Differentiation of Closely Related Xerolls that Support Different Sagebrush Plant Communities in Nevada
1986
Nettleton, W. D. | Brasher, B. R. | Spencer, E. L. | Langan, Lucien N. | Peterson, F. F.
We studied 20 pedons and four composite A horizon samples in the Tuscarora Mountain Area in northern Nevada in an effort to differentiate between two morphologically similar Xerolls (Donna and Stampede series) that support strongly contrasting kinds of sagebrush (Artemisia sp.) plant communities. We found no differences between surface horizons by laboratory analyses, but there are significant differences between the soils in clay content of AB, BA, and Bt horizons and in most related properties such as linear extensibility, cation exchange capacity, and 1.5-MPa water. Thickness of the A horizon has the highest utility as a mapping criterion for the Donna and Stampede soils. Water retention difference between 0.03 and 1.5 MPa and depth of rooting best explain the differences in kind and amount of vegetation found on the two soils.
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