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Conservation Service
Ecological site R041XB216AZ
Clayey Slopes
8-12" p.z.
Last updated: 8/06/2020
Accessed: 04/20/2026
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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.
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Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 041X–Madrean Archipelago
AZ 41.2 – Chihuahuan – Sonoran Desert Shrubs
Elevations range from 2600 to 4000 feet and precipitation ranges from 8 to 12 inches per year. Vegetation includes mesquite, palo verde, catclaw acacia, soaptree yucca, creosotebush, whitethorn, staghorn cholla, desert saltbush, Mormon tea, burroweed, snakeweed, tobosa, black grama, threeawns, bush muhly, dropseed, and burrograss. The soil temperature regime is thermic and the soil moisture regime is typic aridic. This unit occurs within the Basin and Range Physiographic Province and is characterized by numerous mountain ranges that rise abruptly from broad, plain-like valleys and basins. Igneous and metamorphic rock classes dominate the mountain ranges and sediments filling the basins represent combinations of fluvial, lacustrine, colluvial and alluvial deposits.Associated sites
R041XB203AZ Clayey Upland 8-12" p.z.
R041XB204AZ Clay Loam Upland 8-12" p.z.
R041XB207AZ Limy Slopes 8-12" p.z.
R041XB210AZ Loamy Upland 8-12" p.z.
Similar sites
R041XC303AZ Clayey Slopes 12-16" p.z.
R040XA103AZ Clayey Slopes 10"-13" p.z.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) Opuntia phaeacantha
Herbaceous (1) Pleuraphis mutica
(2) hilaria belangeriPhysiographic features
This site occurs in the lowest elevations of the Madrean Basin and Range province in southeastern Arizona. It occurs on ridges, fan terraces and hill-slopes.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Ridge
(2) Fan piedmont
(3) Hill
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 792 – 1219 m Slope 15 – 45 % Aspect N, E, S Climatic features
Precipitation ranges from 8-12 inches annually. More than half falls during Jul-Sep in brief, but often heavy, thunderstorms. The rest of the moisture comes as light rain or snow that falls slowly for a day or more, but rarely lasts more than a day. May and June are normally the driest months. Humidity is generally very low.
Temperatures are mild throughout most of the year. Freezing temperatures are common at night Dec-Feb; brief 0 F may be observed some nights. During June, July & August, some days may exceed 100 F.
In years of average or greater winter precipitation, annual grasses and forbs occur abundantly in the interspaces.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 240 days Freeze-free period (average) Precipitation total (average) BarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
There are no water features associated with this site.
Soil features
These soils are moderately deep to deep and clayey textured. They are gravelly to very gravelly in the soil profile. They have thin (1-2 inch) surface horizons that range from sandyloam to loam in texture. They lack vertic soil properties. They usually have well developed covers of surface gravels and cobbles. Surface soils (10 inches) are non-calcareous, but some soils have calcic horizons below the argillic horizon.
Soil series mapped on areas of this site include: SSA-663 Gila-Duncan area MU 10 Eba; SSA-666 Cochise county Northwest part MU's 27 & 28 Contention; SSA-671 Cochise county Douglas-Tombstone part MU 35 Contention; SSA-675 San Carlos IR area MU 86 Eba.Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Very gravelly sandy loam
(2) Cobbly sandy loam
(3) Very gravelly loam
Family particle size (1) Clayey
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderately slow to slow Soil depth 64 – 152 cm Surface fragment cover <=3" 20 – 60 % Surface fragment cover >3" 5 – 20 % Available water capacity
(0-101.6cm)10.67 – 19.05 cm Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-101.6cm)0 – 10 % Electrical conductivity
(0-101.6cm)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-101.6cm)0 – 2 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-101.6cm)7.4 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)30 – 60 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 10 % Ecological dynamics
The plant communities found on an ecological site are naturally variable. Composition and production will vary with yearly conditions, location, aspect, and the natural variability of the soils. The historical climax plant community represents the natural potential plant communities found on relict or relatively undisturbed sites. Other plant communities described here represent plant communities that are known to occur when the site is disturbed by factors such as grazing, fire, or drought.
