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Home My WebLink About970691.tiff 47 ‘,______/, 47 4"��—/ ]2 \ 62 4 • l + + + 56 73 �) 76 + />24'4_, 72 63 4276 ,C}f$ a 51 'J/ 76 t/ g 5 3 8„ 67 4+ 9 72 10 58 63 g' 72 41 19 - "' 7 . 57 62 73 '')'‘Ii? 724''t9Ru + 51 • L 1 i M 56 • 4 44 ' •4b.. 73 1 } J 72 O + 73 4 41 +\ 72 ! 72 51 � + I .a ,: 17 62 16 72 70 15 76 77 '1 • 51 • ..,.. mNo4.:< 38 . ' , 73 ifI 39 1 37 • 73 • K. 72 4 + + 72 451 53 41 51 37 4 • \y/1HI- 1 p' 69 .e; 47, '.rdC , \ 70 63 37 69 46 ,7r£6 41 4.4 f' 4 73 ,�'. + :2t 3 1920 70 w22 rasr72 75 az �. . .. 72 Y + 56 4 72eV • i. 25 444 a' 70 79 - '�^d. 46 N 47 • 51+ _. 79 .., ' "k°r+ J`dW .na7 .+ior: s, .M k r .. 62 ' \ 0 r r g" - _ I ° 29` ;'1I 28 .,( 27 72 a. •'yd Ld. f. -Z6 43 • t K t4 �, ye � a I d" u, . 1 yet . 0 91 97 6 1„ '� 2 1._ 46 SOIL SURVEY Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is yellowish brown fine sandy loam about 16 inches thick. moderate. A water table is at or near the surface in The substratum to a depth of 60 inches is sandy loam. spring and about 36 inches below the surface in fall. Sur- Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water face runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is low. capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 This unit is used for rangeland and wildlife habitat. The inches or more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion potential native vegetation on the Valent soil is hazard is low. dominated by sand reedgrass, sand bluestem, blue and In irrigated areas this soil is suited to the crops com- hairy grama, little bluestem, needleandthread, and monly grown in the area. Perennial grasses and alfalfa or sideoats grama. Potential production ranges from 1,800 close grown crops should be grown at least 50 percent of pounds per acre in favorable years to 1,400 pounds in un- the time. Contour ditches and corrugations can be used in favorable years. As range condition deteriorates, the sand irrigating close grown crops and pasture. Furrows, con- bluestem, sand reedgrass, sideoats grama, and little tour furrows, and cross slope furrows are suitable for row bluestem decrease; sandhill muhly and blowout grass in- crops. Sprinkler irrigation is also desirable. Keeping til- crease, and forage production drops. "Blowouts" occur as lage to a minimum and utilizing crop residue help to con- range condition becomes poorer. trol erosion. Maintaining fertility is important. Crops The native vegetation on the Loup soil is dominated by respond to applications of phosphorus and nitrogen. switchgrass, little bluestem, sand reedgrass, and western In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat, wheatgrass. Indiangrass, sand bluestem, prairie cordgrass, barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted to slender wheatgrass, alkali sacaton, saltgrass, sedge, and winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 20 bushels rush are also present. Potential production ranges from per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in alternate years 4,000 pounds per acre in favorable years to 3,000 pounds to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation is in unfavorable years. As range condition deteriorates, the too low for beneficial use of fertilizer. switchgrass, sand bluestem, indiangrass, little bluestem, Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til- and prairie cordgrass decrease, and saltgrass, blue grama, lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. sand dropseed, sedge, and rush increase. Undesirable Terracing also may be needed to control water erosion. weeds and annuals invade the site as range condition The potential native vegetation on this range site is becomes poorer. dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue Seeding with an interseedar is advisable if the range is grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama, in poor condition. Sand reedgrass, sand bluestem, sideoats and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential _ grama, switchgrass, little bluestem, indiangrass, and blue production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- grama are suitable for seeding. Seeding early in spring ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range has proven most successful. Grazing should be light to condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, prevent range deterioration. and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, Wildlife is an important secondary use of this unit. On and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade the Valent soil, rangeland wildlife, for example, the the site as range condition becomes poorer. pronghorn antelope, can be attracted by developing Management of vegetation on this soil should be based livestock watering facilities, managing livestock grazing, on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- and reseeding where needed. tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. The Loup soil, which is typically wet and produces an Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats abundance of wetland vegetation, attracts wetland wil- grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested dlife species, such as mallard, teal, geese, and miscellane- wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected ous shorebirds. Primary management of this soil for wet- should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It land wildlife includes managing livestock grazing, fencing should be drilled into a clean, firm sorghum stubble or a to control livestock, protecting from fire, and preventing prepared seedbed. Seeding early in spring has proven drainage. Natural wetland vegetation should be allowed most successful. to develop. Capability subclass VIe irrigated, VIe nonir- Windbreaks and environmental plantings are fairly well rigated; Valent soil in Choppy Sand Meadow range site, suited to this soil. Blowing sand and low available water Loup soil in Sandy Meadow range site. capacity are the principal hazards in establishing trees 72—Vona loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes. This is a and shrubs. The soil is so loose that trees should be deep, somewhat excessively drained soil on plains and planted in shallow furrows and vegetation maintained high terraces at elevations of 4,600 to 5,200 feet. It between the rows. Supplemental irrigation is needed to formed in eolian or alluvial deposits. Included in mapping insure survival. Trees that are best suited and have good are some leveled areas. Also included are small areas of survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, soils that have a loamy substratum and some areas of ponderosa pine, and Siberian elm. The shrubs best suited soils that are noncalcareous to a depth of 60 inches. are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberian peashrub. Typically the surface layer of this Vona soil is grayish Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The brown. The upper 6 inches is loamy sand and the lower 6 cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked inches is fine sandy loam. The subsoil is brown and light pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can 970691 WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 47 be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can ti. id should be included in plans for habitat develop- be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be me.., especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be spring has proven most successful. attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, Windbreaks and environmental plantings are fairly well managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. suited to this soil. Blowing sand and low available water This soil has good potential for urban and recreational capacity are the principal hazards in establishing trees development. Once established, the lawns, shrubs, and and shrubs. The soil is so loose that trees should be trees grow well. The chief limiting soil feature is the planted in shallow furrows and vegetation maintained rapid permeability in the substratum, which causes a between the rows. Supplemental irrigation may be needed hazard of ground water contamination from sewage to insure survival. Trees that are best suited and have lagoons. In places recreational development is limited by good survival arc Rocky Mountain juniper, western the susceptibility to soil blowing. Capability subclass IIIe redcedar, ponderosa pine, and Siberian elm. The shrubs irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; Sandy Plains range site. best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberian 73—Vona loamy sand, 3 to 5 percent slopes. This is a peashrub. Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The deep, somewhat excessively drained soil on plains and high terraces at elevations of 4,600 to 5,200 feet. It cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked formed in eolian or alluvial deposits. Included in mapping pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can are some leveled areas. Also included are small areas of be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- soils that have a loamy substratum and some areas of tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- soils that are noncaleareous to a depth of 60 inches. ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- Typically the surface layer of this Vona soil is grayish land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be brown. The upper 6 inches is loamy sand and the lower 5 attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, inches is fine sandy loam. The subsoil is brown and light managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. yellowish brown fine sandy loam about 14 inches thick. This soil has good potential for urban and recreational The substratum to a depth of 60 inches is sandy loam. development. Once established, the lawns, shrubs, and Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water trees • tgrow well. The primary limiting soil feature is the capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 rapid permeability in the substratum, which causes a inches or more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard of ground water contamination from sewage h: .I is low. lagoons. In places recreational development is limited by This soil is suited to limited cropping. Intensive the susceptibility to soil blowing. Capability subclass IVe cropping is hazardous because of soil blowing. The irrigated, VIe nonirrigated; Sandy Plains range site. cropping system should be limited to such close grown 74—Vona loamy sand, 5 to 9 percent slopes. This is a crops as alfalfa, wheat, and barley. The soil is also suited deep, somewhat excessively drained soil on plains at to irrigated pasture. A suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 elevations of 4,600 to 5,200 feet. It formed in eolian years of alfalfa followed by 2 years of corn and small deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that grain and alfalfa seeded with a nurse crop. have a loamy substratum and areas of soils that are non- Closely spaced contour ditches or sprinklers can be calcareous to a depth of 60 inches. used in irrigating close grown crops. Contour furrows or Typically the surface layer is grayish brown. The upper spinklers should be used for new crops. Application of 6 inches is loamy sand and the lower 4 inches is fine barnyard manure and commercial fertilizer helps to main- sandy loam. The subsoil is brown and light yellowish fain good production. brown fine sandy loam about 12 inches thick. The sub- The potential native vegetation on this range site is stratum to a depth of 60 inches is loamy sand. dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama, capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential inches or more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- hazard is low. ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range The potential native vegetation on this range site is condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama, and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential the site as range condition becomes poorer. production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- Management of vegetation on this soil should be based ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade gv -',a, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested the site as range condition becomes poorer. 40 SOIL SURVEY from 800 pounds per acre in favorable years to 500 production ranges from 1,750 pounds per acre in favora- pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition deteri- ble years to 950 pounds in unfavorable years. As range orates, the mid grasses decrease and forage production condition deteriorates, the sideoats grama, little bluestem, drops. Undesirable weeds and annuals invade the site as and sand reedgrass decrease; yucca, sedge, and blue range condition becomes poorer. grama increase; and forage production drops. Management of vegetation on the Shingle soil should be Management of vegetation should be based on taking based on taking half and leaving half of the total annual half or less of the total annual production. Deferred graz- production. