DER 1

     
                  View of site 1                                        Typical crust at site 1

Desert Experimental Range Station, Millard Co., Utah, USA .   Ungrazed Natural Research area west of headquarters.   38º 35.686' N latitude, 113º 45.522' W longitude; elevation 5260 feet.    Date of sampling: 12 July 1999. 

Dominant vascular plants at the site:  Stipa hymenoides, Gutierrizia sarothrae, Atriplex confertifelia, Opuntia sp.,  Bouteloua gracilis, Bromus tectorum, Sphaeraloea sp., Ceratoides lanata, Asteraceae.

Mean lichen crust thickness: 17.5±7.8 mm
Mean algal crust thickness:  7.75±1.7 mm
Mean moss crust thickness:  10.75±4.6 mm

Cover summary:

Type Cover        % Cover
Shrubs                      14.5
Annuals                     0.8
Perennial grasses     5.6
Perennial forbs         0.4
Algal crust                 8.1
Bryophytes                4.4
Lichens                       2.4
Bare Soil                   18.2
Rock                            3.2
Gravel                       34.3
Litter                           8.1
Cactus                         0.0