HomeMy WebLinkAbout20000415.tiff NONTECHNICAL SOILS DESCRIPTI, REPORT
Patrick Craig
Soil name and description
SyM,00l
18 ; Colby-Adena loans, 3 to 9 percent slopes
These gently sloping to moderately sloping soils are on
plains, hills and ridges at elevations of 4,750 to
4,900 ft. The Colby soil makes up about 55% of the
mapunit, and occupies the steeper convex parts of the
landscape. The Adena soil makes up about 30% of the
unit, and occupies the less steep slightly concave
parts of the landscape. About 15% of the mapunit are
Kim and Weld loams.. The Colby soil is deep and well
drained. The surface is pale brown loam about 7 in's
thick, and the underlying material to a depth of 60
in's is very pale brown silt loam. Permeability is
moderate, and available water capacity is high. Surface
runoff is high and the water erosion hazard is high.
The Adena soil is also deep and well drained. Typically
the surface layer is brown loam about 6 in's thick. The
subsoil is a brown to very brown clay loam obaut 3 in's
thick, and the substratum to a depth of 60 in's is a �� • f
very pale brown silt loam. Permeability Is slow, and ,
available water holding capacity is high. Surface
runoff is medium, and the water erosion hazard is
moderate. .
79 Weld loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes
The Weld soil is a deep, well drained soil. It is
formed on smooth plains from eolian material. The
surface is a loam. The subsoil is a heavy clay loam and
light clay. The underlying material is a silt loam.
The soils have slow permeability.: Their available
water holding capacity i5 high. Roots penetrate td 60
inches or more. Runoff is slow an4the erosion hazard '
due to wind is low.
•
2000-0415
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 1 OF 3
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
WILDLIFE HABITAT
Patrick Craig
Potential for habitat elements ; Potential as habitat for--
I
Map symbol ; Grain ' Wild ; ; ; ' Open- Wood- ; Range-
and soil name ; and Grasses herba- Hard- ; Conif- Shrubs:Wetland:Shallow land land ;Wetland; land
E seed and ceous wood erous plants water wild- wild- wild- wild-
; crops legumes; plants trees plants areas life life life life
1 I
I I
I I I I
18: 1 I I
,
Colby ;POOR FAIR FAIR --- --- POOR VERY ;VERY FAIR --- VERY POOR
POOR ; POOR ; POOR
I I I
I I I
Adena GOOD GOOD FAIR --- --- FAIR POOR ;VERY GOOD --- POOR FAIR
; POOR
1 l 1 1 I I I I
79: 1 I I 1 I 1 I I
I I 1 I 1 1 I I
Weld ;GOOD ;GOOD FAIR --- ; --- POOR ;POOR ;VERY GOOD --- ;VERY ;POOR
POOR ; POOR
I I I I I I I
;_______:___________ I----- ------ _______I_______ ______:_______:_______-----I-----_•.. _______ _______:_______:_______
--_--I-_---
/Th
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 2 OF 3
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7(99
WILDLIFE HABITAT
Enonote -- WILDLIFE HABITAT
Soils affect the kind and amount of vegetation that is available to wildlife as food and cover. They also affect
the construction of water impoundments. The kind and abundance of wildlife depend largely on the amount and
distribution of food, cover, and water. Wildlife habitat can be created or improved by planting appropriate
vegetation, by maintaining the existing plant cover, or by promoting the natural establishment of desirable plants.
In this report the soils are rated according to their potential for providing habitat for various kinds of
wildlife. This information can be used in planning parks, wildlife refuges, nature study areas, and other developments
for wildlife; in selecting soils that are suitable for establishing, improving, or maintaining specific elements of
wildlife habitat; and in determining the intensity of management needed for each element of the habitat. The
potential of the soil is rated "Good," "Fair," "Poor," or "Very poor." A rating of "Good" indicates that the element
or kind of habitat is easily established, improved, or maintained. Few or no limitations affect management, and
satisfactory results can be expected. A rating of "Fair" indicates that the element or kind of habitat can be
established, improved, or maintained in most places. Moderately intensive management is required for satisfactory
results. A rating of "Poor" indicates that limitations are severe for the designated element or kind of habitat.
Habitat can be created, improved, or maintained in most places, but management is difficult and must be intensive.
A rating of "Very poor" indicates that restrictions for the element or kind of habitat are very severe and that
unsatisfactory results can be expected. Creating, improving, or maintaining habitat is impractical or
impossible. The elements of wildlife habitat are described in the following paragraphs.
