Status of the flora and fauna on the Nevada Test Site: Results of continuing basic environmental research, January--December 1987
In 1987, three pristine sites in the Mojave Desert and Mojave-Great Basin transition zone were selected as ''pristine'' plots. They were surveyed and gridded for animal studies, and perennial plants were measured. In addition, ephemeral and perennial plants, lizards, and mammals were sampled on a two-year-old burned area in Yucca Flat and perennial plants measured on a one-year-old burned site in Mid Valley. On the five areas sampled, there were a total of 29 perennial plant species measured on belt transects. Cover on undisturbed areas varied from 22 to 38 percent as ranging from 3010 to 5580 kg-dry wt/ha on pristine sites and from 40 to 127 kg/ha on burned areas. Plant density varied from one to four plants per square meter. Perennial plants on the two burned areas considered largely of species which resprout from below-ground after a fire. Desert ephemeral plants were sampled on six sites, and species were also recorded on five plots in Yucca Flat. Of 36 species recorded, by far the most common was Bromus rubens, a European species introduced to the western United States in the late 19th century. It was present on all sites, but at low density on the dry sandy soils of Jackass Flats. Comparison with data of Dr. Beatley suggests its density in rock valley had increased from less than ten per square meter in the 1960s to greater than 500 per square meter in 1987. 101 refs., 15 figs., 31 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Reynolds Electrical and Engineering Co., Inc., Las Vegas, NV (USA). Environment and Health Div.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC08-84NV10327
- OSTI ID:
- 6055728
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NV/10630-2; ON: DE89011307
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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