Production data provided in this site description is standardized to air-dry weight at the end of the summer growing season. The plant communities described in this site description are based on near normal rainfall years.
NRCS uses a Similarity Index to compare existing plant communities to the plant communities described here. Similarity Index is determined by comparing the production and composition of a plant community to the production and composition of a plant community described in this site description. To determine Similarity Index, compare the production (air-dry weight) of each species to that shown in the plant community description. For each species, count no more than the maximum amount shown for the species, and for each group, count no more than the maximum shown for the group. Divide the resulting total by the total normal year production shown in the plant community description. If rainfall has been significantly above or below normal, use the total production shown for above or below normal years. If field data is not collected at the end of the summer growing season, then the field data must be corrected to the end of the year production before comparing it to the site description. The growth curve can be used as a guide for estimating production at the end of the summer growing season.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 4. State and Transition, Clayey Slopes 8-12" pz.
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textState 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Historic Climax Plant CommunityCommunity 1.1
Historic Climax Plant Community
Figure 5. Clayey Slopes 8-12" pz. soil profile
The native potential plant community on this site is a mixture of perennial grasses and desert shrubs and cacti. Annual forbs and grasses, of both the winter and summer seasons, are very important in the plant community in their respective (wet) seasons. Tobosa is the dominant perennial grass. The cover of some shallow rooted grass species like curly mesquite, fluctuate widely from wet to dry years.
Figure 6. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(kg/hectare)Representative value
(kg/hectare)High
(kg/hectare)Grass/Grasslike 146 336 588 Forb 7 56 196 Shrub/Vine 22 95 168 Tree 0 0 6 Total 175 487 958 Table 6. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0-0% Grass/grasslike basal cover 0-0% Forb basal cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-60% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 30-50% Surface fragments >3" 0-20% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 10-60% Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (m) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.15 – 1-5% 1-20% 1-20% >0.15 <= 0.3 – 2-5% 5-10% 1-15% >0.3 <= 0.6 – 2-5% 5-10% 1-5% >0.6 <= 1.4 – 5-15% 0-2% 0-2% >1.4 <= 4 0-2% 1-5% – – >4 <= 12 – – – – >12 <= 24 – – – – >24 <= 37 – – – – >37 – – – – State 2
AnnualsCommunity 2.1
AnnualsThis state occurs where native and non-native annual forbs and grasses dominate the plant community. Perennial grasses and forbs have been removed due to the interaction of drought, fire and continuous grazing. Repeat fires near residential areas can cause this state. Non-native annual species include red brome, filaree, cheatgrass and purslane.
State 3
Shrubs, tobosaCommunity 3.1
Shrubs, tobosaThis state occurs where native shrubs and succulents have increased from 10 to 20% canopy. Dominant shrubs and succulents include catclaw, prickly pear, mesquite, whitethorn and cholla species. tobosa is still present on the site in adequate amounts and curly mesquite still fluctuates with climate.
State 4
ErodedCommunity 4.1
ErodedThis state exists where severe sheet, rill and, in some cases, gully erosion has ocurred. It is usually associated with historic water locations and, or road and trail construction across the slope. The state is characterized by soil compaction and concentration of runoff by trailing of livestock or vehicles; or by heavy livestock traffic.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Continuous Heavy Grazing (managing for annuals), burning (to freshen tobosa) plus CHG. Reduction of A Horizon, Organic Matter and litter. Soil is compacted, greatly reducing infiltration and increasing runoff.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Proximity to seed source, introduction of seeds.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Prescribed Grazing/No Grazing, seeding or planting of tobobsa. Soil ripping, contouring, and/or mulching.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 4Continuous Heavy grazing, interruption of overland flow, diversion of runoff, roads. Severe soil compaction from traffic (livestock and equipment).
