Vegetation types

[dschlaep]

Suggestion 1)

• at least split type 'grasses' into C3 and C4 grass types

Suggestion 2)

• maybe better to base on STEPWAT2's resource groups for easier mapping?
  • unchanged: trees (STEPWAT2: not represented), bare ground (STEPWAT2: not represented), shrubs (STEPWAT2: shrubs + sagebrush)
  • split forbs into: p.cool.forb, p.warm.forb, a.cool.forb, a.warm.forb
  • split grasses into: a.cool.grass, a.warm.grass, p.cool.grass, p.warm.grass
  • new type: succulents

[kpalmqui]

A little clarification on STEPWAT2 functional groups if we pursue Suggestion 2):

p.cool.forb = C3 perennial cool-season forbs
p.warm.forb = C3 perennial warm-season forbs
a.cool.forb = C3 annual cool-season forbs
a.warm.forb = C3 annual warm-season forbs
p.cool.grass = C3 perennial grasses
p.warm.grass = C4 perennial grasses
a.cool.grass = C3 annual grasses
a.warm.grass = C4 annual grasses

There are so few C4 forb species in big sagebrush ecosystems, we designate C3 cool-season and C3 warm-season forbs instead.