Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R041XC314AZ
Loamy Slopes
12-16" p.z.
Last updated: 8/06/2020
Accessed: 09/15/2026
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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.
Click to explore map
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.Associated sites
R041XC305AZ Clay Loam Upland 12-16" p.z.
R041XC308AZ Limy Slopes 12-16" p.z.
R041XC313AZ Loamy Upland 12"-16" p.z.
Similar sites
R041XA107AZ Loamy Slopes 16-20" p.z.
R040XA113AZ Loamy Slopes 10"-13" p.z.
R041XB217AZ Loamy Slopes 8"-12" p.z.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub (1) calliandra eriophylla
Herbaceous (1) bouteloua curtipendula
Physiographic features
This site occurs in the middle elevations of the Madrean Basin and Range province in southeastern Arizona. It occurs on hill-slopes and ridge-tops. Slope aspect is site differentiating at elevations near land resource area boundaries.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Hill
(2) Ridge
Elevation 3300 – 5000 ft Slope 15 – 45 % 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) 220 days Freeze-free period (average) Precipitation total (average) 20 in 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 soils which have formed on old, deeply dissected, gravelly alluvium of mixed origin. They are non-calcareous in the surface 10 inches and loamy textured. Some soils have calcic horizons at moderate (20-40 inches) depths. Soil surfaces have well developed covers of gravels and stones. Surface soils are dark colored. Plant-soil moisture relationships are good.
Soils mapped on this site include: SSA-661 Eastern Pinal & Southern Gila counties MU 91 Selevin; SSA-663 Gila-Duncan area MU's 11 Eloma and 12 Eloma & Whitehouse; SSA-667 Santa Cruz area MU's Ca haplargids, CgE Caralampi GrSL, CgF2 Caralampi GrSL eroded, WgE Whitehouse GrL, WoE Caralampi; SSA-669 Pima county Eastern part MU 10 Caralampi; SSA-671 Cochise county Douglas-Tombstone part MU 134 Bernardino; SSA-703 Tohono O'odham Nation MU 7 Caralampi.Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Very gravelly sandy loam
(2) Gravelly loam
(3) Very gravelly loam
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Well drained Permeability class Slow to moderate Soil depth 60 in Surface fragment cover <=3" 15 – 45 % Surface fragment cover >3" 0 – 8 % Available water capacity
(0-40in)4.8 – 8.4 in Calcium carbonate equivalent
(0-40in)1 – 25 % Electrical conductivity
(0-40in)0 – 2 mmhos/cm Sodium adsorption ratio
(0-40in)0 – 2 Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)6.6 – 8.4 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)5 – 45 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 5 % 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 fire, grazing, 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 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 amount 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, Loamy Slopes 12-16" p.z.
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
Historic Climax Plant CommunityCommunity 1.1
Historic Climax Plant Community
Figure 5. Loamy Slopes 12-16" pz. HCPC
The potential plant community of this site is dominated by warm season perennial grasses with a variety of shrubs, succulents and forbs being well represented. The major perennial grasses are well dispersed throughout the plant community. The aspect is shrub dotted grassland.
With continuous heavy grazing, palatable perennial grasses are removed and species like mesquite, catclaw acacia, mimosa, ocotillo, snakeweed, burroweed and prickly pear increase to dominate. Natural fire may have been an important part in the development of the potential plant community. With steep slopes and heavy textured horizons near the soil surface, this site becomes an ineffective user of intense summer rainfall if the perennial grass cover is depleted. The potential of the site to produce grass is reduced as tree canopy increases. The site can produce effective herbaceous covers with up to 5-10% tree canopy.
