Ecological site group DX035X01FESG06
Canyonlands - Saline Hills and Badlands - gypsic
Last updated: 10/12/2022
Accessed: 05/02/2024
Ecological site group description
Key Characteristics
- Canyonlands
- Saline Hills and Badlands
- Soil parent material is dominantely 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
The sites in this group occur on knolls, pediments, structural benches, alluvial fans, hillslopes and ridges at elevations ranging from 4300-6800 ft. Slopes typically range from 2-50% but can be as high as 60% in highly dissected areas. Runoff is high.
Climate
The climate is characterized by hot summers and cool winters. Large fluctuations in daily temperatures are common. On average, May and June are the driest months and July through October are the wettest months during the growing season. Precipitation is extremely variable from month to month and from year to year but averages between 5 and13 inches. Much of the summer precipitation occurs as convection thunderstorms.
Soil features
The soils of these sites have high amounts of gypsum and range from very shallow to deep. Soil textures range from silt loams to fine sandy loams and are well drained. Rock fragments are not common on the soil surface or in the profile but may range up to 30 percent. Water holding capacity ranges from 1.5 to 3 inches of water in the upper 40 inches of soil but may be higher on deeper soils. Erosion hazard from both water and wind is severe. Runoff is high. Soil moisture regime ranges from typic aridic to ustic aridic and soil temperature regime is mesic.
Vegetation dynamics
The sites in this group are characterized by sparse vegetation consisting of a shrub overstory and an understory of perennial grasses. The shrub layer is dominated by Torrey’s jointfir in most areas, but in more moist areas near Kanab, green Mormon tea is the dominant shrub. James galleta, Indian ricegrass and other perennial grass production is somewhat dependant on weather patterns (summer or winter precipitation). In areas that have not been excessively disturbed these sites support a fairly strong biologic soil crust in the interspaces between plants.
There is no evidence to indicate that this site historically maintained a short burn frequency. Large gaps between plants (very discontinuous fuels)in relic areas indicate that this site may have historically very rarely burned.
These ecological sites have been grazed by domestic livestock since they were first introduced into the area (~1860). The introduction of domestic livestock and the use of fencing and reliable water sources have influenced the historic disturbance regime. These ecological sites served as wintering pastures for sheep and cattle producers. Improperly managed livestock grazing (continuous season long grazing, heavy stocking rates, etc.) may cause this site to depart from the reference plant community. Indian ricegrass, needleandthread will decrease while galleta, invasive forbs, annual grasses, rabbitbrush and broom snakeweed will increase.
Major Land Resource Area
MLRA 035X
Colorado Plateau
Subclasses
Correlated Map Unit Components
22964696, 22963776, 22963666, 22963624
Stage
Provisional
Contributors
Curtis Talbot
Click on box and path labels to scroll to the respective text.
Ecosystem states
T1A | - | D = Drought E = Establishment of non-native invasive species ILG = Improper livestock grazing SD = Surface disturbances |
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State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1a | - | D = Drought ILG = Improper livestock grazing SD = Surface disturbances |
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1.2a | - | PLG = Proper livestock grazing T = Time without disturbances W = Wet weather periods |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1a | - | D = Drought ILG = Improper livestock grazing SD = Surface disturbances |
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2.2a | - | PLG = Proper livestock grazing T = Time without disturbances W = Wet weather periods |