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor ing is practical in mechanical tical inn improving mpent areimpractical.oigecondition. Seeding and condition. Western wheatgrass, blue grama, alkali sacaton, Windbreaks e and environmental plantings are generally sideoats grama, little bluestem, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The not suited to this soil. Onsite investigation is needed to grass selected should meet the seasonal requirements of determine if plantings are feasible. livestock. It can be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum Production of vegetation on this treeless soil is low, stubble, or it can be drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. especially during drought, when annual production can be as low as 300 pounds per acre. Rangeland wildlife, such as Seeding early in spring has proven most successful. The potential native vegetation on the Renohill soil is antelope and scaled quail, can be attracted by managing dominated by western wheatgrass and blue grama. Buf- livestock grazing, installing livestock watering facilities, and reseeding where needed. falograss is also presented.Potential production ranges This soil has poor potential for urban development.The from 1,000 pounds per acre in favorable years to 600 chief limiting feature is the shallow depth to sandstone. pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition deteri- Capability subclass VIe irrigated, Vle nonirrigated; Sand- orates, a blue grama-buffalograss sod forms. Undesirable stone Breaks range site. weeds and annuals invade the site as range condition 62—Terry fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes. This becomes poorer. is a moderately deep, well drained soil on plains at eleva- Management of vegetation on the Renohill soil should tions of 4,500 to 5,000 feet. It formed in residuum from be based on taking half and leaving half of the total an- sandstone. Included in mapping are small areas of soils nual production. Range pitting can reduce runoff. Seeding that have sandstone deeper than 40 inches. Also included is desirable if the range is in poor condition. Western are small areas of soils that have a subsoil of sandy clay wheatgrass, blue grama, sideoats grama, buffalograss, pu- loam and clay loam. bescent wheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass are suitable Typically the surface layer of this Terry soil is pale for seeding. The grass selected should meet the seasonal brown fine sandy loam about 6 inches thick. The subsoil is requirements of livestock. It can be seeded into a clean, pale brown fine sandy loam about 21 inches thick. The firm sorghum stubble, or it can be drilled into a firm substratum is very pale brown fine sandy loam. Sand- prepared seedbed. Seeding early in spring has proven stone is at a depth of about 37 inches. most successful. Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water Rangeland wildlife, such as antelope, cottontail, and capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20 to coyote, are best suited to this unit. Because forage 40 inches. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard production is typically low, grazing management is needed is low if livestock and wildlife share the range. Livestock water- This soil is suited to most of the irrigated crops com- ing facilities also are utilized by various wildlife species. monly grown in the area. The moderate depth restricts Capability subclass VIe irrigated, VIe nonirrigated; Shin- some crops. A suitable cropping system is corn, corn for gle soil in Shaly Plains range site, Renohill soil in Clayey silage, barley, 3 to 4 years of alfalfa, and wheat. This soil Plains range site. is also well suited to irrigated pasture. 61—Tassel fine sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes. Furrows or sprinklers can be used in irrigating row This is a shallow, well drained soil on upland breaks at crops. Flooding from contour ditches and sprinkling are elevations of 4,850 to 5,200 feet. It formed in residuum suitable in irrigating close grown crops and pasture. Small from sandstone. Included in mapping are small areas of heads of water and short runs reduce the risk of erosion. sandstone outcrop and areas of noncalcareous soils. Production can be maintained by frequent irrigations and Typically the surface layer of this Tassel soil is light by applications of barnyard manure and commercial fertil- yellowish brown fine sandy loam about 7 inches thick. The izer. Keeping tillage to a minimum and utilizing crop underlying material is light yellowish brown very fine residue are important. sandy loam. Sandstone is at a depth of about 11 inches. In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat, Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted to capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 10 to 20 winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 25 bushels inches. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in alternate years is moderate. to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation is The potential native vegetation is dominated by too low for beneficial use of fertilizer. sideoats grama, little bluestem, blue grama, threadleaf Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til- sedge, sand reedgrass, and needleandthread. Potential lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. 4 /®x;.91 WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 41 The potential native vegetation on this range site is This soil is suited to limited cropping. Intensive dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue cropping is hazardous because of erosion. The cropping ,, "ama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama, system should be limited to such close grown crops as al- and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential falfa, wheat, and barley. The soil is also suited to ir- production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- rigated pasture. A suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range years of alfalfa followed by 2 years of corn and small condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, grain and alfalfa seeded with a nurse crop. and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, Closely spaced contour ditches or sprinklers can be and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade used in irrigating close grown crops. Contour furrows or the site as range condition becomes poorer. sprinklers should be used for new crops. Applications of Management of vegetation on this soil should be based nitrogen and phosphorus help in maintaining good produc- on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- tion. tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. The potential native vegetation on this range site is Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama, wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble or it can be ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, spring has proven most successful. and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade not suited to this soil. Onsite investigation is needed to the site as range condition becomes poorer. determine if plantings are feasible. 