Fire and drought interactions can deplete the perennial grass cover. When this is followed by a wet spring tremendous stands of annual forbs like goldeneye, poppy and lupine can result.Figure 6. 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 335 700 990 Shrub/Vine 65 150 240 Forb 25 50 230 Tree 1 5 45 Total 426 905 1505 Table 6. Soil surface cover
Tree basal cover 0-0% Shrub/vine/liana basal cover 0-0% Grass/grasslike basal cover 10-20% Forb basal cover 0-0% Non-vascular plants 0-0% Biological crusts 0-10% Litter 10-50% Surface fragments >0.25" and <=3" 20-60% Surface fragments >3" 0-10% Bedrock 0% Water 0% Bare ground 20-30% Table 7. Canopy structure (% cover)
Height Above Ground (ft) Tree Shrub/Vine Grass/
GrasslikeForb <0.5 – – 2-15% 1-5% >0.5 <= 1 – 1-10% 2-15% 1-20% >1 <= 2 – 1-10% 15-30% 0-5% >2 <= 4.5 – 0-2% 0-10% 0-1% >4.5 <= 13 0-1% 0-1% – – >13 <= 40 – – – – >40 <= 80 – – – – >80 <= 120 – – – – >120 – – – – Figure 7. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). AZ4131 , 41.3 12-16" p.z. hill sites. Growth begins in the spring, semi-dormancy occurs during the June drought, most growth occurs during the summer rainy season..
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 10 0 30 30 10 5 0 0 State 2
Mesquite, native grasses and forbsCommunity 2.1
Mesquite, native grasses and forbs
Figure 8. Loamy Slopes 12-16" pz. shrubby state
Mesquite increases or invades in the absence of fire for long periods of time. Other shrubs like prickly pear, blue paloverde, ocotillo, cholla, snakeweed and brittlebush can increase to make the site appear shrubby. Native perennial grasses and forbs still dominate the herbaceous layer of the plant community.
State 3
Annual forbs and grassesCommunity 3.1
Annual forbs and grasses
Figure 9. Loamy Slopes 12-16" pz. Selevin soil profile
The interactions of fire, drought and continuous grazing act to remove perennial grasses from the plant community. Annuals, both native and non-native dominate the herbaceous layer of the plant community. The shrubby component of the community remains unchanged. Some soil compaction has occurred and sheet erosion has accelerated.
State 4
Lehmann lovegrass invadedCommunity 4.1
Lehmann lovegrass invadedLehmann lovegrass invades from seeded areas and roadsides, trails and right of ways. The interactions of fire, drought and continuous grazing cause openings in the native grass community which are filled by Lehmann. As Lehmann becomes dominant the diversity of native herbaceous species declines. The shrubby component of the site does not appear to be as affected as the herbaceous component by increases in Lehmann lovegrass.
State 5
Eroded w/wo mesquite.Community 5.1
Eroded w/wo mesquite.Severe soil compaction and trailing from heavy, continuous livestock grazing results in loss of plant cover, changes in hydrology and accelerated sheet and rill erosion. Gullies can form where runoff is concentrated from roadways or trails. Shrubs like mesquite and cacti may or may not have increased to dominate. Perennial grasses and forbs are present only in trace amounts.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Proximity to seed source, introduction of seeds, lack of fire for long periods of time
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Continuous Heavy Grazing (managing for annuals), persistent low perennial grass cover. Reduction of A Horizon, Organic Matter and litter, compaction, persistently reduced infiltration.
Transition T1C
State 1 to 4Continuous Heavy Grazing, introduction of seed source for non-native perennial grasses, usually from a road or right of way.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Herbicide or mechanical means to remove mesquite, other shrubs, succulents. Prescribed Grazing/No Grazing. Implementing brush management (chemical or mechanical) puts site at risk to transition to State 2.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 4Continuous Heavy Grazing coupled with drought (or fire), low perennial grass cover, reduction of A Horizon, Organic Matter and litter. Compaction and severe trailing leaving terracettes on hillslopes. Severe sheet, rill and gully erosion on steep hillslopes. Persistently reduced infiltration and limited recruitment of grass.
