HomeMy WebLinkAbout20031455.tiff FROM AFRO ENV SUCS FAX NO. : 9705359854 Apr. 03 2003 04:25PM P2
Stewart Environmental Consultants, Inc.
consulting engineers and scientists
Corporate Office&Laboratory:
3801 Automation Way,Suite 200
Fort Collins,Colorado 80525
ph:(970)226-5500
fax:(970)228-4946
www.stewartenv.cor
•
Branch Office:
20 Boulder Crescent
April 2, 2003 Colorado Springs,Colorado 80903
ph:(719)634-3793
fax:(719)442-6596
Thomas Haren
AgPro, Environmental Services, LLC
4311 Highway 66, Suite 4
Longmont, CO 80504
Subject: Reynolds Property,Proposed Aurora Dairy Expansion-Access to Gravel Resources
Job No.: 2606-004
Dear Mr. Haren:
With regard to the Reynolds property and the proposed Aurora Dairy expansion, I have reviewed
your letter dated February 11,2003 and two reports from High Plains Engineering dated November
20,2002. The site is comprised of two topographic areas;a southern area of heterogeneous alluvial
deposits associated with the river and a northern upland terrace area underlain by clay, sandy clay,
and/or weathered shale. Based on information in the engineering reports and topography of the site,
I concur with your assertion that recoverable gravel resources most likely occur within the alluvium
on the southern portion of the property below the river terrace.
It is my understanding that no permanent structures are planned for the southern portion of the
property. Storm water retention ponds and fences may be built, but neither these features nor the
proposed agricultural operations on the northern portion of the property should preclude exploration
or extraction of sand and gravel from the southern portion if the owner should chose to engage in
mining operations.
Based on our discussions and the information provided, it is my opinion that the proposed use of
the property does not contradict the limitations cited in Colorado Revised Statute 34-1-305
concerning interference with present or future extraction of sand and gravel from the southern
portion of the property
If you have any questions or comments relative to this report,please contact our office.
Sincerely,
STEW VON NTAL CONSULTANTS, INC.
Paul A. one, P.G
Senior Geologist
2003-1455
2606-004\reynolds prop expansion 02apr03.ltr
34 : • " �" _
42 i-q r
'U` -' r.�.- 82 +
i .
y 6 7st t- 82 i rs.738 : — -
� • --- ' ewy: r M t •
yam• .
`has . „..4-4,',...;-',4...... <� S: + ' f'T`_ rT l/,{e 61.—-- "i' . • ,�. ,x P,"SJ +!T 44 12. .. ;
78 -N., .-----k4-1.9., _, • 83 •20.,. . t .1 ,4, 0,,•:,. ,
A
t �
19 / glip%sot k,,,,
v .. ,l�o'w «.
82 • "PlIS* ' I /,
•
30 ,E y" `�.
F at " 1 M _'A 1 _ •' , y. 1''',.:,•
.p k .- 1'` r
i "' 1 '"'',53 : -W • 44,a•q • v7J .._,.,..— ..
- X. e h �a ..
82 82 x
i
24 z'
u •
,: �./ }a..�4'
•
I '` . -';''.'.'. " ,yap 35 '
4A10)
�X
6
j `v }y{ �"' S V 15;,, BOTTOM it
" b a °' 72
•
,
pr
a4 .: , '
fa- •,.` ,,v.,, aY�' 3 <.•a✓ "-fkr ,7t 48 ,. 47 i'
14. F,•' .....t.,•„. .-.5:;,4,,,„.,... •1-ecu.-,+a.. 01: rt ,..v—tt�p�P L. \
r.i, :4�r h' aar .. "73 ,,;rrb"x'iw.. ;
41.E 6 I.
72 48 ((
8 SOIL SURVEY
filter the leachate. Sewage lagoons require sealing. 60 percent of the unit. Aquents, which have a lig:
Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. Capability subclass colored surface layer, make up about 35 percent. Abo
Its irrigated. percent is Aquepts and Bankard sandy loam.
2—Altvan loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This is a deep, These are deep, poorly drained soils that formes
well drained soil on terraces at elevations of 4,500 to 4,900 recent alluvium. No one pedon is typical. Commonly
feet. It formed in old alluvium deposited by the major soils have a mottled, mildly alkaline to moderately
rivers. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that kaline loamy or clayey surface layer and underl
show evidence of poor drainage. Also included are small, material and are underlain by sand or sand and gr
long and narrow areas of sand and gravel deposits. within 48 inches. In places they have a gleyed layer it
Typically the surface layer of this Altvan soil is grayish underlying material.
brown loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil is brown Most of the acreage is subject to flooding. The w
and light yellowish brown clay loam and sandy clay loam table is at or near the surface early in spring and rec
about 14 inches thick. The substratum is calcareous loamy to as deep as 48 inches late in fall in some years.
sand about 5 inches thick over gravelly sand. These soils are used for rangeland and wildlife hat
Permeability and available water capacity are Some small areas have been reclaimed by major drai
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches. and leveling and are used for irrigated crops.
Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is low. The potential native vegetation is dominated by
This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It sacaton, switchgrass, and western wheatgrass. Saltg
is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, includ- sedge, rush, and alkali bluegrass are also promi
ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, Potential production ranges from 3,000,pounds per ac
and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3 favorable years to 2,000 pounds in unfavorable year:
to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage, range condition deteriorates, the switchgrass,
sugar beets, small grain, or beans. Land leveling, ditch sacaton, and western wheatgrass decrease and saltg
lining, and installing pipelines may be needed for proper sedge, and rush increase.
water application. Management of vegetation should be based on tc
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- half and leaving half of the total annual production.
rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and tom- ing is difficult and costly because numerous tillage
mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. tices are required to eliminate the saltgrass
^ Windbreaks and environmental plantins of trees and Switchgrass, western wheatgrass, alkali sacaton,
shrubs commonly grown in the area are are generally well wheatgrass, and tall fescue are suitable for seeding.
suited to this soil. Cultivation to control competing can be seeded into a clean, firm seedbed. See
vegetation should be continued for as many years as preparation usually requires more than 1 yea
possible following planting. Trees that are best suited and eliminate the saltgrass sod. A grass drill should be
have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern Seeding early in spring has proven most successful.
redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and Wetland wildlife, especially waterfowl, utilize this
hackberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbuah sumac, The wetland plants provide nesting and protective c
lilac, Siberian rian peashrub, and American plum. as well as some food. The nearby irrigated trot
This for can produce habitat including ldingts that are highly where wildlife obtain much of their food and fmd p:
tail, an mourning n dove.w.lSuc cops pheasant,at, cotton- tive cover, makes this unit valuable to both wetlara
tail, and Such crops as wheat, corn, and openland
alfalfa provide suitable habitat for openland wildlife, pent nd wildlife.land wildlife, especially pheasant, use this un
especially pheasant. Tree and shrub plantings and Opcover and nesting. Deer fmd t, cover in
undisturbed nesting cover would enhance openland wil-
dlife populations. areas.
This Altvan soil has fair to good potential for urban These valuable wildlife areas should be protected
and recreational development. The chief limiting soil fea- fire and fenced to prevent encroachment and overu
tures for urban development are the shrink-swell poten- livestock. They should not be drained.
tial of the subsoil as it wets and dries and the rapid These soils have good potential as a source of san
permeability of the sand and gravel substratum. Septic gravel. Capability subclass VIw; Salt Meadow range
tank absorption fields function properly, but in places the 4—Aquolls and Aquepts, flooded. This nearly
substratum does not contain enough fines to properly map unit is in depressions in smooth plains and alor
filter the leachate. Sewage lagoons require sealing. bottoms of natural drainageways throughout the s
Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. Capability subclass area. Aquolls, which have a dark colored surface
Ile irrigated. make up about 55 percent of the unit. Aquepts,
3—Aquolls and Aquents, gravelly substratum. This have a lighter colored surface layer, make up abc
nearly level map unit is on bottom lands and flood plains percent. About 20 percent is soils that are well di
of all the major streams in the survey area. Aquolls, and soils that have sandstone or shale within 48 inc
which have a dark colored surface layer, make up about the surface.
14 SOIL SURVEY
ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, The potential native vegetation is dominated by blue
potatotes, and onions. An example of a suitable cropping grama. Several mid grasses, such as western wheatgrass
system is 3 to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for and needleandthread, are also present. Potential produc-
silage, sugar beets, small grain, or beans. Few conserva- tion ranges from 1,600 pounds per acre in favorable years
tion practices are needed to maintain top yields. to 1,000 pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- deteriorates, the mid grasses decrease; blue grama, buf-
rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and corn- falograss, snakeweed, yucca, and fringed sage increase;
mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. and forage production drops. Undesirable weeds and an-
Windbreaks and environmental plantings of trees and nuals invade the site as range condition becomes poorer.
shrubs commonly grown in the area are generally well Management of vegetation on this soil should be based
suited to this soil. Cultivation to control competing on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc-
vegetation should be continued for as many years as tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition.
possible following planting. Trees that are best suited and Sideoats grama, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, blue
have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass are
redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and suitable for seeding. The grass selected should meet the
hackberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, seasonal requirements of livestock. It can be seeded into
lilac, Siberian peashrub, and American plum. a clean, firm sorghum stubble or it can be drilled into a
Openland wildlife, such as pheasant, mourning dove, firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in spring has
and cottontail, are best suited to this soil. Wildlife habitat proven most successful.
development, Windbreaks and environmental plantings of trees and
including tree and shrub plantings and
grass plantings to serve as nesting areas, should be suc- shrubs commonly grown in the area are generally well
cessful without irrigation during most years. Under ir- suited to this soil. Cultivation to control competing
rigation, good wildlife habitat can be established, benefit- vegetation should be continued for as many years as
possible following planting. Trees that are best suited and
ing many kinds of openland wildlife.
have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern
This soil has good potential for urban and recreational
redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and
developments. Road design can be modified to compen-
sate for the limited capacity of this soil to support a load. hackberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac,
lilac, Siberian peashrub, and American plum.
