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United States Deportment of Agriculture
Soil Conservation Service
in cooperation with
Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station
EXHIBIT
2000-0669
26 SOIL SURVEY
shale is about 18 inches. Permeability is moderate. Availa- plication of barnyard manure and commercial fertilizer.
ble water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is Keeping tillage to a minimum and utilizing crop residue
10 to 20 inches. Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and are important.
the erosion hazard is moderate. In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat.
This unit is used as rangeland and wildlife habitat. The barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted tc
potential native vegetation is dominated by alkali sacaton, winter wheat and is summer fallowed in alternate years
western wheatgrass, and blue grama. Buffalograss, to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation is
sideoats grama, needleandthread, little bluestem, sedge, too low for beneficial use of fertilizer.
winterfat, and fourwing saltbush are also present. Poten- Stubble mulch fanning, striperopping, and minimum til-
tial production ranges from 800 pounds per acre in lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion.
favorable years to 500 pounds in unfavorable years. As The potential native vegetation on this range site is
range condition deteriorates, the mid grasses decrease dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue
and forage production drops. Undesirable weeds and an- grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama
nuals invade the site as range condition becomes poorer. and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potentia
Management of vegetation on this unit should be based production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range
tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass
Western wheatgrass, blue grama, alkali sacaton, sideoats and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed
grama, little bluestem, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade
wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected the site as range condition becomes poorer.
should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can Management of vegetation on this soil should be base(
be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc
drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor conditior
spring has proven most successful. Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoat.
Rangeland wildlife, such as antelope, cottontail, and grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crestec
coyote, are best suited to this unit. Because forage wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selectee
production is typically low,grazing management is needed should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It ca:
if livestock and wildlife share the range. Livestock water- be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can b
ing facilities also are utilized by various wildlife species. drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early is
The nearby cropland makes areas of this unit valuable as spring has proven most successful.
escape cover for openland wildlife, especially pheasants. Windbreak and environmental plantings are generall
Capability subclass VIe irrigated, VIe nonirrigated; Shaly not suited to this soil. Onsite investigation is needed t
Plains range site. determine if plantings are feasible.
37—Nelson fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes. Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. Th
This is a moderately deep, well drained soil on plains at cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necke
elevations of 4,800 to 5,050 feet. It formed in residuum pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species ca
from soft sandstone. Included in mapping are small areas be developed by establishing areas for nesting and escap
of soils that have sandstone at a depth of more than 40 cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is esser
inches. tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop
Typically the surface layer is light brownish gray fine ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range
sandy loam about 9 inches thick. The underlying material land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can b
is light olive brown fine sandy loam. Soft sandstone is at attracted by developing livestock watering facilitie.
a depth of about 30 inches. managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed.
Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water The underlying sandstone is the most limiting featur
capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20 to of this soil. Neither septic tank absorption fields nc
40 inches. Surface runoff is slow to medium, and the ero- sewage lagoons operate properly. Site preparation fc
sion hazard is low. dwellings is more costly. Environmental and beautificc
This soil is suited to most of the irrigated crops com- tion plantings of trees and shrubs may be difficult t
monly grown in the area, but it is somewhat restricted establish. This soil, however, does have good potential fc
because it is only moderately deep. A suitable cropping such recreational development as camp and picnic are
system is corn, corn for silage, barley, 3 to 4 years of al- and playgrounds. Capability subclass Ills irrigated, IN
falfa, and wheat. This soil is also well suited to irrigated nonirrigated; Sandy Plains range site.
pasture. 38—Nelson fine sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slope
Row crops can be irrigated by furrows or sprinklers. This is a moderately deep, well drained soil on plains
Flooding from contour ditches and sprinkling are suitable elevations of 4,800 to 5,050 feet. It formed in residuu
in irrigating close grown crops and pasture. Small heads derived from soft sandstone. Included in mapping a,
of water and short runs help to reduce erosion. Produc- small areas of soils that have sandstone at a depth
tion can be maintained with frequent irrigations and ap- more than 40 inches.
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PAZ.i 27
- Typically the surface layer is light brownish gray fine establish. This soil, however, does have good potential for
r=`sandy loam about 8 inches thick. The underlying material such recreational development as camp and picnic areas
is light olive brown fine sandy loam. Soft sandstone is at and playgrounds. Capability subclass IVe 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,
opacity 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
grams. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grams, 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 favors- and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3
ble years to e1,800rior pounds in unfavorable years. range to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage,
condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, sugar beets, small grain, or beans. Few conservation prat-
and adswitchgrass decrease and blue grams, sand esinv dropseed, tices are needed to maintain top yields.
and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir-
the site as range condition becomes poorer. rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and com-
Management of vegetation on this soil should be based mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields.
