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Ecological site R041XC333AZ
Limy Slopes
12-16" p.z.
Gypsum
Last updated: 8/06/2020
Accessed: 09/12/2026
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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.
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, Gypsum, 12-16" p.z. ecological site is found on an upland landscape position, generally on side-slopes of fan terraces, hillslopes and ridgetops. All moisture for the plant community is received from precipitation. Terrain is steeply sloping (6-40%). Soils are moderately deep to deep, calcareous with gypsum. Gyspum (calcium sulfate) is highly soluble making soil extremely vulnerable to accelerated erosion; It can be found either throughout the soil profile or within sub-surface horizons. Representative soil series representative are: Contention and Whitecliff.
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
R040XA110AZ Limy Slopes 10"-13" p.z.
R041XB207AZ Limy Slopes 8-12" 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) 220 days Freeze-free period (average) Precipitation total (average) 20 in BarLineFigure 1. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 2. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">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 potential plant community of Limy Slopes, Gypsum, 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.
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.
In the absence of fire for long periods and with the interaction of drought, fire and continuous grazing, shrubs like creosotebush and whitethorn acacia 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 component diminishes until there is no longer enough fine fuel produced to carry fire.
Eroded State: The gypsum in the soil is highly soluble making this ecological site vulnerable to any mechanical disturbance that removes soil surface protection. Thus, soil disturbance can trigger unstoppable erosion. Mechanical soil disturbances can include brush management, mechanical land treatments (ie, ripping), cultivation, road cuts, construction, heavy use zone by cattle (ie, trailing, supplement or water trough site), trenching, recreational vehicle use. The interaction of continuous heavy grazing with drought and / or fire and livestock trails removing surface gravel cover, can lead to accelerated sheet and rill erosion and loss of the entire A horizon. This state has heavy shrub covers, deep continuous rills and the calcic horizon is exposed at the soil surface. It's potential to grow perennial grasses is largely eliminated making shrub control with herbicides pointless. Shrubs like creosote, sandpaper bush and whitethorn dominate the plant community.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 3. State and Transition, Limy Slopes, Gypsum, 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
State 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 4. Limy Slopes 12-16" pz. half shrubs dominant
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 5. 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 6. 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 State 2
Exotic perennial grassCommunity 2.1
Exotic perennial grass
Figure 7. Limy Slopes 12-16" pz. Lehmann invades from ROW
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 invaded stateCommunity 3.1
Shrub invaded state
Figure 8. 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 whitethorn acacia 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
ErodedCommunity 4.1
ErodedThe interaction of continuous heavy grazing with drought and / or fire 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.
Transition T1A
State 1 to 2Continuous Heavy Grazing, introduction of a seed source, or direct seeding of Lehmann lovegrass.
Transition T1B
State 1 to 3Continuous Heavy Grazing with drought, fire interaction. Invasion by creosote bush and/or whitethorn acacia. Other shrubs and succulents can increase also. Lack of fine fuel for fire. Remnant perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Restoration pathway R2A
State 2 to 1Unknown.
Transition T2A
State 2 to 3Continuous Heavy Grazing with drought, fire interaction. Invasion by creosote bush and/or whitethorn acacia. Other shrubs and succulents can increase also. Lack of fine fuel for fire. Remnant perennial grasses cannot re-colonize areas with shrub competition.
Restoration pathway R3A
State 3 to 1Prescribed Grazing/No Grazing with herbicide shrub control. Possible seeding of native grasses, maintenance treatments for shrubs (fire, herbicide). State 2, Exotic Grasses, is likely outcome.
Restoration pathway R3B
State 3 to 2Prescribed Grazing/No Grazing with herbicide shrub control. Possible seeding of native grasses, maintenance treatments for shrubs (fire, herbicide). Non-native perennial grass soil seed bank and/or aggressive invasion makes non-native seeding unnecessary.
Transition T3A
State 3 to 4Continuous Heavy Grazing, trailing and soil surface disturbance, accelerated sheet and rill erosion.