Capability class I irrigated.
Openland wildlife, such as pheasant, mourning dove,
15—Colby loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This is a deep,
and cottontail, and rangeland wildlife, such as antelope,
well drained soil on uplands at elevations of 4,850 to 5,050
cottontail, and coyote, are best suited to this soil. Under
feet. It formed in calcareous eolian deposits.
irrigation, good wildlife habitat can be established,
Typically the surface layer is pale brown loam about 12
benefiting many kinds of openland wildlife. Forage
inches thick. The underlying material is very pale brown
silt loam to a depth of 60 inches. production is typically low on rangeland, and grazing
Permeability is moderate. Available water capacity is management is needed if livestock and wildlife share the
range. Livestock watering facilities also are utilized by
high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. various wildlife species.
Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is This soil has good potential for urban and recreational
moderate. development. Road design can be modified to compensate
In irrigated areas this soil is suited to all crops com- for the limited capacity of this soil to support a load.
monly grown in the area, including corn, sugar beets, Capability subclass Ile irrigated, IVe nonirrigated;
beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, and onions. An exam- Loamy Plains range site.
ple of a suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 years of alfalfa 16—Colby loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes. This is a deep,
followed by corn, corn for silage, sugar beets, small grain, well drained soil on upland hills and ridges at elevations
or beans. Land leveling, ditch lining, and installing of 4,850 to 5,050 feet. It formed in calcareous eolian
pipelines may be needed for proper water application. deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- have fine sandy loam or loam underlying material.
rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and com- Typically the surface layer is pale brown loam about 10
mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. inches thick. The underlying material is very pale brown
In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat, silt loam to a depth of 60 inches.
barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted to Permeability is moderate. Available water capacity is
winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 28 bushels high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more.
per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in alternate years Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and the erosion hazard
to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation is is moderate.
too low for beneficial use of fertilizer. In irrigated areas this soil is suited to crops commonly
Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til- grown in the area. Perennial grasses and alfalfa or close
lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. grown crops should be grown at least 50 percent of the
Terracing may also be needed to control water erosion. time. Contour ditches and corrugations can be used in ir-
26 SOIL SURVEY
s. bility is moderate. - plication of manure and commercial r shale is ble water capacity iselow eTheaeffective rooting depthlis Keeping tillage barnyard
minimum and utilizing croperesid
10 to 20 inches. Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and arl important.nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter whe
the erosion
hazard is moderate. and sor hum. Most of the acreage is planted
This unit is used as rangeland and wildlife habitat. The barley, g in
ate ye
potential native vegetation is dominated
lue grama.
aBuffalogra s, to i sacaton, winter
allow moisture accumulation.nd is summer Generally precipitation
westernwheatgrass,needleandthread,
and blue gar
sideoats grama, nee little bluestem, sedge, too low for beneficial use of fertilizer.winterfat, and fourwing saltbush are also present. Poten- Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum
tial production ranges from 800 pounds per acre in lage are needed to control soil blowing and water eosii
favorable years to 500 pounds in unfavorable years. As The potential native vegetation on this range site
range condition deteriorates, the mid grasses decrease dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and 1
and frage production - grama. chgrass,nualsin invade the site asd ange condition bbecomes poorer.n and e l
western wheatgrass are ltalso prominent.t Potter
Management of vegetation on this unit should be based production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in faun
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As ra
tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgi s decrease and Western wheatgrass, blue grama, alkali sacaton,d sideoats
and sand sage and sncc ease. Annual weedse grama,
and grassesons
grama, little bluestem, pubescent The
wheatgrass,
wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected the site as range condition becomes poorer.should meet the asonal requirements of be seeded into a clan, firm sorghum stubble,livestock. Management vegetation
or it can be on taking half and leaving half of the total annualpro
drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in tionSan. Seeding
is sand desirabler f he r range is in switch grass,r ndi
di
spring has proven most successful.a blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and cm
Rangeland wildlife, such as antelope, cottontail,f and grama,
coyote, are best suited to this unit. Because forage wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass sek
production is typically low, grazing management is needed should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. Ii
if livestock and wildlife share the range. Livestock water- be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it cE
ing facilities also are utilized by various wildlife species. drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding ear
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 gene
Capability subclass VIe irrigated, VIe nonirrigated; Shaly not suited to this soil. Onsite investigation is need'
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
This is a moderately deep, well drained soil on plains at cropland aan and provide
favordove.able
habitat
y goat for specie
elevations of 4,800 to 5,050 feet. It formed in residuum pheasant mourning
from soft sandstone. Included in mapping are small areas be developed by establishing areas for nesting and e
ofed nesting cover is E
soils that have sandstone at a depth of more than 40 cover.
