Biology ETDs

Publication Date

6-1-1964

Abstract

The objective of this study was to make a vegetative map and phytosociological study of the Picuris Grant, Taos County, New Mexico, and an ethnobotanical study of the Picuris Indians. The ethnobotanical study consists of a lid of commonly used plants and their uses.

The vegetation of the Grant is divided into five types: pinyon-juniper, ponderosa pine-pinyon-juniper, ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and domestic. The first four types were subjected to intensive sampling using the line-strip method of Woodin and Lindsey modified to 400-foot elbs. Six elbs per slope exposure in each type were attempted.

Due to more favorable temperature and moisture, each type occurs at a lower elevation on the northern slopes than on southern slopes. There is also a trend of lower pH with increasing elevation.

Pinus edulis and Juniperus monosperma are co-dominants in the pinyon-juniper association. Pinus ponderosa and Pinus edulis are co-dominants with a lesser importance of Juniperus monosperma in the ponderosa pine-pinyon-juniper ecotone. In the pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine-pinyon-juniper types, Juniperus monosperma and Pinus edulis show similar slope preference. Pinus ponderosa is of little importance In pinyon­ juniper, increases in ponderosa pine-pinyon-juniper, and reaches maximum importance in ponderosa pine.

In the mixed-conifer association, Abies concolor and Pinus ponderosa are co-dominants, with Pseudotsuga taxifolia ranking third. Abies concolor and Pseudotsuga taxifolia have high shade tolerance, have low temperature requirements, and show o progressive increase in importance with increasing elevation.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Loren David Potter

Second Committee Member

William Jacob Koster

Third Committee Member

William Clarence Martin

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