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1Herbicide or mechanical means to remove shrubs. Prescribed Grazing/No Grazing.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Continuous Heavy Grazing coupled with drought and burning, low grass cover. Reduction of A Horizon, Organic Matter and litter. Soil is compacted with sheet, rill and gully erosion. Persistently reduced infiltration, greatly reduced runoff, and very limited recruitment of perennial grasses.
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 2Mechanical control of rills and gullies. Prescribed Grazing/No Grazing, ripping compacted areas.
Restoration pathway R4B
State 4 to 3Mechanical/Herbicide treatment of shrubs, Prescribed Grazing/No Grazing, seeding or planting of tobosa, maintenance treatments for shrubs, sheet, rill and gully erosion control.
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Dominant Perennial Grass 112–224 tobosagrass PLMU3 Pleuraphis mutica 112–224 – 2 Miscellaneous Perennial Grasses 19–140 curly-mesquite HIBE Hilaria belangeri 6–112 – black grama BOER4 Bouteloua eriopoda 11–56 – sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 1–22 – bush muhly MUPO2 Muhlenbergia porteri 1–22 – Arizona cottontop DICA8 Digitaria californica 0–11 – plains bristlegrass SEVU2 Setaria vulpiseta 0–11 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–6 – green sprangletop LEDU Leptochloa dubia 0–6 – Hall's panicgrass PAHA Panicum hallii 0–6 – vine mesquite PAOB Panicum obtusum 0–6 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–6 – cane bluestem BOBA3 Bothriochloa barbinodis 0–6 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 0–2 – tanglehead HECO10 Heteropogon contortus 0–2 – burrograss SCBR2 Scleropogon brevifolius 0–1 – 3 Perennial threeawns 11–112 purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 6–28 – Parish's threeawn ARPUP5 Aristida purpurea var. parishii 0–28 – spidergrass ARTE3 Aristida ternipes 6–28 – spidergrass ARTEG Aristida ternipes var. gentilis 0–17 – Fendler threeawn ARPUL Aristida purpurea var. longiseta 0–17 – blue threeawn ARPUN Aristida purpurea var. nealleyi 0–6 – poverty threeawn ARDI5 Aristida divaricata 0–6 – 4 Annual grasses 1–112 sixweeks threeawn ARAD Aristida adscensionis 1–28 – mucronate sprangeltop LEPAB Leptochloa panicea ssp. brachiata 0–28 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 1–28 – Arizona signalgrass URAR Urochloa arizonica 0–22 – needle grama BOAR Bouteloua aristidoides 0–22 – sixweeks grama BOBA2 Bouteloua barbata 0–22 – Rothrock's grama BORO2 Bouteloua rothrockii 0–22 – witchgrass PACA6 Panicum capillare 0–11 – Mexican panicgrass PAHI5 Panicum hirticaule 0–11 – prairie threeawn AROL Aristida oligantha 1–11 – Bigelow's bluegrass POBI Poa bigelovii 0–6 – Eastwood fescue VUMIC Vulpia microstachys var. ciliata 0–6 – desert fescue VUMIM Vulpia microstachys var. microstachys 0–6 – Arizona brome BRAR4 Bromus arizonicus 0–6 – feather fingergrass CHVI4 Chloris virgata 0–6 – tapertip cupgrass ERACA Eriochloa acuminata var. acuminata 0–6 – desert lovegrass ERPEM Eragrostis pectinacea var. miserrima 0–6 – tufted lovegrass ERPEP2 Eragrostis pectinacea var. pectinacea 0–6 – Mexican sprangletop LEFUU Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia 0–6 – delicate muhly MUFR Muhlenbergia fragilis 0–2 – littleseed muhly MUMI Muhlenbergia microsperma 0–2 – Forb5 Perennial forbs 6–28 dwarf desertpeony ACNA2 Acourtia nana 1–11 – bluedicks DICA14 Dichelostemma capitatum 0–6 – slender janusia JAGR Janusia gracilis 1–6 – weakleaf bur ragweed AMCO3 Ambrosia confertiflora 1–6 – slender poreleaf POGR5 Porophyllum gracile 