ale and should be included For pheasants, t in plansfor habitat de
inches.p
Typically the surface layer is light brownish gray fine ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. R
sandy loam about 9 inches thick. The underlying material land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, c
is light olive brown 30 fine sandy loam. Soft sandstone is at attracted
an gi g livest developing
grazing, and reseeding where fac
e
a depth of about is inches.
Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water The underlying sandstone is the most limiting f
capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20 to of this soil. Neither septic tank rate properly.absorption
fielc
inches. is loco runoff is slow to medium, and the ero- dwellings is moree lagoons pcostly. Environmental and beat
sion hazard is low. be diffii
This soil is suited to most of the irrigated crops com- tion plantings of trees and shrubs may
in such recreational development as camp and picnic
monly grown in the area, but it is somewhat restricted establish. This soil, however, does have good poten
tem it o , ormoderately deep. A suitable cropping Capability subclass IIIs irrigate
system is corn, corn for silage, barley, 3 to 4 years of al- and playgrounds. P
falfa, and wheat. This soil is also well suited to irrigated no3 v rriga ed Sanelson finedy
Plains sandy loam, to 9 percent
R
pasture.
Row crops can be irrigated by furrows or sprinklers. This is a moderately deep, well drained soil on pl
Flooding from contour ditches and sprinkling are suitable elevations of 4,800 to 5,050 feet. It formed in re
,-- in irrigating close grown crops and pasture. Small heads derived from soft sandstone. Included in mappi
of water and short runs help to reduce erosion. Produc- small areas of soils that have sandstone at a di
tion can be maintained with frequent irrigations and ap- more than 40 inches.
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 27
typically the surface layer is light brownish gray fine establish. This soil, however, does have good potential for
'y loam about 8 inches thick. The underlying material such recreational development as camp and picnic areas
is nght 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,
capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 20 to well drained soil on terraces at elevations of 4,550 to 5,000
40 inches. Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and the ero- feet. It formed in mixed alluvium. Included in mapping
sion hazard is moderate. are small, long and narrow areas of sand and gravel
This soil is suited to limited cropping. Intensive deposits and small areas of soil that are subject to occa-
cropping is hazardous because of erosion. The cropping sional flooding. Some small leveled areas are also in-
system should be limited to such close grown crops as al- eluded.
falfa, wheat, and barley. This soil is also suited to ir- Typically the surface layer of this Nunn soil is grayish
rigated pasture. A suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 brown loam about 12 inches thick. The subsoil is light
years of alfalfa followed by 2 years of corn and small brownish gray clay loam about 12 inches thick. The upper
grain and alfalfa seeded with a nurse crop. part of the substratum is light brownish gray clay loam.
Close grown crops can be irrigated from closely spaced The lower part to a depth of 60 inches is brown sandy
contour ditches or sprinklers. Contour furrows or sprin- loam.
klers should be used for new crops. Applications of Permeability is moderately slow. Available water
nitrogen and phosphorus help in maintaining good produc- capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches
tion. or more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is
The potential native vegetation on this range site is low.
dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It
grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama, is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, includ-
and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes,
production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora- and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3
ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As 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 prac-
and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, tices are needed to maintain top yields.
r4 sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir-
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
grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested
wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected vegetation should be continued for as many years as
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-
cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture.
tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- This soil has fair to poor potential for urban develop-
ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- ment. It has moderate to high shrink swell, low strength,
land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be and moderately slow permeability. These features create
attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, problems in dwelling and road construction. Those areas
managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. that have loam or sandy loam in the lower part of the
The underlying sandstone is the most limiting feature substratum are suitable for septic tank absorption fields
of this soil. Neither septic tank absorption fields nor and foundations. Some areas are adjacent to streams and
sewage lagoons operate properly. Site preparation for are subject to occasional flooding. This soil has fair poten-
AweRings is more costly. Environmental and beautifica- tial for such recreational development as camp and picnic
plantings of trees and shrubs may be difficult to areas and playgrounds. Capability class I irrigated.
