HomeMy WebLinkAbout972182.tiff30
SOIL SURVEY
Permeability is moderately slow. Available water
capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches
or more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is
low.
In irrigated areas this soil is suited to the crops com-
monly grown in the area. Perennial grasses and alfalfa or
close grown crops should be grown at least 50 percent of
the time. Contour ditches and corrugations can be used in
irrigating close grown crops and pasture. Furrows, con-
tour furrows, and cross slope furrows are suitable for row
crops. Sprinkler irrigation is also desirable. Keeping til-
lage to a minimum and utilizing crop residue help to con-
trol erosion. Maintaining fertility is important. Crops
respond to applications of phosphorus and nitrogen.
In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wheat,
barley, and sorghum. Most of the acreage is planted to
winter wheat. The predicted average yield is 28 bushels
per acre. The soil is summer fallowed in alternate years
to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation is
too low for beneficial use of fertilizer.
Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til-
lage are needed to control soil blowing.
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally
suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in
establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul-
tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of
vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation
may be needed at the time of planting and during dry
periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival
are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa
pine, Siberian elm, Russian -olive, and hackberry. The
shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi-
an peashrub.
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil.
Ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, and many non-
game species can be attracted by establishing areas for
nesting and escape cover. For pheasants, undisturbed
nesting cover is essential and should be included in plans
for habitat development, especially in areas of intensive
agriculture.
Few areas of this Nunn soil are in major growth and
urbanized centers. The sandy surface layer, the moderate
shrink -swell potential in the subsoil, and the hazard of
rare flooding along Box Elder Creek are the chief limit-
ing features for development. Capability subclass IIIe ir-
rigated, We nonirrigated.
44 —Olney loamy sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes. This is a
deep,well drained soil on smooth plains at elevations of
4,600 to 5,200 feet. It formed in mixed outwash deposits.
Included in mapping are some small leveled areas.
Typically the surface layer is grayish brown loamy sand
about 9 inches thick. The subsoil is yellowish brown and
very pale brown sandy clay loam about 15 inches thick.
The substratum to a depth of 60 inches is very pale
brown, calcareous fine sandy loam.
Permeability and available water capacity are
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is
low.
In irrigated areas this soil is suited to the crops co
monly grown in the area. Perennial grasses and alfalfa
close grown crops should be grown at least 50 percent
the time. Contour ditches and corrugations can be used
irrigating crops and pasture. Furrows, contour furro‘
and cross slope furrows are suitable for row crops. Spi
kler irrigation is also desirable. Keeping tillage to
minimum and utilizing crop residue help to control e
sion. Maintaining fertility is important. Crops respond
applications of phosphorus and nitrogen.
In nonirrigated areas this soil is suited to winter wht
barley, and sorghum. Most of the the acreage is plan
to winter wheat. The predicted average yield is
bushels per acre. The soil is usually summer fallowed
alternate years to allow moisture accumulation. Genera,
precipitation is too low for beneficial use of fertilizer.
Stubble mulch fanning, striperopping, and minimum
lage are needed to control soil blowing and water erosi
Terracing also may be needed to control water erosion.
The potential native vegetation on this range site
dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and b:
grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats gnu
and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potent
production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favo
ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As ran
condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgra
and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseE
and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses inn
the site as range condition becomes poorer.
Management of vegetation on this soil should be bas
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual prod.
tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor conditit
Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sided:
grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crest
wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass select
should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It .
be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can
drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early
spring has proven most successful.
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are genera.
suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard
establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by c:
tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip
vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigati
may be needed at the time of planting and during d
periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survi,
are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, pondero
pine, Siberian elm, Russian -olive, and hackberry. 1':
shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Sibe.
an peashrub.
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. 'P
cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring -neck.
pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species c
be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and esca.
cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is esse
tial and should be included in plans for habitat develt
ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Rant.
land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can
972182
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 81
ttracted by developing livestock watering facilities,
aanaging livestock grazing and reseeding where needed.
This soil has good potential for urban development. The
only limiting feature is the moderately rapid permeability
in the substratum, which causes a hazard of ground water
contamination from sewage lagoons. The loamy sand sur-
face layer is a limitation for recreational development.
Once established, the lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well.
Capability subclass IIIe irrigated, IVe nonirrigated;
Sandy Plains range site.
