Ecological site group DX035X01AESG05
Grand Staircase-Saline Hills & Badlands-Gypsiferous Parent Material
Last updated: 10/05/2022
Accessed: 05/02/2024
Ecological site group description
Key Characteristics
- Grand Staircase-Kaiparowits
- Saline Hills and Badlands
- Soil parent material is dominantly gypsiferous
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
Physiography
This ecological site group occurs on dipslopes of cuestas and hogbacks, and can occur in flatter areas where soils are deep and gypsum-affected. Slopes are 5-65% and elevations range from 3800-5400 feet.
Climate
This ecological site group is hot in the summer and cool in the winter. Average annual precipitation is 7 to 11 inches, with about half of the precipitation occuring as convection thunderstorms from July through October. June is typically the driest month during the growing season. Precipitation is extremely variable from month to month and from year to year. Large fluctuations in daily temperatures are also common.
Soil features
Soils characterizing this site are very shallow to deep to any plant root restricting layer. Rock outcrop is common. The soil profile is extremely variable on the site. Various amounts of gypsum are always present. The gypsum may be visible in powdery or crystalline forms. The pH may exceed 9.0 and is usually above 7.8.
Vegetation dynamics
This site developed under Colorado Plateau ecological conditions and the natural influences of herbivory and climate. This site’s plant species composition is generally dominated by Torrey's jointfir, shadscale, Bigelow sagebrush, and diverse perennial grasses. In some areas, lichen crusts stabilize the soil and preclude grass production.
Major Land Resource Area
MLRA 035X
Colorado Plateau
Subclasses
Correlated Map Unit Components
22601737, 22601808, 22601719, 22601288, 22966796, 22963417, 22963420, 22963387
Stage
Provisional
Contributors
Victor Parslow, Keith Crossland
Curtis Talbot
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.