GRAIN AND SEED CROPS are domestic grains and seed-producing herbaceous plants. Soil properties and features that affect
the growth of grain and seed crops are depth of the root zone, texture of the surface layer, available water
capacity, wetness, slope, surface stoniness, and flood hazard. Soil temperature and soil moisture are also
e—"Nderations. Examples of grain and seed crops are corn, wheat, oats, and barley.
GRASSES AND LEGUMES are domestic perennial grasses and herbaceous legumes. Soil properties and features that
affect the growth of grasses and legumes are depth of the root zone, texture of the surface layer, available water
capacity, wetness, surface stoniness, flood hazard, and slope. Soil temperature and soil moisture are also
considerations. Examples of grasses and legumes are fescue, lovegrass, bromegrass, clover, and alfalfa.
WILD HERBACEOUS PLANTS are native or naturally established grasses and forbs, including weeds. Soil properties and
features that affect the growth of these plants are depth of the root zone, texture of the surface layer, available water
capacity, wetness, surface stoniness, and flood hazard. Soil temperature and soil moisture are also considerations.
Examples of wild herbaceous plants are bluestem, goldenrod, beggarweed, wheatgrass, and grama.
HARDWOOD TREES and woody understory produce nuts or other fruit, buds, catkins, twigs, bark, and foliage. Soil
properties and features that affect the growth of hardwood trees and shrubs are depth of the root zone, available water
capacity, and wetness. Examples of these plants are oak, poplar, cherry, sweetgum, apple, hawthorn, dogwood, hickory,
blackberry, and blueberry. Examples of fruit-producing shrubs that are suitable for planting on soils rated
are Russian-olive, autumn-olive, and crabapple.
CONIFEROUS PLANTS furnish browse and seeds. Soil properties and features that affect the growth of coniferous trees,
shrubs, and ground cover are depth of the root zone, available water capacity, and wetness. Examples of
coniferous plants are pine, spruce, fir, cedar, and juniper.
SHRUBS are bushy woody plants that produce fruit, buds, twigs, bark, and foliage. Soil properties and features that
affect the growth of shrubs are depth of the root zone, available water capacity, salinity, and soil moisture.
Examples of shrubs are mountainmahogany, bitterbrush, snowberry, and big sagebrush.
•
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 3 OF 3
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
WILDLIFE HABITAT
Enanote -- WILDLIFE HABITAT--Continued
WETLAND PLANTS are annual and perennial wild herbaceous plants that grow on moist or wet sites. Submerged or
floating aquatic plants are excluded. Soil properties and features affecting wetland plants are texture of the surface
layer, wetness, reaction, salinity, slope, and surface stoniness. Examples of wetland plants are smartweed, wild
millet, wildrice, saltgrass, cordgrass, rushes, sedges, and reeds.
SHALLOW WATER AREAS have an average depth of less than 5 feet. Some are naturally wet areas. Others are created by
dams, levees, or other water-control structures. Soil properties and features affecting shallow water areas are
depth to bedrock, wetness, surface stoniness, slope, and permeability. Examples of shallow water areas are marshes,
waterfowl feeding areas, and ponds. The habitat for various kinds of wildlife is described in the following paragraphs.
HABITAT FOR OPENLAND WILDLIFE consists of cropland, pasture, meadows, and areas that are overgrown with grasses, herbs,
shrubs, and vines. These areas produce grain and seed crops, grasses and legumes, and wild herbaceous plants.
Wildlife attracted to these areas include bobwhite quail, pheasant, meadowlark, field sparrow, cottontail, and red
fox.
HABITAT FOR WOODLAND WILDLIFE consists of areas of deciduous plants or coniferous plants or both and associated grasses,
legumes, and wild herbaceous plants. Wildlife attracted to these areas include wild turkey, ruffed grouse, woodcock,
thrushes, woodpeckers, squirrels, gray fox, raccoon, deer, and bear.
