Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R041XC308AZ
Limy Slopes
12-16" p.z.
Last updated: 8/06/2020
Accessed: 04/19/2026
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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 41.3 – Chihuahuan – Sonoran Semidesert Grasslands
Elevations range from 3200 to 5000 feet and precipitation ranges from 12 to 16 inches per year. Vegetation includes mesquite, catclaw acacia, netleaf hackberry, palo verde, false mesquite, range ratany, fourwing saltbush, tarbush, littleleaf sumac, sideoats grama, black grama, plains lovegrass, cane beardgrass, tobosa, vine mesquite, threeawns, Arizona cottontop and bush muhly. The soil temperature regime is thermic and the soil moisture regime is ustic 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.Ecological site concept
Limy Slopes, 12"-16" p.z., ecological site is a rolling upland (>8% slopes) with deep, calcareous soils.
Associated sites
R041XC309AZ Limy Upland 12-16" p.z.
R041XC313AZ Loamy Upland 12"-16" p.z.
R041XC314AZ Loamy Slopes 12-16" p.z.
R041XC319AZ Sandy Loam Upland 12-16" p.z.
Similar sites
R041XB207AZ Limy Slopes 8-12" p.z.
R040XA110AZ Limy Slopes 10"-13" p.z.
R041XA104AZ Limy Slopes 16-20" p.z.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) calliandra eriophylla
(2) krameria erectaHerbaceous (1) bouteloua eriopoda
(2) bouteloua curtipendulaPhysiographic features
This site occurs in the middle elevations of the Madrean Basin and Range province in southeastern Arizona. It occurs on the side slopes of fan terraces and on hill slopes and ridge-tops. Slopes range from 6-40%. Direction of slope is not site differentiating except where east-west trending ridges of the site occur near MLRA boundaries.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Fan piedmont
(2) Ballena
(3) Hill
Flooding frequency None Ponding frequency None Elevation 3200 – 5000 ft Slope 6 – 40 % Aspect N, E, S Climatic features
Precipitation in this common resource area ranges from 12-16 inches yearly in the eastern part with elevations from 3600-5000 feet, and 13-17 inches in the western part where elevations are 3300-4500 feet. Winter-Summer rainfall ratios are 40-60% in the west and 30-70% in the east. Summer rains fall July-September, originate in the Gulf of Mexico and are convective, usually brief, intense thunderstorms. Cool season moisture tends to be frontal, originates in the Pacific and Gulf of California, and falls in widespread storms with long duration and low intensity. Snow rarely lasts more than one day. May and June are the driest months of the year. Humidity is generally very low.
Temperatures are mild. Freezing temperatures are common at night from December-April; however temperatures during the day are frequently above 50 F. Occasionally in December-February, brief 0 F temperatures may be experienced some nights. During June, July and August, some days may exceed 100 F.
Cool season plants start growth in early spring and mature in early summer. Warm season plants take advantage of summer rains and are growing and nutritious July-September. Warm season grasses may remain green throughout the year.Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 200 days Freeze-free period (average) Precipitation total (average) 10 in BarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
Figure 4. Annual precipitation pattern
Figure 5 Annual average temperature pattern
">Influencing water features
There are no water features associated with this site.
Soil features
These soils have developed on very calcareous, gravelly, loamy alluvium. They are moderately deep to deep and calcareous throughout. The surface 6-10 inches are dark colored. The soils have calcic horizons at shallow depths. Soil surfaces are well covered with gravels and rocks. Plant-soil moisture relationships are fair.
Soils mapped on this site include: SSA-661 Eastern Pinal & Southern Gila counties MU's 77 Powerline & 91 Tombstone; SSA-663 Gila-Duncan area MU 11 Alsco; SSA-666 Cochise county Northwest part MU's 36 Andrada, 61 Mule, 64 tombstone & 79 Stronghold; SSA-667 Santa Cruz area MU's BhD & WtF Hathaway, CvE2 & RlE2 Rillino eroded, HhE2 Hathaway eroded; SSA-669 Pima county Eastern part MU's 6, 51 & 79 Tombstone, 23 Andrada & 65 Powerline; SSA-671 Cochise county Douglas-Tombstone part MU's 56, 58 108 & 134 Stronghold and 133 Stronghold GrFSL.Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Gravelly sandy loam
(2) Very gravelly sandy loam
(3) Very gravelly loam
Family particle size (1) Sandy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Moderately rapid to moderate Soil depth 30 – 60 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 25 – 50 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 8 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)2.8 – 6 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)10 – 30 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 8 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 2 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)7.9 – 8.6 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)15 – 45 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 5 % Ecological dynamics
The reference state (State 1. Native Grass) is a desert grassland on rolling to steep slopes. Perennial grasses from different growth forms dominate the site with sub-shrubs and perennial forbs comprising an understory. Trees are not present. Large shrubs are few and widely scattered. Black grama occurs in patches of various sizes and these patches appear to be well dispersed over larger areas of the site. The variety of perennial grass growth forms (i.e., suffrutescent, mid-grass, short-grass), along with the sub-shrubs and perennial forbs, provides mixed rooting depths and a variety of micro-habitats. With continuous heavy grazing, the potential dominant grasses are replaced by increases in species like red threeawn, blue threeawn, slim tridens, spike pappus grass and fluffgrass. Low shrubs that can increase on the site include paperflower, snakeweed, ratear coldenia, and desert zinnia. Large shrubs such as creosotebush, whitethorn, viscid acacia, paloverde, little leaf sumac, mariola and tarbush can invade this site from adjacent areas of Limy Upland or Limestone Hills. Natural fire may have been a factor in the development of the reference plant community.
