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Home My WebLink About991189.tiff I ,,,.\:, ,{ Y / SHEET NO.28 / / .} - 64 WELD COUNTY,COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART �' /J '',W (ERIE QUADRANGLE) 105'00' / '"< 79 yk -#:4,4444-kir 0 . b y�?wn > y�y{$y1 ! '76 t o.:,' ' •�^ac''662 X .� o�" o� .. � rl,.•^ `.' . y "� #, / _ p . 29 "t76 „. a K }'ri 47 '2j ci. ..,. y %,47 30 53 it '.a t5 YO a � - �52 � RY bi`'+rte )bm •4',--; 4 • L i 47 ry, yt ' T �� =4A0 ?� itt: fir^" *S4(54 7 r k Y• '` y r r . t r 0.345 t 3 ftJ# j I irI �'', . 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Capability subclass colored surface layer, make up about 35 percent. About 5 IIs irrigated. percent is Aquepts and Bankard sandy loam. 2—Altvan loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This is a deep, These are deep, poorly drained soils that formed in well drained soil on terraces at elevations of 4,500 to 4,900 recent alluvium. No one pedon is typical. Commonly the feet. It formed in old alluvium deposited by the major soils have a mottled, mildly alkaline to moderately al- rivers. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that kaline loamy or clayey surface layer and underlying show evidence of poor drainage. Also included are small, material and are underlain by sand or sand and gravel long and narrow areas of sand and gravel deposits. within 48 inches. In places they have a gleyed layer in the Typically the surface layer of this Altvan soil is grayish underlying material. brown loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil is brown Most of the acreage is subject to flooding. The water and light yellowish brown clay loam and sandy clay loam table is at or near the surface early in spring and recedes about 14 inches thick. The substratum is calcareous loamy to as deep as 48 inches late in fall in some years. sand about 5 inches thick over gravelly sand. These soils are used for rangeland and wildlife habitat. Permeability and available water capacity are Some small areas have been reclaimed by major drainage moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches. and leveling and are used for irrigated crops. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is low. The potential native vegetation is dominated by alkali This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It sacaton, switchgrass, and western wheatgrass. Saltgrass, is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, includ- sedge, rush, and alkali bluegrass are also prominent. ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, Potential production ranges from 3,000 pounds per acre in and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3 favorable years to 2,000 pounds in unfavorable years. As to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage, range condition deteriorates, the switchgrass, alkali sugar beets, small grain, or beans. Land leveling, ditch sacaton, and western wheatgrass decrease and saltgrass, lining, and installing pipelines may be needed for proper sedge, and rush increase. water application. Management of vegetation should be based on taking All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- half and leaving half of the total annual production. Seed- rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and com- ing is difficult and costly because numerous tillage prac- mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. tices are required to eliminate the saltgrass sod. Windbreaks and environmental plantins of trees and Switchgrass, western wheatgrass, alkali sacaton, tall shrubs commonly grown in the area are generally well wheatgrass, and tall fescue are suitable for seeding. They suited to this soil. Cultivation to control competing can be seeded into a clean, firm seedbed. Seedbed vegetation should be continued for as many years as possible following planting. Trees that are best suited and preparation usually requires more than 1 year to have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern eliminate the saltgrass sod. A grass drill should be used. Seeding early in spring has proven most successful. redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, Wetland wildlife, especially waterfowl, utilize this unit. lilac, Siberian peashrub, and American plum. The wetland plants provide nesting and protective cover, This soil can produce habitat elements that are highly as well as some food. The nearby irrigated cropland, suitable for openland wildlife including pheasant, cotton- where wildlife obtain much of their food and fmd protec- tail, and mourning dove. Such crops as wheat, corn, and tive cover, makes this unit valuable to both wetland and alfalfa provide suitable habitat for openland wildlife, openland wildlife. especially pheasant. Tree and shrub plantings and Openland wildlife, especially pheasant, use this unit for undisturbed nesting cover would enhance openland wil- cover and nesting. Deer fmd excellent cover in some dlife populations. areas. This Altvan soil has fair to good potential for urban These valuable wildlife areas should be protected from and recreational development. The chief limiting soil fea- fire and fenced to prevent encroachment and overuse by tures for urban development are the shrink-swell poten- livestock. They should not be drained. tial of the subsoil as it wets and dries and the rapid These soils have good potential as a source of sand and permeability of the sand and gravel substratum. Septic gravel. Capability subclass VIw; Salt Meadow range site. tank absorption fields function properly, but in places the 4—Aquolls and Aquepts, flooded. This nearly level substratum does not contain enough fines to properly map unit is in depressions in smooth plains and along the filter the leachate. Sewage lagoons require sealing, bottoms of natural drainageways throughout the survey Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. Capability subclass area. Aquolls, which have a dark colored surface layer, Ile irrigated. make up about 55 percent of the unit. Aquepts, which 3—Aquolls and Aquents, gravelly substratum. This have a lighter colored surface layer, make up about 25 nearly level map unit is on bottom lands and flood plains percent. About 20 percent is soils that are well drained of all the major streams in the survey area. Aquolls, and soils that have sandstone or shale within 48 inches of which have a dark colored surface layer, make up about the surface. WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 9 These are deep, poorly drained soils that formed in If summer fallowed in alternate years, this soil is well recent alluvium. No one pedon is typical. Commonly the suited to winter wheat, barley, and sorghum. Winter dls have a mottled, mildly to moderately alkaline loamy wheat is the principal crop. The predicted average yield is ,r clayey surface layer and underlying material that ex- 33 bushels per acre. If the crop is winterkilled, spring tends to a depth of 60 inches or more. In places they have wheat can be seeded. Generally precipitation is too low a gleyed layer in the underlying material. for beneficial use of fertilizer. Most of the acreage is subject to excessive runoff. The Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til- water table is at or near the surface in spring and during lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. the