Transition T2B
State 2 to 5Continuous Heavy Grazing coupled with drought (or fire), low perennial grass cover, reduction of A Horizon, Organic Matter and litter. Compaction and severe trailing leaving terracettes on hillslopes. Severe sheet, rill and gully erosion on steep hillslopes. Persistently reduced infiltration and limited recruitment of grass.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1Prescribed Grazing/No Grazing, seeding or planting of natives like sideoats grama. Possible herbicide control of annuals (unknown).
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2Proximity to seed source, introduction of seeds, lack of fire for long periods of time
Transition T3B
State 3 to 4Introduction of seed source for non-native perennial grasses, usually from a road or right of way.
Transition T3C
State 3 to 5Continuous Heavy Grazing coupled with drought (or fire), low perennial grass cover, reduction of A Horizon, Organic Matter and litter. Compaction and severe trailing leaving terracettes on hillslopes. Severe sheet, rill and gully erosion on steep hillslopes. Persistently reduced infiltration and limited recruitment of grass.
Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 1Unknown, possible herbicide treatment of exotic grass and seeding of native species like sideoats grama.
Additional community tables
Table 8. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Dominant mid grasses 180–350 sideoats grama BOCU Bouteloua curtipendula 100–250 – green sprangletop LEDU Leptochloa dubia 20–150 – cane bluestem BOBA3 Bothriochloa barbinodis 20–100 – tanglehead HECO10 Heteropogon contortus 10–100 – Arizona cottontop DICA8 Digitaria californica 10–50 – plains bristlegrass SEVU2 Setaria vulpiseta 0–40 – 2 Cool season grasses 10–100 plains lovegrass ERIN Eragrostis intermedia 5–100 – prairie Junegrass KOMA Koeleria macrantha 0–25 – squirreltail ELEL5 Elymus elymoides 1–25 – 3 Dominant short grasses 110–150 black grama BOER4 Bouteloua eriopoda 20–100 – hairy grama BOHI2 Bouteloua hirsuta 10–100 – purple grama BORA Bouteloua radicosa 0–25 – common wolfstail LYPH Lycurus phleoides 1–25 – Hall's panicgrass PAHA Panicum hallii 0–25 – blue grama BOGR2 Bouteloua gracilis 0–25 – sprucetop grama BOCH Bouteloua chondrosioides 0–25 – 4 Short lived grasses 10–200 curly-mesquite HIBE Hilaria belangeri 5–100 – Rothrock's grama BORO2 Bouteloua rothrockii 1–75 – slender grama BORE2 Bouteloua repens 5–50 – 5 Miscellaneous perennial grasses 5–45 bush muhly MUPO2 Muhlenbergia porteri 1–25 – sand dropseed SPCR Sporobolus cryptandrus 0–15 – slim tridens TRMU Tridens muticus 0–15 – fall witchgrass DICO6 Digitaria cognata 1–15 – red grama BOTR2 Bouteloua trifida 0–10 – vine mesquite PAOB Panicum obtusum 0–10 – tobosagrass PLMU3 Pleuraphis mutica 0–10 – bullgrass MUEM Muhlenbergia emersleyi 0–10 – Texas bluestem SCCI2 Schizachyrium cirratum 0–5 – southwestern bristlegrass SESC2 Setaria scheelei 0–5 – spike dropseed SPCO4 Sporobolus contractus 0–5 – spiked crinkleawn TRSP12 Trachypogon spicatus 0–5 – low woollygrass DAPU7 Dasyochloa pulchella 0–5 – woolyspike balsamscale ELBA Elionurus barbiculmis 0–5 – nineawn pappusgrass ENDE Enneapogon desvauxii 0–5 – Arizona muhly MUAR3 Muhlenbergia arizonica 0–5 – purple muhly MURI3 Muhlenbergia rigida 0–2 – 