4S —Olney loamy sand, 3 to 5 percent slopes. This is a
deep, well drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,600 to
5,200 feet. It formed in mixed outwash deposits. Included
in mapping are small areas of soils that have sandstone
and shale within a depth of 60 inches and some small
leveled areas.
Typically the surface layer of this Olney soil is grayish
brown loamy sand about 7 inches thick. The subsoil is yel-
lowish brown and very pale brown sandy clay loam about
14 inches thick. The substratum to a depth of 60 inches is
very pale brown, calcareous fine sandy loam.
Permeability and available water capacity are
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard if
low.
In irrigated areas this soil is suited to the crops com-
monly grown in the area. Perennial grasses and alfalfa or
close grown crops should be grown at least 50 percent of
"he time. Close grown crops and pasture can be irrigated
.vith contour ditches and corrugations. Furrows, contour
furrows, and cross slope furrows are suitable for row
crops. Sprinkler irrigation is also desirable. Keeping til-
lage to a minimum and utilizing crop residue help to con-
trol erosion. Maintaining fertility and organic matter con-
tent is important. Crops respond to barnyard manure and
commercial fertilizer.
The potential native vegetation on this range site is
dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue
grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama,
and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential
production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora-
ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range
condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass,
and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed,
and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade
the site as range condition becomes poorer.
Management of vegetation on this soil should be based
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc-
tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition.
Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats
grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested
wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected
should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can
be seeded into clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be
drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in
spring has proven most successful.
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally
.uited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in
establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul-
tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of
vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation
may be needed at the time of planting and during dry
periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival
are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, ponderosa
pine, Siberian elm, Russian -olive, and hackberry. The
shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberi-
an peashrub.
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The
cropland areas provide favorable"habitat for ring-necked
pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can
be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape
cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen-
tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop-
ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range-
land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be
attracted by developing livestock watering facilities,
managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed.
This soil has good potential for urban development. The
only limiting feature is the moderately rapid permeability
in the substratum, which causes a hazard of ground water
contamination from sewage lagoons. The loamy sand sur-
face layer is a limitation for recreational development.
Once established, the lawns, shrubs, and trees grow well.
Capability subclass IIIe irrigated, VI nonirrigated; Sandy
Plains range site.
46 —Olney fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes.
This is a deep, well drained soil on smooth plains at eleva-
tions of 4,600 to 5,200 feet. It formed in mixed outwash
deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that
have a dark surface layer and some small leveled areas.
Typically the surface layer of this Olney soil is grayish
brown fine sandy loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil
is yellowish brown and very pale brown sandy clay loam
about 15 inches thick. The substratum to a depth of 60
inches is very pale brown, calcareous fine sandy loam.
Permeability and available water capacity are
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is
low.
This soil is used almost entirely for irrigated crops. It
is suited to all crops commonly grown in the area, includ-
ing corn, sugar beets, beans, alfalfa, small grain, potatoes,
and onions. An example of a suitable cropping system is 3
to 4 years of alfalfa followed by corn, corn for silage,
sugar beets, small grain, or beans. Few conservation prac-
tices are needed to maintain top yields.
All methods of irrigation are suitable, but furrow ir-
rigation is the most common. Barnyard manure and com-
mercial fertilizer'are needed for top yields.
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally
suited to this soil. Soil blowing, the principal hazard in
establishing trees and shrubs, can be controlled by cul-
tivating only in the tree row and by leaving a strip of
vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation
may be needed at the time of planting and during dry
periods. Trees that are best suited and have good survival
972182
14
SOIL SURVEY
to allow moisture accumulation. Generally precipitation is
too low to make beneficial use of fertilizer.
Stubble mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum til-
age are needed to control soil blowing and water erosion.
Terracing also may be needed to control water erosion.
The potential native vegetation is dominated by
western wheatgrass and blue grama. Buffalograss is also
present. Potential production ranges from 1,000 pounds
per acre in favorable years to 600 pounds in unfavorable
years. As range condition deteriorates, a blue grama-buf-
falograss sod forms. Undesirable weeds and annuals in-
vade the site as range condition becomes poorer.
Management of vegetation on this soil should be based
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc-
tion. Range pitting can reduce runoff. Seeding is desirable
if the range is in poor condition. Western wheatgrass,
blue grama, sideoats grama, buffalograss, pubescent
wheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass are suitable for seed-
ing. The grass selected should meet the seasonal require-
ments of livestock. It can be seeded into a clean, firm
sorghum stubble, or it can be drilled into a firm prepared
seedbed. Seeding early in spring has proven most success-
ful.