Periodic fire on this site suppresses large shrubs and trees, maintaining the grassland aspect. Disturbances that remove the above-ground standing crop of perennial grasses also remove the potential for this site to burn. These disturbances are livestock grazing, extended drought and fire suppression. Over time, the shrubs dominate and perennial grasses become scarce. Once the shrub-dominance threshold at which fire will no longer spread, the site is in an alternate stable state (State 3. Shrub). Restoration from State 3 back to State 1 is not feasible on a large scale at this time. Chemical brush management is currently being applied to remove large shrubs and the resulting state (State 5, Chemically-treated) has a grassland aspect and will carry fire. Lehmann lovegrass and other African lovegrasses are very adapted to this site with it’s deep, well-drained soils. Lehmann lovegrass may be present in the reference state but may not persist within the community at a low population. Lehmann lovegrass has a prolific seed bank, a high percentage of dormant seed, grows quickly from seed to maturity and will become dominant any time native perennial grass cover is lost. Once established, Lehmann lovegrass can dominate the site (State 2. Non-native Grass). Iin this state, fire may burn more frequently than at historic levels. The long, steep slopes on this site make it vulnerable to concentrated flow erosion from heavy rains during any time when vegetative cover is removed. Any of the states can transition to State 4, Eroded.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 6. Limy slopes, 12-16" pz. STM
Figure 7. Limy slopes, 12-16"pz., STM Legend
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 textEcosystem states
States 2 and 5 (additional transitions)
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 3 submodel, plant communities
State 4 submodel, plant communities
State 5 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Native Grass StateThe potential plant community on this site is dominated by warm season perennial grasses. Perennial forbs are well represented on the site, as well as a few species of half shrubs. Most of the major perennial grasses on the site are well dispersed throughout the plant community. Black grama occurs in patches of various sizes and these patches appear to be well dispersed over larger areas of the site. The aspect is open grassland.
The plant community structure fluctuates in the Native Grass State with time since burning or drought. In periods of average rainfall dynamics, the Reference Plant community (CP 1.1) persists as a perennial grassland with scattered shrubs. Perennial grasses will mature and standing biomass will build-up, litter cover increases. The half shrubs and perennial forbs grow to maturity. The site receives light utilization by grassland wildlife (rodents, antelope, etc.) and insects (grasshoppers, pollinators). Once ignited, fire will easily spread bringing about Community Phase 1.2, Half Shrubs. Black grama and the other dominant herbaceous components are susceptible to burning. Immature large shrubs are removed by summer fire. Half-shrubs are burned over but quickly recover to dominate while perennial grasses recover. Annual forbs and grasses will flourish in the open bare plant interspaces with rainfall. CP 1.2 is at risk to transition to either State 2, Non-native grassland, or State 4, Eroded. Prolonged fire intervals will allow large shrubs to grow to maturity and drive transition to State 3, Shrub when large shrub canopy levels exceed 15%.
Prolonged drought on CP 1.1., Reference, will first impact shallow-rooted perennial grasses as soil moisture depletes. Blue three-awn and slim tridens will quickly re-establish from the seed bank after drought. Black and side-oats grama need more time to regain dominace in the pant community after drought/fire mortality. The Native Grass State is resilient and recovery from drought is possible; however, the site is at risk to transition to State 2, Non-native grassland, or State 4, Eroded.
Drought following fire is especially bad. Plant mortality is high and when heavy rains occur the site is extremely vulnerable to erosion, State 4.
Community 1.1
Mixed Grama Comm. (Reference)
Figure 8. Limy Slopes 12-16" pz. half shrubs dominant
Figure 9. 1.1 Mixed Grama Community Phase
The potential plant community on this site is dominated by warm season perennial grasses. Perennial forbs are well represented on the site, as well as a few species of half shrubs. Most of the major perennial grasses on the site are well dispersed throughout the plant community. Black grama occurs in patches of various sizes and these patches appear to be well dispersed over larger areas of the site. The aspect is open grassland.
