It forages in open grasslands, marshes, open alpine moorlands, croplands and forest glades. The climate and rich volcanic soils in the highlands also sustain intensely cultivated croplands. The Truckee Canal diverts water used to irrigate croplands in Fallon. These toxic chemicals could come from croplands, nurseries, orchards, building sites, gardens, lawns and landfills. Sources of run off are croplands, pastures, and industrial sites among others. Thousands of hectares of croplands were inundated by flood waters. The steppe consists of croplands and grass lands. They are rare in open areas, marshes, and cereal croplands. The landscape is mostly covered with mosaic vegetation/croplands. These phenoxy herbicides were designed to selectively kill weeds and unwanted plants in croplands. Thousands of livestock died during the storm, and thousands of acres of croplands were flooded. Defoliants are widely used for the selective removal of weeds in managing croplands and lawns. Approximately 25% of U.S. corn croplands are used for ethanol production. Archimedes invented the water screw to raise water for use in irrigation of croplands. It is also common in and near croplands, especially alfalfa ("Medicago sativa") fields.