1–6 – desert globemallow SPAM2 Sphaeralcea ambigua 1–6 – brownplume wirelettuce STPA4 Stephanomeria pauciflora 0–6 – pricklyleaf dogweed THAC Thymophylla acerosa 0–1 – Rocky Mountain zinnia ZIGR Zinnia grandiflora 0–1 – glandleaf milkwort POMA7 Polygala macradenia 0–1 – Coues' cassia SECO10 Senna covesii 0–1 – silverleaf nightshade SOEL Solanum elaeagnifolium 0–1 – ragged nettlespurge JAMA Jatropha macrorhiza 0–1 – San Pedro daisy LAPO4 Lasianthaea podocephala 0–1 – Parry's false prairie-clover MAPA7 Marina parryi 0–1 – lacy tansyaster MAPIP4 Machaeranthera pinnatifida ssp. pinnatifida var. pinnatifida 0–1 – plains blackfoot MELE2 Melampodium leucanthum 0–1 – wishbone-bush MILAV Mirabilis laevis var. villosa 0–1 – desert tobacco NIOB Nicotiana obtusifolia 0–1 – tuber anemone ANTU Anemone tuberosa 0–1 – narrowleaf silverbush ARLA12 Argythamnia lanceolata 0–1 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–1 – New Mexico silverbush ARNE2 Argythamnia neomexicana 0–1 – perennial rockcress ARPE2 Arabis perennans 0–1 – dense ayenia AYMI Ayenia microphylla 0–1 – hairyseed bahia BAAB Bahia absinthifolia 0–1 – desert marigold BAMU Baileya multiradiata 0–1 – scarlet spiderling BOCO Boerhavia coccinea 0–1 – Arizona wrightwort CAAR7 Carlowrightia arizonica 0–1 – desert mariposa lily CAKE Calochortus kennedyi 0–1 – sego lily CANU3 Calochortus nuttallii 0–1 – whitemargin sandmat CHAL11 Chamaesyce albomarginata 0–1 – leatherweed CRPO5 Croton pottsii 0–1 – fingerleaf gourd CUDI Cucurbita digitata 0–1 – coyote gourd CUPA Cucurbita palmata 0–1 – spreading fleabane ERDI4 Erigeron divergens 0–1 – desert trumpet ERIN4 Eriogonum inflatum 0–1 – southwestern mock vervain GLGO Glandularia gooddingii 0–1 – desert rosemallow HICO Hibiscus coulteri 0–1 – Indian rushpea HOGL2 Hoffmannseggia glauca 0–1 – brownfoot ACWR5 Acourtia wrightii 0–1 – poreleaf dogweed ADPO2 Adenophyllum porophyllum 0–1 – trailing windmills ALIN Allionia incarnata 0–1 – largeflower onion ALMA4 Allium macropetalum 0–1 – 6 Annual forbs 1–168 California poppy ESCAM Eschscholzia californica ssp. mexicana 0–56 – Coulter's lupine LUSP2 Lupinus sparsiflorus 0–28 – western tansymustard DEPI Descurainia pinnata 0–22 – combseed PECTO Pectocarya 0–22 – Arizona popcornflower PLAR Plagiobothrys arizonicus 0–22 – desert Indianwheat PLOV Plantago ovata 0–22 – shaggyfruit pepperweed LELA Lepidium lasiocarpum 0–17 – intermediate pepperweed LEVIM Lepidium virginicum var. medium 0–17 – coastal bird's-foot trefoil LOSAB Lotus salsuginosus var. brevivexillus 0–17 – tanseyleaf tansyaster MATA2 Machaeranthera tanacetifolia 0–17 – bristly fiddleneck AMTE3 Amsinckia tessellata 0–17 – exserted Indian paintbrush CAEXE Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta 0–17 – pitseed goosefoot CHBE4 Chenopodium berlandieri 0–11 – miniature woollystar ERDI2 Eriastrum diffusum 0–11 – longleaf false goldeneye HELOA2 Heliomeris longifolia var. annua 0–11 – Arizona poppy KAGR Kallstroemia grandiflora 0–11 – manybristle chinchweed PEPA2 Pectis papposa 0–11 – New Mexico plumeseed RANE Rafinesquia neomexicana 0–11 – Gordon's bladderpod LEGO Lesquerella gordonii 0–6 – sorrel buckwheat ERPO4 Eriogonum polycladon 0–6 – Texas stork's bill ERTE13 Erodium texanum 0–6 – wedgeleaf draba DRCU Draba cuneifolia 0–6 – flatcrown buckwheat ERDE6 Eriogonum deflexum 0–6 – cryptantha CRYPT Cryptantha 0–6 – Nuttall's povertyweed MONU Monolepis nuttalliana 0–6 – foothill deervetch LOHU2 Lotus humistratus 0–6 – slender goldenweed MAGR10 Machaeranthera gracilis 0–6 – carelessweed AMPA Amaranthus palmeri 0–6 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–6 – wheelscale