Windbreaks and environmental plantings of trees and
shrubs commonly grown in the area are generally well
suited to this soil. Cultivation to control competing
vegetation should be continued for as many years as
possible following planting. Trees that are best suited and
have good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern
'-edcedar, ponderosa pine, Siberian elm, Russian -olive, and
ackberry. The shrubs best suited are skunkbush sumac,
lilac, Siberian peashrub, and American plum.
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The
cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked
pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can
be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape
cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen-
tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop-
ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range-
land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be
attracted by developing livestock watering facilities,
managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed.
This soil has poor potential for urban and recreational
development. Slow permeability and high shrink swell
cause problems in dwelling and road construction. Capa-
bility subclass IIIe irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; Clayey
Plains range site.
68—Ustic Torriorthents, moderately steep. These are
deep, excessively drained soils on terrace breaks and
escarpments at elevations of 4,450 to 5,100 feet. They
formed in gravelly alluvium and have slopes of 9 to 25
percent. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that
have pockets of sandy loam and loam in the underlying
material.
Typically the surface layer is pale brown gravelly sand
about 10 inches thick. The underlying material to a depth
of 60 inches is pale brown gravelly sand.
Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is low.
The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface
runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is moderate.
The potential native vegetation is dominated by little
bluestem, sideoats grama, sand reedgrass, blue grama,
hairy grama, switchgrass, and needleandthread. Potential
production ranges from 700 pounds per acre in favorable
years to 200 pounds in unfavorable years. As range condi-
tion deteriorates, the tall and mid grasses decrease, blue
grama and hairy grama increase, and forage production
drops.
Management of vegetation should be based on taking
half or less of the total annual production. Deferred graz-
ing is practical in improving range condition. Seeding and
mechanical treatment are impractical.
Windbreaks and environmental plantings generally are
not suited to these soils. Onsite investigation is needed to
determine if plantings are feasible.
Wildlife populations are limited because the necessary
habitat elements are lacking. Because most of the acreage
is rangeland, only rangeland wildlife, for example scaled
quail and antelope, are typical. Extreme care is needed in
managing livestock grazing in order to provide suitable
habitat on these soils.
Potential is poor for urban and recreational develop-
ment. The chief limiting soil features are the loose, coarse
textured soil, steep slopes, and rapid permeability. Capa-
bility subclass VIIs irrigated, VIIs nonirrigated; Gravel
Breaks range site.
69—Valent sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes. This is a deep,
excessively drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,650 to
5,100 feet. It formed in eolian deposits. Included in
mapping are small areas of soils that have lime within a
depth of 40 inches.
Typically the surface layer is brown sand about 8
inches thick. The underlying material to a depth of 60
inches is brown sand.
Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is
low.
This soil is suited to limited cropping. Intensive
cropping is hazardous because of erosion. The cropping
system should be limited to such close grown crops as al-
falfa, wheat, and barley. The soil also is suited to ir-
rigated pasture. A suitable cropping system is 3 to 4
years of alfalfa followed by 2 years of corn and small
grain and alfalfa seeded with a nurse crop.
Closely spaced contour ditches or sprinkers can be used
in irrigating close grown crops. Contour furrows or sprin-
klers should be used for new crops. Applications of bar-
nyard manure and commercial fertilizer help to maintain
good production.
The potential vegetation is dominated by sand
bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats grama,
needleandthread, little bluestem, and blue grama. Poten-
tial production ranges from 2,500 pounds per acre in
favorable years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As
972182
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 45
-ange condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem,
witchgrass, sand reedgrass, sideoats grama, and little
bluestem decrease, forage production drops, and sand
sage increases. Undesirable weeds and annuals invade
and "blowout" conditions can occur as range condition
becomes poorer.
Management of vegetation on this soil should be based
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc-
tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition.
Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, indiangrass, switchgrass,
sideoats grama, little bluestem, and blue grama are suita-
ble for seeding. Because this soil is susceptible to soil
blowing, it should be seeded using an interseeder, or the
seed should be drilled into a firm, clean sorghum stubble.
Seeding early in spring has proven most successful. Brush
management also can help in improving deteriorated
range.