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- Windbreaks and environmental plantings of trees and
tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. shrubs commonly grown in the area are generally well
Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats suited to this soiL Cultivation to control competing
grams, blue grams, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested vegetation should be continued for as many years as
wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected possible following 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
drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and
hackberry. 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-
coven 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
tion plantings of trees and shrubs may be difficult to areas and playgrounds. Capability class I irrigated.
40 SOIL SURVEY
from 800 pounds per acre in favorable years to 500 production ranges from 1,750 pounds per acre in favor
_ pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition deteri- ble years to 950 pounds in unfavorable years. As ran;
orates, the mid grasses decrease and forage production condition deteriorates, the sideoats grama, little blueste;
drops. Undesirable weeds and annuals invade the site as and sand reedgrass decrease; yucca, sedge, and bL
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 taki1
based on taking half and leaving half of the total annual half or less of the total annual production. Deferred gra
production. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor ing is practical in improving range condition. Seeding al
condition. Western wheatgrass, blue grama, alkali sacaton, mechanical treatment are impractical.
sideoats grama, little bluestem, pubescent wheatgrass, Windbreaks and environmental plantings are general
and crested wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The not suited to this soil. Onsite investigation is needed
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 lo
stubble, or it can be drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. especially during drought, when annual production can 1
Seeding early in spring has proven most successfuL as low as 300 pounds per acre. Rangeland wildlife, such
The potential native vegetation on the Renohill soil is antelope and scaled quail, can be attracted by managh
dominated by western wheatgrass and blue grama. Buf- livestock grazing, installing livestock watering facilitic
falograss is also presented. Potential production ranges and reseeding where needed.
from 1,000 pounds per acre in favorable years to 600 This soil has poor potential for urban development. TI
pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition deteri- chief limiting feature is the shallow depth to sandstor
orates, a blue grama-buffalograss sod forms. Undesirable Capability subclass VIe irrigated, VIe nonirrigated; San
weeds and annuals invade the site as range condition stone Breaks range site.
becomes poorer. 62—Terry fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes. TI
is a moderately deep, well drained soil on plains at elev Management of vegetation on the Renohill soil should
be based on taking half and leaving half of the total an- tions of 4,500 to 5,000 feet. It formed in residuum fro
nual production. Range pitting can reduce runoff. Seeding sandstone. Included in mapping are small areas of soi
is desirable if the range is in poor condition. Western that have sandstone deeper than 40 inches. Also include
wheatgrass, blue grama, sideoats grama, buffalograss are small areas of soils that have a subsoil of sandy cl
Pu loam and clay loam.
bescent wheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass are suitable
for seeding. The grass selected should meet the seasonal Typically the surface layer of this Terry soil is pa
requirements of livestock. It can be seeded into a clean, brown fine sandy loam about 6 inches thick. The subsoil
firm
pale brown fine sandy loam about 21 inches thick. TI
firm sorghum stubble, or it can be drilled into a
prepared seedbed. Seeding early in spring has substratum is very pale brown fine sandy loam. San,
p ' g proven stone is at a depth
p of about 37 inches.
most successful.
Rangeland wildlife, such as antelope, cottontail, and Permeability is moderately rapid. Available wat
capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20
coyote, are best suited to this unit. Because forage
production is typically low, 40 inches. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazai
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 col-
ing facilities also are utilized by various wildlife species. monly grown in the area. The moderate depth restric
Capability subclass VIe irrigated, VIe nonirrigated; Shin- some crops. A suitable cropping system is corn, corn n
gle soil in Shaly Plains range site, Renohill soil in Clayey silage, barley, 3 to 4 years of alfalfa, and wheat. This sc
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 ro
This is a shallow, well drained soil on upland breaks at crops. Flooding from contour ditches and sprinkling al
elevations of 4,850 to 5,200 feet. It formed in residuum suitable in irrigating close grown crops and pasture. Sms
from sandstone. Included in mapping are small areas of heads of water and short runs reduce the risk of erosio
sandstone outcrop and areas of noncalcareous soils. Production can be maintained by frequent irrigations ar
Typically the surface layer of this Tassel soil is light by applications of barnyard manure and commercial fert
yellowish brown fine sandy loam about 7 inches thick. The izer. Keeping tillage to a minimum and utilizing crc
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 whet
Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted ;
capacity is low. The effective rooting depth is 10 to 20 winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 25 bushe
inches. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in alternate yea:
is moderate, to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation
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 ti
sedge, sand reedgrass, and needleandthread. Potential lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosior
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
grama. 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 grams, sand dropseed,
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally and sand sage increase. Annual wcsds 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 grams, 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
land 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- be 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 ero- Included in mapping are small areas of soils that have
sion hazard is moderate. shale and sandstone deeper than 40 inches.