HABITAT FOR WETLAND WILDLIFE consists of open, marshy or swampy shallow water areas. Some of the wildlife attracted
to such areas are ducks, geese, herons, shore birds, muskrat, mink, and beaver.
y'''iAT FOR RANGELAND WILDLIFE consists of areas of shrubs and wild herbaceous plants. Wildlife attracted to rangeland
_ode antelope, deer, sage grouse, meadowlark, and lark bunting.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 1 OF 2
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Patrick Craig
(The information in this report indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate the need for onsite
investigation)
Map symbol Camp areas Picnic areas Playgrounds Paths and trails Golf fairways
and soil name
18:
Colby Moderate: Moderate: :Severe: Moderate: Slight
dusty dusty ; slope dusty
Adena Moderate: Moderate: :Moderate: Moderate: Slight
dusty ; dusty ; slope, ; dusty
dusty
79: c
Weld Moderate: Moderate: ;Moderate: Moderate: Slight
dusty dusty ; slope, dusty
; dusty
I
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 2 OF 2
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Endnote -- RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The soils of the survey area are rated in this report according to limitations that affect their suitability for
recreation. The ratings are based on restrictive soil features, such as wetness, slope, and texture of the surface
layer. Susceptibility to flooding is considered. Not considered in the ratings, but important in evaluating a
site, are the location and accessibility of the area, the size and shape of the area and its scenic quality,
vegetation, access to water, potential water impoundment sites, and access to public sewer lines. The capacity of
the soil to absorb septic tank effluent and the ability of the soil to support vegetation are also important. Soils
subject to flooding are limited for recreation use by the duration and intensity of flooding and the season when
flooding occurs. In planning recreation facilities, onsite assessment of the height, duration, intensity, and frequency
of flooding is essential.
In this report the degree of soil limitation is expressed as "Slight," "Moderate," or "Severe." "Slight" means that soil
properties are generally favorable and that limitations are minor and easily overcome. "Moderate" means that
limitations can be overcome or alleviated by planning, design, or special maintenance. "Severe" means that soil
properties are unfavorable and that limitations can be offset only by costly soil reclamation, special design,
intensive maintenance, limited use, or by a combination of these measures.
The information in this report can be supplemented by information available in other reports, for example,
interpretations for septic tank absorption fields in the Sanitary Facilities report and interpretations for dwellings
without basements and for local roads and streets in the Building Site Development report.
D" "AREAS require site preparation, such as shaping and leveling the tent and parking areas, stabilizing roads and
.nsively used areas, and installing sanitary facilities and utility lines. Camp areas are subject to heavy foot
traffic and some vehicular traffic. The best soils have mild slopes and are not wet or subject to flooding during
the period of use. The surface has few or no stones or boulders, absorbs rainfall readily but remains firm, and is
not dusty when dry. Strong slopes and stones or boulders can greatly increase the cost of constructing campsites.
PICNIC AREAS are subject to heavy foot traffic. Most vehicular traffic is confined to access roads and parking
areas. The best soils for picnic areas are firm when wet, are not dusty when dry, are not subject to flooding during
the period of use, and do not have slopes or stones or boulders that increase the cost of shaping sites or of
building access roads and parking areas.
PLAYGROUNDS require soils that can withstand intensive foot traffic. The best soils are almost level and are not wet or
subject to flooding during the season of use. The surface is free of stones and boulders, is firm after rains, and is
not dusty when dry. If grading is needed, the depth of the soil over bedrock or hardpan should be considered.
PATHS AND TRAILS for hiking and horseback riding should require little or no cutting and filling. The best soils
are not wet, are firm after rains, and not dusty when dry, and are not subject to flooding more than once a year during
the period of use. They have moderate slopes and few or no stones or boulders on the surface.
GOLF FAIRWAYS are subject to heavy foot traffic and some light vehicular traffic. Cutting or filling may be
required. The best soils for use as golf fairways are firm when wet, are not dusty when dry, and are not subject to
prolonged flooding during the period of use. They have moderate slopes and no stones or boulders on the surface.