saltbush ATEL Atriplex elegans 0–6 – Coulter's spiderling BOCO2 Boerhavia coulteri 0–6 – fringed redmaids CACI2 Calandrinia ciliata 0–2 – brittle spineflower CHBR Chorizanthe brevicornu 0–2 – hyssopleaf sandmat CHHY3 Chamaesyce hyssopifolia 0–2 – Esteve's pincushion CHST Chaenactis stevioides 0–2 – white tackstem CAWR Calycoseris wrightii 0–2 – Arizona lupine LUAR4 Lupinus arizonicus 0–2 – green carpetweed MOVE Mollugo verticillata 0–2 – desert evening primrose OEPR Oenothera primiveris 0–2 – Florida pellitory PAFL3 Parietaria floridana 0–2 – hairy prairie clover DAMO Dalea mollis 0–2 – American wild carrot DAPU3 Daucus pusillus 0–2 – hairy desertsunflower GECA2 Geraea canescens 0–2 – star gilia GIST Gilia stellata 0–2 – phacelia PHACE Phacelia 0–2 – woolly tidestromia TILA2 Tidestromia lanuginosa 0–2 – sleepy silene SIAN2 Silene antirrhina 0–2 – woollyhead neststraw STMI2 Stylocline micropoides 0–2 – sand fringepod THCU Thysanocarpus curvipes 0–1 – tumblemustard THELY3 Thelypodiopsis 0–1 – Coulter's globemallow SPCO2 Sphaeralcea coulteri 0–1 – doubleclaw PRPA2 Proboscidea parviflora 0–1 – chia SACO6 Salvia columbariae 0–1 – sawtooth sage SASU7 Salvia subincisa 0–1 – spreading fanpetals SIAB Sida abutifolia 0–1 – Mexican fireplant EUHE4 Euphorbia heterophylla 0–1 – camphorweed HESU3 Heterotheca subaxillaris 0–1 – crestrib morning-glory IPCO2 Ipomoea costellata 0–1 – common woolly sunflower ERLA6 Eriophyllum lanatum 0–1 – whitestem blazingstar MEAL6 Mentzelia albicaulis 0–1 – bristly nama NAHI Nama hispidum 0–1 – glandular threadplant NEGL Nemacladus glanduliferus 0–1 – Fendler's desertdandelion MAFE Malacothrix fendleri 0–1 – scrambled eggs COAU2 Corydalis aurea 0–1 – whitemouth dayflower COER Commelina erecta 0–1 – yellow tackstem CAPA7 Calycoseris parryi 0–1 – hoary bowlesia BOIN3 Bowlesia incana 0–1 – southwestern pricklypoppy ARPL3 Argemone pleiacantha 0–1 – annual agoseris AGHE2 Agoseris heterophylla 0–1 – Shrub/Vine7 Dominant shrubs 11–78 jojoba SICH Simmondsia chinensis 0–45 – catclaw acacia ACGR Acacia greggii 6–17 – creosote bush LATR2 Larrea tridentata 0–11 – western honey mesquite PRGLT Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana 1–11 – whitethorn acacia ACCO2 Acacia constricta 1–11 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 0–6 – longleaf jointfir EPTR Ephedra trifurca 0–6 – 8 Miscellaneous shrubs 0–11 crucifixion thorn CAHO3 Canotia holacantha 0–1 – spiny hackberry CEEH Celtis ehrenbergiana 0–1 – American tarwort FLCE Flourensia cernua 0–1 – ocotillo FOSP2 Fouquieria splendens 0–1 – water jacket LYAN Lycium andersonii 0–1 – Berlandier's wolfberry LYBE Lycium berlandieri 0–1 – pale desert-thorn LYPA Lycium pallidum 0–1 – catclaw mimosa MIACB Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera 0–1 – blue paloverde PAFL6 Parkinsonia florida 0–1 – yellow paloverde PAMI5 Parkinsonia microphylla 0–1 – lotebush ZIOB Ziziphus obtusifolia 0–1 – 9 Half shrubs 6–56 fairyduster CAER Calliandra eriophylla 1–17 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 1–17 – littleleaf ratany KRER Krameria erecta 1–17 – rough menodora MESC Menodora scabra 1–17 – desert zinnia ZIAC Zinnia acerosa 0–11 – pelotazo ABIN Abutilon incanum 1–6 – shortleaf baccharis BABR Baccharis brachyphylla 1–6 – rayless goldenhead ACSP Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus 0–1 – Parish's goldeneye VIPA14 Viguiera parishii 0–1 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–1 – burroweed ISTE2 Isocoma tenuisecta 0–1 – brittlebush ENFA Encelia farinosa 0–1 – button brittlebush ENFR Encelia frutescens 0–1 – turpentine bush ERLA12 Ericameria laricifolia 