52 SOIL SURVEY
the limited capacity of this soil to support a load. Capa- Management of vegetation on this soil should be b
bility class I irrigated. on taking half and leaving half of the total annual prc
82—Wiley-Colby complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condi
nearly level map unit is on smooth plains in the western Sideoats grama, little bluestem, western wheatgrass,
part of the survey area at elevations of 4,850 to 5,000 grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested wheatgras:
feet. The Wiley soil makes up about 60 percent of the suitable for seeding. The grass selected should meet
unit, and the Colby soil about 30 percent. About 10 per- seasonal requirements of livestock. It can be seeded
cent is Heldt silty clay and Weld loam. a clean, firm sorghum stubble or it can be drilled it
The Wiley soil is deep and well drained. It formed in firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in spring
calcareous eolian deposits. Typically the surface layer is proven most successful.
pale brown silt loam about 11 inches thick. The subsoil is Windbreaks and environmental plantings are gene
pale brown silty clay loam about 23 inches thick. The sub- well suited to these soils. Cultivation to control comp(
stratum to a depth of 60 inches is very pale brown silty vegetation should be continued for as many year
clay loam. possible following planting. Trees that are best suitec
Permeability is moderately slow. Available water have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, ea:
capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive
or more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hackberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbush st
hazard is moderate. lilac, Siberian peashrub, and American plum.
The Colby soil also is deep and well drained and formed Openland wildlife, such as pheasant, mounting
in calcareous eolian deposits. Typically the surface layer and cottontail are best suited to these soils. Wi
is pale brown loam about 7 inches thick. The underlying habitat development, including tree and shrub plan
material is very pale brown silt loam to a depth of 60 and grass plantings to serve as nesting areas, shou
inches. successful without irrigation during most years. Undi
Permeability is moderate. Available water capacity is rigation, good wildlife habitat can be established, bei
high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. ing many kinds of openland wildlife.
Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is The Wiley soil has only fair potential for urban
moderate. recreational development. Slow permeability, mod
This map unit is used for irrigated and nonirrigated shrink-swell potential, and limited bearing capacity
cropland and for rangeland, wildlife habitat, and urban problems in dwelling and road construction. The
development. soil has good potential for urban and recreational des
In irrigated areas these soils are suited to all crops ment. Road design can be modified to compensate fo
commorly grown in the area, including corn, sugar beets, limited capacity of this soil to support a load. Capa
beans, alfalfa, small grain, and onions. An example of a subclass IIe irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; Loamy I
suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 years of alfalfa fol- range site.
lowed by corn, corn for silage, sugar beets, small grain, or 83—Wiley-Colby complex, 3 to 5 percent slopes.
beans. Land leveling, ditch lining, and installing pipelines gently sloping map unit is on plains at elevations of
may be needed for proper water applications. to 5,000 feet. The Wiley soil makes up about 60 percE
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- the unit, and the Colby soil about 30 percent. Abo
rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and com- percent is Heldt silty clay and Weld loam.
mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. The Wiley soil is deep and well drained. It form
In nonirrigated areas these soils are suited to winter calcareous eolian deposits. Typically the surface la}
wheat, barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is pale brown silt loam about 11 inches thick. The sub:
planted to winter wheat. The predicted average yield is pale brown silty clay loam about 23 inches thick. ThE
28 bushels per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in al- stratum to a depth of 60 inches is very pale brown
ternate years to allow moisture accumulation. Generally clay loam.
precipitation is too low for beneficial use of fertilizer. Permeability is moderately slow. Available
Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til- capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 i
lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. or more. Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and tht
Terracing also may be needed to control water erosion. sion hazard is moderate.
The potential native vegetation is dominated by blue The Colby soil also is deep and well drained and fE
grama. Several mid grasses such as western wheatgrass in calcareous eolian deposits. Typically the surface
and needleandthtead are also present. Potential produc- is pale brown loam about 7 inches thick. The under
tion ranges from 1,600 pounds per acre in favorable years material is very pale brown silt loam to a depth
to 1,000 pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition inches.
deteriorates, the mid grasses decrease; blue grama, buf- Permeability is moderate. Available water capac
falograss, snakeweed, yucca and fringed sage increase; high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
and forage production drops. Undesirable weeds and an- Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and the erosion t
nuals invade the site as range condition becomes poorer. is moderate.