The suitability of the soil for tees or greens is not considered in rating the soils.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 1 OF 3
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
SANITARY FACILITIES
Patrick Craig
(The information in this report indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate the need for onsite
investigation)
Map symbol Septic tank Sewage lagoon Trench Area ; Daily cover
and soil name absorption areas sanitary sanitary ; for landfill
fields landfill landfill
,
,
18: ' '
Colby Moderate: Severe: ;Slight ;Slight ,Good
percs slowly slope ; I I
I I
Adena Moderate: ,Moderate: ;Slight ;Slight ;Good
percs slowly ; seepage,
slope
I iI
,
' ' I '
79: I I
Weld Moderate: Moderate: :Slight ;Slight ;Good
/----\ ; peres slowly ; seepage, II
I
slope
, I I
f , -....__-_-l_ __ -------------
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE "---\ PAGE 2 OF 3
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
SANITARY FACILITIES
Endnote -- SANITARY FACILITIES
This report shows the degree and kind of soil limitations that affect septic tank absorption fields, sewage lagoons,
and sanitary landfills. The limitations are considered "Slight" if soil properties and site features generally are
favorable for the indicated use and limitations are minor and easily overcome; "Moderate" if soil properties or site
features are not favorable for the indicated use and special planning, design, or maintenance is needed to overcome or
minimize the limitations; and "Severe" if soil properties or site features are so unfavorable or so difficult to overcome
that special design, significant increases in construction costs, and possibly increased maintenance are required.
This report also shows the suitability of the soils for use as daily cover for landfills. A rating of "Good" indicates
that soil properties and site features are favorable for the use and good performance and low maintenance can be
expected; "Fair" indicates that soil properties and site features are moderately favorable for the use and one or
more soil properties or site features make the soil less desirable than the soils rated "Good"; and "Poor" indicates
that one or more soil properties or site features are unfavorable for the use and overcoming the unfavorable
properties requires special design, extra maintenance, or costly alteration.
SEPTIC TANK ABSORPTION FIELDS are areas in which effluent from a septic tank is distributed into the soil through
subsurface tiles or perforated pipe. Only that part of the soil between depths of 24 to 72 inches is evaluated. The
ratings are base on soil properties, site features, and observed performance of the soils. Permeability, a high
water table, depth to bedrock or to a cemented pan, and flooding affect absorption of the effluent. Large stones
and bedrock or a cemented pan interfere with installation. Unsatisfactory performance of septic tank absorption fields,
including excessively slow absorption of effluent, surfacing of effluent, and hillside seepage, can affect public health.
Groundwater can be polluted if highly permeable sand and gravel or fractured bedrock is less than 4 feet below the
er\of the absorption field, if slope is excessive, or if the water table is near the surface. There must be
.turated soil material beneath the absorption field to filter the effluent effectively. Many local ordinances
require that this material be of a certain thickness.
SEWAGE LAGOONS are shallow ponds constructed to hold sewage while aerobic bacteria decompose the solid and liquid
wastes. Lagoons should have a nearly level floor surrounded by cut slopes or embankments of compacted soil. Lagoons
generally are designed to hold the sewage within a depth of 2 to 5 feet. Nearly impervious soil material for the lagoon
floor and sides is required to minimize seepage and contamination of ground water. This report gives ratings for
the natural soil that makes up the lagoon floor. The surface layer and, generally, 1 or 2 feet of soil material
below the surface layer are excavated to provide material for the embankments. The ratings are based on soil
properties, site features, and observed performance of the soils. Considered in the ratings are slope, permeability, a
high water table, depth to bedrock or to a cemented pan, flooding, large stones, and content of organic matter.
Excessive seepage due to rapid permeability of the soil or a water table that is high enough to raise the level of sewage
in the lagoon causes a lagoon to function unsatisfactorily. Pollution results if seepage is excessive or if floodwater
overtops the lagoon. A high content of organic matter is detrimental to proper functioning of the lagoon because it
inhibits aerobic activity. Slope, bedrock, and cemented pans can cause construction problems, and large stones can
hinder compaction of the lagoon floor.
SANITARY LANDFILLS are areas where solid waste is disposed of by burying it in soil. There are two types of landfill,
trench and area. In a trench landfill, the waste is placed in a trench. It is spread, compacted, and covered daily
with a thin layer of soil excavated at the site. In an area landfill, the waste is placed in successive layers on the
surface of the soil. The waste is spread, compacted, and covered daily with a thin layer of soil form a source away
from the site. Both types of landfill must be able to bear heavy vehicular traffic. Both types involve a risk of
groundwater pollution. Ease of excavation and revegetation need to be considered. The ratings in this report are based
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE /-. PAGE 3 OF 3
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
SANITARY FACILITIES
Endnote -- SANITARY FACILITIES--Continued
on sail properties, site features, and observed performance of the soils. Permeability, depth to bedrock or to a
cemented pan, a high water table, slope, and flooding affect bath types of landfill. Texture, stones and boulders,
highly organic layers, soil reaction, and content of salts and sodium affect trench type landfills. Unless otherwise
stated, the ratings apply only to that part of the soil within a depth of about 6 feet. For deeper trenches, a
limitation rate "Slight" or "Moderate" may not be valid. Onsite investigation is needed.