With continuous heavy grazing, the potential dominant grasses are replaced by increases in species like red threeawn, blue threeawn, slim tridens and fluffgrass. Low shrubs that can increase on the site include paperflower, snakeweed, ratear coldenia, and desert zinnia. Large shrubs such as creosotebush, whitethorn, paloverde, little leaf sumac and tarbush can invade this site from adjacent areas of Limy Upland or Limestone Hills. Natural fire may have been a factor in the development of the potential plant community. Gravel size cover may be inadequate on steep slopes in preventing water erosion. Loss of dark colored surface soil (A horizon) can reduce site productivity. Lehmann lovegrass can invade and become dominant on areas of this site where perennial grass cover has been lost due the interactions of drought, fire and continuous grazing.Figure 10. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Table 5. Annual production by plant type
Plant type Low
(lb/acre)Representative value
(lb/acre)High
(lb/acre)Grass/Grasslike 450 825 1300 Shrub/Vine 65 125 245 Forb 40 50 200 Tree 0 0 20 Total 555 1000 1765 Table 6. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0-10% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-20% Forb basal cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0% Biological crusts 0-0% Litter 10-50% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 30-50% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 10-30% Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – 1-10% 2-20% 0-5% >0.5 <= 1 – 5-15% 10-25% 1-2% >1 <= 2 – 1-10% 10-20% 0-2% >2 <= 4.5 – 0-5% 0-5% – >4.5 <= 13 – 0-2% – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Figure 11. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). AZ4134 , 41.3 12-16" p.z. other sites. Growth begins in the spring, semi-dormancy occurs during the May through June drought, most growth occurs during the summer rains..
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 0 5 10 0 0 30 35 15 5 0 0 Community 1.2
False mesquite-ratany Comm. (post-burn)False mesquite and ratany dominate for several years following fire. Litter cover immediately following fire is nearly absent; its recovery follows with perennial grass re-establishment. Perennial grasses recover from basal growth and seed germination.
Community 1.3
Zinnia-tridens Comm. (post-drought)Short-term drought increases perennial grass and half-shrub mortality. Slim tridens, blue three-awn and fluffgrass are short-lived perennials that colonize along with remaining half-shrubs, zinnia being most resistant to drought.
State 2
Non-native Grass StateLehmann lovegrass is well-adapted to Limy Slopes ecological site. When the native perennial grass cover is depleted due the combination of continuous grazing, drought, or fire, Lehmann lovegrass can quickly establish large areas as long as a seed source is present. Once Lehmann lovegrass has more than 1% live basal cover, it will persist on this ecological site. The lovegrasses produce abundant, small seed with a high percentage of dormancy. Seeds are dispersed by wind, in the manure of animals and via vehicles. Quite often, Lehmann lovegrass is present along jeep trails, roadsides, fencelines or similar heavily trafficked areas if present in this state. Sometimes, the seed source may be unknown to land managers (dormant in soil), making the rapid spread of Lehmann lovegrass after disturbance (fire, heavy grazing, drought) startling. Management may be able to maintain a native perennial grass presence within the community, unmanaged livestock grazing will not. Lehmann lovegrass will vigorously germinate and establish after fire or other disturbance while native perennial grasses do not. The dominant half shrubs, false mesquite and range ratany, seem to be able to persist under these circumstances.
Management actions that can accelerate transition to a Lehmann lovegrass monoculture and the near absence of shrubs and perennial forbs include repeated fire and chemical brush management. Severe drought, especially in the cool season (Oct-April) can also accelerate Lehmann lovegrass dominance. Lehmann lovegrass annual production in this state will exceed that of native perennial grassesIt is unpalatable to livestock and remaining native perennial grass species will be selectively grazed in the presence of Lehmann. The biotic integrity of the plant community is highly altered. Dense, thick growth of LL eventually excludes most native perennial grasses and forbs. Wildlife habitat is diminished for many species. Shrubs like whitethorn and creosote bush occur in minor amounts. Fine fuel to carry continuous fire is ample. Aspect is open grassland.
Community 2.1
Lehmann lovegrass Comm.
Figure 12. Limy Slopes 12-16" pz. Lehmann invades from ROW
Figure 13. Limy Slopes, Lehmann lovegrass community phase
When the native perennial grass cover is depleted due the combination of continuous grazing and drought and / or fire, Lehmann lovegrass can invade areas of this site as long as a seed source is present. Over time Lehmann can dominate the grass and forb component of the plant community. The dominant half shrubs, false mesquite and range ratany, seem to be able to persist under these circumstances.
State 3
Shrub StateThe Shrub State is characterized by the dominance of the large shrubs particularly, but not limited to, whitethorn, viscid acacia and creosotebush. The large shrub canopy cover exceeds 15%. Native perennial grass species exist as widely scattered remnant plants. In this state, herbaceous productivity potential, both annual and perennial biomass, is very limited and fire will not carry even after rest from livestock grazing. Aspect is shrubland.
Community 3.1
Creosote-Whitethorn Community
Figure 14. Limy slope 12-16" pz. creosote invasion, ocotillo
In the absence of fire for long periods and with the interaction of drought, fire and continuous grazing, shrubs like creosotebush and acacia species can invade and increase to dominate the site. In some areas other shrubs like mesquite, mimosa, sandpaper bush, ocotillo, paloverde and succulents like prickly pear, soaptree yucca and banana yucca can also increase. As woody plants increase the herbaceous part of the plant community diminishes until there is no longer enough fine fuel produced to carry fire.