6 Perennial threeawns 10–45 Fendler threeawn ARPUL Aristida purpurea var. longiseta 1–25 – spidergrass ARTE3 Aristida ternipes 5–25 – spidergrass ARTEG Aristida ternipes var. gentilis 1–15 – purple threeawn ARPU9 Aristida purpurea 1–15 – Parish's threeawn ARPUP5 Aristida purpurea var. parishii 0–10 – Orcutt's threeawn ARSCO Aristida schiedeana var. orcuttiana 0–10 – Wright's threeawn ARPUW Aristida purpurea var. wrightii 0–5 – Santa Rita threeawn ARCAG Aristida californica var. glabrata 0–5 – poverty threeawn ARDI5 Aristida divaricata 0–5 – Havard's threeawn ARHA3 Aristida havardii 0–5 – Wooton's threeawn ARPA9 Aristida pansa 0–5 – blue threeawn ARPUN Aristida purpurea var. nealleyi 0–1 – 7 Annual grasses 10–100 sixweeks threeawn ARAD Aristida adscensionis 1–40 – prairie threeawn AROL Aristida oligantha 1–25 – Mexican sprangletop LEFUU Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia 1–25 – mucronate sprangletop LEPA6 Leptochloa panicea 1–25 – Arizona signalgrass URAR Urochloa arizonica 0–25 – Eastwood fescue VUMIC Vulpia microstachys var. ciliata 0–15 – desert fescue VUMIM Vulpia microstachys var. microstachys 0–15 – sixweeks fescue VUOC Vulpia octoflora 0–15 – needle grama BOAR Bouteloua aristidoides 0–15 – Mexican panicgrass PAHI5 Panicum hirticaule 1–15 – Bigelow's bluegrass POBI Poa bigelovii 0–5 – sixweeks grama BOBA2 Bouteloua barbata 0–5 – feather fingergrass CHVI4 Chloris virgata 0–5 – tapertip cupgrass ERACA Eriochloa acuminata var. acuminata 0–5 – Mexican lovegrass ERME Eragrostis mexicana 0–5 – tufted lovegrass ERPE Eragrostis pectinacea 0–5 – desert lovegrass ERPEM Eragrostis pectinacea var. miserrima 0–5 – delicate muhly MUFR Muhlenbergia fragilis 0–5 – littleseed muhly MUMI Muhlenbergia microsperma 0–5 – witchgrass PACA6 Panicum capillare 0–5 – Arizona brome BRAR4 Bromus arizonicus 0–2 – prairie false oat TRIN5 Trisetum interruptum 0–2 – Forb8 Perennial Forbs 15–80 slender janusia JAGR Janusia gracilis 1–20 – slender poreleaf POGR5 Porophyllum gracile 1–20 – desert globemallow SPAM2 Sphaeralcea ambigua 5–20 – bluedicks DICA14 Dichelostemma capitatum 1–15 – spreading fleabane ERDI4 Erigeron divergens 1–10 – poreleaf dogweed ADPO2 Adenophyllum porophyllum 0–10 – trailing windmills ALIN Allionia incarnata 1–10 – weakleaf bur ragweed AMCO3 Ambrosia confertiflora 1–10 – dense ayenia AYMI Ayenia microphylla 0–10 – brownplume wirelettuce STPA4 Stephanomeria pauciflora 2–10 – Lewis flax LILE3 Linum lewisii 0–10 – plains blackfoot MELE2 Melampodium leucanthum 1–10 – Indian rushpea HOGL2 Hoffmannseggia glauca 0–5 – lacy tansyaster MAPI Machaeranthera pinnatifida 0–5 – tufted evening primrose OECA10 Oenothera caespitosa 0–5 – American vetch VIAM Vicia americana 0–5 – Louisiana vetch VILUL2 Vicia ludoviciana ssp. ludoviciana 0–5 – perennial rockcress ARPE2 Arabis perennans 1–5 – dwarf desertpeony ACNA2 Acourtia nana 0–5 – tuber anemone ANTU Anemone tuberosa 0–5 – narrowleaf silverbush ARLA12 Argythamnia lanceolata 0–5 – white sagebrush ARLU Artemisia ludoviciana 0–5 – wild dwarf morning-glory EVAR Evolvulus arizonicus 0–5 – Cooley's bundleflower DECO2 Desmanthus cooleyi 0–5 – desert trumpet ERIN4 Eriogonum inflatum 0–2 – scarlet spiderling BOCO Boerhavia coccinea 0–2 – climbing wartclub BOSC Boerhavia scandens 0–2 – Arizona