DAILY COVER FOR LANDFILL is the soil material that is used to cover compacted solid waste in an area type sanitary
landfill. The soil material is obtained offsite, transported to the landfill, and spread over the waste.
Soil texture, wetness, coarse fragments, and slope affect the ease of removing and spreading the material during wet
and dry periods. Loamy or silty soils that are free of large stones or excess gravel are the best cover for a
landfill. Clayey soils may be sticky or cloddy and are difficult to spread; sandy sails are subject to soil
blowing. After soil material has been removed, the soil material remaining in the borrow area must be thick enough
over bedrock, a cemented pan, or the water table to permit revegetation. The soil material used as final cover for a
landfill should be suitable for plants. The surface layer generally has the best workability, more organic matter than
the rest of the profile, and the best potential far plants. Material from the surface layer should be stockpiled for use
as the final cover.
T
T
U..S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 1 OF 2
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
/1,
BUILDING SITE DEVELOPMENT
Patrick Craig
(The information in this report indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate the need for onsite
investigation)
I
I I
Map symbol Shallow Dwellings Dwellings Small Local roads ; Lawns and
and soil name excavations without with commercial and streets landscaping
basements basements buildings
I
I I
I II
I
18: i I
Colby Slight Slight Slight ;Moderate: :Moderate: Slight
slope ; low strength
I I I I I
I I
Adena Slight Slight Slight ;Moderate: ;Slight Slight
slope
I
1
19: i I
Weld Slight Moderate: Moderate: ;Moderate: ;Moderate: Slight
shrink-swell shrink-swell ; shrink-swell ; shrink-swell,
n ; ; low strength,
I I I I ' frost action
� I I I
I I I I I I
n
•
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ' ' "" PAGE 2 OF 2
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
BUILDING SITE DEVELOPMENT
Endnote -- BUILDING SITE DEVELOPMENT
This report shows the degree and kind of soil limitations that affect shallow excavations, dwellings with and without
basements, small commercial buildings, local roads and streets, and lawns and landscaping. The limitations are
"Slight", "Moderate", or "Severe". The limitations are considered "Slight" if soil properties and site features are
generally favorable for the indicated use and limitaions are minor and easily overcome; "Moderate" if soil properties
or site features are not favorable for the indicated use and special planning, design, or maintenance is needed to
overcome or minimize the limitations; and "Severe" if soil properties or site features are so unfavorable or so
difficult to overcome that special design, significant increases in construction costs, and possibly increased
maintenance are required. Special feasibility studies may be required where the soil limitations are severe.
SHALLOW EXCAVATIONS are trenches or holes dug to a maximum depth of 5 or 6 feet for basements, graves, utility lines,
open ditches, and other purposes. The ratings are based on soil properties, site features, and observed performance of
the soils. The ease of digging, filling, and compacting is affected by the depth to bedrock, a cemented pan, or a very
firm dense layer; stone content; soil texture; and slope. The time of the year that excavations can be made is
affected by the depth to a seasonal high water table and the susceptibility of the soil to flooding. The resistance of
the excavation walls or bands to sloughing or caving is affected by soil texture and the depth to the water table.
DWELLINGS AND SMALL COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS are structures built on shallow foundations on undisturbed soil. The load
limit is the same as that for single-family dwellings no higher than three stories. Ratings are made for small
commercial buildings without basements, for dwellings with basements, and for dwellings without basements. The ratings
are based on soil properties, site features, and observed performance of the soils. A high water table, depth to bedrock
a cemented pan, large stones, slope, and flooding affect the ease of excavation and construction. Landscaping
grading that require cuts and fills of more than 5 or 6 feet are not considered.
LOCAL ROADS AND STREETS have an all-weather surface and carry automobile and light truck traffic all year. They
have a subgrade of cut or fill soil material, a base of gravel, crushed rock, or stabilized soil material, and a
flexible or rigid surface. Cuts and fills are generally properties, site features, and observed performance of the
soils. Depth to bedrock or to a cemented pan, a high water table, flooding, large stones, and slope affect the ease of
excavating and grading. Soil strength (as inferred from the engineering classification of the soil), shrink-swell
potential, frost action potential, and depth to a high water table affect the traffic-supporting capacity.
