Life Sciences Commons^™

Suggested Vegetable Planting Dates: Grand And San Juan Counties, Reagan Wytsalucy, Cory Farnsworth, Dan Drost

All Current Publications

This fact sheet addresses vegetable planting dates in Grand and San Juan counties in Utah. “When should I plant?” and “What should I plant?” are two of the more common questions received from Utah gardeners. To answer the “When” question, you need to know something about the climate where you live. Vegetable plants vary in their response to temperature and are grouped by how they cope with cold or hot conditions. There are four (4) vegetable groups, which include the hardy, half-hardy, tender, or very tender crops. These groups are also referred to as the cool season (hardy or half-hardy) …

You Can Lead A Horse To Water: Mapping Seasonal Water Resources To Predict Wild Horse Movements On Utah Rangelands, David C. Stoner, Eric Thacker, Linden Greenhalgh, Mark Nelson

All Current Publications

All wild horse herd management areas in Utah overlap BLM grazing allotments. Although horses and cattle have similar dietary habits, both species rely heavily on predictable water sources during dry periods. The concentration of wildlife and livestock in mesic areas during droughts can become problems for farmers and livestock producers. We aimed to map the annual distribution of temporary surface water across Utah that cattle, horses, and wildlife could use. Herein we analyzed an 18-year record of satellite imagery to create a statewide map of seasonal surface-water availability for agricultural and wildlife management purposes.

An Overview Of The Cut Flower Industry, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides an overview of the cut flower industry. It provides information about traditional and specialty cut flowers, comparing flowers sourced locally in Utah and internationally.

Managing Soil Ph For Crop Production In Calcareous-Alkaline Soil, Cody Zesiger, Jody Gale, Matt Yost, Grant Cardon

All Current Publications

In semiarid soils of the Western U.S., altering soil pH is not easily accomplished nor straightforward. Utah’s soil pH range can be 1,000 times more acidic or alkaline than neutral (7.0) pH soils. In semiarid regions, typical high-pH soils are also calcareous, meaning there is a large amount of solid calcium carbonate (lime) in the soil. When soil-acidifying amendments are added to these soils, the lime dissolves and counteracts any of the applied soil-acidifying amendments. This fact sheet explains how to identify whether crop symptoms are related to soil pH, how to perform an in-field test for soil pH buffering …

Agricultural Irrigated Land And Irrigation Water Use In Utah, Burdette Barker, Matt Yost, Cody Zesiger

All Current Publications

Utah is considered the second driest state in the United States. As a result, much of the agriculture and horticulture in Utah depends upon irrigation. Irrigation is an important feature of agriculture in Utah. The distribution of irrigated and water use varies across the state, based on water availability, topography, and soils. In recent years, sprinkler irrigation has overtaken surface methods as the dominant irrigation method, based on irrigated area, in Utah. About 75% to 80% of water withdrawals in Utah are for irrigation, with about 68% of that water being consumptive use. Alfalfa, other hay crops, and pasture are …

Ticks And Tick-Borne Diseases Of Utah, Kate V. Richardson, Ryan Davis, Ricardo Ramirez

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes ticks and tick-borne diseases in Utah. It includes a description of ticks, their life cycle, habitat, feeding, and reproduction. The fact sheet also provides information about tick bites and safety, common tick-transmitted diseases in Utah, and the status of Lyme disease in Utah.

Hobo Spider, Kate V. Richardson, Ryan Davis

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes the hobo spider, its life cycle, habitat, medical significance, and management options.

Invasive Pests Of Landscape Trees In Utah, Lori R. Spears, Ann Mull, Anna Fabiszak, Marion Murray, Ryan Davis, Diane G. Alston, Ricardo Ramirez

All Current Publications

This guide provides an overview of the Utah First Detector Program and how to submit samples. The guide reviews the diseases and insects that affect landscape trees in Utah.

Conservation, Restoration, And Monitoring Plan For The Lower White River, Utah, Casey A. Pennock, William W. Macfarlane, Phaedra Budy, Justin Jimenez, Jerrad Goodell

Ecology Center Publications

In this report we present a conservation, restoration and monitoring plan for the lower White River, a major tributary of the Green River. The plan is intended to help guide conservation, restoration and management of the lower White River over the next several decades and is also developed as an adaptive management plan to facilitate learning. The recommended conservation and restoration actions are intended to maintain and enhance native riparian vegetation and instream habitat for native desert fishes including federally endangered Colorado Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), federally endangered Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), Speckled Dace (Rhinichthys osculus …

Climate Change And Utah Ski Resorts: Impacts, Perceptions, And Adaptation Strategies, Emily J. Wilkins, Hadia Akbar, Tara C. Saley, Rachel Hager, Colten M. Elkin, Patrick Belmont, Courtney G. Flint, Jordan W. Smith