34 SOIL SURVEY {
or drilled into a firm, clean sorghum stubble. Seeding tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of
early in spring has proven most successful. Brush vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation
management can also help to improve deteriorated range. may be needed at the time of planting and during dry
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are fairly well periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival
suited to this soil. Blowing sand and low available water are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa
capacity are the principal hazards in establishing trees pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The
and shrubs. This soil is so loose that trees should be shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi-
planted in shallow furrows, and vegetation is needed an peashrub.
between the rows. Supplemental irrigation may be needed Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil.
to insure survival. Trees that are best suited and have Ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, and many non-
good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern game species can be attracted by establishing areas for
redcedar, ponderosa pine, and Siberian elm. The shrubs nesting and escape cover. For pheasants, undisturbed
best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberian nesting cover is essential and should be included in plans
peashrub. for habitat development, especially in areas of intensive
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The agriculture.
cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked Rapid expansion of Greeley and the surrounding area
pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can has resulted in urbanization of much of this Otero soil.
be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape This soil has excellent potential for urban and recrea-
cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen- tional development. The only limiting feature is the
tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop- moderately rapid permeability in the substratum, which
ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range- causes a hazard of ground water contamination from
land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be sewage lagoons. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well.
attracted by developing livestock watering facilities, Capability subclass Its irrigated.
managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed. 51—Otero sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This is a
Few areas of this soil are in major growth and ur- deep, well drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,700 to
banized centers. The chief limiting feature is the rapid 5,250 feet. It formed in mixed outwash and eolian
permeability in the substratum, which causes a hazard of deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that
ground water contamination from seepage. Potential for have loam and clay loam underlying material.
recreation is poor because of the sandy surface layer. Typically the surface layer is brown sandy loam about
Capability subclass IVe irrigated, VIe nonirrigated; Deep 12 inches thick. The underlying material to a depth of 60
Sand range site. inches is pale brown calcareous fine sandy loam.
50—Otero sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes. This is a Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is
deep, well drained soil on smooth plains at elevations of moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
4,700 to 5,250 feet. It formed in mixed outwash and eolian more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is
deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that low.
have loam and clay loam underlying material. This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It
Typically the surface layer is brown sandy loam about is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area. Land
12 inches thick. The underlying material to a depth of 60 leveling, ditch lining, and installing pipelines may be
inches is pale brown calcareous fine sandy loam. needed for proper water application.
Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir-
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and corn-
more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields.
low. In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat,
This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted to
is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, includ- winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 28 bushels
ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes, per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in alternate years
and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3 to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitaiton is
to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage, too low for beneficial use of fertilizer.
sugar beets, small grain, or beans. Generally, such charac- Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til-
teristics as a high clay content or a rapidly permeable lage are needed to control water erosion. Terracing also
substratum slightly restrict some crops. may be needed to control water erosion.
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- The potential native vegetation on this range site is
rigation is the most common. Proper irrigation water dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue
management is essential. Barnyard manure and commer- grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama,
cial fertilizer are needed for top yields. and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora-
suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range
establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass,
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 35
and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed, should be grown at least 50 percent of the time. Contour
and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade ditches and corrugations can be used in irrigating close
the site as range condition becomes poorer. grown crops and pasture. Furrows, contour furrows, and
Management of vegetation on this soil should be based cross slope furrows are suitable for row crops. Sprinkler
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- irrigation is also desirable. Keeping tillage to a minimum
tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition, and utilizing crop residue help to control erosion. Main-
Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats taining fertility is important. Crops respond to applica-
grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested tions of phosphorus and nitrogen.
wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected The potential native vegetation on this site is
should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue
be seeded into a clean, firm stubble, or it can be drilled grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama,
into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in spring has and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential
proven most successful. production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora-
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range
suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass,
establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- and switchgrass decrease, and blue grama, sand dropseed,
tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade
vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation the site as range condition becomes poorer.
may be needed at the time of planting and during dry Management of vegetation on this soil should be based
periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc-
are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition.
pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats
shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi- grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested
an peashrub. wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can
Ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, and many non- be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be
game species can be attracted by establishing areas for drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in nesting and escape cover. For pheasants, undisturbed spring has proven most successful.
nesting cover is essential and should be included in plans Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally
for habitat development, especially in areas of intensive suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in
agriculture. establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul-
Rapid expansion of Greeley and the surrounding area tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of
has resulted in urbanization of much of this Otero soil. vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation
This soil has excellent potential for urban and recrea- may be needed at the time of planting and during dry
tional development. The only limiting feature is the periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival
moderately rapid permeability in the substratum, which are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa
causes a hazard of ground water contamination from pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The
sewage lagoons. 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.