State 4
Eroded StateThis ecological site is vulnerable to active water erosion in any state when the soil surface is exposed by removal of vegetative cover. Gravel size is inadequate to overcome the energy of run-off from the long, steep slopes. Headcuts and gullies develop at the bottom of the slope and move upward. Sheet and rill erosion is common throughout the site; sheet and rill erosion is rarely visible in any of the grassland states. Altered hydrological functioning, impaired infiltration and accelerated run-off, limits site herbaceous productivity. The plant community in this state can be grass or shrub dominated depending upon the prior state. If grass dominated, the site will not carry fire and will transition to a shrub dominated, eroded condition. Aspect is scattered grass-shrubland or shrubland.
Community 4.1
Scattered Perennials, Eroded
Figure 15. Scattered perennials, eroded
The interaction of continuous heavy grazing with drought and / or fire, over time (50-100 years) can lead to accelerated sheet and rill erosion and loss of the entire A (mollic) horizon. This state has heavy shrub covers and the calcic horizon is exposed at the soil surface. It's potential to grow perennial grasses is greatly reduced. Shrub control with herbicides will be short lived as the new site potential is shrub-land. Shrubs like creosote, sandpaper bush and whitethorn dominate the plant community.
State 5
Chemically Treated StateThe Chemically Treated State is characterized by native perennial grasses and the near absence of live woody species and perennial forbs. Dead standing shrubs and sub-shrubs will persist for several years following treatment. The commonly used herbicide kills dicotyledon plants, including perennial forbs and half shrubs that are valuable for wildlife. Succulents (beargrass, yuccas, and cactus) and grasses are unaffected by herbicide. The presence of live shrubs depends upon the efficacy of treatment. Perennial grasses like blue 3-awn and fluffgrass pioneer on the site after herbicide treatment. Species like bush muhly, black and side-oats will take longer to re-establish. The risk to transition to the Eroded State is high in the years following chemical brush management or severe drought. At the time of this writing, limited monitoring data of this state is available since the cultural practice of chemical brush management on the shrub state has only been effectively practiced for about the past 10 years. Observation of treated sites shows even if Lehmann lovegrass is not present prior to treatment, it will dominate shortly after chemical brush management (see State 2, Non-native Perennial Grass State). Aspect is grassland.
Community 5.1
Bush muhly-Side oats CommPost-chemical brush management, a bush-muhly-side oats grama community will result if the pre-treatment community has these native perennial grasses present. Blue three awn and fluffgrass will pioneer with eventual re-establishment of bush muhly and side oats grama. This community phase will be eclipsed by Lehmann lovegrass after chemical brush management in areas with Lehmann lovegrass.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Any disturbance that diminishes native perennial grass basal cover creates opportunity for non-native perennial grass establishment. Disturbances driving this transition include fire, heavy grazing, prolonged drought.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Absence of fire, reduction in perennial grass cover by livestock grazing removes fuel to carry fire ad can reduce perennial grass basal cover; over time, shrubs grow unchecks, excessive erosion and soil loss may occur during this transition.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4Short-term heavy grazing, extreme drought or fire followed by heavy rainfall
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Unknown
Transition T2A
State 2 to 4extreme drought, repeated burning or fire followed by heavy rainfall
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1unknown
Transition T3A
State 3 to 2Chemical brush management with Lehmann lovegrass present or in proximity, current brush management exerts mortality on all shrub and forbs (not specific to target species). Existing succelents and perennial grasses are unaffected.
Transition T3C
State 3 to 4Chemical brush management followed by heavy rainfall.
Transition T3B
State 3 to 5Chemical brush management in the absence of Lehmann lovegrass.
