Ecological site group DX035X03BESG05
Chuska Mountains - Sandy
Last updated: 10/31/2022
Accessed: 05/02/2024
Ecological site group description
Key Characteristics
- Chuska Mountains
- Soils not sodic
- Soils not saline
- Soils not limy
- Soils not silty
- Soils sandy
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
These ecological sites occur on stabilized dunes with steep slopes. The overall slope is 15 to 45 percent, but may include flatter or steeper spots. This ecological site is found on hillslopes, edges of plateaus and valley sides with soils that are deep to very deep to any plant root restricting layer. The surface texture of the soil is generally loamy sand, loamy fine sand or fine sand. Subsurface horizons are generally fine sand or sand.
Climate
Winter summer moisture ratios range from 70:30 to 60:40. Late spring is usually the driest period, and early fall moisture can be sporadic. Summer rains fall from June through September; moisture originates in the Gulf of Mexico and creates convective, usually brief, intense thunderstorms. Cool season moisture from October through May tends to be frontal; it originates in the Pacific and the Gulf of California and falls in widespread storms with longer duration and lower intensity. Precipitation generally comes as snow from December through February. Accumulations above 12 inches are not common but can occur. Snow usually lasts for 3-4 days, but can persist much longer. Summer daytime temperatures are commonly 95 to 100 degrees F and on occasion exceed 105 degrees F. Winter air temperatures can regularly go below 10 degrees F and have been recorded below - 20 degrees F.
Soil features
The soils are deep to very deep to any plant root restricting layer. The surface texture of the soil is generally fine sand,and loamy sand to loamy fine sand. Subsurface horizons are generally sand, fine sand, loamy sand, and loamy fine sand. Parent material is eolian and alluvium materials derived mainly from sandstone. The soil ranges from slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7.4 to 8.4). The permeability is moderately rapid to rapid and the soil profile can absorb all the moisture the climate can supply. The available water capacity is very low to low. Wind erosion is a severe problem if the vegetative cover is lost. Soil moisture regime is ustic aridic. Soil temperature regime is mesic.
Vegetation dynamics
Please see associated ecological sites under subclasses to view state and transition models.
Major Land Resource Area
MLRA 035X
Colorado Plateau
Subclasses
- DX035X03A113–Sandy
- DX035X03B006–Abies lasiocarpa-Picea engelmannii/Vaccinium
- DX035X03B812–Sandy Upland 17-25" p.z. (PIPO)
- R035XA118AZ–Sandy Upland 10-14" p.z.
- R035XB216AZ–Sandy Wash 6-10" p.z.
- R035XB217AZ–Sandy Upland 6-10" p.z.
- R035XC315AZ–Sandy Upland 10-14" p.z.
- R035XC330AZ–Sandy Terrace 10-14" p.z. Stony
- R035XC377AZ–Sandy Slopes 10-14" p.z.
- R035XF604AZ–Clayey Upland 13-17" p.z.
- R035XF607AZ–Sandy Upland 13-17" p.z.
Correlated Map Unit Components
22397209, 22397207, 22397294, 22397329, 22397331, 22397617, 22397571, 22397562, 22397573, 22397559, 22397296, 22397215, 22397212, 22529643, 22529433, 22529708, 22529620, 22529496, 22529595, 22529578, 22529672, 22529420, 22529683, 22529458, 22529592, 22529668, 22529810, 22529744, 22529760, 22529801, 22529520, 22529803, 22529622, 22529792, 22529721, 22529526, 22529795, 22529794, 22999794, 22999815, 22999828, 22999833, 22999873, 22999916, 22999980
Stage
Provisional
Contributors
Curtis Talbot
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