52—Otero sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes. This is a Ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, and many non-
deep, well drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,700 to game species can be attracted by establishing areas for
5,250 feet. It formed in mixed outwash and eolian nesting and escape cover. For pheasants, undisturbed
deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that nesting cover is essential and should be included in plans
have loam and clay loam underlying material. Also in- for habitat development, especially in areas of intensive
;.;eluded are small areas of soils that have sandstone and agriculture.
shale within a depth of 60 inches. Rapid expansion of Greeley and the surrounding area
Typically the surface layer of this Otero soil is brown has resulted in urbanization of much of this Otero soil.
sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The underlying material The soil has excellent potential for urban and recreational
to a depth of 60 inches is pale brown calcareous fine development. The only limiting feature is the moderately
sandy loam. rapid permeability in the substratum, which causes a
Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is hazard of ground water contamination from sewage
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or lagoons. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. Capability
more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is subclass Ille irrigated, VIe nonirrigated; Sandy Plains
low. range site.
This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It 53—Otero sandy loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes. This is a
is suited to the crops commonly grown in the area. deep, well drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,700 to
r:Perennial grasses and alfalfa or close growing crops 5,250 feet. It formed in mixed outwash and eolian
q5,
36 SOIL SURVEY
deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that Rapid expansion of Greeley and the surrounding area
have sandstone and shale within a depth of 60 inches. has resulted in urbanization of much of this Otero soil.
Typically the surface layer is brown sandy loam about This soil has excellent potential for urban and recrea-
10 inches thick. The underlying material to a depth of 60 tional development. The primary limiting feature is the
inches is pale brown calcareous fine sandy loam. moderately rapid permeability in the substratum, which
Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is causes a hazard of ground water contamination from
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or sewage lagoons. There are additional costs in site
more. Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and the erosion preparation because of slope. Lawns, shrubs, and trees
hazard is low. grow well. Capability subclass IVe irrigated, VIe nonir-
This soil is suited to limited cropping. Intensive rigated; Sandy Plains range site.
cropping is hazardous because of erosion. The cropping 54—Paoli loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes. This is a deep,
system should be limited to such close grown crops as al- well drained soil on terraces at elevations of 4,700 to 5,250
falfa, wheat, and barley. This soil also is suited to ir- feet. It formed in alluvial deposits. Included in mapping
rigated pasture. A suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 are small areas of soils that have a loamy sand surface
years of alfalfa followed by 2 years of corn and small layer.
grain and alfalfa seeded with a nurse crop. Typically the surface layer is grayish brown loam and
Closely spaced contour ditches or sprinklers can be fine sandy loam about 25 inches thick. The underlying
used in irrigating close grown crops. Contour furrows or material to a depth of 60 inches is light brownish gray
sprinklers should be used for new crops. Applications of fine sandy loam.
nitrogen and phosphorus help in maintaining good produc- Permeability is moderate. Available water capacity is
tion.
The potential native vegetation on this range site is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more.
bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue Surface runoff is very slow, and the erosion hazard is low.
dominated by sand
grams. Needleandthread, This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It
western wheat switchgrass, sideoats grams, is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, includ-
and grasa 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
ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range P system is 3
to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage,
condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reed
grass, sugar beets, small
and switchgrass decrease and blue gram; sand dropseed, g grain, or beans. Such characteristics e
and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade the rapidly permeable substratum slightly restrict some
^ the site as range condition becomes poorer. crops.
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir-
Management of vegetation on this soil should be based
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc- rigation is the most common. Proper irrigation water
tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition. management is essential. Barnyard manure and commer-
Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats cial fertilizer are needed for top yields.
grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally
wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in
should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul-
be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of
drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation
spring has proven most successful. may be needed at the time of planting and during dry
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival
suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa
establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul- pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The
tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi-
vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation an peashrub.
may be needed at the time of planting and during dry Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The
periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked
are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can
pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape
shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi- cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen-
an peashrub. tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop-
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture.
Ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, and many non- In areas protected from flooding, this soil has good
game species can be attracted by establishing areas for potential for urban and recreational development. The
nesting and escape cover. For pheasants, undisturbed chief limiting feature is the rapid permeability in the sub-
nesting cover is essential and should be included in plans stratum, which causes a hazard of ground water con-
for habitat development, especially in areas of intensive tamination from sewage lagoons. Road designs should be
r^ agriculture. modified to compensate for the moderate frost potential.
50 SOIL SURVEY
sugar beets, small grain, or beans. Few conservation prac- The potential native vegetation is dominated by blue
tices are needed to maintain top yields. grama. Several mid grasses, such as western wheatgrass
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- and needleandthread, are also present. Potential produc-
rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and corn- tion ranges from 1,600 pounds per acre in favorable years
mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. to 1,000 pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition
Windbreaks and environmental plantings generally are deteriorates, the mid grasses decrease; blue grama, buf-
well suited to this soil. Summer fallow a year before falograss, snakeweed, yucca, and fringed sage increase;
planting and continued cultivation for weed control are and forage production drops. Undesirable weeds and an-
needed to insure establishment and survival of plantings. nuals invade the site as range condition becomes poorer.