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Climate change is a threat to ski resorts, the ski industry, and mountain communities that rely on ski tourism. Ski resorts may be able to mitigate some of the social and economic impacts caused by climate change with proactive adaptation strategies. Using historical weather data, future climate projections, and interviews with ski resort managers in Utah (United States), this research investigates the effects of climate change on ski resorts across the state. We examine temperature change at all resorts within the state from 1980–2018 and climate projections from 2021–2100 under different climate change scenarios (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5). We …

Data From: Yellow Air Day Advisory Study, Arthur J. Caplan

Browse all Datasets

Using a dataset consisting of daily vehicle trips, PM2.5 concentrations, along with a host of climactic control variables, we test the hypothesis that “yellow air day” advisories provided by the Utah Division of Air Quality resulted in subsequent reductions in vehicle trips taken during northern Utah’s winter-inversion seasons in the early 2000s. Winter inversions occur in northern Utah when climactic conditions are such that PM2.5 concentrations (derived mainly from vehicle emissions) become trapped in the lower atmosphere, leading to unhealthy air quality (concentrations of at least 35 µg/m3) over a span of what are called “red air days”. When concentrations …

Size And Scope Of Utah County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Dean Miner

All Current Publications

Utah County is located in the middle of the state. The county seat and largest city is Provo. As of 2018, the population of the county was estimated at 622,213. The Wasatch Mountain Range is in the eastern portion of the county. The elevation drops quickly from the mountains in the east to the Utah Lake valley in the center of the county. This fact sheet reviews land ownership, crop and livestock production, and farm income and age of operators.

Snapdragon Cut Flower Production In Utah, Maegen Lewis, Melanie Stock, Tiffany Maughan, Brent Black, Dan Drost

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes snapdragon cut flower production in Utah. Snapdragons can bloom spring through fall, with the highest quality stems produced during cool temperatures. Cultivars are grouped based on their blooming response to light and temperature. High-quality stem production can last up to 21 weeks by using multiple groups, staggered planting dates in a high tunnel and field, pinching, and pruning techniques.

The State Of Outdoor Recreation In Utah 2020, Jordan Smith, Anna B. Miller

All Current Publications

The purpose of this report is to provide a high-level review of the trends that define outdoor recreation within Utah. We do this by distilling data from a variety of sources, focusing on ‘key metrics’ that can be tracked over time, serving as a finger on the pulse on the health of outdoor recreation within Utah. Data on outdoor recreation participation and its benefits and impacts varies considerably across the state depending upon the managing agency collecting the data. This report focuses on statewide data available for outdoor recreation opportunities provided on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, …

Size And Scope Of Grand County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Michael Johnson

All Current Publications

Grand County is located in the center of the state along the eastern border with Colorado. As of 2017, the population was estimated at 9,674. Other surrounding Utah counties include Uintah, Carbon, Emery, Wayne, and San Juan. This fact sheet reviews information about land ownership, growing season, crop and livestock production, irrigation, farm income, and the average age of operator of Grand County agriculture in Utah.

Size And Scope Of Washington County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Ben Scow

All Current Publications

Washington County, named for the first president of the United States, George Washington, is located in the southwest corner of Utah. It is bordered by Nevada on the west and Arizona on the south. Other surrounding Utah counties include Iron and Kane. In 2017, the population was estimated at 165,662. Much of the terrain is rough and arid with little area conducive to agriculture. This fact sheet reviews the land ownership, growing season, crop, fruit and livestock production, irrigation, and farm income and age of operator information for Washington County, Utah agriculture.

Size And Scope Of Tooele County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Linden Greenhalgh

All Current Publications

Tooele County is in northwestern Utah. It borders Nevada. Other surrounding Utah counties include Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Juab. As of 2017, the population of Tooele County was estimated at 67,456. The Great Salt Lake Desert covers much of the western portion of the county while the eastern portion contains many small towns outside of Salt Lake City. Tooele County is the second-largest county in Utah. This fact sheet reviews the land ownership, growing season, crop and livestock production, and farm income and age of farm operators in Tooele County.

Selecting Rootstocks For Utah Peach Orchards, Brent Black, Tiffany Maughan, Taun Beddes, Gregory Reighard

All Current Publications

Peaches are the second most important fruit crop in Utah by acreage. Peach fruit that ripen under our high desert conditions (warm sunny days and cool nights) are valued in the market for their flavor and sugar content. However, peaches are more sensitive than most other fruit crops to our alkaline soil conditions, and often suffer from iron chlorosis.

Commercial peach trees consist of two cultivars or varieties that are grafted together: the scion produces the above ground portion of the tree, and the rootstock forms the roots and the base of the trunk (below ground). The scion variety determines …

Zinnia Cut Flower Production In Utah, Tiffany Maughan, Melanie Stock, Maegen Lewis

All Current Publications

Zinnias are a warm-season annual and a staple for local cut flower markets and gardens alike. Zinnias require fewer inputs than other cut flowers, but site selection and management, trellising, harvest techniques, and cultivar traits are important considerations for success. This fact sheet provides a guide for producing zinnias in the Intermountain West and presents results from USU trials.

