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<br />I <br />I <br />1 <br />J <br />I, <br />I <br />I <br />I, <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />'1, <br />I <br />I <br />I, <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />1840 <br /> <br />tity/quality. Collectively, these parameters influence the <br />suitability of specific crops to successfully maintain economic <br />levels of production. Generally, the natural resource and <br /> <br />environmental characteristics that may be influential in the <br /> <br />selection and productivity of crops on reservation lands are similar <br /> <br />to those that prevail in adjacent areas currently developed into <br /> <br />agricultural enterprises in Colorado (Montezuma, La Plata, and <br />Archuleta counties) and New Mexico (San Juan County). <br /> <br />The prevailing climatic and existing soil/water conditions are known <br />for the reservation area. Climatic and water quality character- <br />istics largely influence the selection of suitable crops since these <br />parameters are often difficult and expensive to modify. Soil <br />characteristics as related to crop suitability are evaluated by land <br />classification reports (prepared by Stoneman & Landers, Inc.). <br />Irrigation suitability land classification studies evaluate the <br />physical/chemical characteristics of lands based on conditions <br />anticipated to occur under irrigation. Reclamation is often <br /> <br />required to modify existing soil characteristica to accommodate a <br /> <br />specific type of crop and/or irrigation method. These reclamation <br />procedures may include operations such as land leveling, ripping, <br />terracing/ and/or soil amendment applications. The feasibility of <br />performing these land reclamation operations must be justified <br />economically. Land reclamation represents an investment which must <br />be added to other costs of production and evaluated against benefits <br />derived from the commodities produced. The evaluation of natural <br /> <br />1- 2 <br />