Trees that are best suited and have good survival are Management of vegetation on this soil should be based
Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc-
pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition.
shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, Siberian Sideoats grama, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, blue
peashrub, and American plum. grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass are
Openland wildlife, such as pheasant, mourning dove, suitable for seeding. The grass selected should meet the
and cottontail, are best suited to this soil. Wildlife habitat seasonal requirements of livestock. It can be seeded into
development, including tree and shrub plantings and a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be drilled into a
grass plantings to serve as nesting areas, should be suc- firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in spring has
cessful without irrigation in most years. Under irrigation, proven most successful.
good wildlife habitat can be established, benefiting many Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally
kinds of openland wildlife. well suited to this soil. Summer fallow a year before
This soil has good potential for urban and recreational planting and continued cultivation for weed control are
development. The chief limiting soil features for urban needed to insure establishment and survival of plantings.
development are the shrink-swell potential of the subsoil Trees that are best suited and have good survival are
as it wets and dries and the limited capacity of the soil to Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa
support a load. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. Capa- pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and hackberry. The
bility class I irrigated. shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, Siberian
79—Weld loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This is a deep, peashrub, and American plum.
well drained soil on smooth plains at elevations of 4,850 to Openland wildlife, such as pheasant, mourning dove,
5,000 feet. It formed in eolian deposits. Included in and cottontail, are best suited to this soil. Wildlife habitat
mapping are small areas of soils that have a subsoil of development, including tree and shrub plantings and
loam and light clay loam. Also included are some leveled grass plantings to serve as nesting areas, should be suc-
areas. cessful without irrigation during most years. Under ir-
Typically the surface layer of this Weld soil is brown rigation, good wildlife habitat can be established, benefit-
loam about 8 inches thick. The subsoil is brown and pale ing many kinds of openland wildlife.
brown heavy clay loam and light clay about 20 inches This soil has good potential for urban and recreational
thick. The substratum to a depth of 60 inches is silt loam. development. The chief limiting soil features for urban
Permeability is slow. Available water capacity is high. development are the shrink-swell potential of the subsoil
The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface as it wets and dries and the limited capacity of the soil to
runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is low. support a load. Lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well. Capa-
In irrigated areas this soil is suited to all crops com- bility subclass IIe irrigated, IIIc nonirrigated; Loamy
monly grown in the area, including corn, sugar beets (fig. Plains range site.
8), beans, alfalfa, small grain, and onions. An example of a 80—Weld loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes. This is a deep,
suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 years of alfalfa fol- well drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,850 to 5,000
lowed by corn, corn for silage, sugar beets, small grain, or feet. It formed in eolian deposits. Included in mapping are
beans. Land leveling, ditch lining, and installing pipelines small areas of soils that have a subsoil of loam and light
are needed for proper water applications. clay loam.
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- Typically the surface layer is brown loam about 8
rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and com- inches thick. The subsoil is brown and pale brown heavy
mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. clay loam and light clay about 18 inches thick. The sub-
This soil is well suited to winter wheat, barley, and stratum to a depth of 60 inches is silt loam.
sorghum if it is summer fallowed in alternate years. Permeability is slow. Available water capacity is high.
Winter wheat is the principal crop. The predicted average The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface
yield is 33 bushels per acre. If the crop is winterkilled, runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is moderate.
spring wheat can be seeded. Generally precipitation is too In irrigated areas this soil is suited to most of the crops
low for beneficial use of fertilizer. commonly grown in the area, such as corn, alfalfa, wheat,
Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til- and barley. Sugar beets are often grown. The soil is
lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. suited to irrigated pasture. Ditch lining and installing
Terracing also may be needed to control water erosion. pipelines are needed for proper water application.
52 SOIL SURVEY
the limited capacity of this soil to support a load. Capa- Management of vegetation on this soil should be based
bility class I irrigated. on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc-
82—Wiley-Colby complex. 1 to 3 Percent slopes. This tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition.