LAWNS AND LANDSCAPING require soils on which turf and ornamental trees and shrubs can be established and
maintained. The ratings are based on soil properties, site features, and observed performance of the soils. Soil
reaction, a high water table, depth to bedrock or to a cemented pan, the available water capacity in the upper 40
inches, and the content of salts, sodium, and sulfidic materials affect plant growth. Flooding, wetness, slope,
stoniness, and the amount of sand, clay, or organic matter in the surface layer affect trafficability after vegetation
is established.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE n PAGE 1 OF 1
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
PRIME FARMLAND
Patrick Craig
Map Soil name
symbol
79 Weld loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes (where irrigated)
T
U:S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 1 OF
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOILS
Patrick Craig
1 I
Map symbol Depth ; Clay ; Cation- ; Soil Calcium Gypsum Salinity Sodium
and soil name ;exchange reaction carbonate adsorption
;capacity ' ; ratio
In Pct ;meq/100g pH Pct Pct mmhos/cm
18:
Colby ; 0-7 ; 15-21; 5.0-20.0 7.4-8.4 ; 0-5 ; •-- --- ---
7-60 ; 18-27 5.0-20.0 7.4-8.4 5-15 ; --- --- ---
Adena ; 0-6 15-27 10.0-20.0 6.6-7.6 ; --- --- --- ---
6-9 27-35 10.0-25.0 6.6-7.8 ; 0-5 --- --- ---
9-60 15-27; 5.0-15.0 7.4-8.4 5-15 --- --- , ---
79:
Weld ; 0-8 15-27 15.0-30.0 6.6-7.8 --- ; --- ; --- ; ---
' 8-15 35-50 20.0-30.0 6.6-7.8 0-4 ; --- ---
15-60 20-35 20.0-30.0 7.4-9.0 ; 2-6 --- ; 0-2 ; ---
60-64 15-25 15.0-25.0 7.4-9.0 ; 2-6 --- ; 0-2 ; ---
I 1 I J I
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE r1' PAGE 2 OF '
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/,.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOILS
Endnote -- CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOILS
This report shows estimates of some characteristics and features that affect soil behavior.
These estimates are given for the major layers of each soil in the survey area. The estimates
are based on field observations and on test data for these and similar soils.
CLAY as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are less than 0.002
millimeter in diameter. In this report, the estimated clay content of each major soil layer
is given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in
diameter. The amount and kind of clay greatly affect the fertility and physical condition of
the soil. They determine the ability of the soil to adsorb cations and to retain moisture.
They influence shrink-swell potential, permeability, and plasticity, the ease of soil
dispersion, and other soil properties. The amount and kind of clay in a soil also affect
tillage and earthmoving operations.
CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY (CEC) is the total amount of cations held in a soil in such
a way that they can be removed only by exchanging with another cation in the natural soil
solution. CEC is a measure of the ability of a soil to retain cations, some of which are
plant nutrients. Soils with low CEC hold few cations and may require more frequent
applications of fertilizers than soils with high CEC. Soils with high CEC have the potential
to retain cations, thus reducing the possibility of pollution of ground water.
REACTION is a measure of acidity or alkalinity and is expressed as a range in pH
_as. The range in pH of each major horizon is based on many field tests. For many soils,
values have been verified by laboratory analyses. Soil reaction is important in selecting
crops and other plants, in evaluating soil amendments for fertility and stabilization, and
in determining the risk of corrosion.
CALCIUM CARBONATE is the percentage by weight of calcium carbonate in the fine-earth
material, less than 2 millimeters in size.
GYPSUM is the percentage by weight of hydrated calcium sulfates 20 millimeters or
smaller in size, in the soil.
SALINITY is a measure of soluble salts in the soil at saturation. It is expressed
as the electrical conductivity of the saturation extract, in millimhos per centimeter
at 25 degrees C. Estimates are based on field and laboratory measurements at representative
sites of nonirrigated soils.
The salinity of irrigated soils is affected by the quality of the irrigation water
and by the frequency of water application. Hence, the salinity of soils in individual fields
can differ greatly from the value given in the report. Salinity affects the suitability of
a soil for crop production, the stability of soil if used as construction material, and
the potential of the soil to corrode metal and concrete.
SODIUM ADSORPTION RATIO (SAR) expresses the relative activity of sodium ions in
exchange reactions in the soil. SAR is a measure of the amount of sodium relative to
c cium and magnesium in the water extract from saturated soil paste.
