shrublands on shale derived soils with the grasses Elymus lanceolatus or Pascopyrum smithii 

 dominant. 



Soils: Plots were on residuum derived from what was judged to be sandstone, but the clay 

 component was still appreciable (18-29 %) and the textures ranged from loams to clay loams. With 

 the exception of other community types developed exclusively on sandstone substrates {Pinus 

 ponderosa series and GALLON - CARINO plant association) soils of this association have the 

 lowest electrical conductivities, reflecting both the nature of the substrate and the greater effective 

 leaching associated with coarse substrates. 



Comments: The few areas of well-developed sandplains with this association on BLM lands 

 showed the affects of heavy grazing by sheep or livestock. Several BLM Sensitive and Watch 

 species {Asclepias stenophylla, Chenopodium subglabrum, Cyperus schweinitzii, Dalea villosa. 

 Mirabilis hirsuta, Penstemon angustifolius, and Psoralea hypogaea) occur on sandy substrates in or 

 adjacent to STICOM/CARFIL communities in Carter County. Poor condition of STICOM/CARFIL 

 communities at these sites may indicate that there is a grazing pressure on the rare plants 

 populations. 



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