nearly level map unit is on smooth plains in the western Sideoats grama, little bluestem, western wheatgrass, blue
part of the survey area at elevations of 4,850 to 5,000 grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass are
feet. The Wiley soil makes up about 60 percent of the suitable for seeding. The grass selected should meet the
unit, and the Colby soil about 30 percent. About 10 per- seasonal requirements of livestock. It can be seeded into
cent is Heldt silty clay and Weld loam. a clean, firm sorghum stubble or it can be drilled into a
The Wiley soil is deep and well drained. It formed in firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in spring has
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 generally
pale brown silty clay loam about 23 inches thick. The sub- well suited to these soils. Cultivation to control competing
stratum to a depth of 60 inches is very pale brown silty vegetation should be continued for as many years as
clay loam. possible following planting. Trees that are best suited and
Permeability is moderately slow. Available water have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern
capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, and
or more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hackberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac,
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, mourning dove,
in calcareous eolian deposits. Typically the surface layer and cottontail are best suited to these soils. Wildlife
is pale brown loam about 7 inches thick. The underlying habitat development, including tree and shrub plantings
material is very pale brown silt loam to a depth of 60 and grass plantings to serve as nesting areas, should be
inches. successful without irrigation during most years. Under ir-
Permeability is moderate. Available water capacity is rigation, good wildlife habitat can be established, benefit-
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 and
moderate. recreational development. Slow permeability, moderate
This map unit is used for irrigated and nonirrigated shrink-swell potential, and limited bearing capacity cause
cropland and for rangeland, wildlife habitat, and urban problems in dwelling and road construction. The Colby
.— development. soil has good potential for urban and recreational develop-
In irrigated areas these soils are suited to all crops ment. Road design can be modified to compensate for the
commonly grown in the area, including corn, sugar beets, limited capacity of this soil to support a load. Capability
beans, alfalfa, small grain, and onions. An example of a subclass Ile irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; Loamy Plains
suitable cropping system is 3 to 4 years of alfalfa fol- range site.
lowed by corn, corn for silage, sugar beets, small grain, or $3—Wiley-Colby complex. 3 to 5 Percent slopes. This
beans. Land leveling, ditch lining, and installing pipelines gently sloping map unit is on plains at elevations of 4,850
may be needed for proper water applications. to 5,000 feet. The Wiley soil makes up about 60 percent of
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir- the unit, and the Colby soil about 30 percent. About 10
rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and corn- percent is Heldt silty clay and Weld loam.
mercial fertilizer are needed for top yields. The Wiley soil is deep and well drained. It formed in
In nonirrigated areas these soils are suited to winter calcareous eolian deposits. Typically the surface layer is
wheat, barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is pale brown silt loam about 11 inches thick. The subsoil is
planted to winter wheat. The predicted average yield is pale brown silty clay loam about 23 inches thick. The sub-
28 bushels per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in al- stratum to a depth of 60 inches is very pale brown silty
ternate years to allow moisture accumulation. Generally clay loam.
precipitation is too low for beneficial use of fertilizer. Permeability is moderately slow. Available water
Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til- capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches
lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion. or more. Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and the ero-
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 formed
grama. Several mid grasses such as western wheatgrass in calcareous eolian deposits. Typically the surface layer
and needleandthread are also present. Potential produc- is pale brown loam about 7 inches thick. The underlying
tion ranges from 1,600 pounds per acre in favorable years material is very pale brown silt loam to a depth of 60
to 1,000 pounds in unfavorable years. As range condition inches.
deteriorates, the mid grasses decrease; blue grama, buf- Permeability is moderate. Available water capacity is
falograss, snakeweed, yucca and fringed sage increase; high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more.
and forage production drops. Undesirable weeds and an- Surface runoff is medium to rapid, and the erosion hazard
nuals invade the site as range condition becomes poorer. is moderate.
J
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 53
This unit is used for irrigated and nonirrigated The Wiley soil has only fair potential for urban and
A...onland and for rangeland, wildlife habitat, and urban recreational development. Slow permeability, moderate
>lopment. 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 Use and management of the soils
help to control erosion. Maintaining fertility is important.
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. While a soil survey is in progress, soil scientists, con-
Stubble mulch fanning, striperopping, and minimum til- servationists, engineers, and others keep 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
J1ograss, snakeweed, yucca, and fringed sage increase; predicting soil behavior.
1 forage production drops. Undesirable weeds and an- Information in this section is useful in planning use and
..,gals 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. ti Planners can be planned.
Windbreaks and environmental plantings of trees and theimt and others c using usesth on sotl survey can evaluate
vi-
shrubs commonly grown in the area are generally well impact survey o specific land othe ng rpeadn and on
ty of the area or other broad planning area on
suited to these soils. Cultivation to control competing the environment. Productivity and the environment are
vegetation should be continued for as many years as closely related to the nature of the soil. Plans should
possible following plantings. Trees that are best suited maintain or create a land-use pattern in harmony with the
and have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, east- natural soil.
ern redcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian-olive, Contractors can find information that is useful in locat-
and hackberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbush ing sources of sand and gravel, roadfill, and topsoil. Other
sumac, lilac, Siberian peashrub, and American plum. information indicates the presence of bedrock, wetness, or
Openland wildlife, such as pheasant, mourning dove, very firm soil horizons that cause difficulty in excavation.
and cottontail, are best suited to these soils. Wildlife Health officials, highway officials, engineers, and many
habitat development, including tree and shrub plantings other specialists also can find useful information in this
and grass plantings to serve as nesting areas, should be soil survey. The safe disposal of wastes, for example, is
successful without irrigation during most years. Under ir- closely related to properties of the soil. Pavements, side-
rigation, 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.
Hello