peak of the irrigation season. Terracing also may be needed to control water erosion. These soils are used for rangeland and wildlife habitat. The potential native vegetation on this range site is Some small areas are irrigated pasture. dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue The potential native vegetation is dominated by grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama, switchgrass, prairie cordgrass, saltgrass, alkali sacaton, and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential big bluestem, indiangrass, western wheatgrass, slender production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- wheatgrass, sedge, and rush. Cattails and bullrush grow ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range in the swampy spots associated with these range sites. condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, Potential production ranges from 4,000 pounds per acre in and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, favorable years to 3,000 pounds in unfavorable years. As and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade the site as range condition becomes poorer. range condition deteriorates, the tall and mid grasses Management of vegetation should be based on taking decrease, production drops, and saltgrass, sedge, and rush increase. The farming and irrigation in adjacent areas has half and leaving half of the total annual production. Seed- ing is desirable if the range is in poor condition. Sand increased the amount of salts on much of the acreage. bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats grama, Management of vegetation on this soil should be based blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested wheat- on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc-gra grass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected should tion. Switch ss, big bluestem, indiangrass, western meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can be wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, intermediate wheat- rm grass, tall wheatgrass, and tall fescue are suitable for seeded into a clean, fep sorghum stubble, or it can be seeding. The plants selected should met the seasonal drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in spring has proven most successful. requirements of livestock. For successful seeding, a firm Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally prepared seedbed is needed. A grass drill should be used. suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in feeding early in spring has proven most successful. Til- establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- lage is needed to eliminate the undesirable vegetation. tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of Wetland wildlife, especially waterfowl, utilize this unit. vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation The wetland plants provide nesting and protective cover may be needed at the time of planting and during dry as well as some food. The nearby irrigated cropland, periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival where wildlife obtain much of their food and find protec- are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa tive cover, makes this unit valuable to both wetland and pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The openland wildlife. shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi- Openland wildlife, especially pheasant, use this unit for an peashrub. cover and nesting. Deer find excellent cover in some Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The areas. These valuable wildlife areas should be protected cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked from fire and fenced to prevent encroachment and pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can overuse by livestock. They should not be drained. Capa- be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape bility subclass VIw; Aquolls in Salt Meadow range site, cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- Aquepts in Wet Meadow range site. tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- 5—Ascalon sandy loam, It to 3 percent slopes. This is ment. Rangeland wildlife, for example, the pronghorn an- a deep, well drained soil on uplands at elevations of 4,600 telope, can be attracted by developing livestock watering to 5,200 feet. It formed in alluvium. Included in mapping facilities, managing livestock grazing, and reseeding are small areas of rock outcrop. where needed. Typically the surface layer is brown sandy loam about Few areas of this Ascalon soil are in major growth and 10 inches thick. The subsoil is pale brown and yellowish urbanized centers. The shrink-swell potential of the sub- brown sandy clay loam about 15 inches thick. The sub- soil as it wets and dries is the most limiting soil feature stratum to a depth of 60 inches is calcareous fine sandy that must be considered in planning homesites and con- loam. structing roads. Capability subclass IIIe nonirrigated; Permeability is moderate. Available water capacity is Sandy Plains range site. high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. 6—Ascalon sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes. This is Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is low. a deep, well drained soil on uplands at elevations of 4,600 WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 27 Typically the surface layer is light brownish gray fine establish. This soil, however, does have good potential for Andy loam about 8 inches thick. The underlying material such recreational development as camp and picnic areas light olive brown fine sandy loam. Soft sandstone is at and playgrounds. Capability subclass Pie irrigated, VIe a depth of about 28 inches. nonirrigated; Sandy Plains range site. Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water 39—Nunn loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes. This is a deep, capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20 to well drained soil on terraces at elevations of 4,550 to 5,000 40 inches. Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and the ero- feet. It formed in mixed alluvium. Included in mapping Sion hazard is moderate. are small, long and narrow areas of sand and gravel This soil is suited to limited cropping. Intensive deposits and small areas of soil that are subject to occa- cropping is hazardous because of erosion. The cropping sional flooding. Some small leveled areas are also in- system should be limited to such close grown crops as al- eluded. falfa, wheat, and barley. This soil is also suited to ir- Typically the surface layer of this Nunn soil is grayish rigated pasture. A suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 brown loam about 12 inches thick. The subsoil is light years of alfalfa followed by 2 years of corn and small brownish gray clay loam about 12 inches thick. The upper grain and alfalfa seeded with a nurse crop. part of the substratum is light brownish gray clay loam. Close grown crops can be irrigated from closely spaced The lower part to a depth of 60 inches is brown sandy contour ditches or sprinklers. Contour furrows or sprin- loam. klers should be used for new crops. Applications of Permeability is moderately slow. Available water nitrogen and phosphorus help in maintaining good produc- capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches tion. or more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is The potential native vegetation on this range site is low. dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It grama. Needleandthread, swi.tchgrass, sideoats grama, is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, includ- and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3 condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage, switch ass decrease and bluesugar beets, small grain, or beans. Few conservation prac- and gr grama, sand dropseed, tices are needed to maintain top yields. and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade 'he site as range condition becomes poorer. All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- ✓Ianagement of vegetation on this soil should be based rigation is the most common. Barnyard. manure and com- on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. tion. Seeding is desirable if therange is in poor condition. Windbreaks and environmental plantings of trees and Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats shrubs commonly grown in the area are generally well suited to this soil. Cultivation to control competing grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The vegetation should be continued for as many years as gr grass selected possible following g planting. Trees that are best suited and should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in haekberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbush, lilac, spring has proven most successful. Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally Siberian peashrub, and American plum. not suited. Onsite investigation is needed to determine if Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The plantings are feasible. cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can cropland areas provide wildlife habitat for ring-necked be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- This soil has fair to poor potential for urban develop- ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- ment. It has moderate to high shrink swell, low strength, land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be and moderately slow permeability. These features create attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, problems in dwelling and road construction. Those areas managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. that have loam or sandy loam in the lower part of the The underlying sandstone is the most limiting feature substratum are suitable for septic tank absorption fields of this soil. Neither septic tank absorption fields nor and foundations. Some areas are adjacent to streams and sewage lagoons operate properly. Site preparation for are subject to occasional flooding. This soil has fair poten- dwellings is more costly. Environmental and beautifica- tial for such recreational development as camp and picnic plantings of trees and shrubs may be difficult to areas and playgrounds. Capability class I irrigated. WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 31 attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- managing livestock grazing and reseeding where needed. tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of This soil has good potential for urban development. The vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation limiting feature is the moderately rapid permeability may be needed at the time of planting and during dry 1„ ,ne substratum, which causes a hazard of ground water periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival contamination from sewage lagoons. The loamy sand sur- are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redeedar, ponderosa face layer is a limitation for recreational development. pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The Once established, the lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi- Capability subclass IIIe irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; an peashrub. Sandy Plains range site. Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The 45—Olney loamy sand, 3 to 5 percent slopes. This is a cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked deep, well drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,600 to pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can 5200 feet. It formed in mixed outwash deposits. Included be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape in mapping are small areas of soils that have sandstone cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- and shale within a depth of 60 inches and some small tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- leveled areas. ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- Typically the surface layer of this Olney soil is grayish land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be brown loamy sand about 7 inches thick. The subsoil is yel- attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, lowish brown and very pale brown sandy clay loam about managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. 14 inches thick. The substratum to a depth of 60 inches is This soil has good potential for urban development. The very pale brown, calcareous fine sandy loam. only limiting feature is the moderately rapid permeability Permeability and available water capacity are in the substratum, which causes a hazard of ground water moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or contamination from sewage lagoons. The loamy sand sur- more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard if face layer is a limitation for recreational development. low. Once established, the lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. In irrigated areas this soil is suited to the crops com- Capability subclass IIIe irrigated, VI nonirrigated; Sandy monly grown in the area. Perennial grasses and alfalfa or Plains range site. close grown crops should be grown at least 50 percent of 46—Olney fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes. the time. Close grown crops and pasture can be irrigated This is a deep, well drained soil on smooth plains at eleva- with contour ditches and corrugations. Furrows, contour tions of 4,600 to 5,200 feet. It formed in mixed outwash furrows, and cross slope furrows are suitable for row deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that s. Sprinkler irrigation is also desirable. Keeping til- have a dark surface layer and some small leveled. areas. Iage to a minimum and utilizing crop residue help to con- Typically the surface layer of this Olney soil is grayish trol erosion. Maintaining fertility and organic matter con- brown fine sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil tent is important. Crops respond to barnyard manure and is yellowish brown and very pale brown sandy clay loam commercial fertilizer. about 15 inches thick. The substratum to a depth of 60 The potential native vegetation on this range site is inches is very pale brown, calcareous fine sandy loam. dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue Permeability and available water capacity are grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama, moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- low. ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, includ- and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3 the site as range condition becomes poorer. to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage, Management of vegetation on this soil should be based sugar beets, small grain, or beans. Few conservation prac- on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- tices are needed to maintain top yields. tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and com- grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in be seeded into clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of spring has proven most successful. vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally may be needed at the time of planting and during dry suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival 32 SOIL SURVEY are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi- and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, an peashrub. and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The the site as range condition becomes poorer. cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked Management of vegetation on this soil should be based pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- grama, blue grama, and pubescent. wheatgrass are suita- ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. ble for seeding. The grass selected should meet the Rapid expansion of Greeley and the surrounding area seasonal requirements of livestock. It can be seeded into has resulted in urbanization of much of this Olney soil. a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be drilled into a This soil has good potential for urban and recreational firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in spring has development. The only limiting feature is the moderately proven most successful. rapid permeability in the substratum, which causes a Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally hazard of ground water contamination from sewage suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in lagoons. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. Capability establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- class I irrigated. tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of 47—Olney fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation This is a deep, well drained soil on plains at elevations of may be needed at the time of planting and during dry 4,600 to 5,200 feet. It formed in mixed outwash deposits. periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival Included in mapping are small areas of soils that have a are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa dark surface layer. Some small leveled areas are also in- pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The eluded. shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi- Typically the surface layer of this Olney soil is grayish an peashrub. brown fine sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The is yellowish brown and very pale brown sandy clay loam cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked about 14 inches thick. The substratum to a depth of 60 pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can inches is very pale brown, calcareous fine sandy loam. be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape Permeability and available water capacity are cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- low land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be In irrigated areas this soil is suited to all crops com- attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, monly grown in the area, including corn, sugar beets, managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, and onions. An exam- Rapid expansion of Greeley and the surrounding area ple of a suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 years of alfalfa has resulted in urbanization of much of the Olney soil. followed by corn, corn for silage, sugar beets, small grain, This soil has good potential for urban and recreational or beans. Land leveling, ditch lining, and installing development. The only limiting feature is the moderately pipelines may be needed for proper water application. All rapid permeability in the substratum, which causes a methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow irrigation is hazard of ground water contamination from sewage the most common. Barnyard manure and commercial fer- lagoons. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. Capability tilizer are needed for top yields. subclass Ile irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; Sandy Plains In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat, range site. barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted to 48—Olney fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes. winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 28 bushels This is a deep, well drained soil on plains at elevations of per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in alternate years 4,600 to 5,200 feet. It formed in mixed outwash deposits. to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation is Included in mapping are small areas of soils that have a too low for beneficial use of fertilizer. dark surface layer and small areas of soils that have Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til- sandstone and shale within a depth of 60 inches. lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. Typically the surface layer of this Olney soil is grayish Terracing also may be needed to control water erosion. brown fine sandy clay loam about, 8 inches thick. The sub- The potential native vegetation on this range site is soil is yellowish brown and very pale brown fine sandy dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue loam about 12 inches thick. The substratum to a depth of grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama, 60 inches is very pale brown, calcareous fine sandy loam. and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential Permeability and available water capacity are production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 33 more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be irrigated areas this soil is suited to the crops corn- attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, only grown in the area. Perennial grasses and alfalfa or managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. close grown crops should be grown at least 50 percent of Rapid expansion of Greeley and the surrounding area the time. Contour ditches and corrugations can be used in has resulted in urbanization of much of this Olney soil. irrigating close grown crops and pasture. Furrows, con- The soil has good potential for urban and recreational tour furrows, and cross slope furrows are suitable for row development. The only limiting feature is the moderately crops. Sprinkler irrigation is also desirable. Keeping til- rapid permeability in the substratum, which causes a lage to a minimum and utilizing crop residue help to con- hazard of ground water contamination from sewage trol erosion. Maintaining fertility is important. Crops lagoons. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. Capability respond to applications of phosphorus and nitrogen. subclass IIIe irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; Sandy Plains In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat, range site. barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted to 49—Osgood sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes. This is a deep, winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 25 bushels well drained soil on smooth plains at elevations of 4,680 to per acre. The soil is summer (allowed in alternate years 4,900 feet. It formed in eolian sands. Included in mapping to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation is are small areas of soils that have a subsoil within 20 too low for beneficial use of fertilizer. inches of the surface. Also included are small areas of Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til- soils that have a loam and sandy clay loam subsoil. lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. Typically the surface layer of this Osgood soil is gray- Terracing also may be needed to control water erosion. ish brown sand about 22 inches thick.. The subsoil is The potential native vegetation on this range site is brown sandy loam about 12 inches thick. The substratum dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue to a depth of 60 inches is pale brown loamy sand and grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama, sand. and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As condi- inches or more. Surface runoff is very slow, and the ero- tion deteriorates, sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and sion hazard is low. switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, and This soil is suited to limited cropping. Intensive 7d sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade the cropping is hazardous because of erosion. The cropping as range condition becomes poorer. system should be limited to such close grown crops as al- Management of vegetation on this soil should be based falfa, wheat, and barley. This soil also is suited to ir- on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- rigated pasture. A suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. years of alfalfa followed by 2 years of corn and small Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats grain and alfalfa seeded with a nurse crop. grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested Closely spaced contour ditches or sprinklers can be wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected used in irrigating close grown crops. Contour furrows or should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can sprinklers should be used for new crops. Applications of be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be nitrogen and phosphorus help in maintaining good produc- drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in tion. spring has proven most successful. The potential vegetation on this soil is dominated by Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in grama, needleandthread, little bluestem, and blue grama. establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- Potential production ranges from 2,500 pounds per acre in tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of favorable years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation range condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, may be needed at the time of planting and during dry switchgrass, sand reedgrass, sideoats grama, and little periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival bluestem decrease; forage production drops; and sand are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa sage increases. Undesirable weeds and annuals invade pine, Siberian elm, Russian-Clive, and hackberry. The and "blowout" conditions can occur as range condition shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi- becomes poorer. an peashrub. Management of vegetation on this soil should be based Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, indiangrass, switchgrass, be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape sideoats grama, little bluestem, and blue grama are suita- cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- ble for seeding. Because this soil is susceptible to soil and should be included in plans for habitat develop- blowing, the grasses should be seeded with an interseeder 34 SOIL SURVEY or drilled into a firm, clean sorghum stubble. Seeding tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of early in spring has proven most successful. Brush vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation management can also help to improve deteriorated range. may be needed at the time of planting and during dry Windbreaks and environmental plantings are fairly well periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival suited to this soil. Blowing sand and low available water are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa capacity are the principal hazards in establishing trees pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The and shrubs. This soil is so loose that trees should be shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi- planted in shallow furrows, and vegetation is needed an peashrub. between the rows. Supplemental irrigation may be needed Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. to insure survival. Trees that are best suited and have Ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, and many non- good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern game species can be attracted by establishing areas for redcedar, ponderosa pine, and Siberian elm. The shrubs nesting and escape cover. For pheasants, undisturbed best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberian nesting cover is essential and should be included in plans peashrub. for habitat development, especially in areas of intensive Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The agriculture. cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked Rapid expansion of Greeley and the surrounding area pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can has resulted in urbanization of much of this Otero soil. be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape This soil has excellent potential for urban and recrea- cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- tional development. The only limiting feature is the tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- moderately rapid permeability in the substratum, which ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- causes a hazard of ground water contamination from land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be sewage lagoons. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, Capability subclass Its irrigated. managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. 