Comparative habitat and community relationships of Atriplex confertifolia and Sarcobatus vermiculatus in central Utah

Authors

Jack D. Brotherson, Brigham Young University
Lars L. Rasmussen, Ellensburg District Offic, Soil Conservation Service, Ellensburg, Washington
Richard D. Black, Brigham Young University

Abstract

Thirty-four study sites were established in shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia [Torr. & Frem.] Wats.) and greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus [Hoov. Torr. in Emory) communities bordering Utah Lake in central Utah. Differences in species composition, vegetation, and soil characteristics were assessed. Significant differences in soil factors between the two communities were found for sand, calcium, manganese, zinc, and copper. Soluble salts and sodium concentrations were generally higher in the greasewood type, but differences were not significant. Major differences were found in understory species, with burr buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus Grantz) showing significantly greater cover in the shadscale community and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) showing significantly greater cover in the greasewood community.

Recommended Citation

Brotherson, Jack D.; Rasmussen, Lars L.; and Black, Richard D. (1986) "Comparative habitat and community relationships of Atriplex confertifolia and Sarcobatus vermiculatus in central Utah," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 46: No. 2, Article 29.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol46/iss2/29