wrightwort CAAR7 Carlowrightia arizonica 0–2 – Indian paintbrush CASTI2 Castilleja 0–2 – Texas bindweed COEQ Convolvulus equitans 0–2 – whitemouth dayflower COER Commelina erecta 0–2 – leatherweed CRPO5 Croton pottsii 0–2 – largeflower onion ALMA4 Allium macropetalum 0–2 – Coues' cassia SECO10 Senna covesii 0–2 – cudweed PSEUD43 Pseudognaphalium 0–2 – Parry's beardtongue PEPA24 Penstemon parryi 0–2 – Parry's false prairie-clover MAPA7 Marina parryi 0–2 – southwestern mock vervain GLGO Glandularia gooddingii 0–2 – pearly globe amaranth GONI Gomphrena nitida 0–1 – small matweed GUDE Guilleminea densa 0–1 – Arizona rosemallow HIBI Hibiscus biseptus 0–1 – desert rosemallow HICO Hibiscus coulteri 0–1 – ragged nettlespurge JAMA Jatropha macrorhiza 0–1 – San Pedro daisy LAPO4 Lasianthaea podocephala 0–1 – orange fameflower PHAU13 Phemeranthus aurantiacus 0–1 – ivyleaf groundcherry PHHE4 Physalis hederifolia 0–1 – wishbone-bush MILAV Mirabilis laevis var. villosa 0–1 – desert tobacco NIOB Nicotiana obtusifolia 0–1 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 0–1 – twinleaf senna SEBA3 Senna bauhinioides 0–1 – velvetseed milkwort POOB Polygala obscura 0–1 – shrubby purslane POSU3 Portulaca suffrutescens 0–1 – New Mexico fanpetals SINE Sida neomexicana 0–1 – silverleaf nightshade SOEL Solanum elaeagnifolium 0–1 – gooseberryleaf globemallow SPGR2 Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia 0–1 – Rocky Mountain zinnia ZIGR Zinnia grandiflora 0–1 – jewels of Opar TAPA2 Talinum paniculatum 0–1 – hairy fournwort TENE Tetramerium nervosum 0–1 – spiderwort TRADE Tradescantia 0–1 – branched noseburn TRRA5 Tragia ramosa 0–1 – brownfoot ACWR5 Acourtia wrightii 0–1 – New Mexico silverbush ARNE2 Argythamnia neomexicana 0–1 – Watson's dutchman's pipe ARWA Aristolochia watsonii 0–1 – anoda ANODA Anoda 0–1 – hairyseed bahia BAAB Bahia absinthifolia 0–1 – desert marigold BAMU Baileya multiradiata 0–1 – lyreleaf greeneyes BELY Berlandiera lyrata 0–1 – desert mariposa lily CAKE Calochortus kennedyi 0–1 – sego lily CANU3 Calochortus nuttallii 0–1 – Arizona snakecotton FRAR2 Froelichia arizonica 0–1 – beeblossom GAURA Gaura 0–1 – Palmer's Indian mallow ABPA Abutilon palmeri 0–1 – spreading snakeherb DYSCD Dyschoriste schiedeana var. decumbens 0–1 – 9 Annual forbs 10–150 bristly fiddleneck AMTE3 Amsinckia tessellata 0–50 – longleaf false goldeneye HELOA2 Heliomeris longifolia var. annua 1–50 – goosefoot CHENO Chenopodium 1–45 – sensitive partridge pea CHNI2 Chamaecrista nictitans 1–25 – western tansymustard DEPI Descurainia pinnata 1–25 – tanseyleaf tansyaster MATA2 Machaeranthera tanacetifolia 0–25 – carelessweed AMPA Amaranthus palmeri 1–20 – Coulter's spiderling BOCO2 Boerhavia coulteri 0–15 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–15 – New Mexico thistle CINE Cirsium neomexicanum 1–15 – cryptantha CRYPT Cryptantha 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 – phacelia PHACE Phacelia 0–15 – shaggyfruit pepperweed LELA Lepidium lasiocarpum 0–15 – intermediate pepperweed LEVIM Lepidium virginicum var. medium 0–15 – coastal bird's-foot trefoil LOSAB Lotus salsuginosus var. brevivexillus 0–15 – Coulter's lupine LUSP2 Lupinus sparsiflorus 0–15 – slender goldenweed MAGR10 Machaeranthera gracilis 0–15 – woolly tidestromia TILA2 