Transition T5A
State 5 to 2Introduction of seed source, germination of undetected soil seed bank, spontaneous transition after chemical brush management
Transition T5B
State 5 to 4Drought following chemical brush managemen, long term drought, continuous heavy grazing
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Dominant grasses 310–800 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 100–400 – black grama BOER4 Bouteloua eriopoda 200–400 – bush muhly MUPO2 Muhlenbergia porteri 10–150 – 2 Sub-dominant grasses 100–200 Hall's panicgrass PAHA Panicum hallii 25–100 – slim tridens TRMU Tridens muticus 50–100 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 10–50 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 0–50 – fall witchgrass DICO6 Digitaria cognata 0–25 – 3 Perennial threeawns 40–100 blue threeawn ARPUN Aristida purpurea var. nealleyi 25–100 – purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 0–50 – spidergrass ARTE3 Aristida ternipes 1–25 – spidergrass ARTEG Aristida ternipes var. gentilis 0–20 – Fendler threeawn ARPUL Aristida purpurea var. longiseta 5–20 – Wright's threeawn ARPUW Aristida purpurea var. wrightii 0–20 – Parish's threeawn ARPUP5 Aristida purpurea var. parishii 0–10 – poverty threeawn ARDI5 Aristida divaricata 5–10 – Havard's threeawn ARHA3 Aristida havardii 0–5 – Wooton's threeawn ARPA9 Aristida pansa 0–5 – 4 Misc. peren. grasses 10–100 New Mexico feathergrass HENE5 Hesperostipa neomexicana 0–45 – red grama BOTR2 Bouteloua trifida 0–25 – low woollygrass DAPU7 Dasyochloa pulchella 5–25 – Arizona cottontop DICA8 Digitaria californica 0–25 – plains bristlegrass SEVU2 Setaria vulpiseta 0–25 – tanglehead HECO10 Heteropogon contortus 1–25 – cane bluestem BOBA3 Bothriochloa barbinodis 0–25 – Rothrock's grama BORO2 Bouteloua rothrockii 0–20 – nineawn pappusgrass ENDE Enneapogon desvauxii 5–20 – shortleaf woollygrass ERAV Erioneuron avenaceum 0–20 – squirreltail ELELE Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides 0–15 – slender grama BORE2 Bouteloua repens 0–15 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–15 – plains muhly MUCU3 Muhlenbergia cuspidata 0–15 – slender muhly MUTE4 Muhlenbergia tenuifolia 0–15 – woolyspike balsamscale ELBA Elionurus barbiculmis 0–10 – plains lovegrass ERIN Eragrostis intermedia 0–10 – curly-mesquite HIBE Hilaria belangeri 0–10 – common wolfstail LYPH Lycurus phleoides 0–10 – Arizona muhly MUAR3 Muhlenbergia arizonica 0–10 – sprucetop grama BOCH Bouteloua chondrosioides 0–10 – southwestern needlegrass ACEM4 Achnatherum eminens 0–10 – green sprangletop LEDU Leptochloa dubia 0–5 – tobosagrass PLMU3 Pleuraphis mutica 0–5 – purple muhly MURI3 Muhlenbergia rigida 0–5 – slim tridens TRMUE Tridens muticus var. elongatus 0–5 – spiked crinkleawn TRSP12 Trachypogon spicatus 0–5 – purple grama BORA Bouteloua radicosa 0–2 – 5 Annual grasses 1–100 sixweeks threeawn ARAD Aristida adscensionis 0–40 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 0–40 – Mexican panicgrass PAHI5 Panicum hirticaule 0–35 – Arizona signalgrass URAR Urochloa arizonica 0–20 – prairie threeawn AROL Aristida oligantha 1–20 – Mexican sprangletop LEFUU Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia 0–20 – mucronate sprangeltop LEPAB Leptochloa panicea ssp. brachiata 0–15 – needle grama BOAR Bouteloua aristidoides 0–10 – sixweeks grama BOBA2 Bouteloua barbata 0–10 – Parry's grama BOPA2 Bouteloua parryi 0–10 – feather fingergrass CHVI4 Chloris virgata 0–5 – witchgrass PACA6 Panicum capillare 0–5 – Bigelow's bluegrass POBI Poa bigelovii 0–2 – tapertip cupgrass ERACA Eriochloa acuminata var. acuminata 0–2 – Mexican lovegrass ERME Eragrostis mexicana 0–2 – desert lovegrass ERPEM Eragrostis pectinacea var. miserrima 0–2 – tufted lovegrass ERPEP2 Eragrostis pectinacea var. pectinacea 0–2 – delicate muhly MUFR Muhlenbergia fragilis 0–2 – littleseed muhly MUMI Muhlenbergia microsperma 0–2 – Forb6 Perennial Forb 30–100 weakleaf bur ragweed AMCO3 Ambrosia confertiflora 1–20 – leatherweed CRPO5 Croton pottsii 2–20 – desert globemallow SPAM2 Sphaeralcea ambigua 1–20 – brownplume wirelettuce STPA4 Stephanomeria pauciflora 1–15 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 1–15 – hairyseed bahia BAAB Bahia absinthifolia 1–15 – desert marigold BAMU Baileya multiradiata 0–10 – desert mariposa lily CAKE Calochortus kennedyi 1–10 – sego lily CANU3 Calochortus nuttallii 1–10 – trailing windmills ALIN Allionia incarnata 1–10 – Parry's false prairie-clover MAPA7 Marina parryi 0–10 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 1–10 – Cochise beardtongue PEDA Penstemon dasyphyllus 0–10 – slender poreleaf