Ecological site group DX035X01JESG05
Paria and Kaibito Plateaus Sandy Washes and Bottoms
Last updated: 09/01/2021
Accessed: 05/02/2024
Ecological site group description
Key Characteristics
- Paria and Kaibito Plateaus
- Sandy
- Washes and bottoms
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 site recieves extra run-in water due to its landscape position on flood plains, stream terraces, narrow valleys, and valley flats. Run off is low due to gentle slopes and highly permeable soils. The elevation ranges from 3800 to 6000 ft. This site usually does not have a seasonally high water table, but in some areas spring water table can be within 42 inches of the soil surface. It is found in the desert and semidesert climate zones of the Colorado and Green River Plateaus region (MLRA 35). The soils are deep alluvial deposits derived primarily from sandstone parent material. Soil textures range from sandy loams to fine sands throughout the profile and may have small gravel lenses.These soils are most often classified as fluvents, with mesic soil moisture regimes and aridic soil temperature regimes (occasionally ustic aridic).
Climate
The climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool winters. Average annual precipitation ranges from 6.5 to 10 inches. Approximately 75% of the total precipitation occurs from March to October, mostly in the form of convection thunderstorms from July through October. June is typically the driest month during the growing season.
Large fluctuations in daily temperatures are common. Summer temperatures are in the 90's and winter temperatures are in the 20's and 30's. In addition to the climate stations listed below, the PRISM climate model was used to refine annual precipitation information.
Soil features
The soils are deep to very deep and well drained to somewhat excessively well drained. Surface and subsurface textures are generally fine sandy loams, loamy fine sands, and fine sands. There are typically few rock fragments on the soil surface and throughout the profile, but sometimes gravel lenses are present. These soils are usually formed in alluvium derived from sandstone parent materials. The soil temperature regime is mesic and the soil moisture regime is aridic (sometimes ustic aridic). Soils are non-saline to slightly saline. Water-holding capacity ranges from 2.7 to 5.7 inches of water in the upper 40 inches of soil.
Vegetation dynamics
The reference plant community is dominated by four-wing saltbush, Indian rice-grass, James' galleta, Sporobolus spp., and sometimes needle-and-thread. Herbivory, fire, drought, and invasive species are common drivers of plant community change on this site. Cheat-grass and Russian thistle are common invaders of the understory.
Today this site often burns less frequently due to fire suppression efforts and reduced fine fuel loads resulting from livestock grazing. In addition, excessive livestock grazing during the spring and summer can cause native grasses and forbs to lose vigor or disappear from the community completely.
Major Land Resource Area
MLRA 035X
Colorado Plateau
Stage
Provisional
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