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 slim tridens TRMU Tridens muticus 50–100 – Hall's panicgrass PAHA Panicum hallii 25–100 – 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 – Wright's threeawn ARPUW Aristida purpurea var. wrightii 0–20 – Fendler threeawn ARPUL Aristida purpurea var. longiseta 5–20 – poverty threeawn ARDI5 Aristida divaricata 5–10 – Parish's threeawn ARPUP5 Aristida purpurea var. parishii 0–10 – 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 – tanglehead HECO10 Heteropogon contortus 1–25 – red grama BOTR2 Bouteloua trifida 0–25 – low woollygrass DAPU7 Dasyochloa pulchella 5–25 – Arizona cottontop DICA8 Digitaria californica 0–25 – cane bluestem BOBA3 Bothriochloa barbinodis 0–25 – plains bristlegrass SEVU2 Setaria vulpiseta 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 – Cochise beardtongue PEDA Penstemon dasyphyllus 0–10 – Parry's false prairie-clover MAPA7 Marina parryi 0–10 – slender poreleaf POGR5 Porophyllum gracile 0–10 – slimflower scurfpea PSTE5 Psoralidium tenuiflorum 1–10 – 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 – tufted evening primrose OECA10 Oenothera caespitosa 0–5 – Parry's beardtongue PEPA24 Penstemon parryi 0–5 – southwestern mock vervain GLGO Glandularia gooddingii 0–5 – Fendler's bladderpod LEFE Lesquerella fendleri 1–5 – Lewis flax LILE3 Linum lewisii 0–5 – tuber anemone ANTU Anemone tuberosa 0–5 – perennial rockcress ARPE2 Arabis perennans 1–5 – rose heath CHER2 Chaetopappa ericoides 1–5 – whitemouth dayflower COER Commelina erecta 0–5 – dense ayenia AYMI Ayenia microphylla 0–5 – purplenerve springparsley CYMU2 Cymopterus multinervatus 1–5 – scarlet spiderling BOCO Boerhavia coccinea 0–5 – spreading fleabane ERDI4 Erigeron divergens 0–5 – wild dwarf morning-glory EVAR Evolvulus arizonicus 1–5 – spreading snakeherb DYSCD Dyschoriste schiedeana var. decumbens 0–2 – James' prairie clover DAJA Dalea jamesii 0–2 – Cooley's bundleflower DECO2 Desmanthus cooleyi 0–2 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–2 – 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 – Wright's deervetch LOWR Lotus wrightii 0–2 – variableleaf bushbean MAGI2 Macroptilium gibbosifolium 0–2 – ragged nettlespurge JAMA Jatropha macrorhiza 0–2 – San Pedro daisy LAPO4 Lasianthaea podocephala 0–2 – plains blackfoot MELE2 Melampodium leucanthum 0–2 – wishbone-bush MILAV Mirabilis laevis var. villosa 0–2 – slimleaf bean PHAN3 Phaseolus angustissimus 0–2 – orange fameflower PHAU13 Phemeranthus aurantiacus 0–2 – clammy groundcherry PHHE5 Physalis heterophylla 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 – velvetseed milkwort POOB Polygala obscura 0–2 – shrubby purslane POSU3 Portulaca suffrutescens 0–2 – Wright's cudweed PSCAC2 Pseudognaphalium canescens ssp. canescens 0–2 – copper zephyrlily ZELO Zephyranthes longifolia 0–1 – jewels of Opar TAPA2 Talinum paniculatum 0–1 – Watson's dutchman's pipe ARWA Aristolochia watsonii 0–1 – clasping milkweed ASAM Asclepias amplexicaulis 0–1 – desert larkspur DEPA Delphinium parishii 0–1 – Arizona snakecotton FRAR2 Froelichia arizonica 0–1 – 7 Annual forbs 10–100 longleaf false goldeneye HELOA2 Heliomeris longifolia var. annua 1–50 – Gordon's bladderpod LEGO Lesquerella gordonii 1–25 – intermediate pepperweed LEVIM Lepidium virginicum var. medium 0–25 – sensitive partridge pea CHNI2 Chamaecrista nictitans 1–25 – western tansymustard DEPI Descurainia pinnata 1–25 – woolly tidestromia TILA2 Tidestromia lanuginosa 0–25 – slender goldenweed MAGR10 Machaeranthera gracilis 1–25 – tanseyleaf tansyaster MATA2 Machaeranthera tanacetifolia 1–25 – phacelia PHACE Phacelia 0–25 – desert Indianwheat PLOV Plantago ovata 0–25 – woolly plantain PLPA2 Plantago patagonica 0–25 – milkvetch ASTRA Astragalus 0–20 – Coulter's spiderling BOCO2 Boerhavia coulteri 0–15 – New Mexico thistle CINE Cirsium neomexicanum 1–15 – goosefoot CHENO Chenopodium 0–15 – flatcrown buckwheat ERDE6 Eriogonum deflexum 0–15 – miniature woollystar ERDI2 Eriastrum diffusum 0–15 – sorrel buckwheat ERPO4 Eriogonum polycladon 0–15 – foothill deervetch LOHU2 Lotus humistratus 0–15 – coastal bird's-foot trefoil LOSAB Lotus salsuginosus var. brevivexillus 0–15 – crestrib morning-glory IPCO2 Ipomoea costellata 0–15 – Arizona poppy KAGR Kallstroemia grandiflora 0–15 – warty caltrop KAPA Kallstroemia parviflora 0–15 – California poppy ESCAM Eschscholzia californica ssp. mexicana 0–15 – combseed PECTO Pectocarya 0–15 – Coulter's lupine LUSP2 Lupinus sparsiflorus 0–15 – sawtooth sage SASU7 Salvia subincisa 0–15 – carelessweed AMPA Amaranthus palmeri 0–15 – bristly fiddleneck AMTE3 Amsinckia tessellata 0–15 – spreading fanpetals SIAB Sida abutifolia 1–10 – spurge EUPHO Euphorbia 1–10 – shaggyfruit pepperweed LELA Lepidium lasiocarpum 0–10 – exserted Indian paintbrush CAEXE Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta 0–10 – hoary bowlesia BOIN3 Bowlesia incana 0–5 – fringed redmaids CACI2 Calandrinia ciliata 0–5 – wheelscale saltbush ATEL Atriplex elegans 0–5 – wedgeleaf draba DRCU Draba cuneifolia 0–5 – hairy prairie clover DAMO Dalea mollis 0–5 – American wild carrot DAPU3 Daucus pusillus 0–5 – star gilia GIST Gilia stellata 0–5 – Arizona lupine LUAR4 Lupinus arizonicus 0–5 – sleepy silene SIAN2 Silene antirrhina 0–5 – lyreleaf jewelflower STCAA Streptanthus carinatus ssp. arizonicus 0–5 – chia SACO6 Salvia columbariae 0–5 – bristly nama NAHI Nama hispidum 0–5 – desert evening primrose OEPR Oenothera primiveris 0–5 – manybristle chinchweed PEPA2 Pectis papposa 0–5 – Arizona popcornflower PLAR Plagiobothrys arizonicus 0–5 – New Mexico copperleaf ACNE Acalypha neomexicana 0–5 – southwestern pricklypoppy ARPL3 Argemone pleiacantha 0–2 – whitestem blazingstar MEAL6 Mentzelia albicaulis 0–2 – green carpetweed MOVE Mollugo verticillata 0–2 – New Mexico plumeseed RANE Rafinesquia neomexicana 0–2 – plains flax LIPU4 Linum puberulum 0–2 – pearly globe amaranth GONI Gomphrena nitida 0–2 – Arizona blanketflower GAAR2 Gaillardia arizonica 0–2 – blanketflower GAILL Gaillardia 0–2 – sanddune wallflower ERCA14 Erysimum capitatum 0–2 – Texas stork's bill ERTE13 Erodium texanum 0–2 – manystem woolly sunflower ERMU6 Eriophyllum multicaule 0–2 – scrambled eggs COAU2 Corydalis aurea 0–2 – Fendler's desertdandelion MAFE Malacothrix fendleri 0–1 – desert unicorn-plant PRAL4 Proboscidea althaeifolia 0–1 – doubleclaw PRPA2 Proboscidea parviflora 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 – longleaf jointfir EPTR Ephedra trifurca 1–15 – desert ceanothus CEGR Ceanothus greggii 0–15 – javelina bush COER5 Condalia ericoides 0–15 – knifeleaf condalia COSP3 Condalia spathulata 0–15 – Wright's beebrush ALWR Aloysia wrightii 0–15 – 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 – 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 – brittlebush ENFA Encelia farinosa 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 – Utah fendlerbush FEUTC Fendlerella utahensis var. cymosa 0–5 – cactus apple OPEN3 Opuntia engelmannii 1–5 – mariola PAIN2 Parthenium incanum 0–5 – crown of thorns KOSP Koeberlinia spinosa 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 – fourwing saltbush ATCA2 Atriplex canescens 0–2 – yellow paloverde PAMI5 Parkinsonia microphylla 0–2 – purple pricklypear OPMAM Opuntia macrocentra var. macrocentra 0–2 – candy barrelcactus FEWI Ferocactus wislizeni 0–2 – American tarwort FLCE Flourensia cernua 0–2 – burroweed ISTE2 Isocoma tenuisecta 0–2 – Eastern Mojave buckwheat ERFAP Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium 0–2 – bastardsage ERWR Eriogonum wrightii 0–2 – spinystar ESVI2 Escobaria vivipara 0–1 – rainbow cactus ECPEP Echinocereus pectinatus var. pectinatus 0–1 – little nipple cactus MAHE2 Mammillaria heyderi 0–1 – pinkflower hedgehog cactus ECFE Echinocereus fendleri 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 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
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: Pima County, AZ Township/Range/Section T22S R8E S15 General legal description Buenos Aires National Wildlife refuge Location 2: Cochise County, AZ Township/Range/Section T21S R19E S17 General legal description Fort Huachuca, west range Location 3: 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 4: Pinal County, AZ Township/Range/Section T10S R19E S17 General legal description YLE ranch Contributors
Wilma J Renken
Approval
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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