Water Development, Consumptive Water Uses, And The Great Salt Lake, Sarah E. Null, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Great Salt Lake (GSL) covers 5500 km² (2100 mi²) at its unimpacted elevation and is the eighth largest saline lake in the world. Its highly productive food web supports millions of migratory birds and the economic value of the lake is estimated at $1.5 billion US dollars in 2019. Droughts and wet cycles have caused huge fluctuations in lake level, area, and salinities, and this variation has masked anthropogenic impacts. Recent work, however, has determined that consumptive water uses in the watershed have depleted inflows by approximately 39%, with 63% used by agriculture, 11% by cities, 13% …

Utah Visual Farm Guide: What Is Healthy Soil?, Amanda Pratt, Katherine Wagner, Melanie Stock

All Current Publications

The Utah Visual Farm Guide uses a pictorial format to teach farming basics. This fact sheet illustrates the components of soil and the difference between healthy and unhealthy soils in Utah.

Utah Visual Farm Guide: Year-Round Soil Care, Amanda Pratt, Katherine Wagner, Melanie Stock

All Current Publications

The Utah Visual Farm Guide uses a pictorial format to teach farming basics. This fact sheet illustrates soil management practices for each season.

Size And Scope Of Uintah County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Boyd Kitchen

All Current Publications

Uintah County is part of the Colorado Plateau on the eastern border of Utah. It is in the Uintah Basin in the northeastern part of the state and borders Colorado. Other surrounding Utah counties include Daggett, Duchesne, Carbon, Emery, and Grand. Much of the economy in the county is based on natural resources, such as natural gas and oil production. Agricultural production is also very important in the county’s economy. This fact sheet examines the land ownership, crop and livestock production, climate, growing season, and farm income in Uintah County.

Size And Scope Of Juab County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Ruger Carter

All Current Publications

Juab County is located in the western central part of Utah. It shares its western border with Nevada. Other surrounding Utah counties include Tooele, Utah, Sanpete, and Millard. Its primary economic base comes from agriculture, manufacturing, mining, recreation, and electrical power. As of 2017, the population was estimated at 11,250. This fact sheet provides information on land use and ownership, growing season, crop and livestock production, and age and income of farm operators in Juab County.

Size And Scope Of Daggett County Agriculture 2020, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Boyd Kitchen

All Current Publications

Daggett County is located along the eastern top border of Utah. To the north, Daggett County is bordered by Wyoming while Colorado shares its border to the east. Other surrounding Utah counties include Uintah, Duchesne, and Summit. In the 19th century, the area was a favorite for mountain men, fur trappers, and traders. Ranching and farming have always played an important role in Daggett County. Its primary economic base today comes from tourism and recreation. The population was estimated at 1,029 in 2017. This fact sheet provides details on the land ownership, growing season, crop and livestock production, and farm …

Size And Scope Of Millard County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Mark Nelson

All Current Publications

Millard County borders Nevada on the west. It is in the center of the western border of Utah. Surrounding Utah counties include Juab, Sanpete, Sevier, and Beaver. The population was estimated at 12,863 in 2017. The county has a total area of 6,828 square miles, making it the third largest county in Utah. The Sevier desert covers much of the county with the Pahvant Mountains forming the eastern county boundary. This fact sheet reviews the irrigation, crop and livestock production, land ownership, growing season, and farm income of Millard County agriculture.

Size And Scope Of Iron County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Larsen, Ryan Feuz, Mark Nelson, Chad Reid

All Current Publications

Iron County is located in the southwestern portion of the state and is bordered by Nevada on the west. Other surrounding Utah counties include Beaver, Garfield, Kane, and Washington. As of 2017, the population was estimated at 51,001. The county seat is Parowan, while the largest city is Cedar City. This fact sheet details the land ownership, growing season, crop and livestock production, and farm income of Iron County agriculture.

Size And Scope Of Piute County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Trent Wilde

All Current Publications

Piute County is located in the south-central part of Utah. The county seat is Junction and the largest city is Circleville. Other surrounding Utah counties include Sevier, Wayne, Garfield, Iron, and Beaver. In 2017, the population was estimated at 1,420, making it the second least populated county in Utah. This fact sheet provides details on the land ownership, growing season, crop and livestock production, and farm income of Piute County agriculture.

Size And Scope Of Rich County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

Rich County is located in the northeast corner of Utah. The county contains roughly half of Bear Lake and is bordered by Idaho on the north and Wyoming on the east. Other surrounding Utah counties include Summit, Morgan, Weber, and Cache. In 2017, the population was estimated at 2,391. The largest town is Garden City, primarily supported by the tourism industry surrounding Bear Lake. The county seat is Randolph. This fact sheet provides details on the land ownership, growing season, livestock production, farm income, and age of operator for Rich County.

Western Cherry Fruit Fly In Utah Orchards, Diane G. Alston, Marion Murray

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes the western cherry fruit fly, including hosts, life history, timing control, host injury, and management.