51—Otero sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This is a Few areas of this soil are in major growth and ur- deep, well drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,700 to banized centers. The chief limiting feature is the rapid 5,250 feet. It formed in mixed outwash and eolian permeability in the substratum, whin causes a hazard of deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that ground water contamination from seepage. Potential for have loam and clay loam underlying material. recreation is poor because of the sandy surface layer. Typically the surface layer is brown sandy loam about Capability subclass IVe irrigated, VIe nonirrigated; Deep 12 inches thick. The underlying material to a depth of 60 Sand range site. inches is pale brown calcareous fine sandy loam. 50—Otero sandy loam.. 0 to 1 percent slopes. This is a Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is deep, well drained soil on smooth plains at elevations of moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or 4,700 to 5,250 feet. It formed in mixed outwash and eolian more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that low. have loam and clay loam underlying material. This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It Typically the surface layer is brown sandy loam about is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area. Land 12 inches thick. The underlying material to a depth of 60 leveling, ditch lining, and installing pipelines may be inches is pale brown calcareous fine sandy loam. needed for proper water application. Permeability is rapid.. Available water capacity is All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and corn- more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. low. In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat, This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted to is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, includ- winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 28 bushels ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in alternate years and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3 to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitaiton is to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage, too low for beneficial use of fertilizer. sugar beets, small grain, or beans. Generally, such charac- Stubble mulch farming, striperop ping, and minimum til- teristics as a high clay 2ontent or a rapidly permeable lage are needed to control water erosion. Terracing also substratum slightly restrict some crops. may be needed to control water erosion. All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- The potential native vegetation on this range site is rigation is the most common. Proper irrigation water dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue management is essential. Barnyard manure and commer- grama. Needleandthread, switclagrass, sideoats grama, cial fertilizer are needed for top yields. and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 49 shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi- and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, ❑❑ peashrub. and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The the site as range condition becomes poorer. upland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked Management of vegetation on this soil should be based neasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape tion. Seeding is desirable if range is in poor condition. cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. drilled into a firm prepared seedbed.. Seeding early in This soil has good potential for urban and recreational spring has proven most successful. development. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. The Windbreaks and environmental plantings generally are only limiting feature is the rapid permeability in the sub- suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in stratum, which causes a hazard of ground water con- establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- tamination from sewage lagoons. Capability subclass Ile tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of irrigated; IVe nonirrigated; Sandy Plains range site. vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation 77—Vona sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes. This is a may be needed at the time of planting and during dry deep, well drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,600 to periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival 5,200 feet. It formed in eolian deposits. Included in are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa mapping are small areas of soils that have a loamy sub- pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The stratum and areas of soils that are noncalcareous to a shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac and Siberi- depth of 60 inches. an peashrub. Typically the surface layer of this Vona soil is grayish Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The brown sandy loam about 8 inches thick. The subsoil is cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked brown fine sandy loam about 15 inches thick. The sub- pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can stratum to a depth of 60 inches is sandy loam. be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- inches or more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- azard is low. land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be In irrigated areas this soil is suited to the crops com- attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, monly grown in the area. Perennial grasses and alfalfa or managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. close grown crops should be grown at least 50 percent of This soil has good potential for urban and recreational the time. Contour ditches and corrugations can be used in development. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. The irrigating close grown crops and pasture. Furrows, con- only limiting feature is the rapid permeability in the sub- tour furrows, and cross slope furrows are suitable for row stratum, which causes a hazard of ground water con- crops. Sprinkler irrigation is also desirable. Keeping til- Lamination from sewage lagoons. Capability subclass IIIe lage to a minimum and utilizing crop residue help to con- irrigated, Vle nonirrigated; Sandy Plains range site. trol erosion. Maintaining fertility is important. Crops 78—Weld loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes. This is a deep, respond to applications of phosphorus and nitrogen. well drained soil on smooth plains at elevations of 4,850 to In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat, 5,000 feet. It formed in eolian deposits. Included in barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted to mapping are small areas of soils that have a subsoil of winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 28 bushels loam and light clay loam. Also included are some leveled per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in alternate years areas. to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation is Typically the surface layer of this Weld soil is brown too low to make beneficial use of fertilizer. loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil is brown and pale Mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum tillage are brown heavy clay loam and light clay about 20 inches needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. Terrac- thick. The substratum to a depth of 60 inches is silt loam. ing also may be needed to control water erosion. Permeability is slow. Available water capacity is high. The potential native vegetation on this range site is The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is low. grama. Needleandthread, svitchgrass, sideoats grama, This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area includ- production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3 condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage, Hello