Tidestromia lanuginosa 0–15 – Arizona popcornflower PLAR Plagiobothrys arizonicus 0–15 – desert Indianwheat PLOV Plantago ovata 0–10 – combseed PECTO Pectocarya 0–10 – miniature woollystar ERDI2 Eriastrum diffusum 0–10 – sorrel buckwheat ERPO4 Eriogonum polycladon 0–10 – exserted Indian paintbrush CAEXE Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta 0–10 – fewflower beggarticks BILE Bidens leptocephala 0–5 – American wild carrot DAPU3 Daucus pusillus 0–5 – warty caltrop KAPA Kallstroemia parviflora 0–5 – Thurber's morning-glory IPTH Ipomoea thurberi 0–5 – camphorweed HESU3 Heterotheca subaxillaris 0–5 – Arizona gumweed GRAR2 Grindelia arizonica 0–5 – foothill deervetch LOHU2 Lotus humistratus 0–5 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–5 – New Mexico plumeseed RANE Rafinesquia neomexicana 0–5 – sawtooth sage SASU7 Salvia subincisa 0–5 – spreading fanpetals SIAB Sida abutifolia 1–5 – sleepy silene SIAN2 Silene antirrhina 1–5 – New Mexico copperleaf ACNE Acalypha neomexicana 0–5 – purslane PORTU Portulaca 0–2 – manybristle chinchweed PEPA2 Pectis papposa 0–2 – Arizona lupine LUAR4 Lupinus arizonicus 0–2 – green carpetweed MOVE Mollugo verticillata 0–2 – desert evening primrose OEPR Oenothera primiveris 0–2 – star gilia GIST Gilia stellata 0–2 – southwestern mock vervain GLGO Glandularia gooddingii 0–2 – wedgeleaf draba DRCU Draba cuneifolia 0–2 – wheelscale saltbush ATEL Atriplex elegans 0–2 – fringed redmaids CACI2 Calandrinia ciliata 0–2 – scrambled eggs COAU2 Corydalis aurea 0–2 – lipfern CHEIL Cheilanthes 0–1 – miner's lettuce CLPEP Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata 0–1 – southwestern pricklypoppy ARPL3 Argemone pleiacantha 0–1 – hoary bowlesia BOIN3 Bowlesia incana 0–1 – sanddune wallflower ERCA14 Erysimum capitatum 0–1 – Texas stork's bill ERTE13 Erodium texanum 0–1 – Arizona blanketflower GAAR2 Gaillardia arizonica 0–1 – Goodding's bladderpod LEGO2 Lesquerella gooddingii 0–1 – Florida pellitory PAFL3 Parietaria floridana 0–1 – Nuttall's povertyweed MONU Monolepis nuttalliana 0–1 – cliffbrake PELLA Pellaea 0–1 – phlox PHLOX Phlox 0–1 – plains flax LIPU4 Linum puberulum 0–1 – golden crownbeard VEEN Verbesina encelioides 0–1 – desert unicorn-plant PRAL4 Proboscidea althaeifolia 0–1 – doubleclaw PRPA2 Proboscidea parviflora 0–1 – chia SACO6 Salvia columbariae 0–1 – Shrub/Vine10 Dominant half shrubs 60–150 bastardsage ERWR Eriogonum wrightii 10–100 – fairyduster CAER Calliandra eriophylla 20–100 – littleleaf ratany KRER Krameria erecta 5–50 – broom snakeweed GUSA2 Gutierrezia sarothrae 1–20 – brittlebush ENFA Encelia farinosa 0–15 – button brittlebush ENFR Encelia frutescens 0–10 – trailing krameria KRLA Krameria lanceolata 0–10 – rough menodora MESC Menodora scabra 0–10 – desert zinnia ZIAC Zinnia acerosa 0–10 – 11 Miscellaneous Shrubs 0–40 pelotazo ABIN Abutilon incanum 0–10 – Sonoran scrub oak QUTU2 Quercus turbinella 0–10 – skunkbush sumac RHTR Rhus trilobata 0–5 – desert-thorn LYCIU Lycium 0–5 – algerita MATR3 Mahonia trifoliolata 0–5 – catclaw mimosa MIACB Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera 0–5 – velvetpod mimosa MIDY Mimosa dysocarpa 0–5 – ocotillo FOSP2 Fouquieria splendens 0–5 – jojoba SICH Simmondsia chinensis 0–5 – prairie acacia ACAN Acacia angustissima 0–5 