Sonoran Desert - Arizona Uplands

The Arizona Uplands subdivision of the Sonoran Desert is defined by having full sized trees in the uplands, as well as high diversity in structure and species. It is well vegetated and sees more moisture than other subdivisions, but also generally has longer and harder freezes. Abundant trees include Parkinsonia microphyllum and P. florida. Prosopis velutina and Olneya tesota are also common. Saguaros almost always occur in this subdivision as well as a variety of cactus, shrubs and sub-shrubs.

Ajo Peak To Tinajas Altas: Flora Of Southwestern Arizona (Combined)

An introduction is provided for the modern and fossil vascular plant flora of the contiguous protected areas of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tinajas Altas Region in southwestern Arizona—the heart of the Sonoran Desert. These three entities encompass 514,242 hectares (1,270,700 acres), approximately 5141 km (1985 mi ). Elevation and ecological diversity generally decreases from east (Organ Pipe) to west (Tinajas Altas) while aridity increases from east to west, both correlating with decreasing botanical diversity.

Ajo Peak To Tinajas Altas: A Flora In Southwestern Arizona. Part 7. Eudicots: Cactaceae – Cactus Family

A floristic account is provided for the cactus family as part of the vascular plant flora of the contiguous protected areas of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tinajas Altas Region in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in southwestern Arizona. The modern native cactus flora includes 35 taxa in 12 genera, plus 2 non-native prickly- pears that are not established in the flora area.

Tilling the Sonoran Desert for cattle

Some Sonoran ranchers are convinced tilling of the desert soils will result in more forage for their cows. Needless to say in a desert environment this does not work. It may promote some extra grass for 1 or or 2 years max, but over the long run forage is reduced. The natural soil ecosystem is disrupted, harming all vegetation including plants cattle feed on. Roots of plants are torn up and worst of all the soil is exposed leading to desiccation, a sure way to kill desert plants.

Tilling the Sonoran Desert for cattle