This particular species of wheatgrass is resilient to temperate climate changes, especially through the varying rainfall that occurs in the Great Basin of North America. During the growing season of "Agropyron desertorum" there is rapid rainfall in the Great Basin, and it has been found that this plant species can positively respond to this temporary increase in water. "Agropyron desertorum" is still capable of nitrogen uptake, even during the stressful times of its growing season, and it is able to survive and continue to grow.