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 0–5 – shortleaf baccharis BABR Baccharis brachyphylla 0–5 – yerba de pasmo BAPT Baccharis pteronioides 0–5 – Coulter's brickellbush BRCO Brickellia coulteri 0–5 – spiny hackberry CEEH Celtis ehrenbergiana 0–5 – javelina bush COER5 Condalia ericoides 0–5 – knifeleaf condalia COSP3 Condalia spathulata 0–5 – Warnock's snakewood COWA Condalia warnockii 0–5 – Kearney's snakewood COWAK Condalia warnockii var. kearneyana 0–5 – longleaf jointfir EPTR Ephedra trifurca 0–5 – Eastern Mojave buckwheat ERFA2 Eriogonum fasciculatum 0–2 – whitethorn acacia ACCO2 Acacia constricta 0–2 – Wright's beebrush ALWR Aloysia wrightii 0–2 – American threefold TRCA8 Trixis californica 0–2 – Parish's goldeneye VIPA14 Viguiera parishii 0–2 – winterfat KRLA2 Krascheninnikovia lanata 0–2 – yellow paloverde PAMI5 Parkinsonia microphylla 0–2 – marvel dewberry RUMI3 Rubus mirus 0–2 – mock buckthorn SAGER Sageretia 0–2 – threadleaf ragwort SEFLF Senecio flaccidus var. flaccidus 0–1 – whitestem paperflower PSCO2 Psilostrophe cooperi 0–1 – threadleaf snakeweed GUMI Gutierrezia microcephala 0–1 – gumhead GYGL Gymnosperma glutinosum 0–1 – burroweed ISTE2 Isocoma tenuisecta 0–1 – lotebush ZIOB Ziziphus obtusifolia 0–1 – turpentine bush ERLA12 Ericameria laricifolia 0–1 – 12 Succulents 5–50 Palmer's century plant AGPA3 Agave palmeri 0–15 – cactus apple OPEN3 Opuntia engelmannii 1–15 – purple pricklypear OPMAM Opuntia macrocentra var. macrocentra 0–5 – tulip pricklypear OPPH Opuntia phaeacantha 0–5 – banana yucca YUBA Yucca baccata 0–5 – soaptree yucca YUEL Yucca elata 0–5 – walkingstick cactus CYSP8 Cylindropuntia spinosior 0–5 – candy barrelcactus FEWI Ferocactus wislizeni 1–5 – sacahuista NOMI Nolina microcarpa 0–5 – dollarjoint pricklypear OPCH Opuntia chlorotica 0–5 – saguaro CAGI10 Carnegiea gigantea 0–5 – hedgehog cactus ECHIN3 Echinocereus 0–5 – jumping cholla CYFU10 Cylindropuntia fulgida 0–2 – Christmas cactus CYLE8 Cylindropuntia leptocaulis 0–2 – staghorn cholla CYVE3 Cylindropuntia versicolor 0–2 – common sotol DAWH2 Dasylirion wheeleri 0–2 – Graham's nipple cactus MAGR9 Mammillaria grahamii 0–1 – little nipple cactus MAHE2 Mammillaria heyderi 0–1 – Arizona pencil cholla CYAR14 Cylindropuntia arbuscula 0–1 – white fishhook cactus ECIN2 Echinomastus intertextus 0–1 – rainbow cactus ECPE Echinocereus pectinatus 0–1 – spinystar ESVI2 Escobaria vivipara 0–1 – Parry's agave AGPA4 Agave parryi 0–1 – desert agave AGDE Agave deserti 0–1 – Tree13 Trees 1–45 western honey mesquite PRGLT Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana 0–25 – velvet mesquite PRVE Prosopis velutina 0–25 – catclaw acacia ACGR Acacia greggii 1–15 – oneseed juniper JUMO Juniperus monosperma 0–15 – blue paloverde PAFL6 Parkinsonia florida 0–15 – 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 (%) Table 12. Community 5.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
The plant community on this site is suitable for grazing by all classes of cattle. Steep slopes can hinder utilization. Ridge-tops, canyon bottoms and adjacent areas of level uplands will be overused before appreciable use is made of this site. Cool season use or fencing and grazing systems will be needed to overcome the grazing distribution problems. Herbaceous forage will be deficient in protein in the winter.