POGR5 Porophyllum gracile 0–10 – Parry's beardtongue PEPA24 Penstemon parryi 0–5 – tufted evening primrose OECA10 Oenothera caespitosa 0–5 – pricklyleaf dogweed THAC Thymophylla acerosa 1–5 – rue of the mountains THTE2 Thamnosma texana 0–5 – ivyleaf groundcherry PHHEH2 Physalis hederifolia var. hederifolia 1–5 – Fendler's bladderpod LEFE Lesquerella fendleri 1–5 – Lewis flax LILE3 Linum lewisii 0–5 – purplenerve springparsley CYMU2 Cymopterus multinervatus 1–5 – spreading fleabane ERDI4 Erigeron divergens 0–5 – wild dwarf morning-glory EVAR Evolvulus arizonicus 1–5 – southwestern mock vervain GLGO Glandularia gooddingii 0–5 – perennial rockcress ARPE2 Arabis perennans 1–5 – tuber anemone ANTU Anemone tuberosa 0–5 – rose heath CHER2 Chaetopappa ericoides 1–5 – whitemouth dayflower COER Commelina erecta 0–5 – dense ayenia AYMI Ayenia microphylla 0–5 – scarlet spiderling BOCO Boerhavia coccinea 0–5 – lyreleaf greeneyes BELY Berlandiera lyrata 0–2 – Indian paintbrush CASTI2 Castilleja 0–2 – New Mexico silverbush ARNE2 Argythamnia neomexicana 0–2 – dwarf desertpeony ACNA2 Acourtia nana 0–2 – brownfoot ACWR5 Acourtia wrightii 0–2 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–2 – ragged nettlespurge JAMA Jatropha macrorhiza 0–2 – San Pedro daisy LAPO4 Lasianthaea podocephala 0–2 – James' prairie clover DAJA Dalea jamesii 0–2 – Cooley's bundleflower DECO2 Desmanthus cooleyi 0–2 – Wright's deervetch LOWR Lotus wrightii 0–2 – variableleaf bushbean MAGI2 Macroptilium gibbosifolium 0–2 – spreading snakeherb DYSCD Dyschoriste schiedeana var. decumbens 0–2 – plains blackfoot MELE2 Melampodium leucanthum 0–2 – wishbone-bush MILAV Mirabilis laevis var. villosa 0–2 – locoweed OXYTR Oxytropis 0–2 – twinleaf senna SEBA3 Senna bauhinioides 1–2 – New Mexico fanpetals SINE Sida neomexicana 0–2 – silverleaf nightshade SOEL Solanum elaeagnifolium 0–2 – slimleaf bean PHAN3 Phaseolus angustissimus 0–2 – orange fameflower PHAU13 Phemeranthus aurantiacus 0–2 – clammy groundcherry PHHE5 Physalis heterophylla 0–2 – velvetseed milkwort POOB Polygala obscura 0–2 – shrubby purslane POSU3 Portulaca suffrutescens 0–2 – Wright's cudweed PSCAC2 Pseudognaphalium canescens ssp. canescens 0–2 – jewels of Opar TAPA2 Talinum paniculatum 0–1 – copper zephyrlily ZELO Zephyranthes longifolia 0–1 – desert larkspur DEPA Delphinium parishii 0–1 – Arizona snakecotton FRAR2 Froelichia arizonica 0–1 – Watson's dutchman's pipe ARWA Aristolochia watsonii 0–1 – clasping milkweed ASAM Asclepias amplexicaulis 0–1 – 7 Annual forbs 10–100 longleaf false goldeneye HELOA2 Heliomeris longifolia var. annua 1–50 – western tansymustard DEPI Descurainia pinnata 1–25 – Gordon's bladderpod LEGO Lesquerella gordonii 1–25 – intermediate pepperweed LEVIM Lepidium virginicum var. medium 0–25 – slender goldenweed MAGR10 Machaeranthera gracilis 1–25 – tanseyleaf tansyaster MATA2 Machaeranthera tanacetifolia 1–25 – woolly tidestromia TILA2 Tidestromia lanuginosa 0–25 – desert Indianwheat PLOV Plantago ovata 0–25 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–25 – phacelia PHACE Phacelia 0–25 – sensitive partridge pea CHNI2 Chamaecrista nictitans 1–25 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–20 – carelessweed AMPA Amaranthus palmeri 0–15 – bristly fiddleneck AMTE3 Amsinckia tessellata 0–15 – New Mexico thistle CINE Cirsium neomexicanum 1–15 – Coulter's spiderling BOCO2 Boerhavia coulteri 0–15 – goosefoot CHENO Chenopodium 0–15 – sawtooth sage SASU7 Salvia subincisa 0–15 – combseed PECTO Pectocarya 0–15 – foothill deervetch LOHU2 Lotus humistratus 0–15 – coastal bird's-foot trefoil LOSAB Lotus salsuginosus var. brevivexillus 0–15 – Coulter's lupine LUSP2 Lupinus sparsiflorus 0–15 – flatcrown buckwheat ERDE6 Eriogonum deflexum 0–15 – miniature woollystar ERDI2 Eriastrum diffusum 0–15 – California poppy ESCAM Eschscholzia californica ssp. mexicana 0–15 – crestrib morning-glory IPCO2 Ipomoea costellata 0–15 – Arizona poppy KAGR Kallstroemia grandiflora 0–15 – warty caltrop KAPA Kallstroemia parviflora 0–15 – sorrel buckwheat ERPO4 Eriogonum polycladon 0–15 – spurge EUPHO Euphorbia 1–10 – shaggyfruit pepperweed LELA Lepidium lasiocarpum 0–10 – spreading fanpetals SIAB Sida abutifolia 1–10 – exserted Indian paintbrush CAEXE Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta 0–10 – hoary bowlesia BOIN3 Bowlesia incana 0–5 – fringed redmaids CACI2 Calandrinia ciliata 0–5 – hairy prairie clover DAMO Dalea mollis 0–5 – American wild carrot DAPU3 Daucus pusillus 0–5 – wheelscale saltbush ATEL Atriplex elegans 0–5 – New Mexico copperleaf ACNE Acalypha neomexicana 0–5 – sleepy silene SIAN2 Silene antirrhina 