a feeding ground.
Hydrological functions
The hydrologic function that impacts this site is tidal activity. Incoming tides and storm surges deposit sand particles and shell fragments to form beaches. Storm tides can act to demolish ridges and beaches alike. Onshore currents gradually move barrier islands and beaches in a southwesterly direction by eroding the eastern end of the island and depositing the sand particles at the western end.
Recreational uses
Due to their isolation and inaccessibility, the barrier islands are rarely disturbed by human activity. Accessible beaches and dunes on the mainland are favored areas for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and associated activities. Litter is often a problem on the beaches. Off-road motorized vehicles can be particularly destructive on coastal dunes and beaches. Use of motorized vehicles on this site is discouraged, and frequently prohibited. This is a fragile site that is very susceptible to erosion, damage to vegetation, etc.
Other information
This site is NOT grazed by livestock and does not produce vegetation with any significant value as a food source for deer, furbearers, geese or ducks.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Production and Composition Data for Native Grazing Lands (SCS-RANGE-417) clipping data was reviewed to determine species occurrence and production on soils that are representative of the Sandy Chenier ecological site. In addition vegetation transect data from Lafourche Parish collected in 1984 and 1991 was used to determine species occurrence and production on typical Sandy Chenier ecological sites.
Other references
•Allen, Dr. Charles, Dawn Allen Newman, and Dr. Harry Winters. Grasses of Louisiana, 3rd Edition. Allen’s Native Ventures. Pitkin, LA. 2004.
•Ball, D.M., C.S. Hoveland, and G.D. Lacefield. Southern Forages, Third Edition. Potash and Phosphate Institute and Foundation for Agronomic Research. Norcross, GA. 2002.
•Brown, Clair A. Wildflowers of Louisiana and Adjoining States. Louisiana State University Press. Baton Rouge, LA. 1991.
•Chabreck, Robert H. and R.E. Condrey. Common Vascular Plants of the Louisiana Marsh. Sea Grant Publication No. LSU-T-79-003. Louisiana State University Center for Wetland Resources. Baton Rouge, LA. 1979.
•Chabreck, Robert H. Vegetation, Water and Soil Characteristics of the Louisiana Coastal Region. Bulletin 664. Louisiana State University. Baton Rouge, LA. 1972.
•Lee, Stuart. The Value of High Ground in a Coastal Landscape. WaterMarks Number 38. September 2008. www.lacoast.gov/newsletter.htm. Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Task Force. Alexandria, LA. 2008.
•Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The Natural Communities of Louisiana. Louisiana Natural Heritage Program. LDWF. Baton Rouge, LA. 2004
•Post, Lauren C. The Old Cattle Industry of Southwest Louisiana. The McNeese Review. Volume 9. 1957.
•Radford, Albert E., Harry E. Ahles and C. Ritchie Bell. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill, NC. 1987.
•Stutzenbaker, Charles D. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of the Western Gulf Coast. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Wildlife Division. Austin, TX. 1999.
•Tarver, David P., John A. Rodgers, Michael J. Mahler, and Robert L. Lazor. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Florida Second Edition. Bureau of Aquatic Plant Research and Control. Florida Department of Natural Resources. 1979.
•Thomas, R. Dale & Charles M. Allen. Atlas of the Vascular Flora of Louisiana, Vol.I: Ferns & Fern Allies, Conifers, & Monocotyledons. Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Natural Heritage Program and The Nature Conservancy. Baton Rouge, LA. 1993.
•Thomas, R. Dale & Charles M. Allen. Atlas of the Vascular Flora of Louisiana, Vol.II: Dicotyledons, Acanthaceae – Euphorbiaceae. Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Natural Heritage Program and The Nature Conservancy. Baton Rouge, LA. 1996.
•Thomas, R. Dale & Charles M. Allen. Atlas of the Vascular Flora of Louisiana, Vol.III: Dicotyledons, Fabaceae – Zygophyllaceae. Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Natural Heritage Program and The Nature Conservancy. Baton Rouge, LA. 1998.
•United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. The PLANTS Database http://plants.usda.gov. USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center. Baton Rouge, LA. 2008.
•United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Cameron-Creole Watershed 2003 Vegetative Monitoring Report. USDA NRCS. Alexandria, LA. 2007.
•United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Ag Handbook 296. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. USDA NRCS Soil Survey Division. Washington, DC. 2006.
•United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Production and Composition Record for Native Grazing Lands. SCS-RANGE-417 data from Cameron, Vermillion, Iberia, St. Mary, Terrebonne, and La Fourche Parishes. 1981-1986.
•United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Published Soil Surveys from Cameron, Vermillion, Iberia, St. Mary, Terrebonne, and La Fourche Parishes. Various publication dates.
•United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app. USDA NRCS Soil Survey Division. Washington, DC. 2008.
•United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. Louisiana Wetlands Plant List. USDA SCS Louisiana Bulletin No. 190-7-3. USDA SCS. Alexandria, LA. 1986.
•United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. Range Site Descriptions for the Gulf Coast Marsh Major Land Resource Area 151. USDA SCS. Alexandria, LA. Various publication dates.
•United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. Submerged and Floating Aquatic Plants of South Louisiana. Alexandria, LA. 1988.
•United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. Southern Wetland Flora. USDA SCS South National Technical Center, Fort Worth, TX.
•United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. Louisiana’s Native Ranges and Their Proper Use. USDA SCS. Alexandria, LA. 1982.
•United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. 100 Native Forage Grasses in 11 Southern States. Agriculture Handbook 389. 1971
•United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. Louisiana Range Handbook. USDA SCS. Alexandria, LA. 1956.
•United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. Results of Plant Analyses From Samples Sent In During 1950 (Louisiana). USDA Soil Conservation Service Operations Laboratory. Soil Conservation Service. Fort Worth, TX. 1951.
•United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. USDI FWS. Washington, DC. 1979.
•United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. National List of Plant Species That Occur In Wetlands: Southeast Region (Region 2). USDI FWS Biological Report 88. Washington, DC. 1988.
•Yarlett, Lewis A. Common Grasses of Florida and the Southeast. The Florida Native Plant Society. Spring Hill, FL. 1996
Contributors
Dan Caudle And Jack Cutshall
Jack R. Cutshall And Dan M. Caudle
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) | JohannaPate, Grazing Lands Specialist, NRCS, Alexandria, La |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | 318-473-7808 |
| Date | 10/11/2010 |
| Approved by | Johanna Pate |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
N/A -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Numerous as a result of tidal surge and overwash from Gulf of Mexico -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
N/A -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Expect less than 50% bare ground -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
N/A -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Extensive shifting dune activity, occasional scoured areas caused by wind energy from the Gulf. Frequent deposition from overwash. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Significant amounts of litter and debris are deposited, moved from place to place, and removed frequently. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Unstable soil conditions. Soil surface is highly susceptible to sheet erosion and wind erosion from frequent and severe storms. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil surface texture is sand to loamy fine sand throughout the profile. Numerous shell fragments occur throughout. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
N/A -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
N/A -
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:
Dominant: Warm-season grasses >Sol-forming grasses>>Shrubs>/firbsSub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Perennial grasses will naturally exhibit a minor amount (less than 5%) of senescence and some mortality every year. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
0 to 3000 pounds per acre -
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:
N/A -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All perennial species should be capable of reproducing every year unless disrupted by catastrophic events occuring immediately prior to, or during the reporductive phase.
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