0–1 – threadleaf snakeweed GUMI Gutierrezia microcephala 0–1 – 10 Succulents 6–22 tulip pricklypear OPPH Opuntia phaeacantha 1–17 – cactus apple OPEN3 Opuntia engelmannii 1–17 – buck-horn cholla CYAC8 Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa 0–6 – walkingstick cactus CYSP8 Cylindropuntia spinosior 0–6 – Christmas cactus CYLE8 Cylindropuntia leptocaulis 0–2 – purple pricklypear OPMA8 Opuntia macrocentra 0–2 – banana yucca YUBA Yucca baccata 0–2 – soaptree yucca YUEL Yucca elata 0–1 – Engelmann's hedgehog cactus ECEN Echinocereus engelmannii 0–1 – pinkflower hedgehog cactus ECFA Echinocereus fasciculatus 0–1 – candy barrelcactus FEWI Ferocactus wislizeni 0–1 – devil's cholla GRKU Grusonia kunzei 0–1 – Graham's nipple cactus MAGR9 Mammillaria grahamii 0–1 – Tree11 Occasional tree 0–6 oneseed juniper JUMO Juniperus monosperma 0–6 – Table 9. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
This site produces some perennial forage for livestock. It wet (El Nino) winters it produces a tremendous amount of annual forbs and grasses, all of which are excellent forage. The site is home to a variety of small mammals and birds and their associated predators. It is a good foraging area for larger mammals like mule deer and javalina.
Hydrological functions
These soils are heavy textured and with steep slopes are very good producers of runoff.
Recreational uses
Hunting, horseback riding, hiking, wildlife observation, photography, rock hounding and bird watching.
Wood products
Limited mesquite wood for campfires.
Other products
Red clay for pot making. Herbs like wild onions, grass nuts and herbaceous sage.
Supporting information
Contributors
Dan Robinett
Larry D. EllicottApproval
Scott Woodall, 8/06/2020
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
Author(s)/participant(s) Contact for lead author Date 04/20/2026 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
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Presence of water flow patterns:
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Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
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Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
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Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
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Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
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Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
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Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
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Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
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Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
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Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
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Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
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Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
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Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
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Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
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Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
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Perennial plant reproductive capability:
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