0–5 – lyreleaf jewelflower STCAA Streptanthus carinatus ssp. arizonicus 0–5 – Arizona popcornflower PLAR Plagiobothrys arizonicus 0–5 – chia SACO6 Salvia columbariae 0–5 – Arizona lupine LUAR4 Lupinus arizonicus 0–5 – manybristle chinchweed PEPA2 Pectis papposa 0–5 – bristly nama NAHI Nama hispidum 0–5 – desert evening primrose OEPR Oenothera primiveris 0–5 – wedgeleaf draba DRCU Draba cuneifolia 0–5 – star gilia GIST Gilia stellata 0–5 – pearly globe amaranth GONI Gomphrena nitida 0–2 – Texas stork's bill ERTE13 Erodium texanum 0–2 – sanddune wallflower ERCA14 Erysimum capitatum 0–2 – manystem woolly sunflower ERMU6 Eriophyllum multicaule 0–2 – Arizona blanketflower GAAR2 Gaillardia arizonica 0–2 – blanketflower GAILL Gaillardia 0–2 – whitestem blazingstar MEAL6 Mentzelia albicaulis 0–2 – green carpetweed MOVE Mollugo verticillata 0–2 – plains flax LIPU4 Linum puberulum 0–2 – New Mexico plumeseed RANE Rafinesquia neomexicana 0–2 – southwestern pricklypoppy ARPL3 Argemone pleiacantha 0–2 – scrambled eggs COAU2 Corydalis aurea 0–2 – desert unicorn-plant PRAL4 Proboscidea althaeifolia 0–1 – doubleclaw PRPA2 Proboscidea parviflora 0–1 – Fendler's desertdandelion MAFE Malacothrix fendleri 0–1 – Shrub/Vine8 Dominant half shrubs 45–100 fairyduster CAER Calliandra eriophylla 20–90 – littleleaf ratany KRER Krameria erecta 5–40 – trailing krameria KRLA Krameria lanceolata 0–25 – 9 Sub-dom. half shrubs 5–45 rough menodora MESC Menodora scabra 5–40 – desert zinnia ZIAC Zinnia acerosa 5–30 – featherplume DAFO Dalea formosa 5–30 – paleface HIDE Hibiscus denudatus 0–20 – slender janusia JAGR Janusia gracilis 0–10 – woody crinklemat TICAC Tiquilia canescens var. canescens 0–10 – 10 Miscellaneous shrubs 15–100 sacahuista NOMI Nolina microcarpa 0–25 – catclaw mimosa MIACB Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera 0–15 – ocotillo FOSP2 Fouquieria splendens 1–15 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–15 – banana yucca YUBA Yucca baccata 1–15 – soaptree yucca YUEL Yucca elata 0–15 – littleleaf sumac RHMI3 Rhus microphylla 1–15 – Wright's beebrush ALWR Aloysia wrightii 0–15 – desert ceanothus CEGR Ceanothus greggii 0–15 – javelina bush COER5 Condalia ericoides 0–15 – knifeleaf condalia COSP3 Condalia spathulata 0–15 – longleaf jointfir EPTR Ephedra trifurca 1–15 – common sotol DAWH2 Dasylirion wheeleri 0–10 – Warnock's snakewood COWA Condalia warnockii 0–10 – Kearney's snakewood COWAK Condalia warnockii var. kearneyana 0–5 – walkingstick cactus CYSP8 Cylindropuntia spinosior 0–5 – spiny hackberry CEEH Celtis ehrenbergiana 0–5 – Utah fendlerbush FEUTC Fendlerella utahensis var. cymosa 0–5 – whitethorn acacia ACCOC Acacia constricta var. constricta 0–5 – whitethorn acacia ACCOP9 Acacia constricta var. paucispina 0–5 – catclaw acacia ACGR Acacia greggii 0–5 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–5 – jojoba SICH Simmondsia chinensis 0–5 – Arizona necklacepod SOAR3 Sophora arizonica 0–5 – whitestem paperflower PSCO2 Psilostrophe cooperi 0–5 – Mexican cliffrose PUME Purshia mexicana 0–5 – Kearney's sumac RHKE Rhus kearneyi 0–5 – creosote bush LATRT Larrea tridentata var. tridentata 0–5 – desert-thorn LYCIU Lycium 0–5 – threadleaf snakeweed GUMI Gutierrezia microcephala 0–5 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 0–5 – velvetpod mimosa MIDY Mimosa dysocarpa 0–5 – Rio Grande saddlebush MOSC Mortonia scabrella 0–5 – brittlebush ENFA Encelia farinosa 0–5 – crown of thorns KOSP Koeberlinia spinosa 0–5 – cactus apple OPEN3 Opuntia engelmannii 1–5 – mariola PAIN2 Parthenium incanum 0–5 – viscid acacia ACNE4 Acacia neovernicosa 0–3 – Palmer's century plant AGPA3 Agave palmeri 0–2 – prairie acacia ACAN Acacia angustissima 0–2 – candy barrelcactus FEWI Ferocactus wislizeni 0–2 – American tarwort FLCE Flourensia cernua 0–2 – Eastern Mojave buckwheat ERFAP Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium 0–2 – bastardsage ERWR Eriogonum wrightii 0–2 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 0–2 – yellow paloverde PAMI5 Parkinsonia microphylla 0–2 – purple pricklypear OPMAM Opuntia macrocentra var. macrocentra 0–2 – burroweed ISTE2 Isocoma tenuisecta 0–2 – little nipple cactus MAHE2 Mammillaria heyderi 0–1 – spinystar ESVI2 Escobaria vivipara 0–1 – pinkflower hedgehog cactus ECFE Echinocereus fendleri 0–1 – rainbow cactus ECPEP Echinocereus pectinatus var. pectinatus 0–1 – Parry's agave AGPA4 Agave parryi 0–1 – Tree11 Trees 0–20 oneseed juniper JUMO Juniperus monosperma 0–20 – blue paloverde PAFL6 Parkinsonia florida 0–10 – mesquite PROSO Prosopis 0–10 – Table 9. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 10. Community 1.3 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 11. Community 2.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 12. Community 3.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 13. Community 4.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Table 14. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