U:S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 1 OF 4
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS
Patrick Craig
(Entries under "Erosion factors--T" apply to the entire profile. Entries under "Wind erodibility group" and
"Wind erodability index" apply only to the surface layer)
:Erosion factors Wind ;Wind
Map symbol Depth Clay Moist ; Permea- :Available: Shrink- Organic; erodi-;erodi-
and soil name bulk bility : water ' swell matter; ; bility:bility
density ; :capacity potential; ; K Kf T group ;index
I I I I I I
In ' Pct g/cc ; In/hr ' In/in ; Pct
I I I
I I I
18:
I I I I I
Colby 0-7 15-27:1.25-1.40; 0.60-6.00 0.14-0,18:Low ;0.5-2.0 0.37; 0.37; 5 4L ; 86
7-60 ; 18-27:1.15-1.30: 0.60-2.00 ;0.15-0.20:Low :0.5-1.0; 0.43; 0.43;
I I I 1 I I I I I f
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Adena 0-6 : 15-27;1.25-1.40: 0.60-2.00 ;0.14-0.18:Low :1.0-3.0; 0.28; 0.28 5 6 48
6-9 27-35:1.15-1.40: 0.20-0.60 0.16-0.18 Low 0.5-1.0: 0.28 0.28
9-60 15-21;1.25-1.40; 0.60-2.00 0.16-0.18 Low 0.0-0.5: 0.37 0.37
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79. 1 1 I I I I
/—mod 0-8 ; 15-27:1.25-1.40; 0.60-6.00 0.14-0.17 Low 2.0-4.0; 0.24 0.24 3 6 48
8-15 35-50:1.30-1.40: 0.06-0.20 0.18-0.20 High 0.5-2.0 0.28 0.28
15-60 20-35;1.25-1.35; 0.60-2.00 0.16-0.18 Moderate 0.5-1.0 0.28 0.28,
60-64 15-25:1.25-1.40; 0.60-2.00 ;0.12-0.18:Low 0.5-1.0 0.28 0.28:
I I I I I I I
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 2 OF 4
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS
Endnote -- PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS
This report shows estimates of some characteristics and features that affect soil behavior. These estimates
are given for the major layers of each soil in the survey area. The estimates are based on field observations
and on test data for these and similar soils.
CLAY as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are less than 0.002 millimeter in diameter.
In this report, the estimated clay content of each major soil layer is given as a percentage, by weight, of the
soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter. The amount and kind of clay greatly affect the
fertility and physical condition of the soil. They determine the ability of the soil to adsorb cations and
to retain moisture. They influence shrink-swell potential, permeability, plasticity, the ease of soil
dispersion, and other soil properties. The amount and kind of clay in a soil also affect tillage and
earthmoving operations.
MOIST BULK DENSITY is the weight of soil (ovendry) per unit volume. Volume is measured when the soil is
at field moisture capacity, the moisture content at 1/3 bar moisture tension. Weight is determined after
drying the soil at 105 degrees C. In this report, the estimated moist bulk density of each major soil
horizon is expressed in grams per cubic centimeter of soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in
diameter. Bulk density data are used to compute shrink-swell potential, available water capacity, total
pore space, and other soil properties. The moist bulk density of a soil indicates the pore space available for
water and roots. A bulk density of more than 1.6 can restrict water storage and root penetration. Moist
bulk density is influenced by texture, kind of clay, content of organic matter, and soil structure.
fTh
CA81LITY refers to the ability of a soil to transmit water or air. The estimates indicate the
rate of downward movement of water when the soil is saturated. They are based on soil characteristics
observed in the field, particularly structure, porosity, and texture. Permeability is considered in
the design of soil drainage systems, septic tank absorption fields, and construction where the rate of
water movement under saturated conditions affects behavior.
AVAILABLE WATER CAPACITY refers to the quantity of water that the soil is capable of storing for use by
plants. The capacity for water storage is given in inches of water per inch of soil for each major soil layer.
The capacity varies, depending on soil properties that affect the retention of water and the depth of the root
zone. The most important properties are the content of organic matter, soil texture, bulk density, and soil
structure. Available water capacity is an important factor in the choice of plants or crops to be grown and in
the design and management of irrigation systems. Available water capacity is not an estimate of the quantity of
water actually available to plants at any given time.