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, switchgrass, sideoats be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can —ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be and wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, spring has proven most successful. managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally The underlying sandstone is the most limiting feature not suited to this soil. Onsite investigation is needed to of this soil. Neither septic tank absorption fields nor determine if plantings are feasible. sewage lagoons function properly. Site preparation for Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The dwellings is costly. Enviornmental and beautification cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked plantings of trees and shrubs can be difficult to establish. pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can Potential is good, however, for such recreational develop- he attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape ment as camp and picnic areas and playgrounds. Capabili- cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- ty subclass IVe irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; Sandy Plains tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- range site. ment, especially, in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- 63—Terry fine sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes. This land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be is a moderately deep, well drained soil on plains at eleva- attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, tions of 4,500 to 5,000 feet. It formed in residuum from managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. sandstone. Included in mapping are small areas of soils The underlying sandstone is the most limiting feature that have sandstone deeper than 40 inches. Also included of this soil. Neither septic tank absorption fields nor are small areas of soils that have a sandy clay loam and sewage lagoons function properly. Site preparation for clay loam subsoil. dwellings is costly. Environmental and beautification Typically the surface layer of this Terry soil is pale plantings of trees and shrubs can be difficult to establish. brown fine sandy loam about 6 inches thick. The subsoil is Potential is good, however, for such recreational develop- pale brown fine sandy loam about 18 inches thick. The ment as camp and picnic areas. Capability subclass IVe ir- substratum is fine sandy loam. Sandstone is at a depth of rigated, Vie nonirrigated; Sandy Plains range site. about 32 inches. 64—Thedalund loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This is a Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water moderately deep, well drained soil on plains at elevations capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20 to of 4,900 to 5,250 feet. It formed in residuum from shale. 40 inches. Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and the cro- Included in mapping are small areas of soils that have sion hazard is moderate. shale and sandstone deeper than 40 inches. 8 SOIL SURVEY filter the leachate. Sewage lagoons require sealing. 60 percent of the unit. Aquents, which have a lighter Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. 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 preparation usually requires more than 1 year to possible following planting. Trees that are best suited and eliminate the saltgrass sod. A grass drill should be used. have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern Seeding early in spring has proven most successful. redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and Wetland wildlife, especially waterfowl, utilize this unit. hackberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, The wetland plants provide nesting and protective cover, lilac, Siberian peashrub, and American plum. as well as some food. The nearby irrigated cropland, This soil can produce habitat elements that are highly suitable for openland wildlife including pheasant, cotton- where wildlife obtain much of their food and find 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 find 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, lie 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 -ecent alluvium. No one pedon is typical. Commonly the suited to winter wheat, barley, and sorghum. Winter ails have a mottled, mildly to moderately alkaline loamy wheat is the principal crop. The predicted average yield is or 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 condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, in the swampy spots associated with these range sites. and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, Potential production ranges from 4,000 pounds per acre in 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 half and leaving half of the total annual production. Seed- increase. The farming and irrigation in adjacent areas has 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 on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested wheat- grass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected should lion. Switchgrass, big bluestem, indiangrass, western meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can be wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, intermediate wheat- seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be grass, tall wheatgrass, and tall fescue are suitable for drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in seeding. The plants selected should met the seasonal 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 Seeding 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, 1 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 9"70691 Hello