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are fairly well
suited to this soil. Blowing sand and the moderate availa-
ble water capacity are the principal hazards in establish-
ing trees and shrubs. The soil is so loose that trees should
be planted in shallow furrows, maintaining vegetation
between the rows. Supplemental irrigation is needed to
insure survival. Trees that are best suited and have good
survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar,
ponderosa pine, and Siberian elm. The shrubs best suited
are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberian peashrub.
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The
cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked
iheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can
be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape
cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen-
tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop-
ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range-
land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be
attracted by developing livestock watering facilities,
managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed.
This soil has fair potential for urban development. The
primary limiting soil features are the rapid permeability
and the susceptibility to soil blowing. Septic tank absorp-
tion fields function properly, but in places the sandy sub-
stratum does not properly filter the leachate. Sewage
lagoons must be sealed-. Once established, the lawns,
shrubs, and trees grow well. Capability subclass IVe ir-
rigated, VIe nonirrigated; Deep Sand range site.
70—Valent sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes. This is a deep,
excessively drained soil on plains at elevations of 4,650 to
5,100 feet. It formed in eolian deposits. Included in
mapping are small areas of soils that have lime within a
depth of 40 inches. Also included are small areas of soils
that have sandstone between 40 and 60 inches.
Typically the surface layer of the Valent soil is brown
sand about 6 inches thick. The underlying material to a
depth of 60 inches is brown sand.
Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is
ow.
The potential vegetation is dominated by sand
bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats grama,
needleandthread, little bluestem, and blue grama. Poten-
tial production ranges from 2,500 pounds per acre in
favorable years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As
range condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem,
switchgrass, sand reedgrass, sideoats grama, and little
bluestem decrease, forage production drops, and sand
sage increases. Undesirable weeds and annuals invade
and "blowout" conditions can occur as range condition
becomes poorer.
Management of vegetation on this soil should be based
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc-
tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition.
Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, indiangrass, switchgrass,
side -oats grama, little bluestem, and blue grama are suita-
ble for seeding. Because this soil is susceptible to soil
blowing, it should be seeded using an interseeder or the
seed should be drilled into a firm, clean sorghum stubble.
Seeding early in spring has proven most successful. Brush
management can also help in improving deteriorated
range.
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally
not suited to this soil. Onsite investigation is needed to
determine if plantings are feasible.
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. Ran-
geland wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can
be attracted by developing livestock watering facilities,
managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed.
This soil has fair potential for urban development. The
chief limiting soil features are the rapid permeability and
the susceptibility to soil blowing. Septic tank absorption
fields function properly, but in places the sandy sub-
stratum does not properly filter the leachate. Sewage
lagoons must be sealed. Once established, lawns, shrubs,
and trees grow well. Capability subclass VIe irrigated,
VIe nonirrigated; Deep Sand range site. - -
71—Valent-Loup complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes. This
level to moderately sloping map unit occupies hills, ridges,
and depression or pothole -like areas in the sandhills at
elevations of 4,670 to 4,700 feet. The Valent soil makes up
about 60 percent of the unit, the Loup soil about 35 per-
cent. About 5 percent is dune sand. The Valent soil occu-
pies the hills and ridges and the Loup soil the depressions
or potholes.
The Valent soil is deep and excessively drained. It
formed in eolian deposits. Typically the surface layer is
brown sand about 8 inches thick. The underlying material
to a depth of 60 inches is brown sand.
Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is
moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is
low.
The Loup soil is deep and poorly drained. It formed in
sandy alluvium. Typically the surface layer is very dark
grayish brown, mottled loamy sand about 16 inches thick.
The underlying material to a depth of 60 inches is light
brownish gray, mottled loamy sand and sandy loam.
972182
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SOUTHERN PART 47
be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape
cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen-
tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop-
ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range-
land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be
attracted by developing livestock watering facilities,
managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed.
This soil has good potential for urban and recreational
development. Once established, the lawns, shrubs, and
trees row well. The chief limiting soil feature is the
rapid permeability in the substratum, which causes a
hazard of round water contamination from sewage
lagoons. In places recreational development is limited by
the susceptibility to soil blowing. Capability subclass IIIe
irrigated, IVe nonirrigated; Sandy Plains range site.
