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example 8 dysic, micro, frigid
Lithic Torrifolist
southern Idaho
This thin organic
soil has formed on a 2,100-yr-old lava flow at Craters
of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. It is composed
of up to ~15 cm of slightly to highly decomposed plant debris from
the vegetation growing at the site. Common parent vegetation includes
Utah juniper, big mountain sagebrush, fernbush, and antelope bitterbrush.
At Craters of
the Moon, Lithic Torrifolists form in cracks in lava ranging in
age from 2,100 yrs to 15,000 yrs. This represents the initial phase
of soil and plant community development on lava flows. The Folists
provide vital nutrients and moisture for hardy, drought-tolerant
vegetation and, as they increase in volume, eventually create habitat
for more plants. Areas of Folists provide habitat for antelope,
sage grouse, marmots, snakes, and insects.
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