Water developments are very important to wildlife on this site. Even though the site is open grassland, it is topographically diverse and home to a variety of large and small wildlife species.Hydrological functions
Steep slopes and loamy textured soils make this site a producer of runoff.
Recreational uses
Hunting, horseback riding, hiking, photography, bird-watching, camping
Wood products
Limited fuel-wood available from shrubby mesquite, juniper and catclaw acacia; where these trees have increased on the site.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Range 417s include 1 in excellent condition, 5 in good condition and 2 in fair condition.
Type locality
Location 1: Cochise County, AZ Township/Range/Section T21S R20E S28 General legal description Fort Huachuca, East Range Location 2: Pinal County, AZ Township/Range/Section T10S R14E S14 General legal description Sunspace Ranch Location 3: Pinal County, AZ Township/Range/Section T9S R18E S9 General legal description Rafter T Ranch Location 4: Pima County, AZ Township/Range/Section T17S R16E S36 General legal description Sonoita Hwy 83 ROW Location 5: Cochise County, AZ Township/Range/Section T13S R22E S7 General legal description Warbonnet Ranch Location 6: Pima County, AZ Township/Range/Section T19S R17E S36 General legal description Empire ranch KA 11 (south exposure), Hilton Pasture above Road Canyon well. Location 7: Pima County, AZ Township/Range/Section T19S R16E S11 General legal description Empire Ranch KA2 (south exposure), in North pasture near Oak Tree well. Contributors
Dan Robinett
Larry D. Ellicott
Steve Barker
UnknownApproval
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 03/07/2005 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:
Uncommon, probably cover no more than 10% of area; discontinuous, very short, usually less than 1-3 feet in length. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Pedestals are uncommon on perennial grass and shrubs. Terracettes uncommon. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
0-5% -
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):
All litter size classes stay in place. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Expect values of 1-3 in canopy interspaces, and 4-6 under plant canopies. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Weak granular; color is 10YR4/2 dry, 10YR3/2 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%, Litter 45-55%; 60-70% of canopy cover is perennial grasses, 5% perennial forbs, 15-25% shrubs & subshrubs. 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 grass > subshrubs > annual grasses & forbs > shrubs succulents = perennial forbsSub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
50% of basal cover of perennial grasses has likely been 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, 1300 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:
jojoba, whitethorn, mesquite, prickley pear, cane cholla & ocotillo may increast to undesirable levels in the absence of natural fires; red brome and wild oats. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Not affected even following several years of prolonged drought period for region.
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