73 —Vona loamy sand, 3 to 5 percent slopes. This is a
deep, somewhat excessively drained soil on plains and
high terraces at elevations of 4,600 to 5,200 feet. It
formed in eolian or alluvial deposits. Included in mapping
are some leveled areas. Also included are small areas of
soils that have a loamy substratum and some areas of
soils that are noncalcareous to a depth of 60 inches.
Typically the surface layer of this Vona soil is grayish
brown. The upper 6 inches is loamy sand and the lower 5
inches is fine sandy loam. The subsoil is brown and light
yellowish brown fine sandy loam about 14 inches thick.
The substratum to a depth of 60 inches is sandy loam.
Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water
capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Surface runoff is slow, and the erosion
hazard is low.
This soil is suited to limited cropping. Intensive
cropping is hazardous because of soil blowing. The
cropping system should be limited to such close grown
crops as alfalfa, wheat, and barley. The soil is also suited
to irrigated pasture. A suitable cropping system is 3 to 4
years of alfalfa followed by 2 years of corn and small
grain and alfalfa seeded with a nurse crop.
Closely spaced contour ditches or sprinklers can be
used in irrigating close grown crops. Contour furrows or
spinklers should be used for new crops. Application of
barnyard manure and commercial fertilizer helps to main-
tain good production.
The potential native vegetation on this range site is
dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue
grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama,
and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential
production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora-
ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range
condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass,
and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed,
and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade
the site as range condition becomes poorer.
Management of vegetation on this soil should be based
on taking half and leaving half of the total annual produc-
tion. Seeding is desirable if the range is in poor condition.
Sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, switchgrass, sideoats
grama, blue grama, pubescent wheatgrass, and crested
wheatgrass are suitable for seeding. The grass selected
should meet the seasonal requirements of livestock. It can
be seeded into a clean, firm sorghum stubble, or it can be
drilled into a firm prepared seedbed. Seeding early in
spring has proven most successful.
Windbreaks and environmental plantings are fairly well
suited to this soil. Blowing sand and low available water
capacity are the principal hazards in establishing trees
and shrubs. The soil is so loose that trees should be
planted in shallow furrows and vegetation maintained
between the rows. Supplemental irrigation may be needed
to insure survival. Trees that are best suited and have
good survival are Rocky Mountain juniper, western
redcedar, ponderosa pine, and Siberian elm. The shrubs
best suited are skunkbush sumac, lilac, and Siberian
peashrub.
Wildlife is an important secondary use of this soil. The
cropland areas provide favorable habitat for ring-necked
pheasant and mourning dove. Many nongame species can
be attracted by establishing areas for nesting and escape
cover. For pheasants, undisturbed nesting cover is essen-
tial and should be included in plans for habitat develop-
ment, especially in areas of intensive agriculture. Range-
land wildlife, for example, the pronghorn antelope, can be
attracted by developing livestock watering facilities,
managing livestock grazing, and reseeding where needed.
This soil has good potential for urban and recreational
development. Once established, the lawns, shrubs, and
trees grow well. The primary limiting soil feature is the
rapid permeability in the substratum, which causes a
hazard of ground water contamination from sewage
lagoons. In places recreational development is limited by
the susceptibility to soil blowing. Capability subclass IVe
irrigated, VIe nonirrigated; Sandy Plains range site.
74 —Vona loamy sand, 5 to 9 percent slopes. This is a
deep, somewhat excessively drained soil on plains at
elevations of 4,600 to 5,200 feet. It formed in eolian
deposits. Included in mapping are small areas of soils that
have a loamy substratum and areas of soils that are non -
calcareous to a depth of 60 inches.
Typically the surface layer is grayish brown. The upper
6 inches is loamy sand and the lower 4 inches is fine
sandy loam. The subsoil is brown and light yellowish
brown fine sandy loam about 12 inches thick. The sub-
stratum to a depth of 60 inches is loamy sand.
Permeability is moderately rapid. Available water
capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60
inches or more. Surface runoff is medium, and the erosion
hazard is low.
The potential native vegetation on this range site is
dominated by sand bluestem, sand reedgrass, and blue
grama. Needleandthread, switchgrass, sideoats grama,
and western wheatgrass are also prominent. Potential
production ranges from 2,200 pounds per acre in favora-
ble years to 1,800 pounds in unfavorable years. As range
condition deteriorates, the sand bluestem, sand reedgrass,
and switchgrass decrease and blue grama, sand dropseed,
and sand sage increase. Annual weeds and grasses invade
the site as range condition becomes poorer.
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