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART
53
This unit is used for irrigated and nonirrigated The Wiley soil has only fair potential for urban and
.ropland and for rangeland, wildlife habitat, and urban recreational development. Slow permeability, moderate
evelopment. shrink-swell potential, and limited bearing capacity cause
In irrigated areas these soils are suited to the crops problems in dwelling and road construction. The Colby
commonly grown in the area Perennial grasses and alfal- soil has good potential for urban and recreational develop-
fa or close grown crops should be grown at least 50 per- ments. Road design can be modified to compensate for
cent of the time. Contour ditches and corrugations can be the limited capacity of this soil to support a load. Capa-
used in irrigating close grown crops and pasture. Fur- bility subclass IIIe irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; Loamy
rows, contour furrows, and cross slope furrows are suita- Plains range site.
ble for row crops. Sprinkler irrigation is also desirable.
Keeping tillage to a minimum and utilizing crop residue
help to control erosion. Maintaining fertility is important. Use and management of the soils
Crops respond to applications of phosphorus and nitrogen. The soil survey is a detailed inventory and evaluation
In nonirrigated areas these soils are suited to winter of the most basic resource of the survey area—the soil. It
wheat, barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is is useful in adjusting land use, including urbanization, to
planted to winter wheat. The predicted average yield is the limitations and potentials of natural resources and the
28 bushels per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in al- environment. Also, it can help avoid soil-related failures
ternate years to allow moisture accumulation. Generally in uses of the land.
precipitation is too low for beneficial use of fertilizer.
Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, While a soil survey is in progress,keep l xtensives, con-
Stubble
p pping, and minimum til- servationists, engineers, and others extensive notes
lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. about the nature of the soils and about unique aspects of
Terracing also may be needed to control water erosion. behavior of the soils. These notes include data on erosion,
The potential native vegetation is dominated by blue drought damage to specific crops, yield estimates, flood-
grama. Several mid grasses, such as western wheatgrass ing, the functioning of septic tank disposal systems, and
and needleandthread, are also present. Potential produc- other factors affecting the productivity, potential, and
tion ranges from 1,600 pounds per acre in favorable years limitations of the soils under various uses and manage-
to 1,000 pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition ment. In this way, field experience and measured data on
deteriorates, the mid grasses decrease; blue grama, buf- soil properties and performance are used as a basis for
falograss, snakeweed, yucca, and fringed sage increase; predicting soil behavior.
id forage production drops. Undesirable weeds and an- Information in this section is useful in planning use and
nuals invade,the site as range condition becomes poorer. management of soils for crops, pasture, and rangeland, as
Management of vegetation on these soils should be sites for buildings, highways and other transportation
based on taking half and leaving half of the total annual systems, sanitary facilities, and parks and other recrea-
production. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor tion facilities, and for wildlife habitat. From the data
condition. Sideoats grama, little bluestem, western wheat- presented, the potential of each soil for specified land
uses can be determined, soil limitations to these land uses
grass, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested
wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected can be identified, and costly failures in houses and other
structures, caused by unfavorable soil properties, can be
should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock It can
be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be avoided. A site where soil properties are favorable can be
drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in selected, or practices that will overcome the soil limita-
spring has proven most successful. tions can be planned.
Planners and others using the soil survey can evaluate
Windbreaks and environmental plantings of trees and
shrubs commonly grown in the area are generally well the impact of specific land uses on the overall ptivi-
suited to these soils. Cultivation to control competing ty of the survey area or other broad planning area and on
re
vegetation should be' continued for as many years as the environment. Productivity and the environment are
of
possible following plantings. Trees that are best suited closely related to the maintain nature or create a land-use patt tt the soil. Plans should
and have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, east- ern in harmony with the
ern redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, natural soil.
and hackberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbushContractors sou can and information gravel, that is s in locat-
and
sumac, lilac,Siberian peashrub, and American plum. ing information os of indicatescad presence roadfill,bedrock,and t wetness,s or
Openland wildlife, such as pheasant, mourning dove, eryfimsoil rizosthe thatus f difficulty xavatinr
and cottontail, are best suited to these soils. Wildlife very Health
horizons ause officials, engineers,
in r excavation.
habitat development, including tree and shrub plantingso Hr r sp officials, highway ists also can useful informaton in nd many
is
and grass plantings to serve as nesting areas, should be soil esurvey. lThe safe disposal of wastes,°fora example,his
successful without irrigation during most years. Under ir- closely related to properties of the soil. Pavements, side-
ligation, good wildlife habitat can be established, benefit- walks, campsites, playgrounds, lawns, and trees and
many kinds of openland wildlife. shrubs are influenced by the nature of the soil.
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