High soil pH is somewhat offset by organic matter in the soil surface and the site produces fair quality herbaceous forage. This site usually occurs as long ridges with moderate to steep side-slopes. Ridge-tops and canyon bottoms will be overused before the slopes are used. In addition, this site often occurs in complex with level areas of non-calcareous uplands. Due to the differences in the length of green season, forage quality and topography, these non-limy uplands will be overused before use is made of this range sites. Fencing and grazing systems are needed to overcome the problems associated with this range site. Black grama retains perennial culms and forms a thatch on this site which will regain green through the winter. In addition, several low, evergreen browse species occur on the site, which make it a valuable winter grazing source.
This is an important site for a variety of grassland birds and other wildlife species. It is also an important habitat for pronghorn.
Hydrological functions
Deep, coarse textured soils produce little runoff except in exceptionally wet seasons.
Recreational uses
Hunting, horseback riding, bird-watching, camping, hiking, photography.
Wood products
None
Other products
In places, especially on north exposures, beargrass (sacahuista) is found in sufficient quantities to provide harvest of leaves used as fibers in broom and mat making. Stands should not be harvested more than once every four or five years.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Range 417s include 18 in excellent condition, 23 in good condition and 7 in fair condition.
Type locality
Location 1: Cochise County, AZ Township/Range/Section T21S R19E S17 General legal description Fort Huachuca, west range Location 2: Pima County, AZ Township/Range/Section T18S R17E S29 General legal description Empire Ranch at KA #4, near fence between the North pasture and 49 pasture. Along gasline road. Location 3: Pinal County, AZ Township/Range/Section T10S R19E S17 General legal description YLE ranch Location 4: Pima County, AZ Township/Range/Section T22S R8E S15 General legal description Buenos Aires National Wildlife refuge Contributors
Dan Robinett
Larry D. Ellicott
Steve Barker
Unknown
UnknwonApproval
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) Dave Womack, Dan Robinett, Emilio Carrillo Contact for lead author NRCS Tucson Area Office Date 03/04/2005 Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
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Number and extent of rills:
None -
Presence of water flow patterns:
10-20 feet long, discontinuous -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals common on perennial bunch grasses. Terracettes common on black grama plants. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
10-20% -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
none -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
none -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Herbaceous litter in vicinity of flow paths moves in flow paths. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Expect values of 4-6 across site. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Weak granular; color is 7.5YR5/3 dry, 7.5YR3/2 moist; thickness to 2 inches. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Canopy 30-40%, basal 5-10%, litter 15-40%; 75-80% of canopy cover is perennial grasses, 10-15% is subshrubs and 5% is trees & shrubs. Cover is well dispersed throughout site. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
none -
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:
perennial midgrasses >> annual forbs & grasses > subshrubs > large shrubs > succulentsSub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Approximately 50% of cnaopy and basal cover of midgrass species lost in recent prolonged drought. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
600 lbs/ac unfavorable precipitation; 900 lbs/ac normal precipitation; 1500 lbs/ac favorable precipitation. -
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:
Lehmann lovegrass, creosote, whitethorn, mesquite, prickly pear, burroweed, wait-a-bit -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Not affected due regional prolonged drought.
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