Laserfiche WebLink
on well-drained slopes that because of shallow soils have not been converted <br /> to agricultural production. Eighteen species were encountered in cover quadrats <br /> during 1979 vegetation studies (Mariah t'lssociates 1979) . The type is charac- <br /> terized by Basin big sagebrush (Artemnisial tridentata) . Corrmon understory <br /> species include: cheatgrass brarP- ('Bromus tectorumi) , redstem filaree (Erodiiz,, <br /> cicutarium) , Russianthistle (Salsola kali) , and tu,,oling hedgemustard <br /> (Sisymbrium altissimm) . <br /> Upland sagebrush sites sampled on the Nucla study area during 1979 exhibited <br /> a total vegetative basal cover of 13.4%. Basin big sagebrush evidenced the <br /> highest percent basal cover of any species on this type (4.4%) (Mariah Asso- <br /> ciates 1979) . <br /> Grassland pasture vegetation type. The grassland pasture vegetation type within <br /> the study area occupies 24.69 acres or 23.30 of the total study area. Grassland <br /> is the most predominant vegetation type on lands not currently dist,irb&- or <br /> subjected to agricultural production. However,' this type is an abandoned hay <br /> pasture as evidenced by the many vegetation species indicative of its past <br /> agricultural use and present disturbed nature. Interviews with local ranchers <br /> and Nucla Mine personnel indicate that much of the area now in grassland on the <br /> Nucla permit was abandoned in 1978. Prior to abandonment, these areas were <br /> planted alfalfa fields. Weedy, undesirable species such as field bindweed <br /> (Convolvulus arvensis) , and con=n Russianthistle (Salsola kali) are co,-,mn <br /> on this type. <br /> Total vegetative basal cover for the grassland vegetation type in 1979 was <br /> estimated at 9.70. Weedy species accounted for over 37% of the total cover <br /> (Nariah Associates 1979) . <br /> Total 1979 vegetative production at grassland sites was 815.1 lbs/acre. ;":uch <br /> of the total production was attributed to unidentified perennial grasses and <br /> annual forbs (Mariah Associates 1979) . <br /> Agricultural vegetation type. Agricultural lands comprise the largest type <br /> on the study area accounting for 44.59 acres. These lands were planted <br /> --17- <br /> J U W 1 148A <br />