HomeMy WebLinkAbout991817.tiff 0,11
C' SHEET NO. 29 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
WELD COUNTY,COLORADO, SOUTHERN PARTpis+SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE "` •rit r
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4 SOIL SURVEY
tial for urban development is only fair to'poor. The main This nearly level to moderately sloping map unit is on
limitations are moderate to high shrink swell, low plains and alluvial fans throughout the survey area. It
("41 strength, and slow permeability. The potential is fair for makes up about 23.5 percent of the total acreage. About
development of openland wildlife habitat. 35 percent is Olney soils, 20 percent is Kim soils, 15 per-
cent is Otero soils, and 30 percent is soils of minor extent.
3. Weld-Colby The soils in this map unit occupy the same relative
Deep, nearly level to moderately sloping, well drained positions on the landscape (fig. 2). Olney soils have a
foams formed in calcareous eolian deposits loamy sand or sandy loam surface layer and a sandy clay
loam subsoil. Kim soils have a loam surface layer and
This nearly level to moderately sloping map unit is on
plains mainly in the southeastern part of the survey area. loam and fine sandy loam underlying material. Otero soils
have a sandy loam surface layer and fine sandy loam un-
One small area is in the west-central part. The unit makes derlying material.
up about 10 percent of the total acreage. About 50 per- Minor in this unit are the well drained Ascalon, Nelson,
cent is Weld soils, 35 percent is Colby soils, and 15 per- Thedalund, and Vona soils.
cent is soils of minor er:tent. This map unit is used for irrigated and nonirrigated
Weld soils occupy the broad nearly level areas. Colby
soils occupy the steeper side slopes. Weld soils have a cropland and for rangeland. The potential is good for
loam surface layer and a clay and clay loam subsoil. Colby urban development and fair for wildlife habitat.
soils have a loam surface layer and silt loam underlying 6. Otero-Thedalund-Nelson
material.
Minor in this unit are the well drained Adena and Kim Deep and moderately deep, nearly level to moderately
soils. sloping, well drained sandy foams and clay loams
This map unit is used mainly for cropland. About 65 formed in alluvium and eolian deposits and in residuum
percent is nonirrigate el. Winter wheat is the principal from shale and sandstone
crop. If irrigated, the soils are well suited to all commonly This nearly level to moderately sloping map unit is on
grown crops. The potential is fair for development of plains in the north-central part of the survey area. It
openland wildlife habitat. makes up about 3 percent of the total acreage. About 35
4. Wiley-Colby-Weld percent is Otero soils, 25 percent is Thedalund soils, 25
percent is Nelson soils, and 15 percent is soils of minor
Deep, nearly level to moderately sloping, well drained silt extent.
rill foams and foams fanned in calcareous eolian deposits Otero soils are on the nearly level or smoother side
This nearly level to moderately sloping map unit is on slopes. Thedalund and Nelson soils are intermingled and
plains in the west-central and southwestern parts of the are on the steeper side slopes. Otero soils have a sandy
survey area. It makes up about 5.5 percent of the total loam surface layer and fine sandy loam underlying
acreage. About 30 percent is Wiley soils, 30 percent is material. Thedalund soils have a loam surface layer and
Colby soils, 15 percent is Weld soils, and 25 percent is underlying material. Shale is between depths of 20 and 40
soils of minor extent. inches. Nelson soils have a fine sandy loam surface layer
Wiley and Colby soils form an intermingled complex and underlying material. Sandstone is between 20 and 40
pattern on the steeper side slopes. Weld soils are along inches.
the narrow ridgetops and on the nearly level side slopes. Minor in this unit are the well drained Kim, Renohill,
Wiley soils have a silt loam surface layer and a silty clay Terry, and Vona soils.
loam subsoil. Colby soils have a loam surface layer and This map unit is used mainly for irrigated cropland. Soil
silt loam underlying material. Weld soils have a loam sur- depth is the main limitation in fanning and urban
face layer and a clay loam subsoil. development. The potential is fair for development of
Minor in this unit are the moderately well drained openland wildlife habitat.
Heldt soils and the well drained Nunn and Ulm soils.
This map unit is used mainly for cropland. About 70 7. Tassel-Thedalund-Terry
percent is irrigated and is well suited to all commonly Shallow to moderately deep, gently sloping to strongly
grown crops. In ted areas, winter wheat is the sloping, well drained sandy foams to clay loams formed
principal crop. The potential is fair for urban develop- in residuum from sandstone and shale
ment. Moderately slow permeability is the main limita-
tion. The potential is also fair for development of open- This gently sloping to strongly sloping map unit is in
land wildlife. the western part of the survey area, adjacent to and in-
cluding the sandstone breaks along some of the major
5. Olney-Kim-Otero streams. It makes up about 1 percent of the total acreage.
Deep, nearly level to moderately sloping, well drained About 50 percent is Tassel soils, 20 percent is Thedalund
I/�� sandy loams and loams formed in mixed alluvium and soils, 20 percent is Terry soils, and 10 percent is soils of
;( eolian deposits minor extent.
