Recovery of Cryptogamic Soil Crusts from Grazing on Utah Winter Ranges

Abstract

Range exclosures located throughout Utah in cool desert shrub communities were analyzed to determine, the response of cryptogamic crusts to grazing, soil variables that influence the development of cryptogamic crusts and the time needed for reestablishment of cryptogamic communities after disturbance. The amount of lichen, moss and algal cover was considerably reduced by domestic grazing. Sites with moderate to high as opposed to light cryptogamic cover were characterized by significantly heavier textured soils and greater salinity. Cryptogamic cover increased from 4% to 15% during the first 14-18 yr of exclusion from grazing, but increased only 1% during the next 20 yrs. Reestablishment of a cryptogamic crust occurs in at least 14-18 yr and possibly sooner.