SHRINK-SWELL POTENTIAL is the potential for volume change in a soil with a loss or gain of moisture. Volume
change occurs mainly because of the interaction of clay minerals with water and varies with the amount and type
of clay minerals in the soil. The size of the load on the soil and the magnitude of the change in soil moisture
content influence the amount of swelling of soils in place. Laboratory measurements of swelling of undisturbed
clods were made for many soils. For others, swelling was estimated on the basis of the kind and amount of
clay minerals in the soil and on measurements of similar soils. If the shrink-swell potential is rated moderate
to very high, shrinking and swelling can cause damage to buildings, roads, and other structures. Special design
is often needed. Shrink-swell potential classes are based on the change in length of an unconfined clod as
moisture content is increased from air-dry to field capacity. The change is based on the soil fraction less
than 2 millimeters in diameter. The classes are "Low," a change of less than 3 percent; "Moderate," 3 to 6
percent; and "High," more than 6 percent. "Very high,' greater than 9 percent, is sometimes used.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 3 OF 4
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS
Endnote -- PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS--Continued
ORGANIC MATTER is the plant and animal residue in the soil at various stages of decomposition. In report J,
the estimated content of organic matter is expressed as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is
less than 2 millimeters in diameter. The content of organic matter in a soil can be maintained or increased by
returning crop residue to the soil. Organic matter affects the available water capacity, infiltration rate, and
tilth. It is a source of nitrogen and other nutrients for crops.
EROSION FACTOR K indicates the susceptibility of the whole soil (including rocks and rock fragments) to
sheet and rill erosion by water. Factor K is one of six factors used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE)
to predict the average annual rate of soil loss by sheet and rill erosion in tons per acre per year. The
estimates are based primarily on percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter (up to 4 percent) and on soil
structure and permeability. Values of K range from 0.05 to 0.69. The higher the value, the more susceptible
the soil is to sheet and rill erosion by water.
EROSION FACTOR Kf is like EROSION FACTOR K but it is for the fine-earth fraction of the soil. Rocks and
rock fragments are not considered.
EROSION FACTOR T is an estimate of the maximum average annual rate of soil erosion by wind or water that can
occur without affecting crap productivity over a sustained period. The rate is in tons per acre per year.
WIND ERODIBILITY GROUPS are made up of soils that have similar properties affecting their resistance to wind
pion in cultivated areas. The groups indicate the susceptibility of soil to wind erosion. Soils are grouped
.rding to the following distinctions:
1. Coarse sands, sands, fine sands, and very fine sands.
These soils are generally not suitable for crops. They are
extremely erodible, and vegetation is difficult to
establish.
2. Loamy coarse sands, loamy sands, loamy fine sands, loamy
very fine sands, and sapric soil material. These soils are
very highly erodible. Crops can be grown if intensive
measures to control wind erosion are used.
3. Coarse sandy loams, sandy loans, fine sandy loams, and
very fine sandy loans. These soils are highly erodible.
Crops can be grown if intensive measures to control wind
erosion are used.
4L. Calcareous loans, silt loans, clay loans, and silty clay
loans. These soils are erodible. Crops can be grown if
intensive measures to control wind erosion are used.
4. Clays, silty clays, noncalcareous clay loans, and silty
clay loans that are more than 35 percent clay. These soils
are moderately erodible. Crops can be grown if measures to
control wind erosion are used.
n
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAGE 4 OF 4
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 12/7/99
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS
Endnote -- PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS--Continued
5. Noncalcareous loans and silt loans that are less than 20
percent clay and sandy clay loans, sandy clays, and hemic
soil material. These soils are slightly erodible. Crops
can be grown if measures to control wind erosion are used.
6. Noncalcareous loans and silt loans that are more than 20
percent clay and noncalcareous clay loans that are less than
35 percent clay. These soils are very slightly erodible.
Crops can be grown if ordinary measures to control wind
erosion are used.
7. Silts, noncalcareous silty clay loans that are less than
35 percent clay, and fibric soil material. These soils are
very slightly erodible. Crops can be grown if ordinary
measures to control wind erosion are used.
8. Soils that are not subject to wind erosion because of
coarse fragments on the surface or because of surface
wetness.
Y MIND ERODIBILITY INDEX is used in the wind erosion equation (WEQ). The index number indicates the
At of soil lost in tons per acre per year. The range of wind erodibility index numbers is 0 to 300.
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