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WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 13
only limiting features are th.e rapid permeability in the Typically the surface layer is brown gravelly sandy
fbstratum and the resulting hazard of ground water con- loam about 9 inches thick. The upper part of the underly-
,amination from sewage lagoons. Capability class I ir- ing material is pale brown and light yellowish brown very
rigated. gravelly sandy loam about 22 inches thick. The lower part
12—Bresser sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This is to a depth of 60 inches is light yellowish brown very
a deep, well drained soil on terraces at elevations of 4,700 gravelly sand. A layer of strong lime accumulation 22
to 4,800 feet. It formed in alluvium deposited by the inches thick is below the surface layer.
South Platte River. Included in mapping are small areas Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water
of soils that have sand and gravelly sand in the lower capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60
part of the substratum. - inches or more. Surface runoff is slow to medium, and the
Typically the surface layer is grayish brown sandy loam erosion hazard is low.
about 11 inches thick. The subsoil is brown and yellowish The potential native vegetation is dominated by little
brown sandy clay loam about 18 inches thick. The sub- bluestem, sideoats grama, sand reedgrass, blue grama,
stratum to a depth of 60 inches is loamy sand. hairy grama, switchgrass, and needleandthread. Potential
Permeability and available water capacity are production ranges from 1,200 pounds per acre in favora-
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or ble years to 700 pounds in unfavorable years. As range
more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is condition deteriorates, the tall and mid grasses decrease,
low. blue grama and hairy grama increase, and forage produc-
This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It tion drops.
is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, includ- Management of vegetation should be based on taking
ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, half or less of the total annual production. Seeding and
and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3 mechanical treatment are impractical. Deferred grazing is
to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage, a practical measure in improving range condition.
sugar beets, small grain, or beans. Land leveling, ditch Windbreaks and environmental plantings are suited to
lining, and installing pipelines may be needed for proper this soil. Low available water capacity and high calcium
water application. content are the principal hazards in establishing trees and
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- shrubs. Weed control is needed to insure establishment
rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and com- and survival of plantings. Supplemental irrigation also
mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. may be needed to insure survival. Trees that are best
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally suited and have good survival are Rocky Mountain ju-
uited� to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in riper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa pine, and Siberian elm.
establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- The shrubs best adapted are skunkbush sumac and lilac_
tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of Wildlife uses are very limited because this soil lacks
vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation potential for producing necessary habitat elements.
may be needed at the time of planting and during dry Because most of the acreage is rangeland, only rangeland
periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival wildlife, for example, scaled quail and antelope, are typi-
are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa
cal. Extreme care is needed in managing livestock grazing
pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The
shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi- in order to provide suitable habitat on this soil.
an peashrub. Steepness is the most limiting soil feature that must be
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. considered in planning homesites and the construction of
roads. Other limiting features are the rapid permeability
Ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, and many non-
game species can be attracted by establishing areas for in the substratum and the resulting hazard of ground
nesting and escape cover. For pheasants, undisturbed water contamination from sewage lagoons. Site prepara-
nesting cover is essential and should be included in plans tion for environmental plantings such as lawns, shrubs,
for habitat development, especially in areas of intensive and trees is difficult because of the high content of gravel
agriculture. and cobbles. Capability subclass VIIs nonirrigated; Gravel
This soil has good potential for urban and recreational breaks range site.
development. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. The 14—Colby loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes. This is a deep,
only limiting features are the rapid permeability in the well drained soil on uplands at elevations of 4,850 to 5,050
substratum and the resulting hazard of ground water con- feet. It formed in calcareous eolian deposits.
tamination from sewage lagoons. Capability subclass Ile Typically the surface layer is pale brown loam about 12
irrigated. inches thick. The underlying material to a depth of 60.
13—Cascajo gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent inches is very pale brown silt loam.
slopes. This is a deep, excessively drained soil on terrace Permeability is moderate. Available water capacity is
edges and upland ridges at elevations of 4,600 to 5,200 high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more.
feet. It formed in very gravelly calcareous alluvium. In- Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is low.
fluded in mapping are small areas of soils that are shal- This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It
-ow or moderately deep over sandstone and shale. is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area includ-
• 99 /ki7
,®- --
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 31
attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul-
ec aging livestock grazing and reseeding where needed. tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of
f his soil has good potential for urban development. The vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation
only limiting feature is the moderately rapid permeability may be needed at the time of planting and during dry
in the 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 red.cedar, 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
5,200 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-
contour ditches and corrugations. Furrows, contour tions of 4,600 to 5,200 feet. It formed in mixed outwash
ows, and cross slope furrows are suitable for row deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that
crops. Sprinkler irrigation is also desirable. Keeping til- have a dark surface layer and some small leveled areas.
lage 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 co:ntrolled 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
ndbreaks and environmental plantings are generally may be needed at the time of planting and during dry
s 3 to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival
//F/7
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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
F 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 corn- 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.
r 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
„Hass .. , -
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WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 33
rThre. 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
In irrigated areas this soil is suited to the crops corn- attracted by developing livestock watering facilities,
111only 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 fallowed 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-
on deteriorates, sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and sion hazard is low.
ras
itchgrass decrease and bluE: grama, sand dropseed, and This soil is suited to limited cropping. Intensive
Dand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade the cropping is hazardous because of erosion. The cropping
site 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-olive, 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.
heasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, indiangrass, switchgrass,
attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape sideoats grams, 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
tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- blowing, the grasses should be seeded with an interseeder
6)9/ F/ 7
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