Factors Influencing Development of Cryptogamic Soil Crusts in Utah Deserts
Anderson DC, Harper KT, Holmgren RC. 1982. Factors Influencing Development of Cryptogamic Soil Crusts in Utah Deserts. Journal of Range Management. 35(2):180-185
The relation of some physical and chemical soil characteristics to cryptogamic crust development was determined from sites in semidesert regions of southern Utah. The effects of grazing on cryptogamic crust development also were examined. Electrical conductivity, percentage silt, and soil phosphorus were found to be correlated with well-developed cryptogamic crusts. Both total cryptogamic cover and the number of cryptogamic species decreased under grazing pressure. The management of rangelands, especially in arid regions, would be strengthened by understanding the role of cryptogamic crusts and considering them in range management decisions.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Anderson, David; Harper, Kimball; Holmgren, Ralph
- Units
- CANY , DINO , LAKE , SODN
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Cryptogamic Crusts, cryptogamic soil, Desert, Exotic/Invasive Species - Animals, Grazing, Impacts, Inventory, livestock grazing allotment, Management, Monitoring, Non-Vascular Plants, Physical Sciences, Plant Communities, Plant Studies, Range Management, Soil, Soil Science, Utah