The occurrence of early browning in selected areas of a 1979established Russian wlldrye (Elymus jwrceus Fisch.) plot led to a comparison of soil-plant-water relationships in the brown senescing areas, and in adjacent green healthy areas. Although the green areas exhibited better nutrient status and less salinity-sodicity associated problems than the brown areas, the main problem and cause for this premature browning appeared to be water related. A main objective of the rehabilitation program of the saltgrass meadows soils at the Central Plains Experimental Range (CPER) is to replace the largely unpalatable inland saltgrass [Distichlis stricta (Torr.) Rydb.] with better forage grasses and legumes for livestock consumption. These improved forages must be tolerant to drought stress and at the same time tolerant to saline-sodic soil conditions (McGinnies et al. 1976). Russian wildrye (Elymus junceus Fisch.) is one such species which is presently being used at the CPER to replace inland saltgrass. For 2 consecutive seasons (1980,198l) early browning has been noted in certain areas of a 1979established Russian wildrye plot (40 m X 6 m). These brown areas varied from entire sub-plots (5 m X 6 m) to parts of a sub-plot (1 m X 0.5 m). In 1981, we sampled 2 contrasting areas to assess soil and plant characteristics of both areas. Methods and Materials